Short-Term Rental Regulations in Hawaii (HI)
Hawaii has a heavy level of short-term rental regulation. Significant restrictions. STR operators must register with the state. A license or permit is required. Platforms like Airbnb collect and remit taxes. Hawaii Act 286 (2022) established a statewide STR registration system. All STR operators must register with DBEDT. GET (4.5%) and TAT (10.25%) taxes apply, plus county surcharges. Honolulu (Oahu) enacted Bill 41 banning most un-hosted STRs under 90 days. Maui County has strict limits in residential zones.
Full Requirements Summary
Hawaii has 2 key regulatory requirements at the state level. The table below summarizes all state-level STR regulations. Note that individual cities may have additional requirements beyond what the state mandates.
| Requirement | Status | Details |
|---|---|---|
| STRs Allowed | Yes | Short-term rentals are legal |
| Statewide Law | Yes | State has specific STR legislation |
| Registration Required | Yes | Must register with state/local authority |
| License Required | Yes | Must obtain a license or permit |
| Primary Residence Only | No | Investment properties allowed |
| Maximum Nights/Year | No limit | No annual night limit at state level |
| Minimum Stay | No minimum | No minimum stay requirement |
| Host Presence Required | No | Un-hosted stays allowed |
| Insurance Required | No | No state insurance mandate |
| Safety Inspection | No | No state-required inspection |
| Platform Tax Collection | Yes | Platforms collect and remit taxes |
City-Level STR Regulations in Hawaii
STR regulations vary by city within Hawaii. The table below shows restriction levels and local notes for 5 cities. City-level rules may be more or less restrictive than the state average.
| City | Restriction Level | Local Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Honolulu | Very Heavy | Bill 41 bans most STRs under 90 days outside resort zones. Only ~800 legal STR units grandfathered in. Fines $1,000-$10,000/day. Very heavy enforcement. |
| Maui (Lahaina/Kihei) | Heavy | STR permits required. Limited to designated areas. Many residential zones prohibit STRs. County working on further restrictions post-wildfire. |
| Poipu (Kauai) | Heavy | Kauai County requires TVR permits. Limited to properties with existing permits in most areas. No new permits in many zones. |
| Kailua-Kona | Moderate | Hawaii County STR registration required. Non-conforming use certificates needed in residential zones. GET and TAT apply. |
| Hilo | Moderate | Hawaii County registration required. Fewer restrictions than resort areas. GET and TAT apply. |
How Hawaii Compares to Other States
Below is a comparison of Hawaii with five states that have similar STR regulation levels. This helps illustrate where Hawaii stands nationally in terms of short-term rental friendliness.
| State | Restriction Level | Registration | License | Night Cap | Platform Tax |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hawaii (HI) | Heavy | Yes | Yes | No limit | Yes |
| California (CA) | Heavy | No | No | No limit | No |
| District of Columbia (DC) | Heavy | Yes | Yes | 90 nights/year | Yes |
| Massachusetts (MA) | Heavy | Yes | Yes | No limit | Yes |
| New York (NY) | Heavy | Yes | Yes | No limit | Yes |
| Colorado (CO) | Moderate | No | No | No limit | Yes |
Frequently Asked Questions About Hawaii STR Regulations
Can I legally operate an Airbnb in Hawaii?
Yes, short-term rentals are legal in Hawaii. You must register with the state. A license or permit is required. The state's overall restriction level is heavy. Always check your local city and county regulations before listing.
Do I need a permit or license for an Airbnb in Hawaii?
Yes, Hawaii requires a license or permit for short-term rental operators. Individual cities in Hawaii may have their own permit requirements even if the state does not mandate one. Check the city-level details above for specifics.
Does Airbnb collect taxes in Hawaii?
Yes, Hawaii has a platform accountability law. Airbnb and other platforms collect and remit applicable state and/or local taxes on behalf of hosts. Always verify your tax obligations with your local tax authority.
Which city in Hawaii has the strictest Airbnb rules?
Among the cities we track, Honolulu has the most restrictive STR regulations in Hawaii with a very heavy restriction level. Bill 41 bans most STRs under 90 days outside resort zones. Only ~800 legal STR units grandfathered in. Fines $1,000-$10,000/day. Very heavy enforcement.
Where can I find the most current STR rules for Hawaii?
STR regulations change frequently. For the most current information, check your Hawaii state legislature website, your city or county clerk's office, or your local planning/zoning department. Our data reflects regulations as of early 2026, but always verify before listing a property.
Check Another State or City
Use our STR regulation lookup tool to find the exact rules for your specific city in Hawaii, or browse all 50 states to compare short-term rental friendliness across the country. Remember: city-level rules often differ significantly from the state-level picture.