Newcomers Guide
To request information on relocation, weddings, and visitor packets, click here or contact the chamber.
Demographic Information
For an overview of Kauai, visit www.quickfacts.census.gov or www.census.gov
The Hawai‘i Parent Information Resource Center has created a guide titled "A Handbook for Newcomers to Hawai‘i". Includes information on health, safety, laws, and more topics relating to families. Visit www.hawaiipirc.org/handbook
Education
Kaua`i County has 16 public schools, three charter schools, four independent schools, four parochial schools, more than a dozen pre-kindergarten programs and Kauai Community College which is part of the University of Hawai`i system (www.hawaii.edu).
Public Schools K-12
Kaua`i has ten elementary schools, three middle schools and three high schools. Visit the Hawai`i Department of Education at www.doe.k12.hi.us for more information.
Charter Schools
With a total enrollment of 114 students, three of Hawaii’s 27 public charter schools are located on Kaua`i. Two of these schools, both in Kekaha, specifically offer Ni `ihau language based K-12 education. The Charter School Administrative Office (CSAO), provides support and oversight for the Board of Education for all charter schools.
Independent & Parochial Schools
There are four independent schools and four parochial schools on Kaua`i offering pre-K through 12 education as well as college preparatory courses. Two of the independent schools, Island School and Kula School, have a combined enrollment of 482 students and are members of the Hawai`i Association of Independent Schools. www.hais.org For a list of independent schools on Kaua`i, visit www.hawaiidatabooks.com
The four parochial schools (two Catholic, one Adventist, one Protestant Christian) have enrollments of 150, 159, 108 and 94 students respectively.
Pre-Kindergarten programs
Additionally, 14 pre-kindergarten programs around the island include Head Start and schools which emphasize education in Hawaiian culture and language.
Colleges & Universities
Kaua`i Community College (KCC), part of the University of Hawai`i system, was founded as a vocational school in 1928 and has been a comprehensive community college since 1965. Today KCC, located in Puhi, just west of central Lihu`e, offers courses in business, technology, nursing, liberal arts, hospitality, culinary arts, autobody and automotive technology and early childhood education besides serving as a community gathering spot for residents and visitors.
KCC’s diverse student population of 1,200 undergraduates reflects the unique character of Kaua`i and has a student: faculty ratio of 11:1. Currently KCC offers 13 Associate Degrees, 11 Certificate of Achievement and 6 Certificate of Completion (30 total).
In addition to transfer level liberal arts courses, KCC provides vocational and professional training and four-year and graduate degrees through the KCC administered UH Center. Distance learning (on-line, interactive or cable television-delivered) offers Kaua`i residents the chance to pursue bachelor and master’s degrees and work toward specialized certificate programs through the University of Hawai`i without leaving the island. Continuing Education & Life-long learning programs are also available through the KCC Training Office. To learn more about courses and enrollment, visit www.kauai.hawaii.edu
Utilities
The following is a list of utilities companies on Kauai:
Electricity
Kauai Island Utility Cooperative at 4463 Pahe’e Street, Suite 1, Lihue, Hawaii 96766. Call (808) 246-4300 or visit www.kiuc.coop
Gas
The Gas Company at 3990 Rice Street, Lihue, Hawaii 96766. Call (808) 245-3301 or visit hawaiigas.com.
Water
County of Kauai, Department of Water at 4398 Pua Loke Stree, Lihue, Hawaii 96766. Call (808) 245-5400 or visit www.kauaiwater.org
Telephone/Internet
Hawaiian Telcom at (808) 643-3456 or visit hawaiiantel.com.
AT&T at 3-3277 Kuhio Highway, Lihue, Hawaii 96766, or visit www.attwireless.com
Cable/Internet
Oceanic Time Warner Cable at 3022 Peleke Street, Lihue, Hawaii 96766. Call (808) 246-9315, or visit www.oceanic.com.
Animals and Pets
Before bringing a pet to Hawai‘i, be advised to research the quarantine procedures and laws relating to shipping a pet. Hawai‘i is the only rabies free state and the Hawai‘i Department of Agriculture's Animal Quarantine Branch (www.hawaii.gov/hdoa/ai/aqs/info ) ensures that it stays that way. Visit the Kauai Humane Society at 3-825 Kaumualii Highway, Lihue, Hawaii 96766. Call (808) 632-0610, or visit www.kauaihumane.org for information on animal laws, leashes, licensing and more.