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Building a home on Hawaiʻi Island (the Big Island) is a dream shared by many. With its diverse climates, breathtaking views, and unique communities, the island offers incredible opportunities for custom homebuilding. At the same time, navigating Hawaiʻi County building permits, construction plans, and land requirements can feel overwhelming without guidance.

If you’re starting the homebuilding process on the Big Island, here’s a step-by-step guide to help you move from vision to reality—using tools like Hawaiʻi ePlan, the state’s electronic plan submission system, to make the process smoother.

1. Define Your Vision and Budget

Every successful project begins with clarity. Ask yourself:

Will this be a primary residence, vacation home, or rental property?
What are your design priorities—open lanais, energy-efficient layouts, or multi-family options?
What’s your total budget, including land prep, utilities, and permit fees?

Remember: on the Big Island, many rural lots require septic systems, water catchment, or off-grid solar, which can affect overall costs.

2. Select the Right Location

The Big Island is divided into distinct climate zones and communities. Kona is sunny and dry, Hilo is lush and rainy, while Waimea and Volcano offer cooler upland climates. When choosing your lot, consider:

Climate and weather conditions (affecting design and materials).
Access to utilities like county water, electricity, or internet.
Proximity to services such as schools, hospitals, or shopping.
Zoning and subdivision rules that dictate what you can build.

A well-chosen location will make your construction plan more practical and cost-effective.

3. Secure Your Land Properly

Before buying, confirm that your land is suitable for building:

Get a land survey to establish boundaries.
Check zoning and setback requirements.
Review any CC&Rs (Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions).
Ensure access rights, easements, and legal road entry.

These details directly affect your ability to submit an electronic plan (ePlan) for approval.

4. Understand Hawaiʻi County Permitting and ePlan

In Hawaiʻi County, building permits are processed through Hawaiʻi ePlan, the county’s electronic plan review system. This digital platform allows you to submit and track:

Construction drawings from your architect or designer.
Grading, septic, and wastewater applications.
Zoning compliance documents.

Using ePlan helps streamline approvals, but expect review times to take several weeks or months. Submitting complete and accurate documents from the start prevents costly delays.

5. Assemble a Local Team

The Big Island’s building process works best with trusted professionals who understand local requirements:

Licensed architect or designer – to create your official construction plans for Hawaiʻi County ePlan submission.
Licensed contractor – ensure they are registered and experienced with island conditions.
Surveyor or civil engineer – to handle grading, drainage, and land prep.
Specialty contractors – for solar, water catchment, or septic systems.

Pro tip: many professionals are in high demand—book early to keep your project on track.

6. Plan Utilities and Infrastructure

Your construction plans must account for site-specific needs:

Water supply – county water, catchment system, or private well.
Wastewater – septic or wastewater treatment systems (Department of Health approved).
Electricity – HELCO grid connection or photovoltaic solar.
Roads and drainage – access driveways, stormwater control, and grading.

These items must be documented for approval in the Hawaiʻi ePlan system.

7. Secure Financing and Insurance

If you’re using a construction loan, your lender will require:

A deed and survey of your land.
Approved Hawaiʻi County construction plans.
Contractor contracts and cost estimates.

Insurance is also critical. Policies vary by lava zone and hurricane risk, so research coverage options early.

8. Begin Construction

With permits approved and financing secured, your contractor can begin. The county will schedule inspections at key stages (foundation, framing, plumbing, electrical, final). Keep all documents updated in Hawaiʻi ePlan for smooth project tracking.

9. Completion and Certificate of Occupancy

Once construction passes final inspection, the county issues a Certificate of Occupancy—your green light to move in. From here, you can enjoy your new Big Island home, knowing you successfully navigated the process.

Final Thoughts

Starting the homebuilding process on the Big Island requires careful planning, local expertise, and familiarity with the Hawaiʻi ePlan electronic plan review system. By clarifying your vision, securing the right land, and submitting accurate construction plans, you can streamline approvals and avoid delays.

At Hawaiʻi ePlan, our mission is to make the homebuilding journey smoother for homeowners, architects, and contractors across the islands. With the right preparation and team, your dream home in Hawaiʻi can become a reality.

come visit our other websites www.accentdesignservices.com or www.hawaiidrafting.com!!