Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Hawi, HI

Airbnb listings are allowed in Hawi, HI, but with restrictions. Regulated by Hawai‘i County Ordinance 2018-114 (Bill 108); STR/STVR use is allowed only in locations/zoning specified by the County ordinance and rules. Existing STRs outside permitted zones may apply for a Nonconforming Use Certificate (NUC) to continue operation; the Planning Department’s Rule 23 sets procedures for processing and administration of STVRs. 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.

Regulated by Hawai‘i County Ordinance 2018-114 (Bill 108); STR/STVR use is allowed only in locations/zoning specified by the County ordinance and rules. Existing STRs outside permitted zones may apply for a Nonconforming Use Certificate (NUC) to continue operation; the Planning Department’s Rule 23 sets procedures for processing and administration of STVRs.

Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Hawi. 1) Download and complete the Short-Term Vacation Rental Application Packet and STVR Statement of Compliance from the Hawai‘i County Planning Department STVR resource page; 2) If the property is outside a permitted zoning district, apply for a Nonconforming Use Certificate (NUC) using the NUC application and renewal forms; 3) Submit completed forms per Planning Department Rule 23 to the Hawai‘i County Planning Department (contact planning@hawaiicounty.gov or submit at the appropriate county planning office).

1) Download and complete the Short-Term Vacation Rental Application Packet and STVR Statement of Compliance from the Hawai‘i County Planning Department STVR resource page; 2) If the property is outside a permitted zoning district, apply for a Nonconforming Use Certificate (NUC) using the NUC application and renewal forms; 3) Submit completed forms per Planning Department Rule 23 to the Hawai‘i County Planning Department (contact planning@hawaiicounty.gov or submit at the appropriate county planning office).

Vrbo is permitted in Hawi, 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 Hawi 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 Hawi. STR rules change frequently — verify the current requirements with the city or county before listing, using the official source linked on this page.