Noise Ordinances in Hawaii (2026)
20 rules on the books across Hawaii, 4 cities and counties. Select a rule to read the full details.
Severity: Few Restrictions · Light Restrictions · Some Restrictions · Significant Restrictions · Heavy Restrictions
Quiet Hours
Nighttime and early morning noise restrictions. Most cities set specific hours when loud activities like lawn mowing, parties, and power tools are not allowed.
East Honolulu
Some RestrictionsEast Honolulu is part of the City and County of Honolulu, where community noise is governed by the State of Hawaii…
Read full rule →Hawaii County
Some RestrictionsHawaii County has no separate city curfew because the county is the only local government. Statewide DOH rules (HAR…
Read full rule →Construction Hours
When construction, demolition, and heavy equipment may run in residential areas. Most cities regulate this by hours and days rather than volume; violations can bring stop-work orders and fines.
East Honolulu
Heavy RestrictionsUnder HAR 11-46-7(j), a community noise permit may not authorize construction noise exceeding the limits before 7:00…
Read full rule →Honolulu County
Heavy RestrictionsConstruction noise on Oahu is governed by state rule HAR 11-46, not a standalone Honolulu ordinance. Even a community…
Read full rule →Barking Dogs
Rules about excessive or continuous dog barking, including how complaints are filed, time-of-day limits, and penalties for owners.
East Honolulu
Some RestrictionsUnder the Revised Ordinances of Honolulu Chapter 12, an animal that makes noise continuously for ten minutes, or…
Read full rule →Hawaii County
Some RestrictionsA dog that barks continuously for 10 minutes, or intermittently for 20 minutes within any 30-minute span, is a 'noisy…
Read full rule →Honolulu County
Some RestrictionsHonolulu owners can be cited when an animal makes noise continuously for 10 minutes, or intermittently for one-half…
Read full rule →Maui County
Some RestrictionsMaui County treats a dog that barks excessively as a nuisance under its animal control ordinance. Barking counts as…
Read full rule →Leaf Blower Rules
Restrictions on leaf blowers, including permitted hours, decibel caps, and the growing set of cities phasing out or banning gas-powered blowers outright.
Amplified Music & Outdoor Sound
Rules for loudspeakers, live bands, DJ equipment, and outdoor music at homes, venues, and events, decibel limits, permitted hours, and when an amplified-sound permit is required.
Maui County
Significant RestrictionsMaui County requires every licensed short-term rental home and bed-and-breakfast to post house policies banning…
Read full rule →East Honolulu
Some RestrictionsHawaii's state bass-noise statute (HRS 342F-31.5) deems nighttime bass sound over 60 dBC (50 dBC near residential or…
Read full rule →Hawaii County
Some RestrictionsHawai'i County bans playing a radio, speaker, or other sound-reproducing device on public property, or in a vehicle on…
Read full rule →Honolulu County
Some RestrictionsA hair salon, dance studio or music school in one of Honolulu's apartment mixed-use zoning districts cannot pipe…
Read full rule →Aircraft Noise
Local regulations related to noise from airports, flight paths, and helicopter operations near residential areas.
Decibel Limits
The decibel thresholds cities enforce, usually as a table by zone and time of day, residential, commercial, and industrial limits, how noise is measured, and what happens at the property line.
Hawaii County
Some RestrictionsIndustrial and agricultural equipment, generators, compressors, and AC units are stationary noise sources under HAR…
Read full rule →Honolulu County
Some RestrictionsAny activity in an Oahu public park that produces sound above 80 dBA measured 10 feet from the source for five straight…
Read full rule →Vehicle Noise
Rules about loud vehicle exhaust, modified mufflers, racing engines, and stereos audible at distance. Covers what officers measure and typical fines.
East Honolulu
Some RestrictionsHAR 11-46-6(b) requires on-site vehicles and construction equipment to operate with a functioning, unmodified muffler…
Read full rule →Hawaii County
Some RestrictionsHawaii County law requires every motor vehicle on a public highway or street to run a muffler in constant operation…
Read full rule →Honolulu County
Some RestrictionsHonolulu requires every motor vehicle and moped on public streets to run a working muffler that prevents excessive…
Read full rule →Maui County
Some RestrictionsMaui County bans car stereos loud enough to be heard fifty feet outside the vehicle in any public area, and requires…
Read full rule →