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Nearly 1 in 4 adults in Hawaii — about 260,000 people — serve as family caregivers each year, a role that is largely unpaid and often unsupported, according to newly released data from AARP. The findings, published Tuesday in Caregiving in the U.S. 2025: Caring Across States, show that 23% of Hawaii residents are currently caring for or recently have cared for an adult family member or friend — a reflection of the state’s rapidly aging population and the deep cultural expectations around caring for kupuna at home. “When a loved one needs help, family members, friends, and neighbors step up, that’s what we do,” AARP Hawaii State Director Kealii Lopez said in a statement. “But too often, caregivers carry this responsibility alone, often putting their finances, health and jobs at risk. As our state population ages, the demand for care will only grow. With the release of this new data and ahead of the 2026 legislative session, AARP Hawaii is urging policymakers at every level to act now to help family caregivers save money, time and get the support they need.” AARP estimates that Hawaii caregivers provide more than $2.6 billion in unpaid care annually — keeping loved ones at home rather than in long-term care facilities, where demand and costs continue to climb. Caregivers are often responsible for highly demanding tasks. Nearly all help with everyday needs such as preparing meals, managing medications and handling finances. Many also take on personal care duties — bathing, dressing and feeding — that require significant physical effort. More than half even perform medical and nursing responsibilities that typically require professional training. And more than half are considered high-intensity caregivers, spending long hours managing complex needs. Most Hawaii caregivers are still working — 60% hold jobs while providing care — but the personal toll is high. Regional findings from AARP show that nearly half of caregivers are facing financial strain — from taking on debt to struggling to cover essentials like groceries and prescriptions — while more than a third report significant emotional stress. Adding to the burden, 38% say they are managing these responsibilities entirely on their own, without paid or unpaid support. In Hawaii, where the cost of living is among the highest in the country, caregivers also absorb expenses related to home care, transportation and supplies. AARP says 80% nationally pay out of pocket — an average of more than $7,200 a year — often eating into retirement savings or forcing people to scale back employment. The report also shows the average caregiver is 49 years old, while the average care recipient is 66. And 34% are “sandwich generation” adults navigating care for both children and kupuna. The new data arrives as Hawaii heads toward a demographic shift: by 2030, 1 in 4 Hawaii residents will be 65 or older. AARP is urging state lawmakers to create a state caregiver tax credit — up to $2,000 annually; support a federal caregiver tax credit of up to $5,000; and establish a statewide paid family leave program allowing workers to care for loved ones without losing wages or jobs At the federal level, AARP backs the Lowering Costs for Caregivers Act, which would expand the use of flexible spending and health savings accounts for caregiving-related expenses. “AARP Hawaii is fighting for commonsense solutions to save caregivers money and time, and provide greater support,” the organization said in a statement. November is National Family Caregivers Month, and AARP Hawaii is amplifying a message: caregivers deserve visibility — and help. Family caregivers can also turn to AARP’s tools and networks for support, including: >> A state-by-state Family Caregiver Resource Guide at aarp.org/caregiving/care-connect/resources >> An online Caregiving Hub in English and Spanish at aarp.org/caregiving >> A national caregiver community on Facebook at facebook.com/groups/1353173708169053
