Kauai County () (officially known as the County of Kauai) is a county in the U.S. state of Hawaii. It consists of the islands of Kauai, Niihau, Lehua, and Kaula. As of the 2020 Census the population was 73,298. The county seat is Līhue.
The Kapa'a Micropolitan Statistical Area includes all of Kauai County.
Geography
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of , of which is land and (51.0%) is water. The Pacific Ocean surrounds the county.
Adjacent entities
Honolulu County, Hawaii - southeast
Midway Atoll - northwest
National protected areas
Hanalei National Wildlife Refuge
Huleia National Wildlife Refuge
Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge
Government and politics
Kauai County has a mayor-council form of municipal government. Executive authority is vested in the Mayor of Kauai, elected by the voters on a nonpartisan basis to a four-year term. Legislative authority is vested in the seven-member County Council. All members of the County Council are elected on a nonpartisan, at-large basis to two-year terms.
United States Congress
Kauai County, like the rest of Hawaii, is represented entirely by Democrats in both the United States Senate and the United States House of Representatives.
Hawaii Legislature
Hawaii Senate
Hawaii House of Representatives
Elections
Federal
Kauai County has traditionally been a solid Democratic stronghold. The county has not voted Republican since the 1984 federal election, when it narrowly voted in favor of Ronald Reagan.
Demographics
At the 2000 census there were 58,463 people, 20,183 households, and 14,572 families in the county. The population density was . There were 25,331 housing units at an average density of . The racial makeup of the county was 36.0% Asian, 29.5% White, 23.8% from two or more races, 9.1% Pacific Islander, 0.3% Black or African American, 0.4% Native American and 0.9% from other races. 8.2%. were Hispanic or Latino of any race.
Of the 20,183 households 34.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 53.9% were married couples living together, 12.8% had a female householder with no husband present, and 27.8% were non-families. 21.4% of households were one person and 7.7% were one person aged 65 or older. The average household size was 2.87 and the average family size was 3.34.
The age distribution was 26.4% under the age of 18, 7.1% from 18 to 24, 27.2% from 25 to 44, 25.5% from 45 to 64, and 13.8% 65 or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females there were 100.10 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 97.50 males.
Economy
Top employers
According to the county's 2019 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report, the top non-government employers in the county are:
Education
Higher education
Kauai Community College is the county's only institution of higher education. One of the ten branches of the University of Hawaiʻi system, it offers a range of 2-year degrees and is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.
Primary and Secondary Education
Public schools in the county are operated by the Hawaiʻi State Department of Education, and the county is represented by Maggie Cox on the state's Board of Education. There are 10 elementary schools, 3 middle schools, 3 high schools, and 5 K-12 schools in the county.
High schools
Kapa'a High School
Kauaʻi High School
Waimea High School
Middle schools
Chiefess Kamakahelei Middle School
Kapa'a Middle School
Waimea Canyon Middle School
Elementary schools
Alakaʻi O Kauaʻi Public Charter School
Eleele Elementary School
Hanalei Elementary School
Kalaheo Elementary School
Kapa'a Elementary
Kaumualii Elementary School
Kekaha Elementary School
Kilauea Elementary School
Kōloa Elementary School
Wilcox Elementary School
K-12 Schools
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 two private schools in the county: Island School, and the Kahili Adventist School. Four private schools, including St. Catherine's School and St. Theresa's Elementary School (Catholic schools) and the Charter Schools on the island...
Infrastructure
Transportation
Lihue Airport serves the island of Kauai. Bus service is provided by The Kauai Bus.