Key Facts Full Breakdown Violations FAQ Sources

Honolulu County, HI Landscaping Rules: Native Plants (2026)

Few Restrictions

Verified 3 weeks ago|Source: Honolulu Land Use Ordinance - Landscaping and Screening →

Recently verified

Key Facts

Code section: LUO Sec. 21-4.70
Native mandate: None
Substitution allowed: Yes for street trees
Voluntary program: BWS Xeriscape
Applies to

City-specific rules exist: East Honolulu, Waipahu, Kailua, Kaneohe, Ewa Gentry, Kapolei, Mililani Mauka, Pearl City, Mililani Town, and Urban Honolulu have their own native plants rules that differ from Honolulu County's county-level regulations. If you live in one of those cities, check the city-specific page instead.

Summary

Honolulu County permits native Hawaiian species as landscape substitutions under LUO Sec. 21-4.70 but does not mandate native-only planting; voluntary guidance comes from the Board of Water Supply Xeriscape Program.

Full Breakdown

LUO Sec. 21-4.70 governs landscaping and screening requirements across zoning districts on Oahu. Native Hawaiian species may be substituted for standard street-tree species when landscape plans are submitted to the Department of Planning and Permitting. No ordinance requires exclusively native plantings in residential or commercial projects countywide. The Honolulu Board of Water Supply Xeriscape Program and the Oahu Planting Guide recommend native and drought-tolerant species for water conservation, particularly in leeward and windward rural areas where rainfall varies widely.

Violations & Fines

Landscape plan non-compliance under LUO Sec. 21-4.70 can delay certificates of occupancy and trigger Planning and Permitting corrections before final inspection.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Honolulu require native plants in new landscaping?

No. LUO Sec. 21-4.70 allows native species as substitutions but does not require them. Voluntary guidance from BWS and UH CTAHR supports native plant selection.

Can I replace a required street tree with a native species?

Yes. The Land Use Ordinance permits approved native Hawaiian species as landscape substitutions with acceptance from the Department of Planning and Permitting.

How does Honolulu County compare?

See how Honolulu County's native plants rules stack up against other locations.

Compare to Another Location View Hawaii Overview

See something wrong?

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 If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.

Honolulu County, HI Landscaping Rules: Native Plants (2026)

Key Facts

Summary

Full Breakdown

Violations & Fines

Frequently Asked Questions

Sources & Official References

Related Honolulu County Ordinances

Fence Regulations: Pool Barriers

Fence Regulations: Retaining Walls

Fence Regulations: Material Restrictions

Fence Regulations: Neighbor Fence Rules

Fence Regulations: Permit Requirements

Fence Regulations: Height Limits

More Landscaping Rules in Honolulu County

Native Plants in Other Cities

How does Honolulu County compare?

See something wrong?