Bolthole Index

Maui County, Hawaii

Building permits, zoning and land rules in Maui County, Hawaii

56Index Score / 100
#3 of 5 in Hawaii

Unlike most rural counties on Bolthole Index, Maui County, Hawaii requires a building permit for the construction, alteration, moving, demolition, repair or use of any building or structure, issued by Public Works' Development Services Administration1. Zoning is active too: the Planning Department administers county zoning, and land-use approval may be required before a building permit is issued2. Septic is the exception the county doesn't run: individual wastewater systems are permitted by the Hawaii Department of Health's Wastewater Branch, not the county3. You can act as your own general contractor on a home for your own use under Hawaii's owner-builder rule4.

At a glance

Building permit
Required for construction, alteration, demolition, repair or use of a building1
County zoning
Yes; administered by the Planning Department, with island-specific zoning maps2
Septic (IWS) authority
Hawaii Department of Health, Wastewater Branch, not the county3
Owner-builder
Allowed for your own home, via the county's Contractor/Owner-Builder form4
Accessory dwellings
Up to 2 ADUs allowed on qualifying residential lots countywide as of July 20265
Tiny homes
Treated like any other dwelling; must follow the rules for the applicable zoning district6
Agricultural lot size
2-acre county minimum in the agriculture district, subject to applicable exceptions7
Floodplain development
Flood development permit required in special flood hazard areas8

Who to call

Building permits

County of Maui Building Permit Section (Public Works, Development Services Administration)

Building permit applications, inspections and certificates of occupancy for Maui County; most applications and inspection requests are filed online through MAPPS Customer Self-Service

200 S. High St., Kalana O Maui Bldg, Wailuku, HI 96793

Online permits →

Planning & zoning

Maui County Planning and Permitting Section

Zoning administration, land-use permitting, community plan questions, subdivision and Short-Term Rental Home applications for Maui County

808-270-8230

2145 Kaohu Street, Suite 102, Wailuku, HI 96793

Septic permits

Hawaii Department of Health, Wastewater Branch – Maui Office

Individual wastewater system (septic, aerobic treatment, composting/incinerator toilet) permits for Maui County; the state, not the county, is the septic permitting authority

(808) 984-8232

54 High Street, Room 300, Wailuku, Hawaii 96793

Online permits →

Contact details are copied from each office’s official page and were checked against it on September 29, 2026.

Do you need a building permit in Maui County, Hawaii?

Yes. A building permit is required for the construction, alteration, moving, demolition, repair, and use of any building or structure in Maui County, and it's issued by Public Works' Development Services Administration1. Applications submitted on or after October 28, 2023 must meet the 2018 International Building Code and International Residential Code with county amendments, along with the 2018 International Energy Conservation Code9. Every issued permit expires five years from the date of issuance if the work isn't completed10. Depending on the scope and location of your project, several county and state agencies may need to review the application before final approval, which is why building here takes real lead time compared to most rural counties10.

Who is the Maui County building department, and how do you reach them?

Building permits are handled by Public Works' Development Services Administration, with most applications and inspection requests filed online through MAPPS Customer Self-Service rather than in person11. Zoning, land-use approvals, subdivisions and Short-Term Rental Home applications go through the Planning Department's Planning and Permitting Section12. Building inspections are mandatory on any permitted work: the site must stay accessible and exposed until the building official has approved it13. A certificate of occupancy is required before you use or occupy most new buildings, though one-and two-family dwellings under Group R Division 3 and some Group U structures are exempt14.

Does Maui County have zoning, and what does that mean for ADUs and tiny homes?

Yes. The Planning Department administers county zoning across Maui, Molokaʻi and Lānaʻi, and zoning approval may be required before a building permit is issued2. Zoning maps and permitted uses vary by island and by district, so what's allowed on your parcel depends on its specific zoning designation, not a single countywide rule15. Maui County identifies a 2-acre minimum for agricultural lots in the agriculture district, while the state baseline for low-density residential use in a rural district is one dwelling per one-half acre, subject to statutory and county exceptions716. As of July 8, 2026, up to two accessory dwellings are allowed on qualifying residentially zoned lots countywide, for up to three residential units total on one lot, though accessory dwellings are generally excluded in Agricultural, Commercial and Industrial districts and cannot be used as short-term rentals5. Tiny homes are treated like other dwelling units and must follow the applicable zoning district's rules, while building and residential codes may apply and a trailer-mounted tiny home may need motor-vehicle registration6.

How do septic (individual wastewater) systems work in Maui County?

