For many of Hawaii’s kūpuna, the largest asset they own isn’t in a brokerage account — it’s the home they’ve lived in for decades. With some of the highest property values in the nation and a land-constrained market that keeps a floor under prices, longtime Hawaii homeowners are often equity rich and cash flexible in ways they don’t fully realize.
The question most retirees face is simple: How do I stay in the home I love, on my terms, without running short on cash?
That’s the entire premise of aging in place — and it’s the focus of one of Hawaii’s longest-running senior education events.
On Saturday, August 1, 2026, the 18th Annual Aging in Place Workshop returns to the Ala Moana Hotel — a free, all-day event drawing over 1,800 attendees and more than 40 exhibitors. And C2 Hawaii’s own Percy Ihara will be presenting, just as he has for nearly two decades.
What is the Aging in Place Workshop?
The Aging in Place Workshop is a free public event built around one goal: giving Hawaii’s seniors and their families the practical information they need to live well and stay independent through every stage of later life.
Across six rooms and a full day of sessions, attendees can learn directly from Hawaii experts on topics including:
- Using home equity in retirement
- Estate planning and avoiding capital gains
- Medicare updates and dual eligibility
- Long-term care planning and costs
- Brain health, fall prevention, and aging at home
- Protecting yourself from elder fraud and scams
More than 40 exhibitors are open all day, so attendees can connect with resources one-on-one between sessions.
The event is completely free, and no reservations are required — just show up.
Meet Percy Ihara: A Trusted Voice for Hawaii’s Kūpuna
Percy Ihara isn’t a newcomer to this conversation. He’s a 37+ year veteran of the mortgage industry and, for more than 23 years, has dedicated his career to educating Hawaii’s seniors — along with the legal, financial, and healthcare professionals who serve them — on aging in place and how home equity fits into a sound retirement plan.
As a Reverse Mortgage Specialist with C2 Hawaii, Percy brings the full strength and resources of one of the state’s largest, most trusted mortgage brokerages to Hawaii’s kūpuna and their families.
His credentials reflect a rare depth of senior-focused expertise:
- Certified Senior Advisor (CSA) — a designation accredited across both the financial services and senior-care industries
- Certification for Long-Term Care (CLTC)
- Former Publisher and Editor of the award-winning Generations Magazine
- Creator of the Aging in Place Workshop itself — now in its 18th year
- Executive Director of Akamai Seniors, a nonprofit focused on aging and Medicare education
When Percy talks about retirement and home equity in Hawaii, he’s speaking from decades inside the community he serves.
Percy’s Session: Aging in Place & Using Home Equity in Retirement
Percy will present “Aging in Place & Using Home Equity in Retirement” twice during the workshop — once in the morning and once in the afternoon — in the Pakalana Room:
- 8:30 – 9:15 AM
- 11:30 – 12:15 PM
His session breaks down, in plain language, how Hawaii homeowners can responsibly tap the equity they’ve built — turning a paid-off or low-balance home into financial breathing room without giving up ownership or having to sell and move. For homeowners who want to remain in their home and neighborhood as they age, it’s one of the most important conversations they can have.
Why Home Equity Matters More in Hawaii Than Almost Anywhere Else
Hawaii’s housing market is unique. Limited buildable land and steady demand keep values high and resilient — which is good news for longtime owners, but it also means many retirees are sitting on substantial wealth they can’t easily access through income alone.
A reverse mortgage is one tool designed for exactly this situation. For qualifying homeowners (generally age 62 and older, with some programs available earlier), it allows access to a portion of home equity while continuing to live in and own the home. There’s no single right answer — the best move depends on your goals, your other assets, and your family’s plans — which is precisely why getting educated before you need to decide matters so much.
That’s the value of an event like the Aging in Place Workshop, and of working with a specialist like Percy: you get straight, experienced guidance built around Hawaii’s market and your situation — not a sales pitch.
Event Details at a Glance
| Event | 18th Annual Aging in Place Workshop |
| Date | Saturday, August 1, 2026 |
| Time | 8:00 AM – 2:15 PM |
| Location | Ala Moana Hotel, Honolulu |
| Cost | Free — no reservations required |
| Parking | Hotel parking validations available |
| Percy’s sessions | 8:30–9:15 AM & 11:30–12:15 PM, Pakalana Room |
Bring your parents, bring your questions, and stop by Percy’s session.
Can’t Make It? Talk to Percy Directly
If August 1 doesn’t work — or if you’d rather have a private conversation about your own situation — Percy is available year-round to help Hawaii homeowners and their families understand their options.
Percy Ihara — Reverse Mortgage Specialist, C2 Hawaii 📞 808-234-3117 📧 percy@c2hawaii.com 🔗 Learn more on Percy’s page →
Get a personalized reverse mortgage consultation →
As a Hawaii mortgage broker, C2 Hawaii gives clients access to a wide range of lending solutions — and a specialist who’s spent his career making sure Hawaii’s kūpuna understand every one of them.
