ADU Contractors in Hawaii
All Phase Construction LLC
3014 Nihi Street, Honolulu, HI 96819
All Phase Construction LLC is a Honolulu-based contractor serving Oahu, Maui, Big Island & Kauai since 2013. Specializing in ADU construction, custom homes, additions & concrete work across Hawaii.
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General Constractors Oahu
2649 Waolani Avenue, Honolulu, HI 96817
General Contractors Oahu offers home additions & ADU construction across Oahu, Hawaii. Services include bedroom, bathroom, second-story additions & granny flats. Licensed, insured & bonded with a 1-year labor warranty. Free estimates available.
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Tall Builders LLC
31 North Pauahi Street, Honolulu, HI 96817
Tall Builders is Oahu's trusted home addition contractor with 20+ years of experience. Services include ADUs, garage conversions, second story additions, lanai extensions & sunrooms. Licensed, insured & ROH-compliant.
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UCG Hawaii
91-1602 Wahane Street, Honolulu, HI 96707
UCG Hawaii offers home additions across Oahu, Maui, Big Island & Kauai. Services include ADUs, granny flats & in-law suites. They handle permits, design & site challenges, with a free consultation to start.
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Paradise Tiny Homes
HC2 Box 6949, Keaau, HI 96749
Paradise Tiny Homes builds custom luxury tiny homes on wheels (ATUs) in Hawaii. Hand-crafted with local materials, these turn-key units offer sustainable, flexible living without land purchase or permits. Ideal for recreational use across Hawaii's islands.
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R. Clary Builders
970 North Kalaheo Avenue, Kailua, HI 96734
At R. Clary Builders, we know that ADUs can be a necessary home modification process, and are available to provide you with all necessary support during the construction process. Even if you do not have a pressing need for a home extension, Kailua accessory dwelling units can have several advantages.
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DJ's Construction, Inc.
Honolulu, HI 96820
DJ's Construction, Inc. is a Honolulu-based ADU contractor serving Oahu since 2006. They offer full-service accessory dwelling unit construction, including design, permits, and finishing. Recognized among Honolulu's top ADU builders.
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Coastal View Construction LLC
348 Luawai Street, Lahaina, HI 96761
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.
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Solid Built Construction, Inc
469 Kekupua St, Honolulu, HI 96825
Solid Built Construction, Inc. is a licensed Honolulu contractor serving Oahu since 2007. Based in Hawaii Kai, they offer custom homes, ADU construction, remodels, additions, and renovations across Kahala, Kailua, and Honolulu.
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H-1 Construction LLC
868 Puuomao Street, Honolulu, HI 96825
We are H-1 Construction, one of the few local, family-owned, and operated home builders in Honolulu, Hawaii. We take pride in our work and the relationships we have fostered over the years.
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Woodrose Construction
7116 Hawaii Kai Dr. #59, Honolulu, HI 96825
From Ohanas (ADU) to luxury custom houses, we pride ourselves in offering uncompromising results and unquestionable ethics.
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Affordable Portable Housing Hawaii
14 Aulike Street, Kailua, HI 96734
Affordable Portable Housing Hawaii is a design-build company specializing in shipping container homes, offices, and structures. They offer drafting, permits, and full project development with financing options available.
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Canaan LLC
1122 Makepono Street, Unit 300, Honolulu, HI 96819
Small Cottages Hawaii, a division of Canaan Builders LLC founded in 1978, specializes in permitted ADU construction across Oahu. Offering custom and pre-designed backyard cottages compliant with Honolulu's 2015 ADU Ordinance, they provide quality housing solutions adding property value.
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Other cities in Hawaii
What you need to know
Building ADUs in Hawaii: Navigating the Aloha State's Unique Landscape
Hawaii is one of the most expensive housing markets in the entire United States, with median home prices consistently ranking among the highest in the nation. The state's geographic isolation, limited land availability, and high cost of living make Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) an increasingly popular solution for homeowners looking to maximize their property's value or generate rental income. In response to the housing crisis, Hawaii has actively worked to streamline ADU regulations, making it easier than ever to work with qualified ADU contractors in Hawaii to build these secondary units.
Hawaii's ADU Laws and Regulations
Each county in Hawaii — Honolulu, Maui, Hawaii County, and Kauai — has its own set of zoning rules and permitting requirements for ADUs. In Honolulu, for example, the city allows ADUs on lots zoned for single-family residential use, provided the lot meets minimum size requirements. State law under Hawaii Revised Statutes (HRS) Chapter 46 has pushed counties to ease restrictions and encourage ADU development. Key regulations that experienced ADU contractors must navigate include:
- Minimum lot size requirements that vary by county
- Maximum ADU square footage limits, often capped at 400–800 square feet depending on the county
- Owner-occupancy requirements in certain jurisdictions
- Setback and height restrictions specific to each island's zoning codes
- Compliance with the Hawaii State Building Code, which is based on the International Building Code (IBC)
What to Expect When Hiring ADU Contractors in Hawaii
Working with a licensed ADU contractor in Hawaii is essential due to the complexity of local permitting processes. Contractors must be licensed through the Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA), specifically under the Contractors License Board. Homeowners should always verify that their contractor holds a valid General Engineering or General Building contractor license before beginning any project. Experienced local contractors will also be familiar with Hawaii-specific construction challenges, including:
- High humidity and salt air corrosion requiring specialized building materials
- Hurricane-resistant construction standards mandated by state and county codes
- Lava zone classifications on the Big Island that affect insurability and construction methods
- Limited availability and higher costs of building materials due to shipping logistics
The Benefits of Building an ADU in Hawaii
Despite the challenges, investing in an ADU in Hawaii offers significant financial rewards. With the tourism industry driving strong demand for short-term rentals and a persistent housing shortage affecting long-term rental markets, a well-built ADU can generate substantial monthly income. ADU contractors in Hawaii with local expertise can help homeowners design units that comply with county regulations while maximizing livable space and energy efficiency. Features like solar panel integration, rainwater catchment systems, and natural ventilation design are commonly incorporated to reduce utility costs and align with Hawaii's sustainability goals.
Finding the Right ADU Contractor in Hawaii
When searching for the best ADU builder in Hawaii, prioritize contractors with proven experience in your specific county, a strong portfolio of completed ADU projects, and positive client reviews. Request detailed bids, verify licensing through the DCCA, and ensure your contractor pulls all necessary permits. A knowledgeable local contractor will guide you through every step — from initial design and permitting to final inspection — ensuring your ADU project is completed on time, within budget, and fully compliant with Hawaii's unique building requirements.