Landscaping contractors in
Kahului, Hawaii.
A public directory of licensed landscaping contractors serving greater Kahului. Market data, licensing requirements, and cost benchmarks — updated continuously from public sources.
Common Job Costs
Licensing Requirements
Licensing Requirements
Hawaii requires a C-27 Landscaping Contractor license through DCCA Professional and Vocational Licensing. Must pass written exam covering business law, safety, and trade knowledge. Requires 4 years experience or combination of education/experience. $185 application fee, $200 license fee. Renewal every 2 years with 20 hours continuing education.
Permit Requirements
Maui County requires building permits for major landscaping with grading over 50 cubic yards, irrigation systems, and hardscape structures. Grading permits required for earth moving. Special permits needed for work in shoreline setback areas.
Inspection Schedule
Pre-work inspection for grading permits, mid-construction for irrigation rough-in, final inspection for permit closure. County typically schedules within 2-3 business days of request.
Insurance Minimums
General liability minimum $100,000 per occurrence, $300,000 aggregate. Workers compensation required for employees. Professional liability recommended for design work.
How to Get Licensed
Meet experience requirements
Document 4 years of landscaping experience or equivalent combination of education and experience. Gather employment records, project documentation, or transcripts for review.
Complete application
Submit C-27 Landscaping Contractor license application to Hawaii DCCA with $185 application fee. Include experience documentation, references, and financial statements.
Pass written examination
Schedule and pass the written exam covering business law, safety regulations, environmental compliance, and landscaping trade knowledge specific to Hawaii.
Obtain insurance and bonding
Secure required general liability insurance minimums and any additional bonding requirements. Submit proof of coverage with license documentation.
Pay license fee and receive license
Pay $200 license fee upon exam passage and application approval. License valid for 2 years with renewal requiring 20 hours continuing education.
About This Market
Kahului's landscaping market runs hot year-round with resort properties, residential developments, and commercial sites driving steady demand. You're competing with 366 licensed establishments statewide, but Maui's tourism economy keeps projects flowing. Costs run high due to island logistics - everything ships in, labor's limited, and clients expect resort-quality work. Irrigation and drought-resistant plantings dominate, with native species increasingly mandated by local ordinances.
Get your C-27 license sorted first - Hawaii doesn't mess around with unlicensed work and the exam covers local environmental regulations you need to know. Peak season March through September means lining up crews early and materials before the rush. County permitting moves slower than mainland markets, so factor extra time for approvals. Focus on water-wise designs and native plants - environmental compliance is getting stricter and clients are catching on. Build relationships with local suppliers early because shipping delays kill schedules.
- median wagesBureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics
- licensed establishmentsU.S. Census Bureau County Business Patterns
- licensing requirementsHawaii DCCA Professional and Vocational Licensing Division
- permit requirementsMaui County Building Department
- insurance requirementsHawaii State Contractor Licensing Law
Frequently Asked Questions
What license do I need to do landscaping work in Kahului, Hawaii?
You need a C-27 Landscaping Contractor license from Hawaii DCCA Professional and Vocational Licensing. This requires passing an exam and 4 years experience, with renewal every 2 years including 20 hours continuing education.
How much do landscaping contractors make in Hawaii?
According to Bureau of Labor Statistics data, landscaping workers in Hawaii earn a median wage of $21.14 per hour or $43,971 annually, though licensed contractors typically earn significantly more.
Do I need permits for irrigation system installation in Kahului?
Yes, Maui County requires permits for irrigation system installations. You'll need a building permit application through the county, with inspections required for rough-in and final approval.
When is the best time for landscaping work in Kahului?
March through September is peak season during the dry season. Weather is most predictable for outdoor work, though competition for crews and materials is highest during this period.
What insurance do landscaping contractors need in Hawaii?
Minimum requirements include general liability insurance with $100,000 per occurrence and $300,000 aggregate coverage, plus workers compensation insurance if you have employees. Professional liability is recommended for design work.
Landscaping contractors in Kahului
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