Septic isn't a county process here: individual wastewater systems, including septic tanks, are permitted statewide by the Hawaii Department of Health's Wastewater Branch, with Maui applications handled by its Maui office in Wailuku317. A licensed civil engineer must submit plans for review and approval, and no one may use the system until the director authorizes it in writing; the application filing fee for a new system is $10018. After construction, the engineer must file a final inspection report with an as-built plan within 30 days19. Approved treatment options include septic tanks, aerobic treatment units, and composting or incinerator toilets, though the latter two only handle toilet waste and still require separate treatment for shower and kitchen wastewater20. Soils are a real constraint on Maui: only about 6.2% of the county's land is free of severe limitations for a conventional drain field, so budget for engineering and site work either way21.

Can you live in an RV or tiny home on your land in Maui County?

Not as a default right. Statewide, human habitation of a parked vehicle, including an RV, is prohibited on any public roadway or street between 6:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m., and habitation on private property requires the property owner's authorization22. No official countywide Maui rule was found that separately addresses long-term RV occupancy on private land, so don't assume it's freely allowed just because a landowner consents. County parks in the Molokaʻi District require a camping or vehicle-camping permit, and countywide, camping in County parks is limited to designated campgrounds such as Papalaua Wayside Park, One Aliʻi Park and Pāpōhaku Park2324. Tiny homes, by contrast, are allowed anywhere their zoning district allows a dwelling, since the county treats them the same as any other home6.

Building a home in Maui County: the steps, in order

  1. Confirm your parcel's zoning district with the Planning and Permitting Section before you design anything, since use and development standards vary by island and district1215.
  2. Plan your wastewater system early and get an engineer's plans approved by the Hawaii DOH Wastewater Branch, Maui office, since Maui's soils are tough on conventional septic1721.
  3. Apply for your building permit through MAPPS Customer Self-Service, expecting review from multiple county and state agencies depending on your project's scope and location1110.
  4. If any part of your parcel is in a special flood hazard area, get a Flood Development Permit from Public Works before you disturb the land8.
  5. If your driveway connects to a County roadway, get a driveway permit before construction, reconstruction or repair25.
  6. If you're acting as your own general contractor, file the county's Contractor/Owner-Builder disclosure form for your own-use home4.
  7. Schedule inspections through MAPPS as work proceeds, and keep the site accessible until each inspection is approved13.

What to check before you buy land in Maui County

Soils and septic: only about 6.2% of Maui County's land is free of severe limitations for a conventional septic drain field, so a parcel without sewer access likely needs an engineered wastewater system21. Wells: constructing a well or installing a pump requires a Well Construction/Pump Installation permit from the state Commission on Water Resource Management, done by a C-57 licensed driller26. Zoning and lot creation: verify the parcel's district and legal-lot status because Maui County regulates subdivisions and consolidations, and zoning ordinances control over a condominium lot27. Flood and access: check whether your parcel is in a special flood hazard area, since a Flood Development Permit expires five years after issuance, and confirm whether your driveway will need a County driveway permit825. Short-term rentals: Short-Term Rental Home permits are limited by Community Plan Region, so ownership alone does not guarantee approval28. Taxes: Maui County's effective property tax rate is around 0.2%, with a median annual bill near $1,4422930.

Watch-outs

  • Zoning maps are described by the county itself as approximate; final confirmation of a parcel's zoning must come from the Planning Department before you rely on it31.
  • No official countywide minimum-dwelling-size rule was confirmed; size limits depend on your specific zoning district, so ask the Planning and Permitting Section for your parcel12.
  • Short-Term Rental Home permits are capped per Community Plan Region and are not guaranteed; don't buy Maui land assuming you'll be able to get one28.

Sources

  1. County of Maui - Building Permit (Public Works DSA) (2026 county census)
  2. County of Maui - Planning and Permitting Section (2026 county census)
  3. Hawaii DOH e-Permitting - Wastewater Branch Applications (2026 county census)
  4. County of Maui DSA - PS-FORM D Contractor/Owner-Builder (2026 county census)
  5. County adopts new accessory dwelling rules to expand housing opportunities, quoted and re-checked
  6. Planning Department Frequently Asked Questions, quoted and re-checked
  7. Maui County Frequently Asked Questions, quoted and re-checked
  8. DPW Flood Development Permit, quoted and re-checked
  9. Building Plans Review Section, quoted and re-checked
  10. Building Permit, quoted and re-checked
  11. County of Maui Building Permit Section (Public Works, Development Services Administration) (mauicounty.gov)
  12. Maui County Planning and Permitting Section (mauicounty.gov)
  13. Maui County Building Code Administrative Ordinance No. 5507, quoted and re-checked
  14. Section 111 Certificate of Occupancy, quoted and re-checked
  15. Digital Zoning Map Update Project, quoted and re-checked
  16. Hawaii Revised Statutes §205-5, Zoning (Hawaii statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  17. Hawaii Department of Health, Wastewater Branch – Maui Office (health.hawaii.gov)
  18. Chapter 11-62, Hawaii Administrative Rules, quoted and re-checked
  19. Chapter 11-62, Hawaii Administrative Rules, quoted and re-checked
  20. Individual Wastewater Systems, quoted and re-checked
  21. Share of soils without severe limits for a conventional septic drain field (USDA SSURGO): Bolthole Index county data
  22. HRS §291C-112: Certain uses of parked vehicles prohibited (Hawaii statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  23. Frequently Asked Questions, quoted and re-checked
  24. Frequently Asked Questions, quoted and re-checked
  25. Driveway Permit, quoted and re-checked
  26. Hawaii Well Construction and Pump Installation Standards (Hawaii statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  27. Maui County Frequently Asked Questions, quoted and re-checked
  28. Short Term Rentals, quoted and re-checked
  29. Effective property tax rate: Bolthole Index county data
  30. Median property tax bill: Bolthole Index county data
  31. Digital Zoning Map Update Project, quoted and re-checked

