Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Lawai, HI
Considering a move to Lawai, HI? This friendly town of about 2,230 residents offers a beautiful tropical climate with 70% sunny days and mild year-round temperatures. Home prices average around $795,000 and rents about $2,200, reflecting Hawaii’s higher cost of living. Residents enjoy low violent crime rates, short 23-minute commutes, and easy access to nearby schools and healthcare. Lawai is ideal for those seeking a relaxed island lifestyle with natural beauty and a close-knit community.
Demographics - Lawai, HI
Lawai is a small, close-knit community of 2,230 residents with a median age of nearly 45, reflecting a balanced mix of families and retirees. The area is notably diverse, with significant Asian, White, Pacific Islander, and mixed-ethnicity populations, and about 15% of residents speak a language other than English at home. This diversity contributes to a welcoming and vibrant local culture.
Population:
2,230
Density:
340 per sq mi
Median Age:
44.8
Gender Ratio:
98 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
15.0%
Ethnic Composition
White:
22.5%
Asian:
38.0%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Lawai, HI?
Living in Lawai comes with a higher cost of living, reflected in a median home value of $795,000 and average rent around $2,200 per month. The cost of groceries, utilities, and housing is well above the national average, consistent with Hawaii’s overall expenses. Residents should budget for higher monthly costs, especially for housing and utilities.
Median House Value:
$795,000
Gross Rent:
$2,200
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$300
Auto Insurance:
$1,250
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$2,800
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$690
State Taxes:
Low:
1.4%
|
High:
11.0%
Cost Of Living Index:
170.4
Grocery:
152.0
Housing:
232.0
Utilities:
188.0
Transportation:
130.0
Health Care:
103.0
Miscellaneous:
120.0
Crime
Is Lawai, HI a safe place to live?
Lawai has a relatively low violent crime rate, with residents facing a 1 in 425 chance of such an incident, while property crime is more common with a 1 in 48 chance. These figures suggest a generally safe environment, though standard precautions for property are advisable. The town’s overall crime index is moderate, supporting peace of mind for families and newcomers.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
235
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,100
Crime Index:
2,335
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 425
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 48
Weather
What is the weather like in Lawai, HI year-round?
Lawai boasts a pleasant tropical climate, with mild temperatures ranging from the mid-60s to mid-80s year-round and about 70% sunny days. The area receives roughly 54 inches of rainfall annually, keeping the landscape lush and green. Residents enjoy comfortable outdoor living and a relaxed island ambiance.
Winter
Min:
64°F
Max:
79°F
Spring
Min:
66°F
Max:
81°F
Summer
Min:
69°F
Max:
84°F
Fall
Min:
68°F
Max:
83°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
54 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
70%
Neighbors
Lawai’s residents enjoy a median household income of $87,000 and a relatively low poverty rate under 8%, indicating a stable and prosperous community. The area has a low unemployment rate and most adults have completed high school, with over a quarter holding a bachelor’s degree or higher. Commute times are short, averaging about 23 minutes, adding to the town's easygoing lifestyle.
Median Income:
$40,500
Household Income:
$87,000
Family Income:
$97,000
Per Capita Income:
$37,400
Income Male:
$44,000
Income Female:
$36,000
Poverty Rate:
7.8%
Non English Speakers:
15.0%
Rent:
$2,200
Unemployment Rate:
2.9%
Public Transport Usage:
1.7%
Commute Time:
23.1 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
88.6%
Bachelors or More:
27.5%
Education
How are the schools in Lawai, HI?
Lawai offers families access to quality education with public and private school options nearby, such as Kalaheo Elementary and Kauai Christian Academy. Class sizes are comfortable, and the student-teacher ratio promotes attentive learning. Higher education is also within reach, with Kauaʻi Community College just 11 miles away.
Public Schools
Name:
Kalaheo Elementary School
Street:
4400 Maka Rd, Kalaheo, HI 96741
Phone:
(808) 332-6801
Students:
430
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.7
Private Schools
Name:
Kauai Christian Academy
Street:
4000 Kilauea Rd, Kilauea, HI 96754
Phone:
(808) 828-0047
Students:
120
Colleges
Name:
Kauaʻi Community College
City:
Lihue
State:
HI
Distance:
11 miles
Students:
1,400
Healthcare
Lawai residents benefit from strong healthcare access, with 97% insured and about 2.2 physicians per 1,000 people. The nearby Wilcox Medical Center provides comprehensive emergency and surgical services within easy reach. The community’s healthcare index indicates generally favorable outcomes and reliable medical support.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Wilcox Medical Center
Address:
3-3420 Kuhio Hwy, Lihue, HI 96766
Phone:
(808) 245-1100
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.2
Health Insurance Coverage:
97.0%
Health Care Index:
78.5
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Lawai, HI?
The housing market in Lawai is competitive, with median home prices near $795,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment at $2,200. About 68% of homes are owner-occupied, and vacancy rates remain low, indicating steady demand. The area has experienced a healthy home appreciation rate, making it attractive for both buyers and investors.
Median Home Price:
$795,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$2,200
Owner Occupied Rate:
68.2%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
4.7%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.2%
New Construction Rate:
1.5%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.2%
DMV Information
Residents of Lawai can access full DMV services at the Kauai Division of Motor Vehicles in nearby Lihue. Services include licensing, registration, and title transactions, with contact information and online resources available for convenience. The location is easily accessible for all Lawai residents.
State:
Hawaii
Department:
Kauai Division of Motor Vehicles
Address:
4444 Rice St, Suite A480, Lihue, HI 96766
Phone:
(808) 241-4256
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.