Sign Regulations in Hawaii County, HI (2026)
4 rules for unincorporated Hawaii County, Hawaii.
Verified from official government sources
Political Signs
Hawai'i County Sign Code (HCC Chapter 3) allows temporary, unlighted signs relating to a meeting, special event or condition of the property in every district without a permit. In residential, open and agricultural districts a temporary sign may not exceed eight square feet.
Political and Campaign Signs
Some RestrictionsHCC Chapter 3 (Signs) — temporary signs
Temporary signs in Residential, Open, or Agricultural districts cannot exceed eight square feet of an area. In Commercial areas, it cannot exceed thirty-two square feet of the area. Small-unlighted sign may not exceed two square feet.
Garage Sale Signs
Garage-sale signs qualify as temporary signs under Hawai'i County's Sign Code (HCC Ch. 3). They are allowed in all districts without a permit but must relate to a special event or condition of the property and, in residential/agricultural areas, may not exceed eight square feet.
Garage Sale and Temporary Event Signs
Some RestrictionsHCC Chapter 3 (Signs) — temporary signs
This includes a temporary unlighted sign or banner. A temporary sign must relate to a meeting, special event, or condition of the property. Temporary signs in Residential, Open, or Agricultural districts cannot exceed eight square feet of an area.
Digital Billboards
Hawaii County Code Section 3-7 bans billboards, automated signs with changeable commercial messages, and flashing signs everywhere on the Big Island. There is no permit path: digital billboards and LED message boards are flatly prohibited in every zoning district, from Hilo to Kona.
Digital and Billboard Signs Banned, Big Island
Heavy RestrictionsHawai'i County Code § 3-7(a)(6), (10), (13)
No person shall erect or maintain: ... (6) Any automated sign including signs with repeated or changeable commercial advertising; ... (10) Flashing signs; ... (13) Any sign that is a billboard or outdoor advertising device prohibited by chapter 445, Hawai`i Revised Statutes.
Window Signs
In commercial and industrial districts, Hawaii County Code Section 3-11(7) caps window signs at 25 percent of a business's total window area facing the street, or 150 square feet, whichever is less. Temporary painted window signs get a separate 30-day limit under Section 3-8.
Window Sign Coverage Limits, Hawaii Island
Some RestrictionsHawai'i County Code § 3-11(7)
Window signs and painted window signs. For any business, the total area allowed to be covered by one or more window signs facing any street shall be no more than twenty-five percent of the total combined area of the windows or one hundred fifty square feet, whichever is less.
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