There are many possibilities for adding additional living space onto your property in Hawaii. The intention for the living space is important in determining which type of Accessory Dwelling Unit is right for you. There are two main types – detached and attached ADUs. Read on for a thorough comparison of ADU vs. Ohana units and ADU vs. guest houses.
Key Takeaways
- Accessory Dwelling Units are allowed to house renters or family members.
- Ohana units can only house your family, including blood or adopted relatives, as well as in-laws.
- Guest houses are separate sleeping quarters rather than full-time living spaces.
- Guest houses may have a separate bathroom but do not have full kitchens and cannot be rented out.
- ADUs, Ohana units, and guest houses must adhere to specific Hawaii zoning laws, building codes, and parking requirements.
What Is an Ohana in Hawaii?
Ohana is a Hawaiin term for “family”, making it a rather suitable name for an Ohana unit. While they share many similar characteristics to an ADU, the main difference between an ADU vs. Ohana unit is that an Ohana unit can only be rented or lived in by family members.
This type of ADU can be fully customized to fit your needs and desires with Tall Builders’ design and build services. Choose everything from the fixtures to the finishes to create the perfect home for your family members.
What Is an ADU?
An ADU is a secondary Accessory Dwelling Unit that’s built on the same lot as the primary home. ADUs have their own kitchen, bathrooms, bedrooms, and utility meters. In order to build an ADU, the owner of the property or one of their family members must live in either the main house or the ADU. Accessory Dwelling Units can become long-term rental homes or living quarters for families. Regardless of who stays in the ADU, they must live in the dwelling for a minimum of 6 months.
What Is a Hawaii Guest House?
A guest house in Hawaii is an accessory building that provides a separate sleeping area for people visiting the residents of the main house. In contrast to an ADU or Ohanas, guest houses do not have kitchens. However, they may have separate washroom facilities. These are not rental units, but you can convert them into an ADU by acquiring proper permits and adding necessary sewer, water, and electrical hookups.
ADU vs. Ohana Unit
The following chart shows the differences of an ADU v. Ohana unit:
| Accessory Dwelling Unit | Ohana Unit | |
| Benefits | Increases affordable housing options and aids in the Hawaii housing crisis. | Great option for multi-generational households. |
| Use | Rentable unit or live-in family home, with or without rent. | Separate living quarters for family members, either attached or detached from the primary home. |
| Size | Minimum 3500 sq ft lot size.Lots 3500-4999 sq ft can have 400 sq ft ADU.Lots with 5000+ sq ft can have 800 sq ft ADU. | Minimum of 10,000 sq ft size lot and maximum 25 ft in height. |
| Occupancy | Family members or renters to live in for a minimum of 6 months. | Only available for family occupancy, including blood or adopted relatives and in-laws. |
| Zoning | Residential zoning 5, R5, R7.5, R10, R20, or country district CD. | Ag 1 and Ag 2, R5, R7.5, R10. |
| Parking | At least one non-street parking source dedicated to the ADU. No parking required if within one mile of a rail station. | Requires a minimum of two parking spots on the property. |
ADU vs. Guest House
The following chart compares the characteristics of an ADU vs. Guest House:
| Accessory Dwelling Unit | Guest House | |
| Benefits | Increases affordable housing options and aids in the Hawaii housing crisis. | Close-proximity to guests while maintaining privacy. Potential to increase property value. |
| Use | Rentable unit or live-in family home, with or without rent. | Guest sleeping quarters. No full kitchen. |
| Size | Minimum 3500 sq ft lot size.Lots 3500-4999 sq ft can have 400 sq ft ADU.Lots with 5000+ sq ft can have 800 sq ft ADU. | Lot size must be at least 7,500 sq ft. Guest house cannot exceed 500 sq ft in floor space or 20 ft in height. |
| Occupancy | Family members or renters to live in for a minimum of 6 months. | For visiting friends or family. Not available for rent. |
| Zoning | Residential zoning 5, R5, R7.5, R10, R20, or country district CD. | Zoning in RS district. |
| Parking | At least one non-street parking source dedicated to the ADU. No parking required if within one mile of a rail station. | No parking requirements. |
Laws and Regulations to Consider
Before you invest in an Ohana house, Hawaii guest house, or an ADU, it’s vital to understand the laws and requirements for each type of addition. Here are a few of the rules to consider:
Related Article: Maximizing Your Property’s Value with an ADU in Hawaii – Complete Guide
Next Steps to Building an Ohana House
If you’re looking for an addition that can act as a full-time rental unit, an ADU is the best option for you. An Ohana unit is a great option for people looking to accommodate relatives’ long term, while a guest house is suitable for short visits with visiting friends or family. Tall Builders designs and builds various types of Accessory Dwelling Units, including detached or attached ADUs and Ohana houses in Hawaii. Contact Tall Builders to learn more about the advantages of working with us to build an ADU including details about maximizing property value and assisting with Hawaii’s housing crisis.