Explore Lihue, Hawaii, with this interactive street and satellite map.
| City | Lihue |
| State | Hawaii (HI) |
| County | Kauai County |
| Country | United States of America |
| Timezone | Hawaii Standard Time — no DST (Pacific/Honolulu) |
| Latitude | 21.972582 |
| Longitude | -159.355807 |
| Population | 8,004 |
| Density | 414.3 /km² |
| Incorporated | N/A |
| ZIP Code | 96766 |
| Area Code | 808 |
| County Seat | Līhuʻe |
| School District | Hawaii Department of Education |
Lihue anchors the eastern landscape of Kauai, serving as a primary gateway where the steady trade winds carry the scent of salt and damp earth. It lies 8.8 miles south-southwest of Kapaa, HI (from Kapaa, HI: bearing 198°T), and is situated 5.7 miles south of Wailua Homesteads. The Nāwiliwili Stream carves a path through the lowlands, drawing life toward the Pacific Ocean which waits only a mile away. To the west, the Kālepa Ridge rises as a silent sentinel, its slopes providing a dark green backdrop that frames the horizon. Travelers may observe the serene surface of De Mello Reservoir nearby, a still contrast to the movement of the coastal air. The State Department of Land State Resource Management Area encompasses the immediate terrain, ensuring that the natural character of the land remains preserved against the encroachment of modern development.
Lihue emerged from the legacy of large-scale agriculture, once defined by the rhythmic labor of the sugarcane fields that shaped the local economy for generations. While the mills have long since quieted, the remnants of this industrious era remain visible in the layout of the streets and the enduring spirit of the workforce. Today, the economy of Lihue functions as the commercial center for the island, providing essential services and logistics that support the broader population. The transition from agrarian roots to a diversified service-oriented hub has allowed the people to maintain a distinct sense of kuleana, or responsibility, toward their home. Development continues to respect the topographical limits of the Niumalu Flat, balancing necessary expansion with the historical constraints of the geography.
Cultural character in Lihue thrives on a deep appreciation for the island’s heritage, where the influence of Polynesian voyaging history persists in the quiet conduct of daily life. Residents often gather to observe local traditions, finding community in the simple act of sharing space near the Kalepa Forest Reserve. Visitors drawn to the natural beauty of the region frequently seek out the cascading waters of Wailua Falls, which offer a glimpse into the raw power of the interior landscape. While the pace of life remains deliberate, the influence of figures such as the late musician Israel Kamakawiwoʻole, whose legacy resonates through the hearts of those who call the islands home, continues to shape the local identity. Lihue stands as a testament to the endurance of its people, blending the demands of a modern port town with the profound stillness of the Pacific Ocean.
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This page provides an embedded street and satellite map of Lihue, Hawaii. Coordinates: 21.972582, -159.355807. Live weather conditions are sourced directly from the National Weather Service. Real-time local and world news feeds keep the page current.
Detailed location data for Lihue includes the ZIP code (96766), telephone area code (808), county seat of Kauai County (Līhuʻe), and school district assignment (Hawaii Department of Education).
Location data is drawn from the USGS Geographic Names Information System (GNIS) and cross-verified against 2020 US Census records by coordinate proximity. Population figures are sourced from the 2020 US Census.
| Page generated | August 2026 |
| Location data | SimpleMaps US Cities Database; coordinates matched to USGS GNIS definitive data |
| Wikipedia validation | Article content matched to USGS GNIS coordinates via Wikipedia geosearch API. |