Kahului Zoning & Land Use Guide
Key Zoning Facts
Kahului Zoning Overview
Kahului is the commercial and transportation hub of Maui, serving as the island's primary town with the main airport, harbor, and largest shopping centers. As a census-designated place, Kahului falls under the jurisdiction of the County of Maui Department of Planning for all zoning and land use matters. The town developed rapidly in the 1950s as a planned community built by Alexander & Baldwin to house sugar plantation workers, and its grid street pattern and modest residential lots reflect that planned origin.
Kahului's zoning supports its role as Maui's economic center, with substantial commercial zoning along Kaahumanu Avenue and around the Queen Kaahumanu Center and Maui Mall. Residential neighborhoods consist primarily of single-family homes on compact lots, with apartment complexes providing workforce housing. The town faces ongoing challenges with housing affordability, traffic congestion, and the need to balance commercial growth with livability for residents.
Key Zoning Districts
Kahului features R-1 single-family residential zones, A-1 and A-2 apartment districts, B-1 and B-2 commercial zones along major corridors, and M-1 light industrial zones near the harbor and airport. The Maui Business Park provides industrial and commercial land for the island's economic base.
ADU Regulations
Maui County allows accessory dwelling units on residentially zoned lots in Kahului. The county's ADU rules require owner-occupancy and limit units to 800 square feet. Given Kahului's compact lot sizes, some properties may face challenges accommodating an ADU while meeting setback and parking requirements. Applicants should consult the Maui County Department of Planning for site-specific guidance.
Development Process
Building permits and zoning approvals are processed through the Maui County Department of Planning and the Department of Public Works. The Wailuku-Kahului Community Plan provides policy guidance for development in the area. Projects near the coastline or within flood zones may require additional review and permits.
Regulatory Layers That Apply in Kahului
Your property is subject to ALL of these regulatory layers. Each one can impose additional requirements beyond the others.
Federal
- FEMA Flood Zones: Applicable
- View FEMA Flood Map
County — Maui County
- Role: Zoning, land use regulation, building permits, property records
City / Municipal
The city's zoning ordinance, building codes, and local permits form the primary layer of land-use regulation for your property.
Overlay Districts
No overlay districts identified.
Private Restrictions
- HOA / CC&Rs common: Yes
- Check HOA CC&Rs for additional restrictions.
Primary Zoning Districts
- Min Lot
- 6,000 sq ft
- Max Height
- 30 ft
- Front Setback
- 15 ft
- Side Setback
- 6 ft
- Rear Setback
- 15 ft
- Min Lot
- 6,000 sq ft
- Max Height
- 45 ft
- Front Setback
- 15 ft
- Side Setback
- 10 ft
- Rear Setback
- 15 ft
- Min Lot
- None
- Max Height
- 60 ft
- Front Setback
- 0 ft
- Side Setback
- 0 ft
- Rear Setback
- 0 ft
ADU Rules in Kahului
- Max Size
- 800 sq ft
- Max Height
- 25 ft
- Rear Setback
- 6 ft
- Side Setback
- 6 ft
- Parking
- 1 off-street space required
- Owner Occupancy
- Required
- Permit Timeline
- 90-120 days
Permit Costs & Timelines
Permit Costs & Timelines
Specific permit fee schedules for Kahului are available from the local planning department. Fees vary based on project type, scope, and valuation.
Check Kahului permit fees →