Written September 29, 2026 from the rules quoted below, each taken from an official source and re-checked by an independent reviewer. This is research, not legal advice: rules change, so confirm with the office before you buy or build.

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County locator

Maui County in Hawaii

56
County map
Maui County highlighted among the Hawaii counties · colored by Index score

How Maui County scores

Seclusion58100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency4962% ev.
Admin Boringness41100% ev.
Durability5193% ev.
Property Autonomy41100% ev.
Carry Cost48100% ev.

Evidence strength: 90%. This reports direct-source completeness and fallback use; it is separate from the score and is not a confidence interval. How it works →

$999kTypical home
0.2%Property tax
$12,084Land / acre
19.6% of yrsSevere drought
0 / yr (+0)Mid-century 100°F days
1.06×Wildfire change factor
80%Forward climate coverage
$2,121Home insurance / yr
3.4% / yrInsurance growth
0.35%Nonrenewal rate
county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis
97,517People within 30 min
144,085People within 2 hr
67,073Radius comparison (15 mi)
141.4People / sq mi
4.8%Federal land
41.6%Land at 15% slope or less
6.2%Septic soil without severe limits
45,232 acWorkable land screen
42.8%Wooded land

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Answers from the rulebook for Maui County

What the ordinances and state agencies actually say — one answer per question, each quoted from the official source and independently re-checked.

Maui County rules

  • Building code adoptedAdopted (with conditions)

    Building construction and building-permit applications in the County of Maui.

    • The County enforces Maui County Code Chapter 16.25 administrative and supplemental provisions under Ordinance 5507.
    • The County enforces the 2018 International Building Code with county amendments under Maui County Code Chapter 16.26C and Ordinance 5508.
    • The 2018 International Residential Code and 2018 International Existing Building Code are identified with state amendments; county amendments were listed as TBD on the source page.
    • The 2018 International Energy Conservation Code is identified with state and county amendments under Maui County Code Chapter 16.16C and Ordinance 5455.
    • Building permit applications submitted on or after October 28, 2023 must comply with the listed codes; applications submitted before that date are reviewed under the codes enforced at the time of submission.
    • A Document Review compliance letter from the Disability and Communication Access Board is required for all State of Hawaii and County of Maui projects before issuance of a building permit.
    • Solar water heater requirements for new dwellings and the agricultural buildings and structures exemption are separately identified on the County page.

    code enforcement start: 2023-10-28 (Applications submitted before this date are reviewed under codes enforced at the time of submission)

    “The Building Plans Review Section reviews building permit applications for compliance with the adopted building code and energy conservation code.”
  • InspectionsRequired

    Construction or work for which a Maui County building permit is required.

    • The work must remain accessible and exposed for inspection until approved by the building official.
    • The permit applicant is responsible for keeping the work accessible and exposed; the county is not liable for removal or replacement costs needed to allow inspection.
    • The building official may conduct a preliminary inspection before issuing a permit.
    • Upon notification, the building official shall conduct the required inspections specified by the code.
    • Footing and foundation inspections occur after footing excavations are complete and required reinforcing steel is in place; concrete foundation forms must be in place before inspection.
    • Additional inspections may be required for foundations constructed of approved treated wood.
    “All construction or work for which a permit is required shall be subject to inspection”
  • Certificate of occupancyRequired

    Use or occupancy, or a change of occupancy, of a building, structure, or portion thereof in Maui County.

