Health and Medical Care on a Hawaii Senior Trip
A little planning so the trip can be all about relaxing.
Plan My Hawaii TripHealth Planning for a Hawaii Senior Trip
A little health planning makes a Hawaii senior trip far more relaxing. The islands are part of the United States, with good hospitals, but care is concentrated in Honolulu, and some serious cases on neighbor islands are flown to Oahu.
Medicines
Pack enough for the trip plus several extra days, in original containers, in your carry-on. Bring a list of medicines and doses.
Medical information
Carry a summary of conditions, allergies and your doctors’ contact details.
Insurance
Check how your health plan works in Hawaii, and look at travel insurance for cancellation, interruption and medical evacuation. Cruise & Travel Insurance explains the basics.
Where you stay
If you have significant health needs, Oahu offers the widest choice of hospitals and specialists.
Heat, Sun, Altitude and Vog
- Sun: the tropical sun is strong year round. Use a hat, mineral sunscreen and shade, and drink often.
- Heat: plan outings for the morning; rest in the hottest hours.
- Altitude: summits are cold and thin-aired. Ask your doctor first if you have heart or lung conditions.
- Vog: volcanic haze from Kilauea can affect breathing, especially on Hawaii Island. Bring inhalers and check air-quality advice.
- Ocean: swim at lifeguarded beaches, never turn your back on the waves, and skip the water on high-surf days.
A Hawaii Senior Trip Checklist
- Medicines, prescriptions and medical summary in your carry-on.
- Health insurance card and travel insurance details.
- Wheelchair or airport assistance requested for every flight, if useful.
- Hotel room features confirmed in writing.
- Reservations made for any park or sight that requires one, especially Haleakala sunrise and Pearl Harbor.
- A plan B for each day if you need rest.
Jet lag is easy to underestimate. Most mainland travelers gain several hours flying west; plan a light first day, drink water on the flight, and take medicines on a schedule your doctor has helped you adjust for the time difference.
For hospitals, pharmacies and services near your hotel, see Best of Honolulu, Maui Planner, Best of Hawaii Island and Best of Kauai. On Molokai and Lanai, services are limited; check before you book with Molokai Planner and Best of Lanai.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Medicare work in Hawaii?
Hawaii is a U.S. state, so Original Medicare applies there as at home. If you have a Medicare Advantage or other plan, check its network and out-of-area rules before you travel, and consider travel insurance for things your plan does not cover.
Is the altitude a problem for older travelers?
It can be. The Haleakala summit area is about 10,000 feet and Mauna Kea’s summit is higher still. People with heart or lung conditions should ask their doctor before going, go slowly and descend if they feel unwell.
Plan a Worry-Free Trip
Tell us about any health needs. A specialist will choose the right island and hotel and send free quotes.
Get Free Trip Quotes