Trade directory · Kahului metro · Hawaii

Landscaping contractors in
Kahului, Hawaii.

A public directory of landscaping contractor businesses serving greater Kahului. Market data, licensing requirements, and cost benchmarks — updated continuously from public sources.

Employer Establishments
366
U.S. Census Bureau
Peak Season
Year-round with slight increase during dry season (April-October) for irrigation and drought-resistant installations
Market estimate
Avg. Response Time
3-5 business days for estimates, up to 2 weeks during peak periods
Operator average
Avg. Hourly Wage
$22/hr
Bureau of Labor Statistics
§ J · OPEN JOBS

Landscaping jobs in Kahului

00 OPEN

0 open jobs in Kahului.

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§ A · Market rates

Common Job Costs

KAHULUI-HI · LOCAL ESTIMATES
Service
Description
Cost Range
Basic lawn maintenance (monthly)
Typical range based on local basic lawn maintenance (monthly) jobs.
$150 – $300
Landscape design and installation
Typical range based on local landscape design and installation jobs.
$3,000 – $15,000
Tree removal and trimming
Typical range based on local tree removal and trimming jobs.
$400 – $1,200
Irrigation system installation
Typical range based on local irrigation system installation jobs.
$2,500 – $8,000
Sod installation (per sq ft)
Typical range based on local sod installation (per sq ft) jobs.
$2 – $4
Hardscaping and retaining walls
Typical range based on local hardscaping and retaining walls jobs.
$2,000 – $12,000
§ B · Regulatory

Licensing Requirements

HI
§1

Licensing Requirements

Hawaii requires a Contractors License for projects over $1,000. C-27 Landscaping classification requires passing both Law & Business exam and Trade exam, 4 years experience or combination of experience and education, $15,000 contractor bond, and biennial renewal with continuing education

§2

Permit Requirements

Building permits required through County of Maui for retaining walls over 4 feet, irrigation connections to water mains, and major grading. Tree removal permits may be required for certain species or heritage trees

§3

Inspection Schedule

Initial permit inspection before work begins, rough inspection for irrigation rough-in, final inspection upon completion for permitted work. County of Maui typically schedules within 2-3 business days

§4

Insurance Minimums

General liability minimum $300,000 per occurrence, workers compensation required for employees, professional liability recommended for design work, commercial auto insurance for vehicles

§ M · DoorBase

Local market snapshot

2 ZIPs
Population25,889
Household income$94,360
Home value$1,015,446
Median rent$2,538
Unemployment0.00%
Job growth-100.00%

Source: DoorBase, aggregated public ZIP-level data. Updated 8/17/2026.

§ C · Path to license

How to Get Licensed

6 STEPS
1

Meet Experience Requirements

Document 4 years of landscaping experience or combination of experience and education. Submit employment verification and project documentation to Hawaii Contractors License Board.

01/06
2

Submit Application

Complete Application for Contractor License with Hawaii DCCA. Include financial statements, experience documentation, and $75 application fee. Processing takes 90+ days.

02/06
3

Pass Required Examinations

Take and pass both Law & Business examination and C-27 Landscaping Trade examination. Exams scheduled through PSI Services with $50 fee per exam.

03/06
4

Obtain Surety Bond

Secure $15,000 contractor surety bond from approved surety company. Bond must remain active throughout license period and list Hawaii DCCA as obligee.

04/06
5

Purchase Insurance

Obtain general liability insurance minimum $300,000 per occurrence and workers compensation coverage if employing workers. Submit proof of insurance with license application.

05/06
6

Complete License Issuance

Upon approval, pay $140 license fee and receive C-27 Landscaping Contractor License. License requires biennial renewal with continuing education requirements.

06/06
§ D · Field notes

About This Market

UPDATED APR 2026

Kahului's landscaping market runs steady year-round thanks to consistent tropical weather, with 366 licensed establishments statewide competing for residential and commercial work. Demand centers on drought-resistant native plantings, irrigation systems for the dry leeward side, and maintenance for resort properties. High material shipping costs to Maui drive up project prices 20-30% over mainland rates. Labor shortages keep wages competitive at median $21.60/hour, but skilled crews command premium rates. The second paragraph: Getting licensed in Hawaii means navigating the state contractor board's C-27 classification - expect 90+ days for application processing and mandatory bond requirements. County of Maui permitting moves slower than mainland markets, so pad your schedules. Focus on native Hawaiian plants and xeriscaping expertise to differentiate from competition. Build relationships with local nurseries early since material lead times stretch 2-4 weeks for specialty items. Cash flow planning is critical with higher upfront material costs and slower permit cycles.

Data Sources
  • Median hourly wage $21.60/hr
    Bureau of Labor Statistics
  • 366 licensed establishments in HI
    US Census Bureau
  • Licensing requirements and fees
    Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs Contractors License Board
  • Permit requirements
    County of Maui Building Department
  • Insurance minimums
    Hawaii Contractors License Board regulations
§ E · FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

05 QUESTIONS
Q/01

What license do I need for landscaping work in Kahului, HI?

Hawaii requires a C-27 Landscaping Contractor License for projects over $1,000. This requires passing state exams, 4 years experience, and maintaining a $15,000 bond through the Hawaii Contractors License Board.

Q/02

How much does landscape installation cost in Kahului?

Full landscape installation ranges $3,000-$15,000 depending on size and complexity. High shipping costs to Maui add 20-30% to material costs compared to mainland markets, according to local contractor surveys.

Q/03

When is peak season for landscaping in Kahului?

Demand stays consistent year-round due to tropical climate, with slight increases April-October during dry season when irrigation and drought-resistant plantings are prioritized by property owners.

Q/04

What permits are required for landscaping projects in Maui County?

County of Maui requires building permits for retaining walls over 4 feet, irrigation connections to water mains, and major grading work. Tree removal permits may be needed for protected species per county ordinance.

Q/05

What is the average wage for landscape workers in Hawaii?

According to Bureau of Labor Statistics data, landscaping workers in Hawaii earn a median hourly wage of $21.60 ($44,928 annually), reflecting the state's higher cost of living and labor market conditions.

§ F · Directory

Landscaping contractors in Kahului

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