Landscaping contractors in
Kihei, Hawaii.
A public directory of licensed landscaping contractors serving greater Kihei. Market data, licensing requirements, and cost benchmarks — updated continuously from public sources.
Common Job Costs
Licensing Requirements
Licensing Requirements
Hawaii requires C-27 Landscaping Contractor License for projects over $1,000. Must pass written exam covering business law, safety, and technical knowledge. Requires 4 years experience or equivalent education. License renewal every 2 years with continuing education requirements.
Permit Requirements
Maui County requires permits for irrigation systems, retaining walls over 4 feet, and grading work. Building permits needed for hardscape structures. Water use permits may be required for large irrigation systems.
Inspection Schedule
Irrigation system inspections required before backfill. Retaining wall inspections at foundation and completion. Final landscape inspection for permit compliance typically within 10 days of completion request.
Insurance Minimums
General liability minimum $300,000 per occurrence, $600,000 aggregate. Workers compensation required for employees. Some commercial projects require $1-2 million coverage.
How to Get Licensed
Meet experience requirements
Document 4 years of landscaping experience or complete equivalent education program approved by Hawaii DCCA
Submit application
File Form CON-1 with Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, include experience documentation and $110 application fee
Take written examination
Pass C-27 Landscaping Contractor exam covering business law, safety regulations, and technical landscaping knowledge
Provide financial responsibility
Submit proof of insurance and financial responsibility as required by Hawaii contractor licensing law
Pay licensing fees
Pay initial license fee of $265 upon exam passage and application approval
Maintain license
Renew every 2 years with continuing education requirements and renewal fees
About This Market
Kihei's landscaping market runs hot on resort maintenance, vacation rental upgrades, and high-end residential work. With limited water resources and harsh sun, projects lean toward drought-tolerant native plantings, lava rock hardscaping, and efficient irrigation systems. Competition is tight among the established players, but tourist-driven demand keeps work steady. Material costs run 20-30% higher than mainland due to shipping, and skilled labor is scarce. Projects that pop: resort refreshes, vacation rental curb appeal boosts, and luxury residential installations that can handle the trade winds and salt air. Property managers drive repeat business, so reputation matters more than low-ball pricing. You need that C-27 license for anything meaningful, and Maui County doesn't mess around with permit compliance. Peak season October through April means you're slammed when mainlanders want their properties looking sharp for tourist season. Water restrictions hit hard during dry spells, so irrigation efficiency isn't optional. Local suppliers are limited, so material planning and relationships matter. The successful contractors here lock down resort contracts, build tight relationships with property management companies, and spec everything for the harsh coastal environment. Rush jobs pay premium, but the small island means your reputation travels fast both ways.
- Number of licensed establishmentsU.S. Census Bureau - 366 licensed landscaping establishments in Hawaii
- Licensing requirementsHawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs Professional and Vocational Licensing Division
- Permit requirementsMaui County Department of Public Works
- Cost rangesLocal market estimates based on Hawaii contractor pricing
- Insurance minimumsHawaii contractor licensing requirements and industry standards
Frequently Asked Questions
What license do I need for landscaping work in Kihei?
Hawaii requires a C-27 Landscaping Contractor License for projects over $1,000. You must pass a written exam and have 4 years experience or equivalent education, according to Hawaii's Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs Professional and Vocational Licensing Division.
Do I need permits for irrigation system installation in Kihei?
Yes, Maui County requires permits for most irrigation system installations. You'll also need water use permits for larger systems, and all work must comply with county water conservation ordinances.
What drives landscaping costs higher in Kihei compared to mainland?
Material shipping costs increase prices 20-30% above mainland rates (estimated based on Hawaii logistics). Limited local suppliers, specialized salt-tolerant plants, and skilled labor scarcity also drive costs up.
When is peak season for landscaping work in Kihei?
October through April during tourist season. Resort properties and vacation rentals schedule major landscaping projects before peak visitor periods, creating high demand for contractors.
What insurance coverage do landscaping contractors need in Hawaii?
Hawaii requires minimum $300,000 per occurrence, $600,000 aggregate general liability insurance. Workers compensation is mandatory for employees, and many commercial projects require $1-2 million coverage according to state contractor licensing requirements.
Landscaping contractors in Kihei
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