    • A certificate of occupancy is not required for work exempted from permits under section 105.2, Group R, Division 3 one- and two-family dwellings, and Group U occupancies.
    • The building official issues the certificate after inspecting the building, structure, or portion and finding no violations of the code or other laws enforced by the department of building safety.
    • A fee set by the annual budget must be paid before issuance.
    • A temporary certificate may be issued before completion if the building official finds that no substantial hazard will result and sets a validity period.
    • If a required certificate is not obtained before occupancy, a $1,000 fine must be collected before issuance.

    certificate of occupancy issuance fee: annual budget amount USD · fine for occupancy before required certificate: 1000 USD (Applies before issuing the certificate when occupancy occurred without a required certificate.)

    “A building, structure, or portion thereof shall not be used or occupied [...] until the building official has issued a certificate of occupancy”
  • Local zoningVaries (with conditions)

    Aggregate local-zoning conclusion for Maui County, covering county-administered zoning across Maui, Lanaʻi, and Molokaʻi and parcel-specific zoning districts.

    • The conclusion aggregates local zoning controls across the County's islands and zoning districts; it does not establish one uniform rule for every parcel.
    • The County states that zoning maps are island-specific and that corrections to adopted maps must be consistent with each parcel's Community Plan designation.
    • Applicable use permissions and development standards vary by zoning district and parcel.
    “other goals include researching and verifying zoning for thousands of parcels; correcting inadvertent mapping errors, inconsistencies and alignment issues”
  • Minimum lot sizeSpecified

    Agricultural lots in the Maui County agriculture district.

    • The county FAQ states there is no general minimum lot size requirement, but specifies a 2-acre minimum for agricultural lots in the agriculture district.

    minimum lot area: 2 acres (agricultural lots in the agriculture district)

    “the Maui County Code does set the minimum lot size for agricultural lots at 2 acres in the agriculture district.”
  • Building heightSpecified

    Buildings in the Kihei Research and Technology Park District.

    • Buildings are limited both by stories and by total height.

    maximum building stories: <= 3 stories · maximum building height: <= 40 feet

    “three (3) stories and shall not exceed forty (40) feet.”
  • Living in an RVLimited

    Vehicle or recreational-vehicle camping in County of Maui parks in the Molokaʻi District.

    • Permit requirements apply.
    • The source addresses County parks in the Molokaʻi District and does not establish a rule for long-term RV occupancy on private land countywide.
    “Permit requirements apply. Call (808) 270-7389.”
  • Camping on your landLimited

    Camping in County of Maui parks and recreational facilities.

    • Camping is permitted only at designated campgrounds.
    • The County FAQ identifies Papalaua Wayside Park in West Maui, One Aliʻi Park and Pāpōhaku Park in Molokaʻi as designated campgrounds.
    • Call (808) 270-7389 for more details.
    “Camping is permitted only at designated campgrounds, including Papalaua Wayside Park in West Maui, One Aliʻi Park and Pāpōhaku Park in Molokaʻi. Call (808) 270-7389 for more details.”
  • Tiny homesLimited

    Tiny homes proposed for occupancy under Maui County zoning regulations.

    • Tiny homes are treated like any other dwelling unit and must follow the rules for the applicable zoning district.
    • Department of Public Works building and residential codes may apply.
    • The Department of Finance Division of Motor Vehicles and Licensing may require registration if the tiny home is on a trailer.
    “For compliance with zoning regulations, tiny homes are treated like any other dwelling unit and follow the same rules for the zoning district. The Department of Public Works administers the building and residential codes, which may also apply, and the Department of Finance’s Division of Motor Vehicles and Licensing may require registration if the tiny home is on a trailer.”
  • Accessory dwellingsAllowed (with conditions)

    Accessory dwellings on qualifying residentially zoned lots throughout Maui County, including Maui, Molokaʻi, and Lānaʻi.

    • Up to two accessory dwellings may be allowed in addition to a primary residence, for a potential total of three residential units on one lot.
    • Eligibility is primarily in Residential and Rural zoning districts; accessory dwellings are typically excluded in Agricultural, Commercial, and Industrial zoning districts.
    • Accessory dwellings are intended for long-term residential housing and may not be used as transient vacation rentals, short-term rentals, or bed-and-breakfast operations.
    • The ordinance's key changes are effective July 8, 2026.
    • Existing zoning, building, fire, and infrastructure requirements continue to apply, including setbacks, height limits, parking standards, water availability, wastewater capacity, and emergency access.
    • County approval depends on adequate infrastructure and compliance with all applicable regulations.

    maximum accessory dwellings on qualifying residentially zoned lot: 2 dwellings (in addition to one primary residence) · effective date of key ordinance changes: 2026-07-08

    “Effective July 8, key changes under the new ordinance include: • Allowing up to two accessory dwellings on qualifying residentially zoned lots countywide. • Expanding eligibility to certain residentially zoned properties within project districts where accessory dwellings were previously not permitted. • Creating a consistent countywide standard for Maui, Molokaʻi and Lānaʻi.”
  • Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)

    Subdivision and consolidation of land, and streets or ways created for subdividing land, in Maui County.

