Wailuku Zoning & Land Use Guide
Key Zoning Facts
Wailuku Zoning Overview
Wailuku is the county seat of Maui County, located in central Maui at the base of the West Maui Mountains. The town serves as the government and judicial center of Maui, with the county building, state courthouse, and other civic offices clustered in the town core. Wailuku's historic Main Street has undergone revitalization efforts to preserve its plantation-era character while supporting local businesses and arts organizations.
As a census-designated place under Maui County jurisdiction, Wailuku's zoning is administered by the County of Maui Department of Planning. The Wailuku-Kahului Community Plan guides development policy for the area. Wailuku's character differs from neighboring Kahului — it is more compact, historically oriented, and residential, while Kahului serves as the island's commercial and transportation hub. The two communities together form the core of central Maui's urban area.
Key Zoning Districts
Wailuku includes R-1 single-family residential zones, A-1 apartment districts, B-CT (Country Town Business) zoning in the historic town center, and B-2 commercial zones along Lower Main Street. The Wailuku Heights area features larger-lot residential zoning with scenic views. Iao Valley and surrounding Conservation-district lands provide a green backdrop to the community.
ADU Regulations
Maui County allows accessory dwelling units on residential lots in Wailuku. The town's older neighborhoods with larger lots may be particularly well suited for ADU construction. Owner-occupancy is required, and the unit size is capped at 800 square feet. ADUs contribute to addressing Maui's housing affordability challenges by adding to the long-term rental supply.
Development Process
Permits are processed through the Maui County Department of Planning and Department of Public Works. Development in or near the Wailuku Town historic core may be subject to design review. Stream setback requirements apply to properties near Iao Stream and its tributaries. The Wailuku-Kahului Community Plan emphasizes preserving Wailuku's small-town character while accommodating growth.
Regulatory Layers That Apply in Wailuku
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
- 45 ft
- Front Setback
- 0 ft
- Side Setback
- 0 ft
- Rear Setback
- 0 ft
ADU Rules in Wailuku
- 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 Wailuku are available from the local planning department. Fees vary based on project type, scope, and valuation.
Check Wailuku permit fees →