Kauai Town Guide

Lihu'e

Lihue is Kauai's main civic and transportation hub, known for the airport, Nawiliwili Harbor, Kalapaki Beach, shopping, museums and central island access.

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Lihu'e, Kauai

Lihu'e is Kauai's capital and mainly a residential town with limited accommodation options (one Marriot hotel and two inns). There are a few shops and restaurants at the Kukui Grove Shopping Center (the biggest shopping center on Kauai), as well as at the Harbor Mall and Anchor Cove Shopping Center.

Local places of interest are the Nawiliwili Harbor (where cruise ships dock), Menehune Fishpond, Kalapaki Beach and the Kauai Museum.

Key Features

County seat and main civic center of Kauai
Home to Lihue Airport and close to Nawiliwili Harbor
Kalapaki Beach is one of the main nearby beach areas
Shopping centers, government offices and visitor services are concentrated in town
Kuhio Highway and Kaumualii Highway connect near Lihue
Grove Farm Homestead Museum and Kauai Historical Society are nearby
Wailua Falls and Alekoko Fishpond are short drives from town
Central location for drives toward Kapaa, Koloa, Poipu and the west side
Busy traffic areas near the airport, harbor and shopping centers
Population: 8,004 at the 2020 Census
ZIP code: 96766

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does Lihue mean?

Lihue is often translated as cold chill or chilly. Today the name is best known for Kauai's county seat, airport area and main commercial center.

Why is Lihue important on Kauai?

Lihue is the island's county seat and transportation center, with the airport, Nawiliwili Harbor, government offices, shopping areas and major road connections nearby.

How is Lihue different from Kapaa?

Lihue is more focused on government, transportation, shopping centers and airport access. Kapaa has more of an east-side beach-town feel, with food trucks, small shops and the oceanfront path.

What is Nawiliwili Harbor?

Nawiliwili Harbor is Kauai's main commercial harbor and cruise ship port. It is near Kalapaki Beach and helps make Lihue one of the island's busiest arrival areas.

What nearby places are easy to visit from Lihue?

Kalapaki Beach, Grove Farm Homestead Museum, Kauai Historical Society, Alekoko Fishpond, Wailua Falls and the Wailua area are all within a short drive of Lihue.