    • Subdivisions and consolidations are approved by the Director of the Department of Public Works.
    • Zoning ordinances take precedence over a condominium lot.
    • The county FAQ states preliminary subdivision approval normally involves reviewing-agency requirements, a stamped plat, revisions, and conditions for final approval; the county has 45 calendar days to issue preliminary approval after complete receipt of the preliminary map and supplemental materials.

    preliminary subdivision approval deadline: 45 calendar days (measured from the date the preliminary map and supplemental materials are deemed complete and satisfactorily received)

    “The subdivision process is regulated by the County.”
  • Building in a floodplainRequired

    Development within areas subject to flood hazards, including the special flood hazard area, in Maui County.

    • The permit is required for any man-made change to improved or unimproved real estate within the special flood hazard area, including walls, buildings, structures, filling, grading, excavation, mining, drilling, dredging, paving, and storage of equipment or materials.
    • Review is conducted by the Department of Public Works, Engineering Division.
    • The application review fee is assessed under the annual budget ordinance and must be paid before the application is reviewed.
    • An issued flood development permit expires five years from issuance.

    permit expiration: 5 years from issuance · fee payment timing: before application review

    “A flood development permit is required for any development in areas subject to flood hazards.”
  • Short-term rentalsLimited

    Short-Term Rental Homes and other transient vacation rentals pursued through Maui County permitting.

    • Maui County provides applications for bed and breakfast homes, transient vacation rentals, Land Use Commission special use permits, conditional use permits, Short-Term Rental Homes, and zoning and flood confirmation.
    • Short-Term Rental Home permits are limited for each Community Plan Region under Maui County Code subsection 19.65.030.R.
    • A fully processed Land Use Designation Form must be attached to a new Short-Term Rental Home application.
    • The Planning Department is authorized to process most Short-Term Rental Home applications.
    • Permit fees are assessed under the annual budget ordinance.

    permit limitation: per each Community Plan Region (Pursuant to MCC subsection 19.65.030.R.)

    “Permits issued for Short-Term Rental Homes are limited for each Community Plan Region pursuant to subsection 19.65.030.R, Maui County Code (MCC).”
  • Building permitRequired

    A building permit is required for construction, alteration, moving, demolition, repair and use of any building or structure within the county; issued by County of Maui Public Works, Development Services Administration (DSA).

    County of Maui - Building Permit (Public Works DSA) ↗Scouted from the county site, not yet independently re-checked

  • County-wide zoningPresent

    The County of Maui Planning Department administers county zoning and development permitting; land use/zoning approvals may be required before a building permit is issued.

    County of Maui - Planning and Permitting Section ↗Scouted from the county site, not yet independently re-checked

  • Owner-builder exemptionAvailable

    Hawaii's owner-builder exemption (HRS 444-2.5 / 444-9.1) lets a property owner act as their own general contractor without a license for a building for their own use; the County of Maui provides a Contractor/Owner-Builder form (PS-FORM D) and disclosure statement.

    County of Maui DSA - PS-FORM D Contractor/Owner-Builder ↗Scouted from the county site, not yet independently re-checked

Hawaii rules that apply here

  • Zoning districtsPublished (with conditions)

    Statewide Hawaii land-use classification under HRS chapter 205.

    • All Hawaii land is placed in one of four major state land-use districts: urban, rural, agricultural, or conservation.
    • Urban-district uses are governed by county ordinances or regulations.
    • Rural districts generally involve low-density residential lots with a minimum lot size of one-half acre, subject to statutory and county exceptions.
    • Agricultural and conservation districts have additional statutory purposes and permitted-use conditions.

    major state land-use districts: 4 districts · rural minimum lot size: >= 0.5 acre (Subject to statutory and county exceptions.)

    “There shall be four major land use districts in which all lands in the State shall be placed: urban, rural, agricultural, and conservation.”
  • Who permits septicState

    Individual wastewater systems, including septic systems, in Maui County and statewide Hawaii.

    • The Hawaii Department of Health Wastewater Branch states that its jurisdiction does not extend to properties serviced by sewer; wastewater issues on those properties are directed to the relevant county department or private sewer provider.
    “The Wastewater Branch administers the statewide engineering functions relating to water pollution control, municipal and private wastewater treatment works, individual wastewater systems and the Clean Water State Revolving fund.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • State — Statewide administration of individual wastewater systems, including septic systems, in Hawaii.
      “The Wastewater Branch administers the statewide engineering functions relating to water pollution control, municipal and private wastewater treatment works, individual wastewater systems and the Clean Water State Revolving fund.”
  • Septic permitLimited

    Construction or modification of an individual wastewater system, including septic tanks, statewide.

