ADU Rules: East Honolulu vs Honolulu
How do adu rules rules compare between East Honolulu, HI and Honolulu, HI?
East Honolulu and Honolulu have similar restriction levels.
East Honolulu, HI
Honolulu County
East Honolulu homeowners in Hawaii Kai and Aina Haina may build one accessory dwelling unit per zoning lot in eligible residential districts, subject to parking, occupancy, and rental-duration limits under the Honolulu Land Use Ordinance.
View full East Honolulu rules →Honolulu, HI
Honolulu County
Honolulu allows one accessory dwelling unit on residential lots of 3,500 sq ft or more. Size is capped at 400–800 sq ft depending on lot size. Owner must live on the property and ADUs may only be rented long-term (six-month minimum).
View full Honolulu rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | East Honolulu | Honolulu |
|---|---|---|
| - | - | |
| Minimum lot size | - | 3,500 sq ft |
| Max ADU size (small lot) | - | 400 sq ft (3,500–4,999 sq ft lot) |
| Max ADU size (large lot) | - | 800 sq ft (5,000+ sq ft lot) |
| Minimum rental term | - | 6 months (180 days) |
| Owner occupancy required | - | Yes — main house or ADU |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
East Honolulu FAQ
Can I build an ADU on my Hawaii Kai lot?
Likely yes if your lot is in R-5, R-7.5, or R-10 zoning and meets minimum size requirements. Check with DPP before applying for your permit.
Can I rent my ADU on Airbnb?
No. ADUs in Honolulu may only be rented for periods of 30 days or longer under current ordinance rules.
Honolulu FAQ
Can I rent my ADU on Airbnb or use it as a vacation rental?
No. ADUs are expressly prohibited from being used as bed and breakfast homes or transient vacation units. All rentals must be for a minimum of six months under a written lease.
Do I need a permit to build an ADU or convert an existing structure?
Yes. A building permit is required. Structures built without a permit before September 14, 2015 may obtain an after-the-fact permit to be converted to an ADU.
What happens if I no longer live on the property?
The ordinance allows limited hardship exceptions (e.g., military deployment or serious illness). All other absences require the director's confirmation; failing to maintain owner-occupancy is a code violation.
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