Hawaii is often painted as a dream destination for retirement, luring many Americans with its breathtaking views and warm culture.
Yet, while the allure of island life can seem perfect, real experiences tell a different story, as exemplified by Bob Haber, a retired resident who returned to Hawaii only to leave years later.
Haber, who grew up in Pearl City and moved back in 2009 after retiring, shared his unexpected struggles in a story on the Grassroot Institute of Hawaii.
After several years in Hawaii, he chose to leave for good in 2018, revealing that the reality of living there was far more challenging than anticipated.
One of the major obstacles for retirees in Hawaii is the staggering cost of living.
Haber described a shocking financial reality: “The cost of living in Hawaii was too high for me,” he explained.
According to CNBC, individuals aiming to retire in Hawaii need to have saved approximately $2.21 million by the age of 65 to sustain a basic lifestyle for 25 years, making it the steepest requirement in the nation.
Housing, groceries, transportation, and medical expenses are significantly more expensive compared to other states, with average home prices exceeding $850,000—almost double the national average.
This financial burden forces many retirees to adapt to soaring costs or abandon their island dreams altogether.
In addition to the high cost of living, taxes contribute to the financial strain many face.
Haber pointed out that rising taxes, partly due to funding for the Honolulu rail project, have exacerbated the situation.
“Taxes are crazy, and going up because of the rail, and politicians don’t care and look at everybody else as if they are the problem,” he remarked.
Although Hawaii provides some tax exemptions for pension income and Social Security earnings, retirees often find themselves blindsided by high state income tax rates imposed on IRA and 401(k) withdrawals, which can soar as high as 11%.
While Hawaii is known for its cultural richness and stunning natural landscapes, these benefits can feel overshadowed by the economic realities many face.
Haber expressed his appreciation for the local culture, stating, “I love the culture, the grinds, the people and the aina!”
However, for those on a fixed income, the emotional attachment to the islands may not suffice when juxtaposed with the harsh financial realities.
Visual Capitalist highlights that retirees in Hawaii spend an average of nearly $130,000 per year to maintain a lifestyle that would only cost around $52,000 in some of the most affordable states in the U.S.
This drastic difference in expenses often makes it impossible for many to sustain their dreams of island living.
In light of these factors, potential retirees must carefully weigh the elegance of Hawaii against practical financial considerations.
While the dream of retiring in an island paradise remains strong, the reality of living there can sometimes lead to disillusionment rather than the fulfilling experience that many envision.
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