Caring for Aging Parents in Hawaiʻi: A Real-Life Guide for Families

The Reality of Caregiving in Hawaiʻi

Being a family caregiver here is more than just emotionally challenging—it’s a statewide phenomenon. About 154,000 residents are serving as unpaid caregivers to older loved ones, delivering approximately 144 million hours of care annually. If they were compensated, that would amount to a staggering $2.6 billion per year. 

Nearly half of these caregivers feel emotionally stressed, and over a quarter report financial strain. Many also bear out-of-pocket expenses for transportation, home modifications, medical supplies, and even respite care. 

AARP polling shows broad support across political lines for policies like paid family leave and tax relief for caregivers, and 84% support increased funding for in-home and community-based care services in Hawaiʻi. 

Local Resources to Lean On

If you're navigating caregiving in Hawaiʻi, here are key organizations and services available to support you:

• Hawaiʻi Aging & Disability Resource Center (ADRC) / Executive Office on Aging (EOA)A no-cost, one-stop information and referral hub for long-term care, support services, and benefits. Call 808‑643‑2372. (Kokua Mau)

  
  

• AARP Hawaiʻi Caregiver Resource GuideFree, mailed-on-request guide filled with practical caregiving tools and local service listings. Order via 877‑333‑5885. (AARP States)

  
  

• Hawaii Community Caregiver Network (West Hawaiʻi)Volunteer-run support offering classes, webinars, tools, support groups, and occasional financial help. (Hawaii Caregivers)

  
  

• Hale Hauʻoli Hawaiʻi -Adult day care, caregiver support groups, education on topics like fall prevention and advance directives, plus wellness classes. Join their virtual support group via email (Kathy at 808‑292‑4665). (Hale Hau’oli Hawai’i)

  
  

• Project Dana -A volunteer-based program delivering telephone check-ins, light housekeeping, and caregiver training directly in homes. (AARP States)

  
  

• Native Hawaiian Caregiver Support Program -Tailored support for Native Hawaiian families caring for an older relative with chronic health needs or disability. (Alulike)

  
  

• St. Francis Hospice (Honolulu)The state's first hospice, offering in-home and facility-based end-of-life care, spiritual counseling, and bereavement programs.

  
  

• Waianae Coast Comprehensive Health Center Offers adult day care, respite programs (including night care for dementia care), primary medical care, and cultural healing services across multiple clinics. 

  
  

• CareSift -A free, personalized guidance service helping families navigate Hawaiʻi’s senior care system and find the right services. https://caresift.com/

Tips for Realistic Day-to-Day Caregiving

1. Start with ADRC or AARP’s resource guide—don’t try to go it alone. These point you to local supports you might not know exist.

   
   

2. Tap into community programs like Project Dana or caregiver support groups. Even small services can greatly reduce stress.

   
   

3. Use adult day and respite care when possible. Taking regular breaks helps preserve your own health and resilience.

   
   

4. Talk to a hospice provider early—St. Francis Hospice often offers support services well before the final stages of life.

   
   

5. Plan for emergencies—medication errors, falls, or legal hurdles. Having contacts ready (ADRC, Project Dana, Waianae clinics) can ease the chaos.

   
   

6. Look after yourself—connect with caregiver groups, such as those at Hale Hau`oli or the Hawaii Community Caregiver Network. Sharing your experience can help lighten emotional weight.

   
   

Caring for aging parents in Hawaii can feel overwhelming—but you're not alone. A growing network of organizations, support groups, and compassionate services stand ready to walk with you. Lean on these resources, pace yourself, and seek help when you need it.