Kauai County, Hawaii Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids

Kauai County

U.S. county

Captain James Cook statue

Seal

Location within the U.S. state of Hawaii

Hawaii's location within the U.S.

Country

United States

State

Hawaii

Founded

1905

Seat

Lihue

Largest community

Kapa‘a

Area

• Total

1,266 sq mi (3,280 km²)

• Land

620 sq mi (1,600 km²)

• Water

646 sq mi (1,670 km²) 51.0%%

Population

(2020)

• Total

73,298

• Density

57.897/sq mi (22.354/km²)

Time zone

UTC−10 (Hawaii–Aleutian)

• Summer (DST)

HADT

Congressional district

2nd

Kauaʻi County, officially known as the County of Kauaʻi, is a special area in the U.S. state of Hawaiʻi. It includes the islands of Kauaʻi, Niʻihau, Lehua, and Kaʻula. In 2020, about 73,298 people lived here. The main town and government center is Līhuʻe.

Exploring Kauaʻi County's Location

Kauaʻi County covers a total area of about 1,266 square miles (3,279 km²). More than half of this area (51%) is water, mostly the Pacific Ocean. The land area is about 620 square miles (1,606 km²).

Nearby Areas

Kauaʻi County is surrounded by the Pacific Ocean. Its closest neighbors are:

Honolulu County, Hawaii - to the southeast
Midway Atoll - to the northwest

Special Protected Nature Areas

Kauaʻi County is home to several important wildlife refuges. These places protect animals and their homes:

Hanalei National Wildlife Refuge
Huleia National Wildlife Refuge
Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge

People and Population in Kauaʻi County

In 2020, the population of Kauaʻi County was 73,298 people. The population has grown a lot over the years. For example, in 1900, about 20,734 people lived here.

In 2000, there were 58,463 people living in the county. About 34% of homes had children under 18. The average age of people living in Kauaʻi County was 38 years old.

What Drives Kauaʻi County's Economy?

The economy of Kauaʻi County relies on different businesses. Important industries include healthcare and tourism. Many people work in hospitals, hotels, and resorts.

Major Employers in the County

Some of the biggest non-government employers in Kauaʻi County include:

Wilcox Health (Wilcox Medical Center)
Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort and Spa
Ohana Pacific Management Co.
Kauai Veterans Memorial Hospital
Kauai Beach Resort
Samuel Mahelona Memorial Hospital
Kauaʻi Island Utility Cooperative (KIUC)
Kauai Nursery & Landscaping Inc.
Gather FCU (a credit union)
The Parrish Collection

Learning and Education in Kauaʻi County

Kauaʻi County has many schools for students of all ages.

Colleges and Higher Learning

Kauai Community College is the only college in the county. It is part of the University of Hawaiʻi system. Students can earn two-year degrees here.

Schools for Kids and Teens

Public schools in Kauaʻi County are managed by the Hawaii State Department of Education. There are many schools, including:

10 elementary schools
3 middle schools
3 high schools
5 schools that teach all grades from kindergarten to 12th grade (K-12)

High Schools

Kapaʻa High School
Kauaʻi High School
Waimea High School

Middle Schools

Chiefess Kamakahelei Middle School
Kapaʻa Middle School
Waimea Canyon Middle School

Elementary Schools

Alakaʻi O Kauaʻi Public Charter School
Eleele Elementary School
Hanalei Elementary School
Kalaheo Elementary School
Kapaʻa Elementary
Kaumualii Elementary School
Kekaha Elementary School
Kilauea Elementary School
Kōloa Elementary School
Wilcox Elementary School

K-12 Schools (All Grades)

Kanuikapono Public Charter School
Kawaikini New Century Public Charter School
Ke Kula Niʻihau O Kekaha Learning Center
Kula Aupuni Niʻihau A Kahelelani Aloha
Ni'ihau High & Elementary

Private Schools

There are also four private schools in Kauaʻi County:

Island School
Kahili Adventist School
St. Theresa's Elementary School
ʻŌlelo Christian Academy

Getting Around: Transportation in Kauaʻi County

Lihue Airport is the main airport serving the island of Kauaʻi. You can also get around using The Kauai Bus service.

Main Roads

Several major highways help people travel across Kauaʻi:

Route 50
Route 51
Route 56
Route 58
Route 520
Route 540
Route 550
Route 570
Route 580
Route 581
Route 583

Communities in Kauaʻi County

Unlike many other places, there are no "cities" or "towns" with their own separate governments in Kauaʻi County. The county itself is the only local government in Hawaiʻi. However, there are many smaller communities where people live.

Well-Known Communities

Some of the communities in Kauaʻi County include:

Sister Cities Around the World

Kauaʻi County has "sister city" relationships with several places around the world. These connections help promote friendship and understanding between different cultures.

Bangued, Philippines
Davao City, Philippines
Ishigaki, Japan
Iwaki, Japan
Laoag, Philippines
Moriyama, Japan
Papenoo, French Polynesia
Santa, Philippines
Suō-Ōshima, Japan
Urdaneta, Philippines
Whitby, England, United Kingdom

Kauai County, Hawaii facts for kids

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