Best Walk-in Tubs in Honolulu, HI

While Hawaii isn’t the most affordable place to retire, it is definitely one of the most idyllic. With beautiful beaches and perfect weather, Honolulu is a popular place for seniors to spend their retirement, and areas such as Salt Lake, Nu'uanu and Makiki cater to retirees.

Many Honolulu seniors struggle with limited mobility, which can lead to dangerous falls in the bathroom. Seniors who struggle with balance have difficulty getting in and out of a typical shower because of the small space and slick tile floors. Nearly 80% of fall deaths involve people over the age of 64, and this age group also accounts for 71% of the hospitalizations for nonfatal falls in Hawaii, according to the Hawaii State Department of Health.

Walk-in tubs alleviate some of the risks associated with falling in a bathroom, which makes them a great home addition for seniors and people with disabilities in Honolulu. These bathtubs allow individuals to maintain their independence while giving them a safe place to shower and bathe. Walk-in tubs also offer a variety of other benefits.

Many Honolulu seniors are living on a budget, so cost is an important consideration when buying a walk-in bathtub in Hawaii. The cost of a walk-in bathtub varies depending on the different features you need, the size of the tub and the installation. We outlined some common types of walk-in bathtubs below:

• Soaker tubs generally include a leakproof door, a seat and a low-entry step-in. They cost $2,000 to $5,000.
• Hydrotherapy tubs feature massage jets and fast-drain technology. Expect to pay $5,000 to $7,000 for this model.
• Bariatric tubs accommodate users who weigh more than 300 pounds. These tubs have wider doors, built-in benches and anti-skid floors. Most cost $5,000 to $15,000.

The cost of the tub is not the only thing you need to consider when putting together a budget. It’s critical to factor in installation fees. Many bathtub providers offer free installation, but if they don’t, installing a walk-in bathtub in Hawaii costs $1,000 to $1,200.

Because walk-in bathtubs in Hawaii are significantly more expensive than traditional tubs, many Honolulu walk-in bathtub companies offer deals and financing to help make this home upgrade more affordable. It’s important to put the cost of a walk-in tub in context — considering that assisted living costs in Honolulu start around $3,799 per month, it makes sense for seniors to invest in a walk-in tub if it helps them age in place and maintain their freedom and independence.

Before you schedule the installation of your new walk-in tub, you need a building permit. The cost of the permit depends on the amount of work being done, but the Honolulu Department of Planning and Permitting has a calculator to help you budget for permit fees. When choosing a walk-in tub company, ask if they handle these permits or if you need to do it on your own before the work starts.

Whether you go with the company’s installers or hire your own contractor, ask if the company is insured and check with the Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs to ensure it's licensed to complete this type of work.

If you have the tools, resources, skills and knowledge to do the installation yourself, you can register as an owner-builder with the county building department. This means you can obtain building permits without meeting the requirements to be licensed as a contractor.