Fire Regulations in Hawaii County, HI (2026)
4 rules for unincorporated Hawaii County, Hawaii.
Verified from official government sources
Fire Pits & Backyard Fires
Small recreational cooking or warming fires are generally allowed, but the Hawai'i State Fire Code (NFPA 1, adopted island-wide) lets the fire department prohibit open flames when conditions are hazardous, and open-flame gas devices like tiki torches must clear combustibles.
Backyard Fire Pit Rules on the Big Island
Some RestrictionsHawai'i State Fire Code (NFPA 1, HI amendments)
Open flame devices utilizing gas or liquid fuel, such as but not limited to tiki torches, shall keep a minimum of three feet clearance from the flame to combustibles, and shall maintain a vertical height of seven feet from grade to flame.
Fireworks
Hawai'i is restrictive: consumer fireworks (firecrackers) are legal only with a $25 County Fire Department permit and only during narrow New Year's, Chinese New Year, and July 4 windows. Aerial fireworks and sky lanterns are banned for the public.
Fireworks Rules in Hawai'i County (Big Island)
Some RestrictionsHRS 132D-4
Consumer fireworks may be set off... within the State only: (1) From 9:00 p.m. on New Year's Eve to 1:00 a.m. on New Year's Day; from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Chinese New Year's Day; and from 1:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. on the Fourth of July.
Outdoor Burning
Open burning is generally prohibited statewide under Hawai'i Department of Health air rules (HAR 11-60.1). Narrow exceptions cover cooking, fire training, and legitimate agricultural burning with a state permit. Backyard trash and green-waste burning is not allowed.
Open Burning Rules on Hawai'i Island
Some RestrictionsHAR 11-60.1-55(a)
no person, with or without an agricultural burning permit, shall cause or allow agricultural burning or conditionally allowed open burning from subsection 11-60.1-52(e) when a 'no-burn' period has been declared by the director.
Smoke Detectors
Every dwelling unit, congregate residence, and hotel or lodging-house sleeping room in Hawaii County must have smoke detectors installed to the manufacturer's instructions. New construction needs hardwired detectors with battery backup, one in each sleeping room and one centrally located per floor.
Smoke Detector Requirements, Hawaii County
Some RestrictionsHawai'i County Code § 5A-2-1 (IBC § 310.3.10)
310.3.10 Smoke detectors. (a) General. Dwelling units, congregate residences and hotel or lodging house guest rooms that are used for sleeping purposes shall be provided with smoke detectors. Detectors shall be installed in accordance with the approved manufacturer's instructions. (b) Additions, alterations or repairs to Group R Occupancies. When the valuation of an addition, alteration or repa...
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