Painting contractors in
Kihei, Hawaii.
A public directory of licensed painting 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 General Contractor License (C-5 Painting) through DCCA Professional & Vocational Licensing. Must pass PSI exam covering business law, trade knowledge, and safety. $230 application fee, $160 biennial renewal. Requires 4 years experience or combination of education/experience. Bond and insurance required.
Permit Requirements
Kihei follows Maui County building codes. Permits required for structural changes or extensive surface prep involving lead paint (pre-1978 homes). Standard painting typically no permit required unless altering building envelope or doing major repairs.
Inspection Schedule
Inspections required only when permits pulled. Lead-safe work practices inspection for pre-1978 homes if disturbing lead paint. Final inspection for any structural work done during prep.
Insurance Minimums
General liability minimum $100,000, workers compensation required if employees. Professional liability recommended. Higher limits required for commercial work and some residential projects.
How to Get Licensed
Meet experience requirements
Document 4 years of painting experience OR combination of relevant education and experience. Gather employment records, contracts, or apprenticeship documentation.
Complete application
Submit C-5 Painting contractor application to Hawaii DCCA Professional & Vocational Licensing. Include $230 application fee, experience documentation, and required forms.
Pass PSI examination
Schedule and pass the PSI contractor examination covering business law, trade knowledge, safety regulations, and Hawaii-specific requirements. Study guide available from DCCA.
Obtain surety bond
Secure required surety bond through licensed surety company. Bond amount varies by license classification and project scope.
Provide insurance proof
Submit proof of general liability insurance meeting state minimums and workers compensation if employing staff. Higher limits may be required for certain projects.
Receive license
Once approved, receive C-5 license valid for 2 years. Set reminder for biennial renewal at $160 fee plus continuing education requirements.
About This Market
Kihei's painter market runs hot with constant demand from vacation rentals, condos, and resort properties needing frequent touch-ups from salt air and UV damage. Competition is tight among the 153 licensed establishments statewide, with maybe 15-20 operating regularly in South Maui. Exterior work dominates due to harsh coastal conditions - salt spray eats paint fast, trade winds carry abrasive particles, and intense sun breaks down coatings quickly. Premium pricing justified by challenging conditions and high material costs from shipping to island.
Get your C-5 license sorted first - Hawaii doesn't mess around with unlicensed work, and Maui County actively enforces. Stock quality marine-grade and UV-resistant coatings; cheap paint fails fast here. Plan around weather - winter brings occasional storms and higher humidity that ruins cure times. Build relationships with property managers and vacation rental companies for steady repeat work. Factor shipping delays and 25-30% material cost premiums into every bid. Most successful painters here specialize in coastal-resistant systems and charge accordingly.
- Number of licensed establishmentsU.S. Census Bureau - County Business Patterns
- Licensing requirements and feesHawaii DCCA Professional & Vocational Licensing
- Cost estimatesLocal contractor estimates (BLS data unavailable)
- Permit requirementsMaui County Building Department
- Insurance minimumsHawaii state contractor licensing requirements
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does exterior house painting cost in Kihei?
Exterior painting in Kihei runs $4,500-$8,500 for a typical 1,500 sq ft home. Higher costs reflect premium marine-grade paints needed for salt air protection and extensive prep work required due to UV damage. Source: Local contractor estimates.
Do I need a license to paint houses in Hawaii?
Yes, Hawaii requires a C-5 Painting contractor license through DCCA Professional & Vocational Licensing. Must pass PSI exam and show 4 years experience. $230 application fee plus bond and insurance required. Source: Hawaii DCCA licensing board.
When is the best time to paint exterior surfaces in Kihei?
April through October offers the most reliable conditions with minimal rainfall and consistent trade winds for proper paint curing. Avoid December through February due to higher humidity and occasional storms that can affect cure times.
Are permits required for painting in Maui County?
Standard painting typically requires no permits in Maui County. Permits needed only for structural changes during prep or extensive work on pre-1978 homes involving lead paint disturbance. Source: Maui County Building Department.
How many painting contractors operate in Hawaii?
Approximately 153 licensed painting establishments operate statewide in Hawaii, with roughly 15-20 regularly serving the South Maui/Kihei market. Source: U.S. Census Bureau establishment data.
Painting contractors in Kihei
No contractors listed yet.
Run your painting business on The Forge.
Get listed on The Board for free. Manage leads, quotes, jobs, and follow-ups in one place. Built for trades, used by thousands of operators nationwide.