Kahala Nui

Pros

• Residents and staff at Kahala Nui are described as friendly and caring, contributing to a welcoming atmosphere.
• The facility offers excellent amenities, including spacious apartments with beautiful views, a pool, an exercise room, and a library.
• Many residents appreciate the high-quality homemade food provided at the dining area.
• Kahala Nui provides a variety of activities and courses that cater to different interests, promoting engagement among residents.
• The tour guides are praised for their professionalism and ability to make potential residents feel comfortable during visits.
• The facility is well-maintained and visually appealing, enhancing the overall living experience for residents.
• The independent living side of Kahala Nui receives positive feedback for its excellent staff and service quality.

Cons

• Residents do not trust the CEO and Board of Directors, as evidenced by over 75% signing a petition of No Confidence.
• The service quality drops significantly once residents are transferred from independent living to assisted living.
• There is a lack of oversight in the assisted living area, leading to many services being skipped or not performed.
• Residents have expressed frustration with having to hire personal health aides due to inadequate care provided by the facility.
• Some apartments reportedly have unpleasant odors, such as urine, indicating poor maintenance or hygiene standards.
• There are allegations that management attempts to declare residents incompetent without consulting family members.
• Once moved to the assisted living area, residents are restricted from mingling with friends in independent living, creating a sense of isolation.
• Many residents feel they were misled regarding the "care for life" promise associated with their contracts and face financial burdens after moving.
• The monthly fees continue to rise beyond historical rates, causing financial strain on residents who initially made significant investments in their apartments.

Review

Kahala Nui has garnered a mix of reviews reflecting its complex landscape as a senior living facility. Many residents and their families initially found the environment welcoming and accommodating, showcasing a depth of amenities and services designed to meet various needs. The facility offers everything from independent living to skilled nursing, allowing for a continuum of care that can adapt as residents’ circumstances change. The variety of room options—from studios to three-bedroom apartments—adds flexibility for individuals or couples looking to enjoy their golden years in comfort. Visitors often mention the beautiful scenery offered by views of the ocean or landscaped gardens, enhancing the tranquil atmosphere.

Notably, the dining experience at Kahala Nui has been praised for its homemade meals and pleasant dining area—a fundamental aspect for residents who value social interaction during meals. There are numerous activities available, encouraging engagement through courses ranging from language learning to arts and crafts. For those able to pay the higher costs associated with residing there, Kahala Nui initially appears to be an excellent choice, providing not just a place to live but also an active community lifestyle.

However, beneath this appealing surface lies a growing discontent among many residents regarding recent management decisions under the new CEO appointed in late 2021. Since this transition, rent increases have exceeded historical rates leading to significant financial strain on long-term residents. Many have voiced concerns over transparency and trustworthiness in leadership; a staggering 260 out of 341 residents signed a petition expressing no confidence in the CEO’s ability to manage effectively. This unrest is further exacerbated by assertions that board management consistently defers accountability while offering excuses rather than solutions.

Feedback concerning care levels deteriorates notably once residents transition from independent living into assisted or skilled nursing facilities. While many appreciate the quality of care when first moving into independent living, complaints escalate dramatically when more hands-on assistance becomes necessary. Families report serious deficiencies including insufficient staff supervision and inadequate support services—one reviewer noted their loved one was only allowed showering once a week while being left alone during meal times with little oversight on dietary needs. Such lapses represent breaches in expected care standards that leave vulnerable individuals without adequate attention.

The emotional toll on families navigating these challenges is profound; accounts reflect feelings of betrayal as promises made at entry—including assurances for lifelong care—were not upheld when needed most. Many families resorted to hiring outside personal aides due to inadequate internal support structures during critical times of need—a costly solution that reflects poorly on Kahala Nui’s operational framework.

Despite these significant issues highlighted by former and current residents alike, some still regard Kahala Nui as having potential given its rich array of activities, friendly staff, and picturesque surroundings if one can navigate its high costs and administrative shortcomings. This contrast paints a complicated picture; it appears that while Kahala Nui offers an enticing lifestyle filled with opportunities for participation and connection among seniors, persistent managerial challenges may undermine its promise as an ideal residence in Hawaii's evolving landscape for elder care. Ultimately, prospective residents must weigh these factors carefully alongside their financial readiness when considering such facilities amidst an increasingly demanding environment tailored specifically for aging baby boomers seeking upscale living arrangements.

This area of Honolulu, Hawaii, boasts a variety of healthcare options with numerous physicians and pharmacies within close proximity. The presence of parks like Waialae Iki Park and Fort Ruger Park provides opportunities for outdoor activities and leisurely walks. Additionally, there are a diverse selection of restaurants and cafes offering delicious meals and beverages. The neighborhood also features several places of worship for spiritual fulfillment. For medical emergencies or regular health check-ups, Kapiolani Medical Center for Women & Children is conveniently located nearby. Overall, this area offers a combination of healthcare services, recreational amenities, dining options, and spiritual support that can cater to the needs of seniors looking for a vibrant community in which to live.

Physicians

• Carlson Ronald S DDS (0.4 miles)
• Dr. Kathy Iida (0.4 miles)
• The Queen's Health Care Centers (0.4 miles)
• Blane Kalani Chong (1.7 miles)
• Kaimuki Center For Dentistry (1.7 miles)
• Cloward Instrument Corporation (1.9 miles)
• Aloha Vision Consultants (2 miles)

Pharmacies

• Longs Drugs (0.4 miles)
• Times Supermarkets (0.4 miles)
• Longs (1.7 miles)
• Longs Drugs (1.7 miles)
• Times Supermarkets (1.7 miles)
• Longs Drugs (2.6 miles)
• Longs Drugs (2.9 miles)

Parks

• Waialae Iki Park (0.9 miles)
• Fort Ruger Park (1.7 miles)
• Kapiolani Park (2.4 miles)
• Lēʻahi Beach Park (2.7 miles)
• Manoa Valley District Park (2.9 miles)
• Tantalus Lookout (3.6 miles)
• Makiki District Park (3.9 miles)

Restaurants

• McDonald's (1.6 miles)
• Aina Haina Shopping Center (1.8 miles)
• Diamond Head Market & Grill (2 miles)
• Leonard's Bakery (2 miles)
• Ono Seafood (2 miles)
• Rainbow Drive- In (2.1 miles)
• Hula's Bar & Lei Stand (2.6 miles)

Cafes

• The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf (2 miles)
• Starbucks (2.1 miles)
• Knots Coffee Roasters (2.6 miles)
• Kai Coffee (2.7 miles)
• Barefoot Beach Cafe (2.7 miles)
• Kona Coffee Purveyors | b.patisserie (2.8 miles)
• Hawaiian Aroma Caffe (2.9 miles)

Places of Worship

• Holy Trinity Catholic Church - Cottage Thrift Shop (3.4 miles)
• Sacred Heart Church (3.5 miles)

Hospitals

• Kapiolani Medical Center for Women & Children (3.6 miles)