    • Construction, modification of construction, or modification of use requires approval of the director before work proceeds.
    • Individual wastewater systems are not required under HAR Chapter 11-62 subchapter 5 to obtain permit coverage, but they remain subject to the separate construction-approval process.
    • The application must include an engineer certification and certification that a final inspection report will be submitted.
    • A new individual wastewater system application filing fee is $100; an addition or modification to an approved or existing system is $25.

    new individual wastewater system filing fee: 100 USD · addition or modification filing fee: 25 USD

    “No person shall construct, modify the construction of, or modify the use of a wastewater system without the approval of the director.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — Construction or modification of an individual wastewater system, including a septic system, serving property in Maui County.
      “The application to construct a new individual wastewater system or to modify an existing individual wastewater system shall be made by the applicant on forms furnished by the director.”
  • Septic inspectionRequired

    New or modified individual wastewater systems, including septic systems, in Maui County.

    • The engineer must furnish a final inspection report within thirty days after construction completion.
    • The report must certify construction according to approved plans and include an as-built plan.
    • The owner must resolve discrepancies from inspections before written approval to use is issued.
    • The director may inspect the system or site before approval and may require advance notice of the engineer’s inspection.

    final inspection report deadline: 30 days after construction completion

    “The engineer furnishes a final inspection report to the director within thirty days after the completion of the construction which provides the following information:”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
  • Off-grid sanitationAllowed (with conditions)

    Off-grid individual wastewater systems in Maui County, including septic, aerobic, composting-toilet, and incinerator-toilet systems.

    • The Hawaii Department of Health identifies septic tanks, aerobic treatment units, composting toilets, and incinerator toilets as approved IWS treatment equipment.
    • Composting toilets and incinerator toilets treat only toilet waste; shower and kitchen wastewater still requires treatment and disposal.
    • Construction, approval, operation, and inspection requirements under HAR Chapter 11-62 still apply.
    “Approved IWS treatment equipment are: septic tank, aerobic treatment unit, passive aerobic systems that still require a septic tank (i.e., Eljen, Presby), bioreactor garden (i.e., Ridge to Reefs), composting toilets and incinerator toilets. Composting toilets and incinerator toilets only treat toilet waste, shower and kitchen wastewater still requires treatment and disposal.”
  • Well permitRequired

    Construction, modification, or sealing of water, production, exploratory, and monitor wells statewide.

    • The Commission on Water Resource Management administers the well construction permit requirement for water, production, exploratory, and monitor wells.
    • Injection wells instead require a State Department of Health permit.
    • Geothermal wells require a Department of Land and Natural Resources, Engineering Division permit.
    • Temporary test borings and test-boring sealings do not require a permit; permanent test borings for long-term monitoring are treated as monitoring wells and require a Commission permit.
    • Well construction, modification, or sealing work must be performed by a C-57 licensed well driller; pump installation work may be performed by a C-57, C-57a, or A-licensed contractor.

    well driller license: C-57 · pump installer license: C-57, C-57a, or A

    “In the State of Hawaii, work on water wells, production wells, exploratory wells and monitor wells requires a well construction permit from the Commission; work on injection wells requires a permit from the State Department of Health; and work on geothermal wells requires a permit from the Department of Land and Natural Resources, Engineering Division.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — Construction of wells and installation of pumps or pumping equipment in Maui County.
      “Application for a Well Construction/Pump Installation Permit **WCPI Permit requirement also applies to sealing abandoned wells.”
  • Mandatory utility hookupSewer (with conditions)

    Buildings and places of assembly generating wastewater or having plumbing fixtures capable of conveying wastewater, statewide.

    • All such buildings must connect to a wastewater system.
    • If located within or near an available public sewer system, as determined by the director, the building or place of assembly must connect to the public sewer.
    • The rule does not establish a universal numeric distance for the 'within or near' test.
    “All buildings and places of assembly generating wastewater or with toilets, sinks, drains, or other plumbing fixtures capable of conveying wastewater and located within or near an available public sewer system as determined by the director, shall connect to the public sewer.”
  • Agricultural exemptionConditional

    Agricultural lands subdivided and leased for agricultural uses or activities permitted in HRS §205-4.5(a).

