Kauai County, HI Vehicle Registration Cost (2026)
In Kauai County (Lihue), annual registration on a typical 4,000-lb car runs about $224. That's the county weight tax of 2¢ per pound (~$80) plus Hawaii's state weight tax ($70) and about $73.50 in flat fees. The county weight-tax rate is what makes Kauai differ from the other islands.
Verified July 2026 from official sources. How we verify fees.
What you'll pay in Kauai County
- County weight tax: 2¢/lb (~$80 on a 4,000-lb car)
- State weight tax: $70 (1.75¢/lb up to 4,000 lbs)
- Flat fees: $73.50 ($46 state reg + $7 beautification + $20 county + $0.50 emblem)
- Approx. annual total (4,000-lb car): $224
How the cost works
Hawaii bills registration annually, and the big variable is the county weight tax — Kauai County charges 2¢ per pound. Multiply that by your car's weight, add the state weight tax (1.75¢/lb up to 4,000 lbs, stepping up above that) and the ~$73.50 in flat fees, and you have the total. A heavier car costs proportionally more. For your exact figure, check the Kauai County motor-vehicle registration office. Estimate title costs on our Hawaii title page.
Frequently asked questions
How much is vehicle registration in Kauai County, HI?
About $224 a year for a 4,000-lb car — the 2¢/lb county weight tax (~$80) plus the $70 state weight tax and ~$73.50 in flat fees. Heavier cars pay more.
What is the county weight tax in Kauai County?
2¢ per pound of vehicle weight, set by the county. It's the main reason registration costs differ between Hawaii's islands.
Does Kauai County charge a car sales tax?
Hawaii applies its general excise tax to vehicle purchases, but the recurring registration cost is the weight-tax-based figure above — that's what varies by county.