Can I keep chickens in Honolulu, HI?
Yes — Honolulu allows backyard chickens, up to 2 hens with no permit required. (ROH §12-2.5(d), verified June 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | Yes |
|---|---|
| Maximum hens | 2 |
| Permit required | No |
| Code section | ROH §12-2.5(d) |
The City and County of Honolulu limits chickens and peafowl to no more than 2 per household county-wide under ROH §12-2.5(d). Honolulu is an unincorporated CDP on Oahu governed by this county code. No permit is required, but chickens must not constitute a nuisance under §12-2.3. The 2-bird limit applies to chickens and peafowl combined.
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in Honolulu?
Yes — chickens are allowed in Honolulu (ROH §12-2.5(d)).
How many chickens can I keep in Honolulu?
Up to 2 hens.
Do I need a permit to keep chickens in Honolulu?
No — no permit is required for the base allowance in Honolulu.
What law covers backyard chickens in Honolulu?
ROH §12-2.5(d). Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
ROH §12-2.5(d) — read the official code
“Poultry. Chickens, pigeons, turkeys, geese, ducks, and peafowl not regulated by State law.” source
“Chickens and peafowl. The number of chickens or peafowl shall not exceed two per household. (Added Ord. 90-55; Am. Ord. 04-42)” source
Last verified June 15, 2026. Always confirm with your municipality — HOA rules can be stricter than city code. How we verify →
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