Family-Only or Flexible Living? Your Guide to Ohana Units and ADUs
Family-friendly or flexible living: the battle between ADUs and Ohana units is real! Find out which option gives you more freedom, more value, and more options.
A Maui Homeowner’s Dilemma Solved
Thinking about adding more living space to your property, but not sure whether to go with an ADU or an Ohana unit? Wondering which one gives you more freedom, more value, or fits your family setup better? In this post, you’ll learn what separates an ADU from an Ohana unit, how each one works, and what legal or design details you need to watch out for.
By the end, you’ll know exactly which option fits your lifestyle, budget, and long-term plans.
Key Points
ADUs are more flexible than Ohana units and can be rented to anyone, not just family.
Ohana units come with strict occupancy rules but are great for keeping relatives close by.
Additions are a simpler option when zoning or cost prevents a full secondary dwelling.
What’s the Difference Between an ADU vs. Ohana Unit?
The main difference between an ADU and an ohana unit is that an ADU can be rented to anyone, while an Ohana unit must be used for family members. Both are secondary dwellings on the same lot, but ohana units require the owner to live on the property, limiting rental flexibility.
ADU vs. Ohana Unit
If you’re comparing an ADU vs. Ohana unit, the first thing to understand is that they are both accessory dwelling units located on the same lot as the main house, but they come with different legal rules and lifestyle implications.
An accessory dwelling unit, or ADU, is a self-contained second dwelling unit with its own kitchen, bathroom, sleeping area, and utility meter. It can be either attached to the primary residence or built as a separate building.
An ohana unit is nearly identical in layout, but it is legally reserved for use by family members, and the property owner must live in either the main house or the ohana unit.
This distinction affects who you can house in the space, how you can use it, and what kind of long-term flexibility or property value it may bring.