The Board
ENES

General Contracting Contractors in Kihei, Hawaii

Licensed Establishments

270

U.S. Census Bureau

Peak Season

April through September - dry season and tourist influx drive renovation demand

Estimate

Avg. Response Time

3-7 days for quotes, longer during peak season

Estimate

Common Job Costs

ServiceCost Range
Kitchen remodel$35,000 – $85,000
Bathroom remodel$18,000 – $45,000
Room addition$45,000 – $120,000
Roof replacement$15,000 – $35,000
Custom home build$350,000 – $800,000

Licensing Requirements

Licensing Requirements

Hawaii requires Contractor License C-5 (General Building) through DCCA Professional and Vocational Licensing. Must pass PSI examination covering business law, construction fundamentals, and Hawaii regulations. Requires 4 years experience or equivalent education. License renewal every 2 years with 10 hours continuing education.

Permit Requirements

Building permits required through Maui County Planning Department for most projects over $1000 or involving structural changes. Special coastal zone permits may apply near shoreline. Historic district restrictions in some areas.

Inspection Schedule

Foundation inspection before concrete pour, framing inspection before covering, electrical/plumbing rough-in, insulation inspection, final inspection. 24-48 hour notice required for scheduling.

Insurance Minimums

General liability minimum $50,000 per occurrence required for licensing. Workers compensation mandatory if employees. Professional liability recommended at $1 million minimum.

How to Get Licensed

  1. 1

    Verify experience requirements

    Document 4 years of general building construction experience through employer letters, project records, or equivalent education transcripts

  2. 2

    Submit application

    Complete Application for Contractor License C-5 through Hawaii DCCA online portal with all supporting documentation and $150 fee

  3. 3

    Schedule examination

    Pay $75 exam fee and schedule PSI examination covering Hawaii construction law, business practices, and technical knowledge

  4. 4

    Pass examination

    Score minimum 70% on PSI exam covering building codes, safety regulations, business law, and Hawaii-specific construction requirements

  5. 5

    Obtain insurance

    Secure general liability insurance minimum $50,000 and workers compensation if hiring employees before license activation

  6. 6

    License activation

    Submit insurance certificates and any remaining documentation to DCCA for final license approval and activation

About This Market

Kihei's general contracting market runs hot on vacation rental renovations and custom luxury builds. High material costs due to shipping to Maui, plus skilled labor shortage, push project costs 20-30% above mainland rates. Tourism money drives demand but creates feast-or-famine cycles tied to visitor arrivals. Competition is moderate with around 270 licensed contractors statewide, but most quality crews stay booked solid. Coastal location means dealing with salt air corrosion and hurricane prep requirements. Getting licensed in Hawaii means jumping through more hoops than most states - the C-5 General Building license requires passing a comprehensive exam plus proving 4 years experience. Local permit process through Maui County can drag, especially for coastal properties hitting shoreline setback rules. Work the April-September dry season hard, because winter brings rain delays. Build relationships with local suppliers early - material delays kill schedules on an island. Price jobs to cover the Hawaii premium on everything from lumber to labor, and always factor in shipping delays.

Data Sources:

Licensed establishments count: U.S. Census BureauLicensing requirements: Hawaii DCCA Professional and Vocational Licensing DivisionPermit requirements: Maui County Building DivisionInsurance requirements: Hawaii Revised Statutes Chapter 444Cost estimates: Local market analysis - estimates

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a general contractor license cost in Hawaii?▾
Initial C-5 General Building license fee is $150 plus $75 examination fee through Hawaii DCCA. Renewal every 2 years costs $120 plus continuing education requirements.
What experience do I need for a Hawaii general contractor license?▾
Hawaii requires 4 years of construction experience in general building or equivalent education. Experience must be verified by employers or clients according to Hawaii DCCA Professional and Vocational Licensing Division.
Do I need special permits for oceanfront construction in Kihei?▾
Yes, projects within Shoreline Management Area require Special Management Area permits through Maui Planning Commission. Additional environmental reviews may apply within 500 feet of shoreline.
How long do building permits take in Maui County?▾
Standard residential permits take 2-4 weeks for approval. Complex projects or those requiring planning commission review can take 2-6 months according to Maui County Building Division.
What drives higher construction costs in Kihei compared to mainland?▾
Material shipping costs to Maui add 15-25% markup, skilled labor shortage increases wages, and hurricane-resistant building requirements increase material specifications and labor time.

Contractors in Kihei

0 general contracting contractors in Kihei.

No contractors listed yet.

List your services

Are you a general contracting contractor in Kihei?

Get listed on The Board free. Manage your leads, jobs, and follow-ups with The Forge.

Get Listed Free