Landscaping contractors in
Honolulu, Hawaii.
A public directory of landscaping contractor businesses serving greater Honolulu. Market data, licensing requirements, and cost benchmarks — updated continuously from public sources.
Landscaping jobs in Honolulu
0 open jobs in Honolulu.
The controlled job pilot is not open yet.
Common Job Costs
Licensing Requirements
Licensing Requirements
Hawaii requires C-27 Landscaping Contractor license for projects over $1,000. Must pass PSI exam covering business law, safety, and trade knowledge. Requires 4 years experience or equivalent education. License renewal every 2 years with continuing education requirements.
Permit Requirements
City and County of Honolulu requires building permits for hardscaping, retaining walls over 4 feet, and major grading. Tree removal permits required for exceptional trees. Irrigation permits needed for new water connections.
Inspection Schedule
Initial permit inspection before work begins, rough inspection for utilities/irrigation, final inspection upon completion for permitted work
Insurance Minimums
General liability minimum $300,000, workers compensation required for employees, professional liability recommended for design work
Compliance research unavailable
Source status: unavailable · 7/25/2026
Detailed instructions are withheld because the source is not available for verification.
Local market snapshot
Source: DoorBase, aggregated public ZIP-level data. Updated 8/17/2026.
How to Get Licensed
Meet experience requirements
Document 4 years of landscaping experience through employment records, or complete approved education equivalent. Hawaii DCCA requires verified experience letters from employers.
Submit application
File C-27 Landscaping Contractor application with Hawaii DCCA, including experience documentation, financial statements showing $25,000 net worth, and application fees.
Pass contractor examination
Schedule and pass the PSI contractor exam covering Hawaii business law, safety regulations, and landscaping trade knowledge. Exam fee separate from application.
Obtain required insurance
Secure minimum $300,000 general liability insurance and workers compensation if employing others. Submit proof of coverage with license application.
Receive license and maintain
Once approved, receive C-27 license valid for 2 years. Complete continuing education requirements and renew before expiration to maintain active status.
About This Market
Honolulu's landscaping market runs hot year-round thanks to tropical climate and high property values. You're looking at everything from resort maintenance contracts to luxury residential projects in Kahala and Hawaii Kai. Competition is fierce among 366 licensed contractors statewide, but demand stays strong from tourism industry, new construction, and homeowners wanting low-maintenance tropical designs. Costs run high due to island logistics – everything from plants to equipment gets shipped in, and labor rates reflect Hawaii's cost of living.
To work this market, get your C-27 license sorted first – Hawaii doesn't mess around with unlicensed work over $1,000. Learn the native plant requirements and water restrictions that vary by district. Peak season is really year-round, but March through October sees more installation work. Build relationships with nurseries early because plant sourcing can make or break project timelines. Know your soil types – you'll hit everything from beach sand to volcanic rock. Most importantly, factor shipping costs into every bid and pad your timelines for material delays.
- Median hourly wageBureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)
- Number of licensed establishmentsU.S. Census Bureau
- Licensing requirementsHawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA)
- Permit requirementsCity and County of Honolulu Building Department
- Insurance requirementsHawaii Revised Statutes Chapter 444
Frequently Asked Questions
What license do I need for landscaping work in Honolulu?
Hawaii requires a C-27 Landscaping Contractor license for any project over $1,000. You must pass the PSI contractor exam and show 4 years of experience. License data from Hawaii DCCA Professional and Vocational Licensing Division.
How much do landscaping contractors make in Hawaii?
According to BLS data, landscaping workers in Hawaii earn a median $21.60 per hour or $44,928 annually. Licensed contractors typically earn significantly more depending on project scope and client base.
Do I need permits for landscaping work in Honolulu?
Yes, for major work. City and County of Honolulu requires permits for hardscaping, retaining walls over 4 feet, grading, and tree removal of exceptional trees. Irrigation connections need water department approval.
What's the best time of year for landscaping projects in Honolulu?
Hawaii's tropical climate allows year-round work, but March through October sees increased project activity. Avoid heavy work during peak hurricane season (July-November) when possible.
How many landscaping contractors operate in Hawaii?
U.S. Census data shows approximately 366 licensed landscaping establishments statewide. Most concentrate on Oahu due to population density and tourism infrastructure demands.
Landscaping contractors in Honolulu
No contractors listed yet.
Run your landscaping business on The Forge.
Apply to be listed on The Board for free. Manage leads, quotes, jobs, and follow-ups in one place, built for independent operators and growing crews.