Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Hawaii County, HI

Airbnb listings are allowed in Hawaii County, HI, but with restrictions. STVRs are allowed only in specific zoning districts (V, CG, CV, certain Resort areas, and RM for condos); others require a Nonconforming Use Certificate. Operators must have a 24/7 reachable person in Hawaii County who can respond within one hour by phone and three hours in person, and quiet hours are mandated from 9:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m. A permit is required before you can host. These rules apply to all short-term rental platforms (Airbnb, Vrbo, Booking.com, etc.) — not just Airbnb specifically. See the official source linked on this page for full requirements. Last verified 2026-05-14.

STVRs are allowed only in specific zoning districts (V, CG, CV, certain Resort areas, and RM for condos); others require a Nonconforming Use Certificate. Operators must have a 24/7 reachable person in Hawaii County who can respond within one hour by phone and three hours in person, and quiet hours are mandated from 9:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m.

Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Hawaii County. 1. Submit a completed STVR Registration Form and Statement of Compliance via the EPIC online system. 2. Provide required documentation including final building/electrical/plumbing approvals, State GE and TAT licenses, and a site/floor plan. 3. Pay the $500 non-refundable processing fee; Nonconforming Use Certificates (NUC) must be renewed annually for $250.

1. Submit a completed STVR Registration Form and Statement of Compliance via the EPIC online system. 2. Provide required documentation including final building/electrical/plumbing approvals, State GE and TAT licenses, and a site/floor plan. 3. Pay the $500 non-refundable processing fee; Nonconforming Use Certificates (NUC) must be renewed annually for $250.

Vrbo is permitted in Hawaii County, HI under the same restrictions that apply to Airbnb — local rules govern the rental itself, not the specific platform. You must hold a valid permit before hosting on Vrbo. Last verified 2026-05-14.

Short-term rental hosts in Hawaii County are typically responsible for lodging, occupancy, and applicable sales taxes — these usually apply even where hosting is allowed without a permit. Rates and remittance rules vary by jurisdiction (state, county, and city can each levy a share); confirm the current rates with the official source linked on this page. Platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo collect some taxes automatically, but the host remains liable for any not collected on their behalf.

We are not currently tracking any recent short-term rental ordinance changes for Hawaii County. STR rules change frequently — verify the current requirements with the city or county before listing, using the official source linked on this page.