If you’ve ever thought about adding extra living space to your home, an accessory dwelling unit can be a smart, practical option.
An ADU is a smaller, secondary dwelling on the same lot as your primary home. In Hawaii, these are often referred to as ohana units; however, ADUs and ohana units have different legal definitions and their own sets of rules and regulations, which vary by county.
“It’s important to understand the restrictions for ADUs and make sure you’re not building it for the wrong reason,” says Marshall Hickox of Homeworks Construction Opens in a new tab. “Homeowners can use an ADU for older kids who are starting their own family or parents who they’d like to look after.”
In 2024, Hawaii passed a law directing each county to update its codes to allow more ADUs on qualifying residential lots. In many cases, this means up to two units when combined with ohana zoning subject to local regulations. This law gives homeowners more options for placing grown children, kupuna or long-term renters without the hassle of moving or building a whole second residence.
That being said, whether an ADU is possible on a lot depends on zoning, lot configuration, existing buildings, utility capacity and other considerations.
If you’re curious about whether your property qualifies — or want to learn more — Homeworks Construction is available to help. One of its team members will be happy to walk through your lot with you to see if an ADU makes sense for your property.
Visit homeworkshawaii.com
email mrh@homeworkshawaii.com for more information.
HOMEWORKS CONSTRUCTION
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