Lawai, Hawaii Demographics & Population 2026
During the 2020–2024 ACS period, Lawai, Hawaii had a total population of 2,718, the 86th largest community in Hawaii, with a median household income of $104,286, which is 4% higher than the state average. The poverty rate is 9.9%.
Data vintage: U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2020–2024 5-Year Estimates · refreshed July 2026 · Methodology & source notes
Key Takeaways
- Housing affordability is a challenge — homes cost 8.1x the median household income.
- One of the most racially diverse communities in Hawaii (diversity index: 74/100).
- Unemployment rate of 9.1% is notably above the national average.
Lawai Quick Facts
How Lawai Changed
Change from the 2019–2023 ACS period to 2020–2024. These are rolling five-year estimates, not year-over-year measurements.
| Metric | 2019–2023 | 2020–2024 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Population | 2,775 | 2,718 | -2.1% |
| Median household income | $104,826 | $104,286 | -0.5% |
| Median home value | $853,700 | $849,800 | -0.5% |
How Lawai Compares
Median Household Income
Median Home Value
Economy & Housing
Household Income Distribution
Detailed income brackets
Employment
Housing Overview
People & Demographics
Age Distribution
Race & Ethnicity
Diversity Index
This community is exceptionally diverse, with no single racial or ethnic group dominating the population.
State average: 76 | National average: 61
Education
Educational Attainment (Adults 25+)
Lawai Rankings in Hawaii
Explore Hawaii Rankings
Other Cities in Kauai County
| City | Population | Median Income | Poverty | Home Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kapaa | 11,094 | $89,477 | 7.5% | $861,300 |
| Lihue | 7,901 | $92,850 | 6.3% | $878,500 |
| Wailua Homesteads | 5,431 | $89,717 | 9.9% | $943,400 |
| Hanamaulu | 4,972 | $82,358 | 6.2% | $687,500 |
| Kalaheo | 4,435 | $110,607 | 11.4% | $956,900 |
| Puhi | 4,362 | $137,292 | 8.6% | $701,400 |
| Kekaha | 3,768 | $84,375 | 18.9% | $682,900 |
| Kilauea | 3,146 | $91,984 | 18.5% | $1,087,400 |
| Anahola | 3,067 | $100,688 | 10.3% | $530,100 |
| Koloa | 2,907 | $77,868 | 7.1% | $927,300 |
Cities Similar to Lawai
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hanapepe | 2,638 | $100,000 | $715,700 | 18.2% | 3.2% |
| Honaunau-Napoopoo | 2,629 | $93,929 | $836,100 | 37.0% | 7.8% |
| Paia | 2,512 | $100,559 | $1,003,400 | 39.9% | 17.1% |
| Keokea | 2,892 | $114,250 | $728,400 | 25.0% | 10.7% |
| Helemano | 2,691 | $83,197 | N/A | 23.5% | 12.4% |
Population Overview
Lawai is a small community located in Hawaii, within Kauai County. The total population is 2,718. It ranks as the 86th most populous out of 163 Census-designated places in Hawaii.
Age Demographics
The median age in Lawai is 41.1 years. This is about the same as the state median of 40.9 years.
Economy, Income & Housing
The median household income in Lawai is $104,286. This is 4% higher than the state median of $100,389. It is also 29% higher than the national median of $80,734. The poverty rate stands at 9.9%. This is 2% lower than the state poverty rate of 10.0%. The unemployment rate is 9.1%. This is 85% higher than the state rate of 4.9%. The median home value is $849,800. Housing costs are 1% higher than the state median of $839,100. The home-value-to-income ratio of 8.1x suggests that housing affordability is a significant concern for many residents. 71.0% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 13% higher than the state average of 63.0%.
Race & Ethnicity
Lawai is a highly diverse community where no single racial or ethnic group constitutes a majority of the population. Hispanic or Latino residents account for 23.3%. The White (non-Hispanic) population is significantly higher than the state average (38.4% vs 20.9%). The Hispanic or Latino population is significantly higher than the state average (23.3% vs 9.9%). The Asian population (17.1%) is well below the state average of 36.4%.
Education
38.0% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 5% higher than the state rate of 36.1%. Nationally, 35.7% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 96.5%.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for Lawai, Hawaii is sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS) 2020–2024 5-Year Estimates. The ACS collects data from approximately 3.5 million households annually and pools five years of responses so that even small communities can be measured, though the margin of error widens as the population falls. Comparisons are made against Hawaii state averages and national averages calculated from the same dataset. Rankings reflect the city's position among all 163 Census-designated places in Hawaii. Read more about how these figures are produced on our methodology page, or visit data.census.gov for official data.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Lawai, Hawaii?
Lawai, Hawaii has a population of 2,718 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in Lawai, HI?
The median household income in Lawai is $104,286, which is 29% higher than the national median of $80,734.
What is the poverty rate in Lawai, HI?
The poverty rate in Lawai is 9.9%. This means approximately 268 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of Lawai, Hawaii?
Lawai's population is 38.4% White, 0.0% Black, 23.3% Hispanic/Latino, and 17.1% Asian.
What is the median home value in Lawai, HI?
The median home value in Lawai is $849,800. The home-value-to-income ratio is 8.1x.
How educated is Lawai, Hawaii?
38.0% of adults (25+) in Lawai hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 12.8% hold a graduate or professional degree.