    • The principal use of the leased land must be agriculture.
    • No permanent or temporary dwellings or farm dwellings, including trailers and campers, may be constructed on the leased area.
    • Storage sheds, equipment sheds, and other structures appropriate to the agricultural activity carried on within the lot are not prohibited by the dwelling restriction.
    • Violations of the no-dwelling paragraph are subject to county enforcement authority and fines under §§46-4, 205-12, and 205-13.
    • The lease term must be at least as long as the greater of the county's minimum real-property-tax agricultural-dedication period or five years.
    • Lots created and leased under this section are legal lots of record for mortgage-lending purposes and are exempt from county subdivision standards.

    minimum lease term: greater of county minimum real property tax agricultural dedication period or five years · dwelling construction on leased area: false (storage sheds, equipment sheds, and other structures appropriate to the agricultural activity are not prohibited)

    “Lots created and leased pursuant to this section shall be legal lots of record for mortgage lending purposes and shall be exempt from county subdivision standards.”
  • Driveway accessRequired

    Routine construction involving residential driveways within the State highway right-of-way in Hawaii

    • The rule applies to ground disturbance within the State highway right-of-way.
    • The applicant must obtain clearance signatures from various utility companies.
    • Two sets of scaled construction plans are required, including a location map, existing highway facilities, and a traffic control plan.
    • Insurance is required.
    • The fee schedule varies and the minimum fee is $10.00.
    • A bond is required with a minimum of $1,000.00.
    • Three sets of plans, preferably 11 x 17, are required.
    • The DOT Best Management Practices form must be completed for review by the DOT Environmental section.
    • A Lane Closure Form must be completed two weeks in advance if proposed work involves lane or shoulder closures.
    • In most cases, review and processing occur within one week, depending on the work and BMP form complexity.

    minimum fee: >= 10 USD (Fee schedule varies.) · minimum bond: >= 1000 USD · lane closure form lead time: 2 weeks (Required if proposed work involves lane or shoulder closures.)

    “Routine construction projects within the State highway right-of-way consisting of ground disturbance of any kind: a. Residential driveways;”
  • Permit feesVariable (with conditions)

    Routine construction projects, including residential driveways, involving ground disturbance within a Hawaii state highway right-of-way.

    • The fee schedule varies.
    • The minimum fee is $10.00.
    • A minimum bond of $1,000.00 is also required.

    permit fee: >= 10 USD (Fee schedule varies.) · bond: >= 1000 USD

    “(3) Fee schedule varies. Minimum fee is $10.00. (4) Bond. Minimum is $1,000.00.”
  • Permit processPublished (with conditions)

    Work and occupancy within Hawaii state highway rights-of-way.

    • Applications must be submitted to the applicable HDOT district.
    • Work upon state highways shall not be performed until the application is approved by the district office.
    • Applications for routine construction generally include plans, insurance, utility clearances, and traffic-control information.
    “Work upon State Highways shall not be performed until the application is approved by the district office.”
  • county zoning authorityGeneral

    Hawaii counties' zoning authority over lands outside forest reserve boundaries, including unincorporated county areas.

    • The authority applies to lands not contained within forest reserve boundaries established on January 31, 1957, or as subsequently amended.
    • Zoning must be accomplished within the framework of a long-range, comprehensive general plan.
    • The zoning power must be exercised by ordinance.
    • The statute identifies authority over agricultural, forestry, industrial, trade, business, residential, watercourse, special-restriction, building-location, height, bulk, setback, density, lot-coverage, open-space, lot-size, and use-duration matters.
    • The powers are to be liberally construed in favor of the county, subject to forest and water reserve limitations and the exceptions in HRS §46-4(c), (d), (g), and §46-4.8.
    “The zoning power granted in this section shall be exercised by ordinance, which may relate to:”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • General — Hawaii counties adopting and enforcing zoning ordinances for lands within county jurisdiction, including unincorporated areas, subject to statutory exclusions and planning requirements.
      “The zoning power granted in this section shall be exercised by ordinance, which may relate to:”

Inside cities and towns in Maui County

Municipal rules found while researching the county. They apply inside that city or town, not to unincorporated land.

  • Zoning districtsPublished

    Zoning districts and official digital zoning maps for the islands of Maui, Lanai, and Molokai within Maui County.

    • The Maui digital map represents zoning as of March 22, 2022; Lanai overlays the 2020 parcel layer; Molokai overlays the 2021 parcel layer.
    • The County states that zoning maps are approximate and final confirmation must be provided by the Planning Department.
    • The County's zoning administration division administers State and County land-use laws, rules, codes, regulations, and general and community plans.
    “The Planning Department has adopted digital zoning maps for the island of Maui, the island of Lana`i, and the island of Moloka`i.”
  • Driveway accessRequired

    Constructing, reconstructing, removing, or repairing a driveway on a County roadway in Maui County.

