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

Hawaii County, HI Noise Ordinances: Quiet Hours (2026)

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

Quiet hours in Hawaii County, HI, also called the noise ordinance, nighttime noise rules, or residential quiet time, define the hours during which excessive noise is prohibited.

Key Facts

Governing rule
State HAR 11-46 (HRS 342F)
Night residential limit
45 dBA (Class A)
Night hours
10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m.
Enforcer
Hawaii DOH + police
City curfew
None; county is sole local govt

Summary

Hawaii County has no separate city curfew because the county is the only local government. Statewide DOH rules (HAR 11-46) drop the nighttime noise limit to 45 dBA in residential (Class A) areas from 10 p.m. to 7 a.m.

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.

Class A: 55 dBA daytime (7 a.m.-10 p.m.), 45 dBA nighttime (10 p.m.-7 a.m.). Noise levels shall not exceed the maximum permissible sound levels for more than ten per cent of the time within any twenty minute period.

View official code

Full Breakdown

Noise is regulated island-wide under the State Department of Health's Community Noise Control rules (HAR Chapter 11-46), enforced under HRS Chapter 342F, rather than by any city ordinance. The rules set a lower nighttime sound ceiling: in Class A zones (residential, conservation, open space) sound may not exceed 45 dBA from 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m., versus 55 dBA in the daytime. Class B (apartment, business, hotel, resort) drops to 50 dBA at night; Class C (agriculture, industrial) stays 70 dBA. Exceeding the limit for more than 10% of any 20-minute period is a violation unless you hold a DOH permit or variance.

Violations & Fines

DOH enforces; HAR 11-46 provides fines up to $10,000 per offense, with each day a separate offense. Call the DOH complaint line or police for after-hours disturbances.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Hilo or Kona have its own quiet-hours law?
No. Hawaii has no municipal governments; the entire island is the County of Hawaii, and noise is set by statewide DOH rules HAR 11-46 plus county nuisance/vehicle rules.
What is the nighttime residential noise limit?
45 dBA in Class A residential zones between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m., measured at your property line, per HAR 11-46-4 Table 1.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Hawaii County

Parking Rules: Street Parking LimitsSome RestrictionsParking Rules: RV & Boat ParkingSome RestrictionsDecibel LimitsSome RestrictionsVehicle NoiseSome RestrictionsLeaf Blower RulesSome RestrictionsBarking DogsSome RestrictionsAmplified Music & Outdoor SoundSome RestrictionsParking Rules: EV ChargingSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Material RestrictionsSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Fence Permit RequirementsSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Retaining WallsSome Restrictions

All Hawaii County rules

How Hawaii County compares: Cities with the Strictest Noise Ordinances·Compare Hawaii County to another location·View the Hawaii noise ordinances overview

Get notified when Quiet Hours 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.