Where is Lihue, Hawaii, USA?

Written and fact-checked by | Reviewed by WhereIG Editorial Team | Last updated: August 14, 2026, 18:45 ET

Where is Lihue Located? - Lihue is a city located in the Kauai County of Hawaii, United States. Lihue lies between 42.1662831 Degrees North latitudes and 87.9631308 Degrees West longitudes.

Location Map of Lihue, Hawaii

Where is Lihue, Hawaii

Lihue Map, Hawaii, USA

Where is Lihue?: The Google Map showing the location of Lihue in the U.S. state of Hawaii.

Where is Lihue Located?

Lihue is a city located in the Kauai County of Hawaii, United States. Lihue lies between 42.1662831 Degrees North latitudes and 87.9631308 Degrees West longitudes. According to 2020 U.S.census, the population of Lihue city is 8004 people and the city has a total area of 6.67 sq mi. The city has numerous parks and recreational facilities.

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Lihue, Hawaii Quick Facts

AttributeDetails
CommunityLihue (Census-Designated Place)
CountyKauai County
StateHawaii
State CapitalHonolulu
US RegionWestern United States (Pacific Islands)
Latitude21.9811° N
Longitude159.3711° W
Elevation200 ft (61 m)
Land Area7.19 sq mi
Water Area0.54 sq mi
Total Area7.73 sq mi
Population (2020 Census)9,458
Population Density1,315 per sq mi
ZIP Code96766
Area Code808
Time ZoneHawaii–Aleutian Standard Time (HST, UTC−10)
CurrencyUnited States Dollar (USD)
FIPS Code15-45200
Congressional DistrictHawaii's 2nd Congressional District

Transportation and Connectivity in Lihue

CategoryDetails
Airport NameLihue Airport
IATA CodeLIH
PortNawiliwili Harbor
Major HighwaysKaumualii Highway (Route 50), Kuhio Highway (Route 56)
Train/Amtrak ServiceNo passenger rail service
Local Bus/Transit ServiceKauai Bus
  • Lihue is the transportation hub of Kauai and provides access to most communities on the island.
  • Kaumualii Highway connects Lihue with western Kauai communities, while Kuhio Highway provides access toward the north shore.
  • Lihue Airport provides commercial flights connecting Kauai with Honolulu and mainland destinations.
  • Nawiliwili Harbor serves cruise ships, cargo transportation, and maritime activities.

Top Places to Visit in Lihue, Hawaii

Landmark NameType
Wailua FallsWaterfall
Kauai MuseumHistory & Cultural Museum
Grove Farm Homestead MuseumHistoric Plantation Museum
Allerton GardenBotanical Garden
Menehune FishpondHistoric Site
Nawiliwili HarborHarbor & Waterfront Area
Kalapaki BeachBeach
Ahukini Recreation Pier State ParkState Park
Huleia National Wildlife RefugeWildlife Refuge
Kilauea Lighthouse (nearby)Historic Lighthouse

Driving Distances from Lihue, Hawaii to Nearby Places

PlaceStateDistance (mi)Approx. Drive Time
Kapa'aHawaii715 minutes
PoipuHawaii1325 minutes
HanapepeHawaii1630 minutes
PrincevilleHawaii3050 minutes
WaimeaHawaii2540 minutes
Waimea CanyonHawaii361 hour
HonoluluHawaii100 miles by air35 minutes flight
HiloHawaii120 miles by air45 minutes flight

Colleges and Universities in Lihue, Hawaii

Institution NameTypeLevelNotable For
Kauai Community CollegePublicCommunity CollegeAssociate degrees, workforce training, nursing, trades, and transfer programs
University of Hawaii at ManoaPublicUniversityResearch, marine science, agriculture, Hawaiian studies, and professional programs
University of Hawaii at HiloPublicUniversityNatural sciences, education, Hawaiian studies, and research programs
Chaminade University of HonoluluPrivateUniversityLiberal arts, business, education, and healthcare programs
Hawaii Pacific UniversityPrivateUniversityBusiness, marine science, international studies, and professional programs

Waterbodies in Lihue, Hawaii

Lihue is located on the eastern side of Kauai and is surrounded by important coastal and inland waterways, including Nawiliwili Bay, Hanamaulu Bay, Nawiliwili Harbor, Huleia River, and Wailua River. These water resources support boating, fishing, marine ecosystems, cultural sites, agriculture, and outdoor recreation.

Stadiums in Lihue

Lihue is served by several athletic facilities, including Vidinha Stadium, Kauai High School athletic facilities, Kauai Community College sports areas, and local recreation complexes. These venues host football, soccer, baseball, track and field, and community sporting events.

Lihue, Hawaii — Key Historical Facts

  • Lihue developed as an important agricultural center during the nineteenth century, especially through the growth of sugar plantations on Kauai.
  • The area became the government and commercial center of Kauai County because of its central location and harbor access.
  • Grove Farm Plantation, established in the nineteenth century, preserves the history of Kauai's plantation era.
  • Lihue played an important role in Kauai's transition from plantation agriculture to tourism and service-based industries.
  • Today, Lihue serves as the administrative, transportation, and commercial center of Kauai, providing access to the island's natural and cultural attractions.

References

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