Lahaina Zoning & Land Use Guide
Key Zoning Facts
Lahaina Zoning Overview
Lahaina is a historic census-designated place on the west coast of Maui, once the capital of the Kingdom of Hawaii and a center of the Pacific whaling industry. The town is designated as a National Historic Landmark District, and its Front Street commercial area is one of the most visited destinations in Hawaii. Zoning and land use are administered by the County of Maui Department of Planning. The devastating August 2023 wildfire significantly impacted the community, and recovery and rebuilding efforts continue to shape local land use policy.
Lahaina's zoning reflects its mixed character as a residential community, historic district, and tourism center. The West Maui Community Plan guides long-term development, addressing the balance between visitor accommodation, housing for local residents, and preservation of the area's cultural heritage. Post-fire rebuilding efforts have introduced expedited permitting and modified building requirements to help the community recover while incorporating updated fire safety and resilience standards.
Key Zoning Districts
Lahaina features R-1 and R-2 residential zones for single-family homes, apartment districts along the coast accommodating condominiums and vacation rentals, B-1 and B-2 commercial zones in the town center, and hotel-zoned parcels in the Kaanapali resort area. The Historic District overlay applies additional design standards to the Front Street area.
ADU Regulations
Maui County permits ADUs on residential lots in Lahaina. In the post-fire recovery context, accessory dwelling units may play an important role in rebuilding the community's housing stock. The county has been working to streamline permitting for fire-affected properties. ADUs may not be used as short-term vacation rentals without appropriate permits.
Development Process
Permits are processed by the Maui County Department of Planning and Department of Public Works. Development in the National Historic Landmark District may require review by the State Historic Preservation Division and the Maui County Cultural Resources Commission. Post-fire rebuilding may be subject to special permitting procedures and updated building standards for fire resilience.
Regulatory Layers That Apply in Lahaina
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
- 7,500 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
- 45 ft
- Front Setback
- 0 ft
- Side Setback
- 0 ft
- Rear Setback
- 0 ft
ADU Rules in Lahaina
- 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 Lahaina are available from the local planning department. Fees vary based on project type, scope, and valuation.
Check Lahaina permit fees →