Tree removal, trimming, and stump grinding companies serving Honolulu, Hawaii. ISA-certified arborists and local tree permit info.
Last updated: April 2026 · Cost data from RSMeans & BLS regional indices · Permit data from official city .gov sources
Local context for Honolulu
Honolulu permits are issued by the Department of Planning and Permitting (DPP) on Oahu. In August 2025 DPP launched the new HNL Build Salesforce-based permit system, replacing the long-running POSSE platform. DPP has a well-known permit backlog, with more complex reviews historically running 6 to 12 months, so project scheduling in Honolulu looks very different from most mainland cities.
Tree permits and right-of-way work filed through Honolulu Department of Planning and Permitting (DPP) · official portal
Honolulu, HI
Premier arborist company on Oahu with certified arborists providing residential and commercial tree care across Honolulu and surrounding areas.
Honolulu, HI
Established tree service company located at 1234 N School St in Honolulu, serving the greater Honolulu metro area.
Honolulu, HI
Honolulu-based tree service company operating from 4348 Waialae Ave, providing tree care services across Oahu.
Honolulu, HI
Family-owned tree service in Honolulu with over ten years of experience, offering 24/7 emergency services and a 100% satisfaction guarantee.
Honolulu, HI
Licensed Hawaii State Contractor (CT-34796) with ISA Certified Arborists and Tree Workers, specializing in coconut trimming and tree care across Oahu.
Honolulu, HI
Leading Honolulu tree care company with ISA-certified arborists and home to Hawaii's only Registered Arborist Apprenticeship through the U.S. Department of Labor.
Honolulu, HI
Oahu-based tree service with over 8 years of experience, specializing in safe removal of dangerous limbs, coconuts, fronds, and full trees at affordable prices.
Are you a tree service company in Honolulu?
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A short checklist of things to verify before you sign a contract or hand over a deposit. These apply whether you find your contractor here, on Angi, or anywhere else.
Every contractor we list is verified against public records, but verification is not a quality guarantee. Run through this checklist on any contractor you are seriously considering.
Follow these steps to find a reliable, licensed tree service company in the Honolulu, Hawaii area.
Hire an ISA Certified Arborist
ISA certification means the arborist has passed rigorous exams on tree biology, care, and safety practices.
Verify insurance coverage
Tree work is high-risk. Confirm they carry both general liability ($1M+) and workers compensation insurance.
Get 3+ written estimates
Estimates should detail the scope, equipment used, debris removal, and stump treatment. Avoid door-to-door solicitors.
Check for tree removal permits
Many cities protect trees over a certain diameter. Fines for unpermitted removal can exceed $10,000 per tree.
Ask about cleanup and debris removal
Confirm whether the price includes hauling away all branches, logs, and wood chips or if that costs extra.
Never pay more than 50% upfront
Reputable tree services collect a deposit (if any) and final payment upon completion. Avoid companies demanding full payment upfront.
Average tree service costs in Honolulu based on Hawaii labor rates. Prices vary by tree size, species, accessibility, and scope of work.
| Service | Low | Average | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tree Trimming (Small, under 25 ft) | $285 | $366 | $483 |
| Tree Trimming (Medium, 25-50 ft) | $544 | $698 | $921 |
| Tree Trimming (Large, 50-75 ft) | $934 | $1,197 | $1,580 |
| Tree Removal (Small) | $467 | $599 | $791 |
| Tree Removal (Medium) | $934 | $1,197 | $1,580 |
| Tree Removal (Large) | $1,867 | $2,394 | $3,160 |
| Tree Removal (Very Large, 75+ ft) | $3,631 | $4,655 | $6,145 |
| Stump Grinding (18" diameter) | $311 | $399 | $527 |
| Emergency Removal | $2,594 | $3,325 | $4,389 |
Costs are estimates based on Hawaii regional data. Actual prices vary by tree species, accessibility, and site conditions. Emergency work typically costs 50-100% more.
Get a Personalized EstimateMany cities require permits to remove trees over a certain size, especially heritage or protected species. In Honolulu, removing a protected tree without a permit can result in fines exceeding $10,000 per tree.
Before removing any tree, contact the Honolulu urban forestry department or planning office to check if a permit is required. Your tree service company should also be familiar with local tree ordinances.
Check tree permit requirementsTree removal in Honolulu typically costs $467-$791 for small trees (under 25 ft), $934-$1,580 for medium trees (25-50 ft), and $1,867-$3,160 for large trees (50-75 ft). Very large trees (75+ ft) can cost $3,631-$6,145. Emergency removal typically costs 50-100% more.
Tree trimming in Honolulu averages $366 for small trees, $698 for medium trees, and $1,197 for large trees. Costs vary based on tree species, accessibility, and scope of work. Hardwood trees cost about 15% more than softwoods due to denser wood.
Many cities require permits to remove trees over a certain size, especially heritage or protected species. Fines for removing protected trees without a permit can exceed $10,000 per tree. Contact the Honolulu urban forestry or planning department to check requirements before removing any tree, or check our tree permit guide.
An ISA (International Society of Arboriculture) Certified Arborist has passed a comprehensive exam on tree care, biology, and safety, and maintains continuing education. Hiring an ISA Certified Arborist in Honolulu means you're getting someone with verified expertise in tree health assessment, proper pruning techniques, and safe removal practices.
The best time for most tree trimming in Hawaii is during the dormant season (late fall through early spring) when trees are not actively growing. This reduces stress on the tree, lowers disease risk, and is often less expensive due to lower demand. However, dead or hazardous branches should be removed immediately regardless of season.
Stump grinding in Honolulu averages $399 for an 18-inch diameter stump. Most companies charge $3-$5 per inch of diameter. Additional stumps are often discounted 30-40%. Deep grinding (for building or replanting) costs about 65% more than standard depth.
DPP has been publicly working through a permit backlog for several years. Moving to HNL Build in August 2025 was intended to modernize the pipeline. Simple solar and reroof permits move faster; new construction and additions typically still take multiple months.
Yes. Any project over $1,000 in combined labor and materials requires a Hawaii contractor licensed through the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs. DPP will not finalize inspections without a licensed contractor on file unless you pulled an owner-builder permit.
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Many cities require permits to remove trees over a certain size. Fines can exceed $10,000 per tree.
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