Lihue Public RecordsHawaii

Lihue, Kauai’s county seat, relies predominantly on private vehicles, with over 85% of residents commuting by car and an average household vehicle ownership rate of 1.9. Public transit use is limited—Kauai Bus serves Lihue, but only about 1–2% of commuters utilize it. The average commute time in Lihue is approximately 17 minutes. Major highways, including Route 50 and Route 56, connect the city, while Lihue Airport provides regional access. Major employment centers include government offices, Wilcox Medical Center, and Kukui Grove Center—a regional shopping mall.

Lihue, the county seat of Kauai, Hawaii, has a population of about 8,000 (2020 Census). The median age is 43, with 23% under 18 and 22% over 65. Gender distribution is nearly even, with 49% male and 51% female. Racially, the city is diverse: 20% White, 35% Asian, 13% Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander, 1% Black, 1% Hispanic or Latino, and 30% identifying as two or more races, reflecting Kauai’s multicultural heritage.

Lihue, the county seat of Kauai, HI, has 8 public and private schools, including Kauai High School, which enrolls around 1,200 students and has an average graduation rate of 90%. The city’s schools score above the Hawaii state average, with Kauai High earning a 7/10 on GreatSchools. About 32% of adults in Lihue hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Educational programs include Advanced Placement and vocational training, and school safety scores consistently rank above 8/10. Kauai Community College in Lihue provides further adult education and workforce training opportunities.

Lihue, the county seat of Kauai, HI, features a mix of single-family homes, condos, and townhouses. As of early 2024, median home values hover around $700,000, with median monthly rents near $2,500. Homeownership rate is approximately 54%. Neighborhoods like Nawiliwili and Hanamaulu offer varied price points. Lihue’s real property tax rate for homeowners is about $3.05 per $1,000 of assessed value. The market shows modest 3-5% annual price appreciation, reflecting high demand but limited inventory.

Lihue, Kauai’s county seat, is served primarily by Wilcox Medical Center (72 beds), the island’s largest hospital, along with Kauai Veterans Memorial Hospital and several clinics, such as Kauai Medical Clinic. As of 2023, 92% of Kauai residents had health insurance coverage. The city’s 9,000+ residents are ethnically diverse—about 38% Asian, 27% White, and 13% Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander. Common health issues include diabetes, heart disease, and obesity. Physician density is lower than the national average, with roughly 1 primary care physician per 1,700 residents, contributing to moderate access challenges, especially in specialty care.