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.
| 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
Rules diverge across Hawaii: Honolulu is the strictest of the 5 cities we track (very heavy), while Hilo is the most permissive (moderate).
| 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.
Do I need a permit or license for an Airbnb in Hawaii?
Yes, Hawaii requires a license or permit for short-term rental operators.
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.
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.
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.