Kapaa, Hawaii

Senior Transportation and Escorted Rides in Kapaa, HI

Rides to appointments, shopping, the pharmacy and visits with a caregiver who stays with the person, not only a driver who drops them off. Post what you need in Kapaa for free and hire a caregiver directly, with no agency mark-up.

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Local figures

Senior Transportation in Kapaa, HI: the local picture

4.6%
of households have no vehicle (4.0% in Kauai County)
0.5 mi
to the nearest hospital with an emergency department (Kapaa)
2,640
residents 65 or older (24% of Kapaa)
26%
of residents 65+ report a disability (27% in Kauai County)

About 169 Kapaa households, 4.6%, have no vehicle (4.0% in Kauai County). The Census figure covers all ages, but older adults who stop driving are a large part of it.

Hospitals with an emergency department near Kapaa: Samuel Mahelona Memorial Hospital in Kapaa (0.5 mi); Wilcox Memorial Hospital in Lihue (7.4 mi); Kauai Veterans Memorial Hospital in Waimea (22 mi). Distances are straight-line, so allow more on the road.

26% of residents 65 and older report a disability. If walking is hard, look for a caregiver who is comfortable with walkers and car transfers, not only a driver.

Kapaa compared with Kauai County and Hawaii

Census figureKapaaKauai CountyHawaii
Households with no vehicle4.6%4.0%8.2%
Residents 65+ with a disability26%27%32%
Residents 65 or older24%22%20%
Residents 65+ in households who live alone20%19%20%
Residents 65+ below the poverty line (approx.)7.1%8.6%9.2%
Residents 85 or older2.2%2.4%2.8%
Median income, households headed by someone 65+$70,989$74,413—

Older residents in towns around Kapaa

TownDistanceResidents 65+Households with no car
Wailua Homesteads, HI2.3 mi1,4080.7%
Wailua, HI2.5 mi6572.3%
Anahola, HI4.7 mi6182.0%
Hanamaulu, HI6.3 mi8883.4%
Lihue, HI8.0 mi2,3745.7%
Kilauea, HI9.1 mi6111.3%

Hospitals near Kapaa

Hospital with an emergency departmentTownDistanceCMS overall ratingPhone
Samuel Mahelona Memorial HospitalKapaa, HI0.5 minot rated(808) 822-4961
Wilcox Memorial HospitalLihue, HI7.4 mi2 of 5(808) 245-1100
Kauai Veterans Memorial HospitalWaimea, HI22 minot rated(808) 338-9431

Straight-line miles from the center of Kapaa. Medicare (CMS) data, October 2026; call ahead to confirm. We are not affiliated with these providers.

What it covers

What a caregiver who drives can help with

  • Rides to doctor, dental and therapy appointments
  • Waiting during the appointment and taking notes
  • Grocery shopping, pharmacy and errands
  • Trips to church, the senior center and family
Cost

What senior transportation costs in Kapaa

At the Hawaii median aide wage of $18.32 an hour, 20 hours of help a week comes to about $1,588 a month in wages, which is 27% of the $5,916 monthly median income of Kapaa households headed by someone 65 or older. Private rates are agreed directly with the caregiver, so yours may be higher or lower. Hawaii's minimum wage is $16.00 an hour (U.S. Department of Labor table, updated July 1, 2026).

Hiring directly, you agree the rate with the caregiver and usually become the household employer (U.S. Department of Labor rules). Some families qualify for programs that pay for care at home; see Medicaid programs for family caregivers: who can be paid, and the rules in 12 states.

Before you hire

What to know before hiring a caregiver who drives

Giving up driving is a common reason older adults start to miss appointments and see fewer people. Before a caregiver drives, agree whose car is used, check that the auto insurance covers it, and agree a mileage rate in writing. The National Aging and Disability Transportation Center and the Eldercare Locator (1-800-677-1116) can point you to free and low-cost ride programs.

Questions worth asking: May I see your license and proof of auto insurance? Will you drive your car or ours? How do you help someone with a walker in and out of the car? More in our senior transportation guide.

CaregiverConnect does not run background checks. Check identity, references and any certification yourself before anyone starts. The Safety Center explains how.

Questions

Senior Transportation in Kapaa: common questions

Where is the nearest emergency hospital to Kapaa?

Samuel Mahelona Memorial Hospital in Kapaa, about 0.5 mi in a straight line from the center of Kapaa (Medicare hospital file). Its listed phone number is (808) 822-4961. In an emergency, call 911.

How much does senior transportation cost in Kapaa?

At the Hawaii median aide wage of $18.32 an hour, 20 hours of help a week comes to about $1,588 a month in wages, which is 27% of the $5,916 monthly median income of Kapaa households headed by someone 65 or older. Private rates are agreed directly with the caregiver, so yours may be higher or lower. Hawaii's minimum wage is $16.00 an hour (U.S. Department of Labor table, updated July 1, 2026).

Does Medicare pay for rides to appointments?

Original Medicare covers emergency ambulance trips, not routine rides. Medicaid covers non-emergency medical transportation for eligible members, and some Medicare Advantage plans include rides (Medicare.gov).

Sources

Census ACS 2020–2024 5-year; CMS provider data (October 25, 2026); U.S. DOL state minimum wages (July 1, 2026); BLS OEWS May 2025 aide wages, which cover employed aides rather than private rates.

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