Construction Costs in Lihue, HI 2026

Estimate renovation and building costs in Lihue. Local labor rates average $51.14/hr with a material cost index of 174.

$51.14

Avg Labor Rate/hr

174

Material Cost Index

$666,000

Avg Home Price

173.5

Cost of Living Index

Lihue Overview

Population

7,571

Climate Zone

Very Hot-Humid (Zone 1)

Seismic Risk

moderate

Median Household Income

$71,300

Lihue Remodeling Cost Estimator

Leave blank for typical kitchen remodel size

Cost Breakdown

Materials$36,540
Labor$26,252
Permits (4%)$2,512

Estimated Total Cost

$65,304

Mid-range Kitchen Remodel280 sq ft in Lihue

Materials

$36,540

56% of total

Labor

$26,252

40% of total

Permits

$2,512

~$1,405 avg

74% Above National Average

The same kitchen remodel at the national average would cost approximately $37,492. Lihue has higher-than-average construction costs due to local demand and cost of living.

View Hawaii Statewide Costs

Compare Lihue costs with the Hawaii state average and other cities.

Project Cost Comparison: Lihue vs National Average

Project TypeLihue AverageNational AverageDifference
Kitchen Remodel$72,486$35,000+107%
Bathroom Remodel$25,426$18,000+41%
Roof Replacement$20,880$15,000+39%
Whole House Paint$5,970$3,800+57%
Flooring Install$8,205$7,000+17%
Deck Build$13,675$12,000+14%

Material Prices in Lihue

Concrete

$187 /cubic yard

$57 below the estimated Hawaii average of $244/yd³

Lumber

$6.47 /board foot

$3.10 below the estimated Hawaii average of $9.57/BF

Popular Projects in Lihue

🏠

#1 Roof Replacement

Among the most requested projects by Lihue homeowners

🔨

#2 Hurricane Shutters

Among the most requested projects by Lihue homeowners

🌳

#3 Landscaping

Among the most requested projects by Lihue homeowners

Construction Cost Overview for Lihue, HI

Construction and renovation costs in Lihue, HI reflect the city's cost of living index of 173.5 and a material cost index of 174 (where 100 represents the national baseline). With an average construction labor rate of $51.14 per hour and a median home price of $666,000, homeowners in Lihue should plan their renovation budgets carefully using local pricing data.

Lihue sits in IECC Climate Zone 1 (Very Hot-Humid), which influences insulation requirements, HVAC sizing, and overall material choices for both new construction and remodeling projects. Moderate seismic risk — some reinforcement required. The median household income of $71,300 in Lihue means that a mid-range kitchen remodel at $72,486 represents approximately 102% of annual household income.

Building permits in Lihue average $1,405, varying by project scope and local building department requirements. Major renovations involving structural, electrical, or plumbing work require permits in virtually all Hawaii jurisdictions. Scheduling projects during off-peak seasons can save 5-15% on labor costs as contractors have greater availability.

Other Cities in Hawaii

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a kitchen remodel cost in Lihue, HI?
A mid-range kitchen remodel in Lihue, HI costs approximately $72,486 on average. Budget renovations start around $50,740, while premium remodels with custom cabinetry and high-end appliances can reach $108,729 or more. Labor rates in Lihue average $51.14/hour for general construction work.
What is the average construction labor rate in Lihue?
Construction labor in Lihue, HI averages $51.14 per hour. This is 74% above the national average. Specialized trades like licensed electricians and master plumbers typically charge 25-45% more than general construction labor rates.
Do I need a building permit for home renovations in Lihue?
Most significant renovations in Lihue, HI require building permits. Permit costs average around $1,405 depending on project scope. Projects involving structural changes, electrical rewiring, plumbing modifications, or additions almost always require permits. Cosmetic updates like interior painting, replacing fixtures, or installing new flooring typically do not.
How does Lihue's cost of living affect construction costs?
Lihue has a cost of living index of 173.5 (national average = 100), which directly impacts construction costs. Higher cost of living means higher labor rates, material delivery costs, and permit fees. The material cost index in Lihue is 174, reflecting local supply chain dynamics and demand levels.
What are the most popular home improvement projects in Lihue?
The most popular construction and renovation projects in Lihue, HI include Roof Replacement, Hurricane Shutters, Landscaping. Kitchen remodels offer the highest ROI in Lihue at approximately 60-75% of cost recovery upon resale. Bathroom renovations and roof replacements are also top priorities for Lihue homeowners looking to increase property value.

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