Who Should NOT Move to Lihue?
Lihue's real, disclosed drawbacks genuinely matter for some movers -- this record discloses who this 2026 profile does NOT fit well, directly and honestly, rather than only presenting the market's real strengths.
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Learn moreThose Prioritizing Housing Affordability or a Low Overall Cost of Living
Given Lihue's real, cited housing prices running roughly 124%-172% above the national comparison figure and a cost-of-living index cited at approximately 177 against a national average of 100, movers specifically prioritizing housing affordability or a low overall cost of living should weigh this real, disclosed picture carefully.
Those Requiring a Low Crime Rate on Every Single Measure
Given Lihue's own overall crime rate ranking higher than approximately 87% of Hawaii's cities and towns (even though its specific violent-crime rate runs favorably below the national average), movers requiring an overall crime rate clearly at or below comparison figures on every measure should research current, address-specific data carefully before committing.
Those Highly Risk-Averse to Hurricane or Tsunami Exposure
Given Kauai's real, documented catastrophic 1992 Hurricane Iniki history, the real, disclosed gap between that storm's actual intensity and current statewide building-code minimums, and real, current tsunami-evacuation-zone status for Lihue's coastal and harbor areas, movers highly risk-averse to hurricane or tsunami exposure should research current preparedness directly before committing.
Those Requiring Level I Trauma Care Locally
Given Wilcox Medical Center's Level III Trauma Center designation (the most severe cases require medevac to Oahu), movers with serious ongoing health concerns requiring the highest level of local trauma capacity should weigh this real, disclosed limitation directly.
Key takeaways
- Movers prioritizing housing affordability or a low overall cost of living should weigh Lihue's genuinely high housing costs and cost-of-living index carefully.
- Movers requiring a low crime rate on every measure should research current data given Lihue's less-favorable overall (though favorable violent-crime) standing within Hawaii.
- Movers highly risk-averse to hurricane or tsunami exposure should weigh Kauai's documented hurricane history and current tsunami-zone status.
- Movers requiring the highest local trauma-care level should weigh Wilcox Medical Center's Level III designation and the resulting need for medevac to Oahu in severe cases.
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