In Hawaii, kit homes offer a flexible and cost-effective alternative to traditional site built homes. Given Hawaii’s geography, it is one of the most unique housing markets in the U.S.. Hawaii home kits are ideal for projects in the state as they can often be shipped more easily than other types of prefab construction, particularly modular homes. And given the high cost of traditional home construction in Hawaii, using a home kit can be one option for achieving a prefab home at a competitive price point.

Building in Hawaii comes with logistical challenges, particularly when it comes to transporting materials between islands or from the continental U.S. to the islands. This guide covers key information about kit homes in Hawaii, including costs and builders that serve the islands.

Overview of Kit Homes in Hawaii

What are kit homes?

Hawaii home kits are a type of prefabricated construction that builds homes from pre-selected materials delivered to the build site. These home kits range from structural shells to more inclusive packages that include specialized materials suited to Hawaii’s tropical climate. Due to the state’s remote location, kit homes in Hawaii often prioritize materials that can withstand high humidity, salty air, and exposure to the elements.

What types of kit homes exist in Hawaii?

In Hawaii, common kit homes include timber frame kits and SIP homes. SIP homes, or panelized homes, are popular for their energy efficiency and ability to keep homes cool in Hawaii’s tropical climate, reducing the need for air conditioning. Timber frame kits utilize timber framing to achieve greater design flexibility using large, solid wooden beams.

How much does it cost to build a kit home in Hawaii?

The cost to build a kit home in Hawaii typically ranges between $325 and $700 per square foot, depending on the location and type of kit. In high-demand areas like Honolulu or Maui, costs may be higher due to increased labor costs. Transportation costs can also be a significant project line item and worth checking with each builder. Depending on the materials included in the kit and the desired level of finishes, we often see final project costs as 3 - 5 times the base kit price.

Kit Homes For Sale in Hawaii

Structural Shell Kits and Timber Frame Home Kits

Bamboo Living - (Pahoa, HI)
Bamboo Living specializes in sustainable bamboo kit homes that are perfectly suited for Hawaii’s tropical climate. Their kits come with pre-engineered bamboo framing and paneling, designed for quick assembly while maintaining the aesthetic of bamboo construction. Their homes are built to be hurricane-resistant, which is a huge plus for island homeowners.
We estimate projects for a kit home from Bamboo Living to cost between $325 - $500+. While this is a turn-key estimate (not including land), site conditions, project location, and desired finishes will affect this range. For example, we estimate their 880 square foot Zen 880 to cost around $286,500. For more information, see our list of homes from Bamboo Living with cost estimates.

Sander Architects - (Marina del Rey, CA)
Sander Architects is a custom architecture firm that specializes in designing high-end, custom kit homes. Because they are fully custom, they are able to work on bespoke designs that are well-suited for Hawaii’s tropical climate. Known for their hybrid approach, Sander designs homes that incorporate prefab steel framing to minimize costs while maintaining luxury. Their homes feature passive cooling systems, expansive open spaces, and modern aesthetics—perfect for capturing Hawaii’s natural breezes and stunning views.
We estimate projects for a custom, modern prefab home from Sander Architects to cost between $500 - $700+. While this is a turn-key estimate (not including land), site conditions, project location, and desired finishes will affect this range. For example, we estimate their 6,000 square foot Desert Canopy House to cost around $3,000,000.

Teak Bali - (Keaau, HI)
Teak Bali specializes in post and beam prefab homes made from sustainably sourced teak wood, perfect for Hawaii’s tropical environment. Their kits include pre-cut framing, teak siding, and custom roof systems. Teak Bali’s offers 11 pre-designed floor plans to choose from or they can build one-off custom projects.
We estimate projects for a tropical kit home from Teak Bali to cost between $330 - $650+. While this is a turn-key estimate (not including land), site conditions, project location, and desired finishes will affect this range. For example, we estimate their 2,368 square foot Rain Forest Retreat to cost around $1,172,000. For more information, see our list of homes from Teak Bali with cost estimates.

Panelized Home Kits

Studio Shed - (Louisville, CO)
Studio Shed provides flexible kit home options that are well suited for buyers in Hawaii. Studio Shed builds and sells flat-packed home kits which consist of structural panels, roofing, and interior finishes which can be shipped to the island. Due to the design flexibility of their units, they are well-suited for backyard offices, studios, ADUs, or even small residences.
We estimate projects for a panelized home from Studio Shed to cost between $400 - $650+. While this is a turn-key estimate (not including land), site conditions, project location, and desired finishes will affect this range. For example, we estimate their 1,000 square foot Summit L to cost around $410,000. For more information, see our list of homes from Studio Shed with cost estimates.

For project-specific help with your kit home in Hawaii, consider our Prefab Coaching program. Or, continue researching your project with our resources for Prefab and Modular Homes in Hawaii, Container Homes for Sale in Hawaii, and Tiny Homes for Sale in Hawaii.