Plumbing contractors in
Kihei, Hawaii.
A public directory of licensed plumbing 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 a C-37 Plumbing and Gasfitting Contractor license. Must pass PSI exam covering plumbing codes, safety, and business law. Requires 4 years experience or 2 years plus approved education. License renewal every 2 years with 10 hours continuing education.
Permit Requirements
Kihei requires permits through Maui County for all plumbing work except minor repairs. Permits needed for water heater replacement, new fixtures, repiping, and sewer connections. Fees range $50-$300 depending on scope.
Inspection Schedule
Rough-in inspection before concealing work, final inspection after completion. Schedule 48 hours in advance through Maui County Building Division. Re-inspection fees apply for failed inspections.
Insurance Minimums
Hawaii requires $50,000 general liability and $10,000 property damage minimum for licensed contractors. Workers compensation required if employing others.
How to Get Licensed
Meet Experience Requirements
Obtain 4 years of plumbing experience under a licensed contractor, or 2 years experience plus approved technical education from accredited program
Submit Application
Complete Hawaii contractor license application with Professional and Vocational Licensing Division including experience verification, references, and $75 application fee
Pass PSI Exam
Schedule and pass the PSI plumbing contractor examination covering Hawaii plumbing codes, safety regulations, and business law. Exam fee is $75
Provide Insurance
Submit proof of general liability insurance meeting Hawaii minimums of $50,000 general liability and $10,000 property damage coverage
Pay License Fee
Pay initial license fee of $235 upon approval. License is valid for 2 years and requires 10 hours continuing education for renewal
Register with County
Register business with Maui County if working in Kihei area and obtain any required local business permits or tax registrations
About This Market
Kihei's plumber market serves a mix of vacation rentals, resort properties, and residential homes, with about 396 licensed establishments statewide creating moderate competition. Costs run 20-30% above mainland averages due to shipping materials across the Pacific and limited supplier options. Resort maintenance contracts and vacation rental turnovers drive steady demand, while older properties in South Kihei need frequent sewer line work due to aging infrastructure and coral soil conditions. The tourist economy creates feast-or-famine cycles tied to visitor seasons.
Working Kihei means navigating Maui County's permit system and understanding Hawaii's strict environmental regulations around wastewater and coastal protection. Get your C-37 license locked down first - the experience requirements are rigid and the exam covers Hawaii-specific codes. Build relationships with local suppliers early because everything ships in, and emergency parts cost double. Focus on vacation rental property managers and resort maintenance contracts for steady work. Keep emergency response capability - tourists don't wait for business hours when pipes burst.
- licensed establishments countUS Census Bureau County Business Patterns
- licensing requirementsHawaii Professional and Vocational Licensing Division
- permit requirementsMaui County Building Division
- insurance minimumsHawaii Revised Statutes Chapter 444
- cost estimatesLocal contractor estimates and regional construction cost data
Frequently Asked Questions
What license do I need to work as a plumber contractor in Kihei?
You need a Hawaii C-37 Plumbing and Gasfitting Contractor license issued by the Professional and Vocational Licensing Division. This requires 4 years experience or equivalent education plus passing the PSI contractor exam.
How much does it cost to replace a water heater in Kihei?
Water heater replacement in Kihei typically costs $1,800-$3,200 including permit and installation. Higher costs reflect shipping materials to Hawaii and limited local supplier competition.
Do I need permits for plumbing work in Kihei?
Yes, Maui County requires permits for most plumbing work including water heater replacement, new fixtures, and repiping. Only minor repairs like faucet replacement are exempt. Apply through Maui County Building Division.
How many licensed plumbing contractors operate in Hawaii?
Census data shows approximately 396 licensed plumbing establishments operate statewide in Hawaii, creating moderate competition levels across the islands including Maui County.
What insurance do plumber contractors need in Hawaii?
Hawaii requires minimum $50,000 general liability and $10,000 property damage insurance for licensed contractors. Workers compensation insurance is mandatory if you employ others, administered through Hawaii Employer-Union Health Benefits Trust Fund.
Plumbing contractors in Kihei
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