ROH §16-12.6
Size and location rules for hale
Read the official text at honolulu.gov ↗This section sets size, yard, and spacing rules for hale (traditional Hawaiian structures). It limits hale to one story, sets maximum dimensions by type, requires compliance with county yard rules, and sets minimum distances from other structures. Hale noa for sleeping require a separate residence on the property.
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The ordinance, as written (Honolulu County) — Size and location
A copy, taken August 22, 2026. The version published by Honolulu is the one that governs, and it may have changed since. Check it before relying on anything here.
(a) Height and size limitation. Hale shall be one-story, detached structures not to exceed 1,800 square feet. The maximum allowable size for each type of hale shall be as follows:
Maximum Allowable Sizes (In Feet) for Each Hale Type
hale halawai
hale kuai
hale noa
hale waa
30 feet x 60 feet
14 feet x 20 feet
14 feet x 24 feet
30 feet x 60 feet
(b) Zoning requirements. Hale shall comply with minimum yard requirements in the land use ordinance, Chapter 21 .
(c) Minimum separation. The minimum separation between a hale and another structure shall be at least 10 feet for a one-story structure; 15 feet for a two-story structure; or a distance equal to the height of the hale, whichever is more. The minimum separation between two hale shall be at least 10 feet or a distance equal to the height of the taller hale.
(d) Hale noa. Hale noa structures for sleeping may be constructed only on property where a separate residence exists on the property.
Published by the City and County of Honolulu through American Legal Publishing.
LawTrove is not legal advice. The summary above is a computer-generated restatement — the authoritative text is the official version linked above.