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Retirement community in Waimalu, Hawaii

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Waimalu, Hawaii Retirement Guide

39

Retirement Score

Waimalu, Hawaii at a Glance

Median Home Price
$552,900
State Income Tax
State income tax; Social Security exempt; many pensions partially or fully exempt depending on source.
Avg January Low
67.3°F
Cost of Living Index
111.1 (US avg = 100)
RetireCityIQ Score
39 / 100

Overview

Explore the key retirement factors for Waimalu, Hawaii, including cost of living, taxes, healthcare quality, and climate data.

Cost of Living

Affordability Metrics

Cost of Living Index
111.1 (U.S. avg = 100)Medium confidence
BEA Regional Price Parities · Updated May 2026
Median Household Income
$85,710High confidence
U.S. Census ACS 5-Year · Updated September 2026

Waimalu's cost of living is 11.099999999999994% above the national average. For a detailed breakdown of expenses, see our cost of living methodology.

Housing

Real Estate & Housing

Median Home Price
$552,900High confidence
U.S. Census ACS 5-Year · Updated September 2026
Median Monthly Rent
$1,854High confidence
U.S. Census ACS 5-Year · Updated September 2026
Owner-Occupied Housing
63.6%High confidence
U.S. Census ACS 5-Year · Updated September 2026

10-Year Housing Stress Test (Estimate)

Estimate monthly homeowner carrying cost in Waimalu using median home price and adjustable assumptions. Stress case applies +10% property tax, +20% insurance, +10% maintenance.

Estimated monthly carrying cost

$1,198

Stress-case monthly carrying cost

$1,345

Median home price used: $552,900

Median rent reference: $1,854 / month

Estimate includes property tax, insurance, maintenance reserve, and HOA. It excludes mortgage, utilities, and one-time transaction costs.

Budget validation

Calculate if your savings last in this city

Use RetireFree to test whether your portfolio can support retirement in Waimalu, Hawaii after local housing costs, taxes, healthcare, inflation, and withdrawal timing.

Open the RetireFree Calculator →

Healthcare

Access & Quality

Healthcare Access Score
0 / 100Estimated
Care Access (Proxy)
0 / 100Estimated
RetireCityIQ proxy model · Updated June 2026
Aging-in-Place Score
62.2 / 100Estimated
RetireCityIQ proxy model · Updated June 2026

Quality of care and specialist availability are critical for a successful retirement. Waimalu scores 0 out of 100 for healthcare access.

Care planning link

Find local assisted living in Waimalu

If your city research includes aging parents, future care needs, or a move closer to family, compare local care options alongside housing and healthcare access.

Assisted living in Waimalu

Taxes

State Tax Climate

Retirement Tax Score
45 / 100High confidence
Tax Foundation · Updated September 2026
Tax Details
State income tax; Social Security exempt; many pensions partially or fully exempt depending on source.High confidence
Tax Foundation · Updated September 2026

Hawaii has a tax environment that is moderate for retirees.

Climate

Weather & Environment

Avg July High
Avg January Low
Annual Precipitation
Sunny Days / Year

With 352 sunny days a year and an average January low of 67.3°F, Waimalu offers a mild winter climate.

Safety & Walkability

Community Safety

Safety Score
100 / 100Medium confidence
FBI Crime Data Explorer · Updated June 2026

Walkability

Walk Score (proxy)
45.6 / 100Medium confidence
U.S. Census ACS 5-Year (B08301) · Updated June 2026
Transit Score (proxy)
11.5 / 100Medium confidence
U.S. Census ACS 5-Year (B08301) · Updated June 2026

Demographics

Population Profile

Population
13,932High confidence
U.S. Census ACS 5-Year · Updated September 2026
Median Age
41.8High confidence
U.S. Census ACS 5-Year · Updated September 2026
Age 65+
19.5%High confidence
U.S. Census ACS 5-Year · Updated September 2026
Veterans
11.9%High confidence
U.S. Census ACS 5-Year · Updated September 2026
Bachelor's Degree+
34.3%High confidence
U.S. Census ACS 5-Year · Updated September 2026

Diversity Breakdown

White
13.0%High confidence
U.S. Census ACS 5-Year · Updated September 2026
Black
3.8%High confidence
U.S. Census ACS 5-Year · Updated September 2026
Hispanic/Latino
7.9%High confidence
U.S. Census ACS 5-Year · Updated September 2026
Asian
52.3%High confidence
U.S. Census ACS 5-Year · Updated September 2026

Frequently asked questions about retiring in Waimalu

What is the cost of living in Waimalu, Hawaii for retirees?

The cost-of-living index is 111, roughly 11% above the national average of 100. Median home price is around $552,900.

Does Hawaii tax Social Security or retirement income?

For Hawaii residents: State income tax; Social Security exempt; many pensions partially or fully exempt depending on source.

What is the climate like in Waimalu, Hawaii?

Waimalu, Hawaii has January average low around 67°F, July average high around 85°F. Climate normals are based on 30-year averages from NOAA's National Centers for Environmental Information.

What is healthcare access like in Waimalu, Hawaii?

Waimalu scores 0/100 on the RetireCityIQ healthcare access index — a limited score. The index combines CMS hospital quality ratings, Medicare Advantage plan availability, and hospitals per 100,000 residents (KFF + CMS data).

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