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Hawaii County, HI Fire Regulations: Fire Pits & Backyard Fires (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Fire pit rules in Hawaii County, HI, also called outdoor burning, recreational fire, or open flame ordinances, cover fuel types, clearances, and when burning is allowed.

Key Facts

Governing code
Hawai'i State Fire Code (NFPA 1)
Tiki-torch clearance
3 ft to combustibles
Vertical clearance
7 ft grade to flame
Fire-dept authority
May ban fires when hazardous
Local ordinance
None; county code island-wide

Summary

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.

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of Hawaii County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

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.

View official code

Full Breakdown

Hawai'i County enforces the Hawai'i State Fire Code (based on NFPA 1) through the Fire Department. Recreational and cooking fires are permitted, but the authority having jurisdiction (AHJ) may ban open, recreational, and cooking fires when weather or fuel conditions make them hazardous, which is common in dry leeward and Kona areas. Open-flame gas or liquid-fuel devices such as tiki torches must keep at least three feet clearance from the flame to combustibles and maintain seven feet of vertical clearance from grade to flame. Because Hawai'i lacks municipal governments, there is no separate city fire-pit ordinance, county fire-code rules apply everywhere on the island.

Violations & Fines

Maintaining a hazardous or attended fire during a fire department restriction can be ordered extinguished and cited under the State Fire Code. Escaped fires may bring liability for suppression costs and damage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I have a backyard fire pit on the Big Island?
Yes, small recreational and cooking fires are generally allowed, but the fire department can prohibit open flames during dry or windy conditions, especially in leeward and Kona wildfire-prone areas.
Are there rules for tiki torches?
Yes. Under the State Fire Code, gas or liquid-fuel open-flame devices must keep three feet from combustibles and seven feet of vertical clearance from the ground to the flame.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Hawaii County

Parking Rules: Street Parking LimitsSome RestrictionsParking Rules: RV & Boat ParkingSome RestrictionsFireworksSome RestrictionsOutdoor BurningSome RestrictionsSmoke DetectorsSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Amplified Music & Outdoor SoundSome RestrictionsParking Rules: EV ChargingSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Material RestrictionsSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Fence Permit RequirementsSome Restrictions

All Hawaii County rules

How Hawaii County compares: Cities with the Strictest Fire Pit Rules·Compare Hawaii County to another location·View the Hawaii fire regulations overview

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