Septic Installation & Cesspool Conversion in Hawaii
Licensed septic installation, pumping and repair across all Hawaiian Islands, with excavators based in Keaau for Hilo, Puna and Volcano.
Excavators based in Keaau
Most of Puna, Hilo and Volcano is a short haul from our yard.
Lava rock is our specialty
Breakers, excavators and a fill plan for lots with inches of soil.
Permits handled for you
Engineering, DOH review and the final approval to use, coordinated start to finish.
Septic Installation, Pumping and Cesspool Conversion on Every Island
From the Big Island to Kauai, Hawaii Septic installs, maintains and repairs septic systems. With decades of experience in Hawaii’s soil conditions and wastewater rules, we build systems that pass inspection the first time and keep working for years.
- Cesspool Conversion Replace your cesspool with an approved septic system or aerobic unit, including closing out the old pit and the final DOH approval.
- Septic System Installation New homes, ohana units and additions. Tanks, leach fields, seepage pits, ATUs and soil replacement systems on lava.
- Septic Pumping & Maintenance Pump-outs, sludge measurements, baffle checks and the six-month ATU service visits Hawaii requires.
- Septic Repair & Cesspool Upgrades Backups, failed drain fields, roots, cracked tanks and ATU alarms, diagnosed and fixed.
Built for Lava Rock
Much of East Hawaii has only a few inches of soil over pahoehoe. A standard leach field won’t work there. On fractured lava, Hawaii’s rules call for a soil replacement system: we break out the rock and build the disposal area in suitable fill, at least three feet above groundwater.
It’s slow, heavy work, and it’s the work our crews are set up for.
Why homeowners choose Hawaii Septic
- Licensed and insured across all Hawaiian islands
- Deep experience with Hawaii’s volcanic soil and coastal conditions
- Full compliance with Hawaii DOH wastewater rules
- Cesspool to septic conversion specialists
- Free estimates and transparent, itemized pricing
- Emergency service available 24/7
Septic Installation & Cesspool Conversion in Hilo, Puna and Volcano
Our excavators are based in Keaau, so most of East Hawaii is a short haul for us. Pick your community for local details on soil, lava rock, roads and permits.
Septic and Cesspool Service on All Hawaiian Islands
No matter where you are in Hawaii, our experienced crews are ready to help.
- Big IslandHilo, Kona and beyond
- OahuHonolulu and island-wide
- MauiKahului, Kihei and more
- KauaiThe Garden Isle
- MolokaiFull service available
- LanaiFull service available
Cesspool Conversion Before the 2050 Deadline
Hawaii law requires every cesspool to be upgraded, converted or connected to a sewer before January 1, 2050, to protect the islands’ groundwater. Hawaii Septic specializes in cesspool conversion, upgrading cesspools to approved septic systems or aerobic treatment units. We guide you through every step, from permits to installation to final DOH approval.
Free guides for Hawaii homeowners
Plain answers about the deadline, costs, funding and the conversion process, checked against state law and current programs.
- Hawaii’s Cesspool Law (Act 125) and the 2050 Deadline
- How Much Does Cesspool Conversion Cost in Hawaii?
- Cesspool Conversion Grants, Loans and Financing
- How to Check Your Cesspool’s Priority Level
- Cesspool to Septic Conversion: Step by Step
- Septic Requirements for Building a New Home
- Buying or Selling a Home With a Cesspool
Septic and Cesspool Questions We Hear Most
Do I have to replace my cesspool?
Yes, eventually. Hawaii’s Act 125 requires every cesspool in the state to be upgraded, converted or connected to a sewer before January 1, 2050. The Department of Health can require it sooner, for example when you add bedrooms or the cesspool is failing. Our Act 125 guide explains the details.
How much does a cesspool conversion cost?
Most conversions in Hawaii run between $20,000 and $50,000. Rock, groundwater, access and the type of system your lot needs make the biggest difference. See our cost guide for a full breakdown.
Which islands do you serve?
All of them: Hawaii Island, Oahu, Maui, Kauai, Molokai and Lanai. Our home base is Keaau on the Big Island.
Can you install a septic system on lava rock?
Yes, and it’s our specialty. On fractured lava, Hawaii’s rules call for a soil replacement system built in suitable fill. Learn more about our septic installation work.
How often should a septic tank be pumped?
Most household tanks need pumping every three to five years. Aerobic treatment units need a service visit at least every six months. Our pumping and maintenance page covers what affects your schedule.
Is there financial help for a conversion?
Sometimes. A state loan fund created by Act 204 is expected to open by the end of 2026, and USDA repair loans and grants help some rural homeowners. Our grants and loans guide lists what’s available now.