Chicken Laws by County in Hawaii

Raising backyard chickens in Hawaii offers a slice of self-sufficiency in paradise. Whether you’re growing your own food, managing pests, or simply enjoying the companionship of hens, it’s a rewarding lifestyle. But before you start building your coop, there’s one crucial thing to know: chicken laws in Hawaii vary by county, city, and zoning.

This guide breaks down chicken laws by county in Hawaii, including key cities like Honolulu, Hilo, and Kahului, so you can start your flock the right way—legally and responsibly.

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Are Chickens Legal in Hawaii?

Yes, chickens are legal in Hawaii, but the specific rules depend on your county and zoning classification. Each of Hawaii’s four counties—Honolulu (Oahu), Hawaii (Big Island), Maui, and Kauai—enforces its own ordinances.

Most counties allow backyard chickens, but there are usually regulations about:

• How many chickens you can have

• Whether roosters are allowed

• Where the coop must be located

• Noise and nuisance rules

• Permits or health code requirements

Before you start building, it’s smart to use this chicken coop calculator to plan a coop that meets your county’s space and health requirements.

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Chicken Laws by County in Hawaii

Let’s break down the chicken-keeping laws and common practices in each of Hawaii’s four counties.

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City and County of Honolulu (Oahu)

Can you raise chickens in Honolulu?
Yes, but with strict rules.

• Maximum of 2 chickens allowed per household in most residential zones

• Roosters are not allowed

• Chickens must be kept at least 100 feet away from any neighboring dwelling

• Coops must be kept clean and not cause odors or pests

• No permit required for personal flocks, but noise or sanitation complaints can lead to fines

Urban Honolulu, including neighborhoods like Waikiki and Kapolei, often has strict enforcement due to population density.

Want to stay compliant? Use the chicken coop calculator to make sure your coop setup meets legal distance and space guidelines.

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Hawaii County (Big Island)

Are chickens allowed on the Big Island?
Yes—and the Big Island is one of the most chicken-friendly places in the state.

• Chickens are permitted in both urban and rural zones, though restrictions vary

• Roosters are allowed in most agricultural and rural residential zones

• No maximum number of chickens in AG zones

• Residential zones may require:

  • Setback of 25–50 feet from property lines

  • No noise or sanitation issues

• Chickens must be kept on the owner’s property and not roam freely

With its rural landscape and homesteading culture, the Big Island offers more flexibility than the other islands.

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Maui County (Maui, Molokai, and Lanai)

Can you keep chickens in Maui County?
Yes, with moderate restrictions.

• Backyard chickens allowed in residential and agricultural zones

• Roosters are only permitted in rural or agricultural zones

• Most urban residential zones allow up to 6 hens

• Coop placement must comply with setback rules—often 25+ feet from neighboring homes

• Chickens must be kept in clean, enclosed coops to prevent complaints

Kahului, Lahaina, and Kihei may have additional restrictions or local noise ordinances, especially in densely populated neighborhoods.

If you’re planning a coop in Maui, be sure to check your zoning and calculate how much coop space your chickens need before construction.

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Kauai County

• Chickens are allowed in most areas of the island, especially in agricultural and rural zones

• Roosters are allowed, but may trigger noise complaints if in residential zones

• There is no strict limit on hens in AG or rural areas

• Chickens must be fenced and housed properly

• Sanitation and noise nuisance rules are enforced by the Kauai Department of Health

Free-roaming feral chickens are common on Kauai, but this does not make unconfined backyard flocks legal—your chickens must be contained.

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Common Chicken Laws Across Hawaii Counties

Although the rules vary, here are some general legal patterns seen across Hawaii:

To ensure you’re in full compliance, especially with setback distances, always use the chicken coop calculator before building.

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Urban vs. Rural Chicken Laws in Hawaii

Urban and Suburban Areas (e.g., Honolulu, Kahului, Lihue):

• Strict limits on number of hens (often 2–6)

• Roosters typically banned

• High setback requirements (up to 100 feet)

• Complaints from neighbors may result in inspections or fines

• HOAs and community covenants may override local laws

Rural and Agricultural Zones (e.g., Puna, North Kohala, Hana):

• More relaxed regulations

• Roosters generally allowed

• Larger flocks permitted

• No permit needed in most areas

• Coops must still meet basic sanitation and containment standards

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How to Find Your County’s Chicken Laws

Follow these steps to confirm your area’s chicken regulations:

1. Check your zoning designation (residential, AG, rural) using the county’s online GIS tool or zoning maps

2. Review your county or city’s municipal code

3. Call the local zoning or planning office

4. Ask your HOA or condo association if you’re in a managed community

Just because chickens roam wild in your area doesn’t mean they’re legally allowed on your property—especially if you’re in an urban or suburban neighborhood.

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How to Build a Legal Chicken Coop in Hawaii

Regardless of where you live, your coop should be:

• Predator-proof: Hawaii has mongoose, feral cats, and wild dogs

• Well-ventilated for tropical humidity

• Secure and clean to prevent odor or pest issues

• Properly spaced from property lines or homes (25–100 feet, depending on your location)

Use the chicken coop calculator to get precise coop dimensions and layout based on your flock size and local laws.

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Conclusion

Backyard chickens are welcome in most of Hawaii—but only if you follow the rules. From Oahu’s tight urban limits to the Big Island’s rural freedom, each county has its own approach to poultry keeping.

By knowing your zoning, understanding local ordinances, and planning ahead, you can enjoy all the benefits of backyard chickens without any legal trouble.

Ready to get started? Use this chicken coop calculator to design a coop that’s safe, legal, and comfortable for your hens.

Fresh eggs and happy chickens are just around the corner—but staying informed is what makes you a great chicken keeper in the Aloha State.