Building on Big Island
The 8 Week Rule
If it's not on island, plan 8 weeks.
Plan Your Build with Realistic TimelinesBuilding on Hawaiʻi Island means planning for ocean freight and supply chains. Suppliers may quote 4–6 weeks, but experience on the ground shows that 8 weeks is the safer buffer—and it can save your schedule when the unexpected happens.
This guide walks through why we plan for 8 weeks, what to order early, how delays compound, and how to protect your build timeline from day one.
Why 8 Weeks?
Even when suppliers say 4–6 weeks:
- Mainland shipping delays
- Port congestion
- Damaged goods
- Backorders
- Incorrect items
- Weather delays
Six weeks is possible. Eight weeks gives buffer.
What Requires 8 Week Planning
- Windows and doors
- Cabinets
- Appliances
- Specialty fixtures
- Roofing materials
- Custom millwork
- Large structural hardware
How Delays Compound
If windows are late:
- Framing stalls.
- Insulation stalls.
- Drywall stalls.
- Inspections stall.
- Entire schedule shifts.
Smart Island Planning
- Order early.
- Confirm inventory in stock.
- Inspect upon arrival.
- Build schedule around confirmed deliveries.
Ordering early and building your schedule around confirmed deliveries is the smart approach. Factor 8 weeks into your timeline from the start—you'll thank yourself when materials show up on time and your crew isn't waiting.
If you're planning a build and want realistic timelines from someone who's done it on island, we're here to help.