Noise Ordinances in Urban Honolulu, HI (2026)
9 verified noise ordinances for Urban Honolulu, Hawaii, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Quiet Hours
Urban Honolulu applies the 30-foot audibility standard aggressively in Waikiki, Ala Moana, and downtown where dense housing sits beside nightlife.
ROH Chapter 41 Prohibited Noise
Heavy RestrictionsConstruction Hours
Urban Honolulu construction, especially in dense Kakaako and Ala Moana high-rise corridors, is controlled by state rule HAR 11-46 rather than a city ordinance.
HAR 11-46 Community Noise Control
Heavy RestrictionsHawaii Administrative Rules, Title 11, Chapter 46 (Community Noise Control), §11-46-4 Maximum permissible sound levels in dBA; §11-46-2 Definitions (Off-hour roadwork)
Table 1. Maximum permissible sounds levels in dBA. Zoning Districts Daytime Nighttime — 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. / 10 p.m. to 7 a.m. — Class A 55 / 45; Class B 60 / 50; Class C 70 / 70... The maximum permissible sound levels in Table 1, as provided in subsection (a), shall apply to any excessive noise source emanating within the specified zoning district, and at any point at or beyond (past) the prope...
Barking Dogs
Urban Honolulu enforces the animal nuisance ordinance in high-rise condos and townhomes where barking carries through lanais and stairwells.
ROH Chapter 7 Animal Nuisance
Some RestrictionsLeaf Blower Rules
Leaf blower use near Urban Honolulu condos and residential streets is limited by state rule HAR 11-46 with fixed daytime windows.
HAR 11-46 Leaf Blower Limits
Some RestrictionsAmplified Music & Events
Urban Honolulu tightly limits outdoor PA and amplified music where Waikiki resort zoning, Kakaako mixed-use, and Ala Moana commercial districts meet housing.
ROH 21-4.80 Outdoor Amplified Sound
Heavy RestrictionsAircraft Noise
Urban Honolulu sits under Daniel K. Inouye and tour-helicopter routes, but aircraft noise is governed by federal preemption and HRS 261-12, not by city ordinance.
HRS 261-12 Aircraft Noise Abatement
Some RestrictionsIndustrial Noise
Urban Honolulu industrial noise in Mapunapuna, Sand Island, and Iwilei is capped by HAR 11-46 dBA limits with local backup from ROH Chapter 41 Article 6.
ROH Chapter 41 Article 6 Noise Control
Some RestrictionsDecibel Limits
Honolulu follows statewide DOH decibel limits: 55/45 dBA (day/night) in residential, 60/50 dBA in commercial, and 70/70 dBA in industrial zones, measured at the property line.
Honolulu Decibel Limits by Zoning Class
Some RestrictionsOutdoor Music
Outdoor amplified music in Honolulu must meet zoning decibel limits and generally stops by 10 p.m. Special events and Waikiki venues need DOH noise permits.
Honolulu Outdoor Music and Amplified Sound Rules
Some RestrictionsLooking for Honolulu County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Urban Honolulu city rules.
Noise Ordinances in Honolulu County →