Lihue, Hawaii

Overview

Situated in Lihue, Hawaii, Costco functions as a key wholesale club serving the broader regional population. The wholesale retail destination plays a meaningful role in the area's commercial and civic landscape, anchoring a network of nearby communities. A closer look at the reachable population within 30 minutes reveals the reach and importance of this destination.

Population catchment

Approximately 55,464 residents live within a 30-minute drive of Costco, spread across 14 distinct incorporated communities. Kapaa, with a population of 11,652, is the dominant community in the catchment area, accounting for 21% of the reachable population. Following Kapaa, Lihue adds 8,004 residents, while Wailua Homesteads contributes 5,863, broadening the demographic base of the area. This concentration highlights the demographic weight of the primary population center relative to smaller surrounding communities.

Regional dependence

Regional dependence is evident in the demographic profile surrounding Costco. With 11 of 14 communities registering populations under 5,000, many residents travel beyond their home communities for services available at or near Kapaa. Costco benefits from this travel pattern, serving as a practical destination for a dispersed population base across Hawaii.

Geographic interpretation

Geographically, the communities within 30 minutes of Costco form a suburban corridor. The region blends suburban and semi-rural characteristics, with 1 communities above 10,000 residents alongside a collection of smaller incorporated places. Kapaa dominates the population landscape, and the surrounding communities create a moderately concentrated distribution. A median population of 2,628 among the catchment communities suggests that substantially smaller communities are the norm, with only a few larger population centers. This settlement pattern influences commuting behavior and access to regional destinations throughout Hawaii.