Senior Resources in Hawaii: Island-by-Island Guide to Aging Services

Hawaii's senior services are organized by county, not by state — which means the programs available to your parent depend on which island they live on. Each county operates its own Area Agency on Aging (AAA), runs its own Kupuna Care allocation, and maintains separate senior center networks. Here's where to start on each island.

Statewide Resources

These work regardless of which island your parent lives on:

ADRC Helpline: (808) 643-2372 — the single statewide number that routes to the appropriate county. Start here if you don't know which programs to apply for.

Executive Office on Aging (EOA): The state-level agency that administers Kupuna Care, the Kupuna Caregivers Program, and coordinates with county AAAs. They don't serve clients directly but set policy and funding for all county programs.

Med-QUEST Division: Administers QUEST Integration (Medicaid) long-term services. Apply online at medical.mybenefits.hawaii.gov or by phone. This is a state program — same eligibility rules across all islands.

Long-Term Care Ombudsman: (808) 586-7268 (Oahu) or (888) 229-2231 (Neighbor Islands). Investigates complaints about care facilities statewide.

Adult Protective Services: Report suspected abuse or neglect of a vulnerable adult. Island-specific hotlines listed below.

Oahu (Honolulu County)

Elderly Affairs Division: (808) 768-7700 The primary access point for all senior services on Oahu — Kupuna Care, adult day care referrals, home-delivered meals, transportation assistance, and caregiver support programs.

APS Hotline (Oahu): (808) 832-5115

Oahu has the most options for senior services in Hawaii, including multiple adult day care programs, home care agencies, and senior centers. The Elderly Affairs Division can provide a current directory of programs accepting new clients.

Maui County (Maui, Molokai, Lanai)

Maui County Office on Aging: (808) 270-7774

• Molokai: (808) 553-5241
• Lanai: (808) 565-7114

APS Hotline (Maui County): (808) 243-5151

Maui County faces unique challenges due to smaller populations on Molokai and Lanai. Adult day care programs and home care agency options are more limited outside of central Maui. If your parent lives on Molokai or Lanai, contact the county office directly to understand what's currently available — services can change with funding cycles.

Hawaii County (Big Island)

East Hawaii (Hilo, Hamakua, Puna): (808) 961-8626 West Hawaii (Kona, Kohala, Kamuela, Kau): (808) 323-4390

APS Hotlines:

• East Hawaii: (808) 933-8820
• West Hawaii: (808) 327-6280

The Big Island's geography creates significant access barriers. Your parent in Hilo may be 90 miles from services based in Kona. When calling the AAA, specify your parent's location — the office will direct you to the closest providers.

Kauai County

Agency on Elderly Affairs: (808) 241-4470

APS Hotline (Kauai): (808) 241-3337

Kauai has a smaller service network but strong community connections. The Agency on Elderly Affairs can connect you to Kupuna Care services, adult day care, home-delivered meals, and local caregiver support groups.

Key Programs Available Across All Islands

Kupuna Care: State-funded services for seniors 60+ needing help with 2+ ADLs/IADLs. No income or asset limits. Covers adult day care, personal care, respite, meals, chore services, and transportation. Applied for through county AAAs.

Kupuna Caregivers Program: Up to $210/week for working family caregivers (30+ hours/week). No income test.

QUEST Integration HCBS: Medicaid-funded home and community-based services for individuals meeting nursing facility level of care. Covers personal care, adult day care, home modifications, and more.

The Hawaii Care Decision Guide maps these programs alongside care setting comparisons and financial planning tools, giving you the full picture for your parent's island and situation.

See more Hawaii guides →