Hawaii

Four towns where island living doesn’t break the bank

There’s the Hawaii almost everyone imagines: Sunny beaches, palms, Pacific Ocean views, laid-back living. There’s the also the equally inviting Hawaii that’s less well known: Volcanoes, snow-capped mountains (yes, there is skiing in Hawaii), rain forests and a unique local culture with Polynesian, Tahitian and Asian influences.

Either way, Hawaii’s the kind of place many spend their days fantasizing about, which is probably why boomers rated Hawaii their top choice when asked where they’d want to live other than their home state, according to a recent Harris Poll.

After a look at the prices, however, some might find themselves rethinking that fantasy. According to Sperling’s Best Places, Hawaii’s cost of living is 78% higher than the national average, and the median home will set you back $413,100. (Don’t expect to see the ocean for that price.)

And forget about that retirement paradise, the beaches of Kaanapali on Maui. With a cost of living that’s 172% higher than the national average and median home prices that are well over $900,000, Kaanapali makes even ultra-pricey mainland favorites like Nantucket Island and Kennebunkport, Maine, look affordable.

Plus, trips back to mainland are pricey; A round-trip ticket from Honolulu to Los Angeles routinely costs upward of $500, and the flight takes about five hours. Quality health care also isn’t easily within reach for some who don’t live in Honolulu or a larger city, advisers say.

But before putting Hawaii on the “never going to happen” list, consider that there are some significantly cheaper—notice we didn’t say “cheap,” but rather “cheaper”—options for retirees that include easy access to the beach, plenty of outdoor activities and unique cultural attractions. Here are four places worth a look.