Add Extra Living Space—and Extra Possibility—to Your Property

Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Design

Add Extra Living Space—and Extra Possibility—to Your Property

If you’ve ever thought about building a rental unit, guest suite, or private space for family on your property, an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) could be the perfect solution. ADUs are a smart way to add value, flexibility, and income potential to your Honolulu home. Home Planning Hawaii is here to help you understand the rules, explore design ideas, and connect with local professionals who specialize in ADU design.

What Is an ADU?

An ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) is a small, self-contained home located on the same lot as a main house. It can be detached (like a backyard cottage), attached (like a converted garage), or built above a garage or in a basement.

ADUs Typically Include:

  • A private entrance
  • Kitchen or kitchenette
  • Bathroom and shower
  • Living and sleeping area
Why ADUs Are Popular in Honolulu

Space Is Limited on Oahu

With land at a premium, building up or out with an ADU helps families make better use of their property.

Great for Multigenerational Living

ADUs are ideal for aging parents, adult children, or extended family members who want independence but still be close.

Income Opportunity

Many homeowners rent their ADU long-term or as a vacation rental (where permitted), creating a new income stream
Values

How It Works

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Explore Your Options

With land at a premium, building up or out with an ADU helps families make better use of their property.

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Great for Multigenerational Living

ADUs are ideal for aging parents, adult children, or extended family members who want independence but still be close.

Income Opportunity

Many homeowners rent their ADU long-term or as a vacation rental (where permitted), creating a new income stream.

Adds Property Value

A well-designed ADU can increase the value of your home—both for living and resale.

Honolulu Rules for ADUs

ADUs are legal in many Honolulu neighborhoods, but they must follow specific rules: - Your lot must meetsize requirements - You can only have one ADU per lot - Off-street parking may be required - Unit size islimited based on your lot size.

A local architect can help review your property and make sure your plans meet the city’s ADU requirements.

How It Works

Step 1: Explore Your Options

Use the Instant Online Estimator or contact form to tell us about your property and your goals.

Step 2: Connect With an ADU Designer

Home Planning Hawaii can match you with a Honolulu architect who has experience designing ADUs that meet local rules.

Step 3: Create the Perfect Plan

You’ll work together to design a comfortable, code-compliant space that fits your needs and budget.

Step 4: Prepare for Permits and Construction

Once the design is approved, your architect will help prepare the documents needed to submit for permits.

Make the Most of Your Property

An ADU gives you options—more space, more flexibility, and more possibilities. Home Planning Hawaii is here to help you take the first step with smart ADU design and expert local support. Use the Instant Online Estimator, fill out the contact form, or call today to start planning your ADU in Honolulu. Small space. Big benefits. Let’s get started.

Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Design

Add Extra Living Space—and Extra Possibility—to Your Property

If you’ve ever thought about building a rental unit, guest suite, or private space for family on your property, an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) could be the perfect solution. ADUs are a smart way to add value, flexibility, and income potential to your Honolulu home. Home Planning Hawaii is here to help you understand the rules, explore design ideas, and connect with local professionals who specialize in ADU design.

What Is an ADU?

An ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) is a small, self-contained home located on the same lot as a main house. It can be detached (like a backyard cottage), attached (like a converted garage), or built above a garage or in a basement.

ADUs Typically Include:

  • A private entrance
  • Kitchen or kitchenette
  • Bathroom and shower
  • Living and sleeping area

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From daily questions to deep ideas, our AI keeps up with your pace and tone — casual, professional, or just weird.

The Chat That Gets You

Built with intention — no clutter, no chaos. Just a clean, distraction-free AI that helps you think, write, and solve.

The Chat That Gets You

Built with intention — no clutter, no chaos. Just a clean, distraction-free AI that helps you think, write, and solve.

Say More with Less Effort

From daily questions to deep ideas, our AI keeps up with your pace and tone — casual, professional, or just weird.

The Chat That Gets You

Built with intention — no clutter, no chaos. Just a clean, distraction-free AI that helps you think, write, and solve.

Why ADUs Are Popular in Honolulu

Space Is Limited on Oahu

With land at a premium, building up or out with an ADU helps families make better use of their property.

Great for Multigenerational Living

ADUs are ideal for aging parents, adult children, or extended family members who want independence but still be close.

Income Opportunity

Many homeowners rent their ADU long-term or as a vacation rental (where permitted), creating a new income stream

How It Works

Explore Your Options

With land at a premium, building up or out with an ADU helps families make better use of their property.

Great for Multigenerational Living

ADUs are ideal for aging parents, adult children, or extended family members who want independence but still be close.

Income Opportunity

Many homeowners rent their ADU long-term or as a vacation rental (where permitted), creating a new income stream.

Adds Property Value

A well-designed ADU can increase the value of your home—both for living and resale.

Turn Conversations Into Actions

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Honolulu Rules for ADUs

ADUs are legal in many Honolulu neighborhoods, but they must follow specific rules: - Your lot must meetsize requirements - You can only have one ADU per lot - Off-street parking may be required - Unit size islimited based on your lot size.

A local architect can help review your property and make sure your plans meet the city’s ADU requirements.

How It Works

Step 1: Explore Your Options

Use the Instant Online Estimator or contact form to tell us about your property and your goals.

Step 2: Connect With an ADU Designer

Home Planning Hawaii can match you with a Honolulu architect who has experience designing ADUs that meet local rules.

Step 3: Create the Perfect Plan

You’ll work together to design a comfortable, code-compliant space that fits your needs and budget.

Step 4: Prepare for Permits and Construction

Once the design is approved, your architect will help prepare the documents needed to submit for permits.

Make the Most of Your Property

An ADU gives you options—more space, more flexibility, and more possibilities. Home Planning Hawaii is here to help you take the first step with smart ADU design and expert local support. Use the Instant Online Estimator, fill out the contact form, or call today to start planning your ADU in Honolulu. Small space. Big benefits. Let’s get started.