ADU Rules: Kailua vs Urban Honolulu
How do adu rules rules compare between Kailua, HI and Urban Honolulu, HI?
Kailua and Urban Honolulu have similar restriction levels.
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 →Urban Honolulu, HI
Honolulu County
Most Urban Honolulu lots sit in apartment or mixed-use zones where ADUs under ROH Sec. 21-5.720 are not permitted; ADUs are generally limited to R-5 through R-20 single-family neighborhoods like Manoa, Kaimuki, and Nuuanu.
View full Urban Honolulu rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Kailua | Urban Honolulu |
|---|---|---|
| - | - | |
| Code Section | - | ROH Sec. 21-5.720 |
| Urban Eligible Zones | - | R-5, R-7.5, R-10, R-20 |
| Not Eligible | - | A-1, A-2, BMX, B |
| Minimum Rental Term | - | 30 days |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
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.
Urban Honolulu FAQ
Can I build an ADU on my Kakaako or Ala Moana condo lot?
No. ADUs are not allowed in A-1, A-2, or BMX mixed-use zones common in Kakaako and Ala Moana. ADUs are limited to residential R-5 through R-20 districts.
Can I build an ADU on my Manoa single-family lot?
Yes, if the lot meets R-5 or R-7.5 minimum size, parking, and setback rules under ROH Sec. 21-5.720 and you obtain a building permit.
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