    • The requirement applies to driveways on a County roadway.
    “A Driveway permit is required to construct, reconstruct, remove or repair any driveway on a County roadway.”
  • Permit processPublished (with conditions)

    Building permit applications and final approval for buildings and structures within Maui County.

    • The scope of the permit and the property's location determine which agencies review the application.
    • Approving agencies may include County departments and State of Hawaii agencies.
    • Inspections are requested online through MAPPS Customer Self-Service by selecting My Work and Request Inspections.
    • Permits expire and are void five years after issuance; if work is incomplete, a new permit must be obtained.

    permit expiration: 5 years from issuance

    “Depending on the scope of the permit and the location of the subject property, several approving agencies may need to review the application prior to final approval.”

Still unanswered

We looked and could not find an official answer yet. Silence is not permission — ask the county directly.

  • Minimum dwelling size — Minimum dwelling floor-area requirements in Maui County.

Each answer was extracted from an official source and independently re-checked against that source by a second reviewer. That is an evidence check, not legal advice. Rules change; confirm with the authority before you buy or build.

Water rights & wells in Maui County

Whether a new home can legally get its own water here — the sub-state groundwater regime, from Hawaii’s water agency.

Actively managed

This basin is under active state management — new water use is scrutinized, though a domestic well is usually still allowed.

Household wellPermit required (issued by right)

No well may be drilled without CWRM permits (HAR 13-168), including inside a designated Ground Water Management Area. But individual domestic use and rain-catchment are EXEMPT from the Water Use Permit even inside a designated area (HRS 174C-48) — a household faces construction permitting, not appropriation permitting.

Limit: CWRM Well Construction + Pump Installation Permit required statewide before drilling

Hawaii CWRM — Well Construction & Pump Installation; HRS 174C-48 ↗
  • Iao (Wailuku) Ground Water Management Arealocalized of county

    The Iao/Wailuku aquifer (central Maui) was designated in 2003 and is allocated near its sustainable yield — new non-domestic permits are hard to obtain — but a single-household well is exempt from the Water Use Permit (HRS 174C-48) and needs only the statewide construction permit.

    Hawaii CWRM — Water Management Areas ↗
  • Molokai Ground Water Management Areapartial of county

    The entire island of Molokai (Maui County) is a CWRM-designated Ground Water Management Area; new non-domestic withdrawals are permit-controlled, but individual domestic users and rain-catchment are exempt (HRS 174C-48).

    Hawaii CWRM — Water Management Areas ↗

Regulated-riparian state (large uses permitted). Groundwater rules change and basin boundaries follow the aquifer, not the county line — confirm current well and appropriation rules with the Hawaii state water agency before you buy or drill.Groundwater governance as of Jul 2026, cited to each administering agency.

Living off-grid in Maui County, Hawaii

Is Maui County a good place to live off-grid or homestead?

Maui County scores 56/100 on the Bolthole Index, a solid county profile. Watch-outs: a weaker property-autonomy legal backdrop and more administrative friction around building and land use.

Do you need a building permit in Maui County, Hawaii?

Maui County generally requires a residential building permit, and it enforces county zoning. Onsite septic is permitted by Hawaii State Department of Health, Wastewater Branch. Owner-builders may act as their own contractor to build their home. These answers are quoted from official sources and independently re-checked. Rules change and cities within the county differ — always confirm with the county before you buy or build.

Can you live in an RV or tiny home on your land in Maui County?

Living in an RV on your own land in Maui County is limited to specific cases: Statewide rule. Use of an RV or other vehicle for human habitation while parked on a roadway, street, highway, or other public property between 6:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m., and use while parked on private property without authorization for both parking and habitation. The prohibition applies between 6:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. on roadways, streets, highways, and other public property. On private property, authorization of both the owner or occupant for parking the vehicle and its use for human habitation is required. A tiny home is limited to specific cases. Confirm with the county before relying on it.

How much does land cost in Maui County, Hawaii?

Land in Maui County runs about $12,084 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Maui County?

Water data for Maui County is limited. On water rights, Maui County lies in the Iao (Wailuku) Ground Water Management Area — The Iao/Wailuku aquifer (central Maui) was designated in 2003 and is allocated near its sustainable yield — new non-domestic permits are hard to obtain — but a single-household well is exempt from the Water Use Permit (HRS 174C-48) and needs only the statewide construction permit..

How remote is Maui County?

A representative private-land location has about 97,517 people within a 30-minute drive and 144,085 within two hours. The road-network catchments count population across county lines and clusters of smaller cities; straight-line radius values remain available as a comparison.

Off-grid gear

Going off-grid in Maui County means bringing your own water and power. The kit we’d start with:

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How Maui compares in Hawaii

Compare side-by-side →See all 5 Hawaii counties ranked →