Lihue

In an eastern shore community where even unexpected places sport stunning murals, Lihue is a feast for the senses. It’s teeming with parks, major retailers and dining options, and it’s home to the island’s only airport and major event stadium. Carolyn Price, Realtor with Oceanfront Sotheby’s International Realty says, “In comparison to other Kauai neighborhoods, Lihue has a work-centric feel. It’s a bit more busy, but in a productive way, not a touristy way. For people who live here, it’s their hub.”

And although you’ll still find eclectic cottages and midcentury ranch-style homes sprinkled throughout Lihue, newer homes offer enclosed garages and underground utilities. Single-family plantation-style homes with well-tended yards and vibrant landscaping are common; and both single-level and multi-story residences coexist on cul-de-sacs. For those who prefer a maintenance-free lifestyle, the 55-and-better Sun Village offers condos with pool, gym, library and village hall amenities. The protected cove of Kalapaki Beach is backed by multistory properties with magnificent views. Prices range from around $400,000 for a condo to between $700,000 and just over $1 million for standalone homes.

Public Wilcox Elementary and King Kaumualii Elementary Schools in Lihue offer ample outdoor green space, playscapes and sports fields. Lihue public-school students head into Puhi to attend Chiefess Kamakahelei Middle School and back to the Lihue neighborhood to Kauai High School, which earns an overall B grade from Niche. “There’s also the private K-12 Island School,” Price says, “established around 50 years ago by a group of visionary women who wanted to offer an alternative education specializing in arts and literature. It’s grown over the years, but the focus is still on small class sizes and innovative programs, with a passion for teaching.”

Several parks for picnics and playground playdates dot Lihue’s inland terrain. Next to the Lihue Fire Staton, Kalena Park offers a playground and basketball courts; and local athletes play on lighted fields at Isenberg Park where neighbors and friends can get together at tables under a shady pavilion. You’ll travel under the arch of a historic bridge on your way to spectacular Hanamaulu Beach Park for a relaxing afternoon, or you can drive right up to the water’s edge to kayak.

In Lihue, you’ll have several places to tee off, including the rolling Puakea Golf course with fabulous views in a tropical surround. Puakea is also treasured as a safe haven for the revival of the once endangered nene, or Hawaiian geese. Price says, “We’re really fond of our nene. They have these beautiful feather patterns, and it’s our state bird. We’re really trying to protect them; so it’s exciting to see nene thriving here.”

As the only event stadium on Kauai that holds thousands, Vidinha Stadium is a central perk. It’s the community nexus for soccer games, farmers markets, track meets, parades and fireworks displays. “Vidinha is really our meeting space,” says Price, “where families gather for everything from graduations to celebrations to sports. In Lihue, we really go all out for the school football games — they’re always in high attendance, and everyone comes to tailgate and celebrate.”

Lihue’s Kauai War Memorial Convention Hall is a popular venue for social events that often book out a year in advance. Residents have made use of the exhibit hall, auditorium, and meeting rooms in this valuable community fixture since its construction in the 1960s. History buffs can explore ancient relics and tales of Kauai’s last reigning King Kaumualii at the Kauai Museum.

And even though you have many dining choices in Lihue, there’s often a line to pick up fresh fish and poke bowls at Fish Express. The legendary Hamura Saimin is also a popular spot for classic Hawaiian noodle soups and fresh-made malasadas and pies. "The Aloha Roastery is a great little place to pick up coffee and some really delicious pastries," Price says. And you can’t miss the mural of exotic blossoms gracing Flowers Forever. This local florist specializes in wedding leis, bridal bouquets and an extensive selection of arrangements for every conceivable occasion.

If you prefer to shop local and organic, you’ll love the farmer-owned HealthGo Market, serving smoothies, acai bowls, whole foods and grab-and-go meals. Or, you can complete all your larger grocery and goods shopping at Walmart and Costco, right in Lihue. For a departure from big-box stores, you’ll find all your hardware and plumbing supplies at M. Tanaka Store, an island staple since 1915.

Your home here is also close to the Lihue Public Library, the largest on the island of Kauai. An active Friends of the Lihue Library organizes ideas for indoor fun including storytime, teen, chess, and book-buying programs. And in addition to living closer than anywhere on the island to the Lihue Aiport, you’re also within easy reach of Wilcox Medical Center, the first American College of Surgeons-verified Level III Trauma Center in Hawaii.

Life in lovely Lihue moves at an upbeat suburban tempo, and offers the convenience of having all your daily needs and diversions right within your neighborhood.

Written By

K.T. Phillips

Photography Contributed By

Paul Peck

Video By

Austin Lewis