Landscaping Contractors in Kihei, Hawaii

Licensed Establishments

366

U.S. Census Bureau

Peak Season

October through April - prime planting season when temperatures are cooler and rainfall is higher

Estimate

Avg. Response Time

3-7 days for quotes, longer during peak season

Estimate

Common Job Costs

Service	Cost Range
Lawn installation (sod)	$2,800 – $6,500
Irrigation system installation	$3,200 – $8,000
Landscape design and installation	$4,500 – $15,000
Tree removal	$800 – $3,500
Monthly maintenance service	$180 – $450
Hardscape installation (patios/walkways)	$5,000 – $18,000

Licensing Requirements

Hawaii requires a C-27 Landscaping Contractor license for projects over $1,000. Must pass trade exam covering plant identification, irrigation, pest management, and safety. Requires 4 years experience or combination of education and experience. License renewal every 2 years with 16 hours continuing education.

Permit Requirements

Maui County requires permits for irrigation connections, tree removal over 6 inches diameter, and grading over 50 cubic yards. Building permits needed for retaining walls over 4 feet or any electrical work.

Inspection Schedule

Irrigation system inspections required before backfill. Final landscape inspection needed for new construction projects. Tree removal inspections may be required in historic or environmentally sensitive areas.

Insurance Minimums

Hawaii requires minimum $50,000 general liability and $25,000 property damage coverage for licensed contractors. Workers compensation required for any employees.

How to Get Licensed

1
Meet experience requirements
Document 4 years of landscaping experience or equivalent combination of education and experience. Trade school or horticulture degree can substitute for some experience requirements.
2
Submit application
File application with Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA) including experience documentation, references, and application fee of $75.
3
Pass trade examination
Schedule and pass the C-27 Landscaping Contractor exam covering plant identification, irrigation systems, pest management, soil science, and safety regulations. Exam fee is $25.
4
Provide insurance proof
Submit proof of general liability insurance minimum $50,000 and property damage coverage minimum $25,000. Workers compensation required if hiring employees.
5
Pay license fee and receive license
Pay licensing fee of $140 upon exam passage. License is valid for 2 years and requires 16 hours of continuing education for renewal.

About This Market

Kihei's landscaping market runs on resort maintenance, vacation rental properties, and high-end residential work. With 366 licensed establishments statewide and heavy competition on Maui, margins are tight. Projects lean toward drought-resistant native plantings, irrigation efficiency, and luxury hardscapes. Material costs run 20-30% above mainland due to shipping, and skilled labor is scarce. Peak demand hits during tourist season when property owners want everything looking perfect.

To work this market, get your C-27 license first - no shortcuts. Know your native plants and water restrictions; Maui County is strict about conservation. Build relationships with suppliers early because everything ships in. Peak season books up fast, so line up crews and materials by September. Focus on maintenance contracts for steady cash flow, and price jobs to cover the higher operating costs. The money's here, but so is the competition.

Data Sources:

Licensed establishments count: US Census Bureau Economic CensusLicensing requirements: Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA)Permit requirements: Maui County Building DepartmentInsurance minimums: Hawaii Revised Statutes Chapter 444Cost estimates: Local market analysis and contractor estimates

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to landscape a typical Kihei home?▾

Full landscape installation for an average Kihei home runs $8,000-$25,000 depending on lot size, plant selection, and hardscape features. Material costs are 20-30% higher than mainland due to shipping to Maui.

Do I need a license to do landscaping work in Kihei?▾

Yes, Hawaii requires a C-27 Landscaping Contractor license for any project over $1,000. The license requires passing a trade exam and proving 4 years of experience or equivalent education, according to Hawaii DCCA licensing board.

What permits do I need for landscaping projects in Kihei?▾

Maui County requires permits for irrigation connections to water mains, tree removal over 6 inches diameter, grading over 50 cubic yards, and any retaining walls over 4 feet high. Check with Maui County Building Department for specific project requirements.

When is the best time to do landscaping work in Kihei?▾

October through April is peak season when temperatures are cooler and natural rainfall is higher. This is optimal for plant establishment but also when contractors are busiest and most expensive.

How long does it take to get landscaping quotes in Kihei?▾

Typical response time is 3-7 days during normal periods, but can extend to 2-3 weeks during peak season (October-April) when contractors are fully booked. Plan accordingly for project timelines.

Contractors in Kihei

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