Kauai County, Hawaii Property Taxes

What Are Effective Property Tax Rates Across Kauai County?

Local government entities set tax rates, which vary widely across Kauai County. Each year, the county estimates its budget for public services and divides that total by the assessed value of all taxable property within its jurisdiction.

Below, compare Kauai County's effective property tax rate to other counties in Hawaii or the U.S. median of 1.02%.

Kauai County's median effective rate stands at 0.25%, which is lower than the national median of 1.02%. Within Kauai County, the highest rate is found in Princeville at 0.61%, while Makaweli has the lowest at 0.55%.

These variations reflect differences in local school district levies, special assessment districts assessments, and special district bonds — which compound the base county rate.

How are property tax bills calculated in Kauai County?

Property tax bills in Kauai County are based on the assessed value of a home, which is closely tied to market value, and the local tax rate set by the county. For a typical home with a median home price of $867,100, the final bill can vary widely depending on location, property characteristics, and any exemptions that apply. The county’s property tax burden is uneven across communities, with the lowest median tax bill at $1,711 in Kealia and the highest median tax bill at $9,875 in Princeville.

What factors affect the amount homeowners pay?

Because property taxes are calculated from assessed value, homeowners with higher-valued properties generally pay more, especially when rates are applied to a larger tax base. Bills in Kauai County can range from the 25th percentile at $1,077 to the 90th percentile at $13,158, showing how much taxes can differ from one homeowner to another. Compared with the national median property tax rate of 1.02% and the national median property tax bill of $2,400, Kauai County homeowners may face significantly different outcomes depending on where they live and how their property is assessed.