Landscaping Rules in Honolulu, HI (2026)
5 verified landscaping rules for Honolulu, Hawaii, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Grass Height Limits
Honolulu requires property owners to keep their land free of excessive weeds, overgrown grass, and waste. Uncultivated flammable weeds exceeding 18 inches within 30 feet of a building in residential or apartment zones are defined as a public nuisance.
Honolulu Requires Property Owners to Clear Overgrown Weeds and Grass
Some RestrictionsTree Trimming
Honolulu requires permits for trimming, pruning, or removing street trees in the public right-of-way (ROH § 10-1.4) and for any work on city-designated exceptional trees under ROH Ch. 40, Art. 8. Fines up to $1,000 apply for violations.
Street Trees and Exceptional Trees Require Permits
Some RestrictionsTree Removal & Heritage Trees
Honolulu protects designated 'exceptional trees' under Revised Ordinances of Honolulu (ROH) Chapter 40, Article 8. Removing or destroying any exceptional tree without City Council approval is unlawful (ROH § 40-8.8). Any pruning of branches or alteration of an exceptional tree's characteristic shape requires a permit from the Department of Parks and Recreation (Division of Urban Forestry). Street trees in the public right-of-way are City property and always require a permit.
Honolulu Tree Removal & Exceptional Tree Rules
Heavy RestrictionsWeed Ordinances
Honolulu's ROH Chapter 41, Article 10 requires property owners to cut and remove weeds and waste that constitute a public nuisance. Owners have 30 days to comply before the city abates at owner's expense.
Honolulu Weed and Nuisance Vegetation Abatement Rules
Some RestrictionsWater Restrictions
Honolulu's Board of Water Supply (BWS) may declare mandatory water-conservation stages restricting outdoor irrigation timing and volume. The Land Use Ordinance also requires permanent irrigation systems for required landscaping on development sites.
Honolulu Landscape Irrigation Rules and Drought Restrictions
Some RestrictionsLooking for Honolulu County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Honolulu city rules.
Landscaping Rules in Honolulu County →