Animal Ordinances in Honolulu, HI (2026)
9 verified animal ordinances for Honolulu, Hawaii, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Chickens & Livestock
Honolulu caps chickens and peafowl at two per household and prohibits farm animal enclosures within 300 feet of a property line, effectively barring most livestock in dense residential areas.
Chickens and Livestock Strictly Limited in Residential Zones
Heavy RestrictionsDog Leash Laws
Honolulu requires dogs to be on a leash no longer than 6 feet whenever off the owner's premises, under ROH Chapter 12, Article 4. Designated off-leash parks are permitted by the Department of Parks and Recreation.
Honolulu Dog Leash Law — 6-Foot Leash Required Off Premises
Some RestrictionsBreed Restrictions
Honolulu has no breed-specific legislation. Dangerous-dog rules under ROH Chapter 12, Article 7 are based solely on individual dog behavior, not breed. Any dog that attacks without provocation may be declared dangerous.
Honolulu Has No Breed-Specific Dog Restrictions
Few RestrictionsBeekeeping
Honolulu allows noncommercial beekeeping on any zoning lot of at least 5,000 sq ft. Hive numbers are capped by lot size, all colonies must be in movable-frame hives, and a 25-foot setback from property lines is required unless a flyway barrier is used.
Noncommercial Beekeeping Allowed With Setback and Hive Limits
Some RestrictionsExotic Pets
Hawaii bans most exotic pets statewide to protect fragile island ecosystems. Honolulu residents cannot keep snakes, ferrets, hamsters, gerbils, or most reptiles. State quarantine and import permits are required for legal pets entering the islands.
Exotic Pet Restrictions Under Hawaii Law
Heavy RestrictionsWildlife Feeding
Honolulu and Hawaii law restrict feeding feral cats, chickens, monk seals, sea turtles, and nene geese. Intentional feeding that harms protected species or creates nuisances on public property can trigger civil and criminal penalties.
Feeding Wildlife and Feral Animals on Oahu
Some RestrictionsPet Limits
Honolulu does not impose a strict numeric pet limit but uses nuisance and zoning ordinances to address situations where multiple animals create complaints. Kennel-level operations require permits under ROH Chapter 21 zoning rules.
Household Pet Limits in Honolulu
Few RestrictionsCat Rules
Honolulu does not require cat licensing but enforces leash-or-confinement expectations through nuisance provisions. Cats damaging neighbor property or harming protected wildlife can trigger citations, and the Hawaiian Humane Society manages island-wide TNRM colony registration.
Cat Ownership and Outdoor Cat Rules
Some RestrictionsMicrochipping
Honolulu does not legally mandate microchipping for owned pets, but the Hawaiian Humane Society chips every adopted animal and the state's quarantine program treats microchips as essential proof of identity for direct-airport-release dogs and cats.
Pet Microchipping Practices on Oahu
Few RestrictionsLooking for Honolulu County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Honolulu city rules.
Animal Ordinances in Honolulu County →