ADU Rules: East Honolulu vs Kailua
How do adu rules rules compare between East Honolulu, HI and Kailua, HI?
East Honolulu and Kailua 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 →Kailua, HI
Honolulu County
Kailua homeowners may add one ADU per zoning lot in eligible residential districts, subject to city-wide density, parking, occupancy, and rental-duration restrictions set by the Honolulu Land Use Ordinance.
View full Kailua rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | East Honolulu | Kailua |
|---|---|---|
| - | - |
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.
Kailua FAQ
Can I rent my Kailua ADU on Airbnb?
No. ADUs require a minimum 30-day rental term and cannot operate as short-term vacation rentals, which are separately regulated and heavily restricted on the windward side.
How many ADUs can I build on my Kailua lot?
Only one ADU is allowed per zoning lot, regardless of lot size, under ROH Sec. 21-5.720.
Do I need a permit for an ADU in Kailua?
Yes, a building permit and compliance with ADU zoning standards are required. Unpermitted ADUs built before September 14, 2015 may qualify for after-the-fact permitting.
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