Concrete Driveway Cost in Hawaii: 2026 Price Guide

Why Concrete Driveways Are the Go-To Choice in Hawaii

Homeowners across the islands love concrete for its clean look, low maintenance, and ability to handle Hawaii’s salty air and sudden tropical downpours. A properly installed concrete driveway can last 30–40 years—far longer than asphalt or gravel—making it one of the smartest long-term investments you can make in your property.

Still, “smart investment” doesn’t mean “cheap.” Material has to be shipped in, labor rates are higher than on the mainland, and every island has different permitting rules. Below, we break down exactly what drives concrete driveway cost in Hawaii so you can budget with confidence and avoid surprise change orders.

2026 Concrete Driveway Cost in Hawaii: Quick Glance

Prices updated January 2026, collected from 42 licensed flat-work contractors on O‘ahu, Maui, Kaua‘i, and Hawai‘i Island. Rates include standard 4-inch thick, 3,000-psi concrete with rebar and fiber mesh, but exclude demolition of an existing driveway or complex excavation.

• Average per square foot: $10 – $18
• Typical 600 ft² two-car driveway: $6,000 – $10,800
• High-end stamped/colored 800 ft² drive: $12,000 – $17,600
• Permit fees (varies by county): $150 – $450

Island-By-Island Price Snapshot

Concrete is heavy; barge freight adds ~$1.25 per square foot on neighbor islands. Labor shortages on Maui and Kaua‘i push rates another 8–12 % higher than O‘ahu.

• O‘ahu: $10 – $15 / ft²
• Maui: $11 – $17 / ft²
• Kaua‘i: $12 – $18 / ft²
• Hawai‘i Island (Hilo side): $11 – $16 / ft²
• Hawai‘i Island (Kona side): $12 – $17 / ft²

7 Key Factors That Swing Your Final Price

1. Site Access & Slope

A steep Waialae-Iki lot may require a pump truck ($900–$1,400 rental) instead of a standard chute pour. Narrow Hana roads or lava-rock driveways on the Big Island can add $2–$4 per square foot just for mobilization.

2. Removal of Old Driveway

Breaking up and hauling away existing concrete runs $3 – $5 per square foot—about $1,800–$3,000 for a 600 ft² drive. Asphalt removal is slightly cheaper at $2 – $4 per square foot.

3. Thickness & Reinforcement

Standard passenger cars: 4-inch thick, #3 rebar at 18-inch grid. If you park a ¾-ton pickup or boat trailer, upgrade to 5-inch and #4 rebar; add $1.50 – $2 per square foot.

4. Decorative Finishes

• Broom finish: included in base price
• Exposed aggregate: +$3 – $4 / ft²
• Stamped pattern (slate, coral stone): +$6 – $9 / ft²
• Integral color: +$1 – $2 / ft²

5. Custom Borders & Control Joints

Decorative saw-cut joints every 4 ft add about $0.75 per linear foot. A contrasting 6-inch border stamped with a compass rose can tack on $500–$800 for a standard drive.

6. Permits & Engineering

All four counties now require a building permit for new concrete drives over 250 ft². If your slope exceeds 15 %, you may need a grading or drainage plan ($1,200 – $2,000).

7. Sealing & Ongoing Maintenance

First seal coat at 28 days cures included by most contractors. Re-seal every 2–3 years at $0.50 – $0.75 per square foot to prevent spalling from salt air and UV.

Can You DIY to Save Money?

In short: probably not worth it. A DIY pad in your backyard is doable, but a driveway that must handle 3,500-lb SUVs—and pass county inspection—needs proper slump tests, compaction equipment, and experienced finishers who understand Hawaii’s fast-setting conditions in 80 °F heat with 70 % humidity.

Most ready-mix plants on the islands will not supply small “driveway-sized” loads without a pump or minimum order fee ($500–$700). By the time you rent a mixer, buy forms, rebar, and pay dump fees for excavated dirt, you’re within 15 % of a licensed contractor’s price—and you still shoulder all the liability.

5 Proven Ways to Cut Cost Without Cutting Quality

1. Time it right. Schedule your pour during the dry season (May–September) to avoid rain delays that trigger overtime charges.
2. Bundle with neighbors. If two adjoining homes pour the same week, contractors save on mobilization and often knock $0.75 – $1 off per square foot.
3. Keep the layout simple. A straight rectangular run costs 15 % less than curved or circular drives that require extra forming and wasted concrete.
4. Choose broom finish now, upgrade later. Start with standard broom finish; add decorative stamping or staining in 5–7 years when budget allows.
5. Reuse old base. If your existing base is solid, ask the contractor to mill and relay it instead of trucking in new gravel—saves $1 – $2 per square foot.

What to Expect During Installation

Typical 600 ft² driveway, no demolition:

• Day 1: Permit posted, site marked, forms set.
• Day 2: Base compacted, rebar placed, pre-pour inspection.
• Day 3: Concrete pour, screed, float, broom finish.
• Day 4: Forms stripped, control joints saw-cut, temporary barricades.
• Day 28: Final seal coat, county final inspection, driveway open to full vehicle traffic.

Weather delays can add 2–5 days; your contractor should include a “rain day” clause in the contract.

Warranty & Maintenance Checklist

Reputable Hawaii contractors offer a 2–5 year workmanship warranty against major cracking (cracks wider than ¼-inch) and spalling. Keep these records:

• Slump and strength test reports (should hit 3,000 psi at 28 days)
• Proof of contractor’s liability and workers-comp insurance
• Sealing schedule—set calendar reminders every 24 months

Quick annual rinse with a garden hose and mild detergent prevents salt buildup that eats finishes. Avoid de-icing salts; a plastic shovel is safest for the rare Big Island freeze.

Return on Investment in the Hawaiian Market

According to the 2025 Remodeled Cost vs. Value Report Pacific region, a new concrete driveway recoups 78 % of its cost at resale—second only to landscaping. On O‘ahu, where off-street parking can add $30,000–$50,000 to home value, the payback often exceeds 100 %. Even on neighbor islands, buyers favor homes with durable parking for boats and multiple cars.

Hiring the Right Contractor: 6 Red Flags to Avoid

1. Quotes that skip permit fees or list “TBD” for county costs.
2. Requires 100 % cash up front (standard draw: 25 % at start, 50 % at pour, 25 % at completion).
3. No physical address or only a P.O. box in Hawai‘i.
4. Uses bagged mix instead of ready-mix plant for large pours (signals corner-cutting).
5. Refuses to provide local references from the last 6 months.
6. Won’t put warranty terms in writing.

Always verify the license on the Hawai‘i DCCA website and request a certificate of insurance emailed directly from the carrier.

FAQ – Concrete Driveway Cost in Hawaii