Kihei Zoning & Land Use Guide
Key Zoning Facts
Kihei Zoning Overview
Kihei is a census-designated place on the south shore of Maui, stretching along six miles of coastline from Maalaea Bay to Wailea. Once a quiet fishing village, Kihei has grown into one of Maui's largest residential communities and a popular tourist destination. Zoning and land use are administered by the County of Maui Department of Planning. The area's dry, sunny climate and beach access have driven significant condominium and resort development along South Kihei Road.
The Kihei-Makena Community Plan guides development in the area, balancing residential growth, commercial activity, and visitor accommodation uses. A significant planning issue in Kihei is the distinction between residential and transient vacation rental (TVR) zoning, as many apartment-zoned properties are used for short-term rentals. Maui County has enacted regulations to manage the impact of vacation rentals on housing availability and neighborhood character.
Key Zoning Districts
Kihei features R-1 and R-3 residential zones for single-family homes, A-1 and A-2 apartment districts along the coast that accommodate both residential and resort uses, B-2 commercial zones at Azeka Place and other shopping centers, and hotel-zoned parcels in the Wailea-Makena resort area to the south. Agricultural zoning covers the undeveloped mauka (mountain-side) portions of the community plan area.
ADU Regulations
Maui County permits accessory dwelling units on residential lots in Kihei, subject to size, setback, and owner-occupancy requirements. ADUs in Kihei may not be used as short-term vacation rentals. The county's ADU regulations are designed to increase the supply of long-term residential housing in an area where vacation rental competition has affected housing affordability.
Development Process
Permits are processed through the Maui County Department of Planning and Department of Public Works. Coastal properties are subject to Special Management Area (SMA) permits. The Kihei-Makena Community Plan and Maui Island Plan provide policy direction for development decisions. Projects involving vacation rental use face additional regulatory scrutiny.
Regulatory Layers That Apply in Kihei
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 Kihei
- 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 Kihei are available from the local planning department. Fees vary based on project type, scope, and valuation.
Check Kihei permit fees →