Honolulu Senior AdvisorWhat do Oahu families ask about cost?
These are the cost questions Oahu families ask first. Where Hawaii publishes a median we give it; where no one publishes a figure, as with care homes, we say so rather than guess.
Questions about what senior care costs on Oahu and how families pay. Each answer below is written to stand on its own.
What is the median cost of assisted living in Hawaii?
CareScout's 2025 survey puts it at $145,065 a year, about $12,089 a month, the highest of any state.
What does a nursing home cost in Hawaii?
CareScout's 2025 Hawaii medians are $185,679 a year for a semi-private room and $196,735 for a private room, about $15,473 and $16,395 a month.
What does home care cost on Oahu?
Hawaii's 2025 median for non-medical home care is $93,808 a year for 44 hours a week, about $41 an hour.
Is there a published price for care homes?
No. CareScout does not survey adult residential care homes or foster family homes, and the state does not publish their private rates, so families need written quotes.
Does Medicare pay for a care home?
No. Medicare does not pay for custodial care such as room, board and supervision in a care home or assisted living; it pays for short skilled stays, home health and hospice.
Does long-term care insurance pay for Hawaii care homes?
Many policies do, but confirm in writing that the policy recognizes the home's license type (ARCH, expanded ARCH or CCFFH).
How much does VA Aid and Attendance pay in 2026?
The maximum annual pension rate with Aid and Attendance is $29,093 for a veteran with no dependents, $34,488 with one dependent and $18,697 for a surviving spouse, through November 30, 2026.
Where can we get free help with costs?
The Elderly Affairs Division at (808) 768-7700, the Hawaii ADRC at (808) 643-2372 and Hawaii SHIP at (808) 586-7299 for Medicare questions.
Why is Hawaii assisted living so expensive?
A small number of mostly large Honolulu buildings, high land and labor costs, and a rule requiring private 220-square-foot units with 24-hour staff all push Hawaii's median to the top of the country.
Does Med-QUEST pay room and board?
In nursing facilities, Medicaid pays the full rate; in community settings such as expanded ARCHs and foster family homes, it pays for care while the resident's income covers room and board.
At a glance
| These answers are | These answers are not | |
|---|---|---|
| Source | Hawaii rules, state rosters and agency pages | Hearsay or marketing |
| Scope | Oahu and Hawaii-specific | Generic national answers |
| Use | A starting point for your own questions | Legal, tax or medical advice |
| Freshness | Checked in October 2026 | Permanent; rules and figures change |
