Skip to main content
CityRuleLookup
Key FactsOrdinance TextFull BreakdownViolationsFAQSourcesMore in Hawaii County

Hawaii County, HI Home Business: Home Daycare (2026)

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

Key Facts

Zoning basis
HCC 25-4-13 home occupation
State license
DHS family child care home
Group instruction
Declaration filing required
Signs
None permitted
Fine
Up to $500 per day

Summary

A family child care home operates under the County's home occupation standards (HCC 25-4-13) plus State licensing. The State Department of Human Services licenses/registers family child care homes; the county home-occupation rules govern the residential zoning side.

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.

A home occupation shall be permitted as incidental and subordinate to the use of a dwelling ... provided that the home occupation does not change the character and external appearance of the dwelling. ... Only one employee shall be permitted in addition to household members under the home occupation.

View official code

Full Breakdown

On the Big Island, running a daycare from home is treated as a home occupation under HCC 25-4-13 - it must be incidental and subordinate, stay within the dwelling or be screened, and follow the one-employee, no-sign, and parking standards. Group instruction triggers the Home Occupation Declaration filing under 25-4-13(c). Note the code prohibits 'care, treatment or boarding of animals' for compensation as a home occupation, but child care is not among the prohibited uses. Separately, State law requires a Department of Human Services license or registration to operate a family child care home caring for unrelated children.

Violations & Fines

Operating outside the home-occupation standards is a Zoning Code violation with a civil fine up to $500 per day (HCC 25-2-35). Unlicensed child care also violates State DHS licensing law.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I run a daycare from my home on the Big Island?
Yes, as a home occupation under HCC 25-4-13, and you also need a State DHS license or registration to operate a family child care home for unrelated children.
Do I need to notify the county Planning Department?
If the daycare involves group instruction, frequent visits, or drop-offs, HCC 25-4-13(c) requires filing a Home Occupation Declaration with the Planning director.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Hawaii County

Parking Rules: Street Parking LimitsSome RestrictionsParking Rules: RV & Boat ParkingSome RestrictionsZoning & Home Occupation PermitsSome RestrictionsSignage RulesSignificant RestrictionsCustomer Traffic RestrictionsSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Amplified Music & Outdoor SoundSome RestrictionsParking Rules: EV ChargingSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Material RestrictionsSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Fence Permit RequirementsSome Restrictions

All Hawaii County rules

Compare Hawaii County to another location·View the Hawaii home business overview

Get notified when Home Daycare in Hawaii County, HI changes

We'll email you the moment we detect a change in the code. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.

We'll never sell or share your email. One-click unsubscribe in every email.

See something wrong?

Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.