$1,239,736Average Value$1,331Average Price per Sq Ft3Homes For Sale
Valley in the midst of tropical Kauai
Nestled in the island of Kauai’s tropical landscape is the village of Lawai, a rural community home to incredible scenery and sprawling outdoor spaces. Lori Benkert, Broker-Owner with Waioli Properties, says that Lawai “isn’t considered a big tourist part of the island,” meaning that those visiting or passing through the village won’t see many resort-like amenities or hotels. Rather, an emphasis on local history permeates the community here and brings people closer together through things such as small businesses and gathering places. The boundaries of this village extend south all the way to the coast, where residents can find a small beach, hiking trail and gardening area. Students here are served by the Hawaii Department of Education, which oversees all public schools in the state and receives an overall B-plus rating from Niche. Also located in the Lawai Valley is the Lawai International Center, an ancient cultural site characterized by Taoist and Shinto temples, as well as dozens of Shingon shrines.
Lawai, nestled on Kauai's southern coast, offers a tranquil escape.
There are several island-themed photo spots around Lawai.
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Botanical gardens along the South Shore
At the southernmost point of Lawai, right on the coast, residents can find the McBryde and Allerton Gardens, two of the five gardens overseen by the National Tropical Botanical Garden non-profit organization. Both gardens cover approximately 80 acres each and are situated on former sugarcane plantation sites. Today, visitors can tour the botanical gardens and learn about a range of indigenous plant species and island vegetation. Adjacent to the garden is the popular Sprouting Horn Park, home to an iconic, eponymous blowhole that can shoot water as high as 50 feet into the air; the park is also a well-known scenic point. Sprouting Horn is just one of many stops along the 10-mile Koloa Heritage Trail, which travels along the southern shore of Kauai through the Koloa and Poipu areas; hikers can traverse the path and come across more than a dozen significant cultural and historic sites.
The Allerton Botanical Garden in Lawai offers refreshing shade on their many pathways.
The botanical garden offers free transportation across Kauai.
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Rural wooden construction homes
There are a range of home styles and residential communities in and around Lawai; in some areas, homes sit close together on smaller plots of land, while other properties are located on large, secluded lots in more rural areas. Common housing styles include ranch-style dwellings and multi-story homes raised on stilts; a majority of the properties in this area feature wooden construction and open floor plans. Balconies are a common residential amenity and seamlessly connect residents with the outdoor natural landscape. The median price of a home here is approximately $900,000, although properties tend to range between $725,000 and $2 million.
Some communities, like Lawai Hillside, are separated subdivisions from the main Lawai town.
Traditional Hawaiian architecture adorns Lawai homes.
Larger properties with expansive yards can also be found in Lawai.
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Local vendors set up in Warehouse 3540
For shopping and dining experiences, Benkert recommends Warehouse 3540, a popular local spot: “It’s this cool old warehouse that’s been transformed into small shops inside and food trucks outside,” Benkert says. There are more than a dozen locally-owned small businesses and dining options within Warehouse 3540; one popular vendor is Waikomo Shave Ice, a dessert chain with a couple of other locations around the state. There’s also the family-owned Hawaiian Trading Post; although some might consider it somewhat of a souvenir shop, Benkert says that “residents love their gorgeous authentic Niihau shell leis created by local artists.” Along Kaumualii Highway, locals can stop by a 7-Eleven convenience store for a selection of basic groceries and household necessities. “For takeout, Lawai Market is tops,” says Benkert. This inviting pastel store that opened in 2020 features a covered porch embellished with tropical blooms. It’s the locals’ pick for stocking up before heading out on a hike or bringing home a good wine for dinner.
The Matsuura Place shopping center in Lawai is an essential part of the community's history.
Natural flora thrives not just in the jungle, but even outside shops like the Lawai Market.
Warehouse 3540 in Lawai is a makers market of trendy vendors and food trucks.
Residents gather at the warehouse in Lawai to have coffee and catch up.
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Secondary students attend Kauai High School
Young learners in kindergarten through fifth grade can jumpstart their academic journeys at either Kalaheo Elementary or Koloa Elementary School, which both receive B-plus Niche ratings. Students might then head to the B-rated Chiefess Kamakahelei Middle School, which feeds into Kauai High School, a B-plus-rated institution that was named No. 2 on Niche’s “Best Public High Schools in Kauai County” 2024 list. GreatSchools also rates Kauai High School a 10 out of 10 for college readiness.
Kauai High School offers a vibrant learning environment for students.
Kauai High School focuses on academic excellence and character development.
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Lihue Airport is a 12-mile drive east
Kaumualii Highway snakes through Lawai and connects residents to the adjacent communities of Kalaheo and Omao. Commuters can use Route 530 to drive approximately 3 miles into nearby Koloa. The County of Kauai Transportation Agency operates The Kauai Bus, which has service to Poipu via the fixed Route 200: Kekaha bus line. Kauai Bus also offers service to the Lihue Airport, which is situated a little over 12 miles east of the Lawai Valley.
Lihue Airport offers modern conveniences for island-hoppers.
With its warm climate and breathtaking scenery, Lawai is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts.
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Written By
Hayley Simms
Video By
Vladislav Sedykh
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Julie Black,
an experienced agent in this area.
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Robert DennistonColdwell Banker Island Properties - Kauai
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