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Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Kailua, HI

Last verified: March 2026 · Report an update

Zoning & Conditions

Short-term rentals (less than 30 days) are permitted only in resort-zoned areas and specific apartment-zoned areas. Bed-and-breakfasts require a host present with a maximum of two rooms and two adult guests per room, while whole-home units (TVUs) also limit occupancy to two adults per room. Recent ordinances also impose on-street parking restrictions and seller disclosure requirements.

How to Obtain a Permit

1) Complete the required Statement of Compliance and gather necessary documents as outlined in the DPP Informational Guide. 2) Create an account on the HNL Build online portal and submit the registration application along with required fees. 3) Once approved, the license is issued and accessible within the HNL Build portal; existing NUC holders must renew annually.

Regulatory Updates — Kailua

Proposed and recent legislation

PassedOctober 2024

Honolulu STR Enforcement Intensified in Windward Oahu

Honolulu's STR enforcement team expanded operations to the Windward Oahu coast including Kailua, conducting systematic audits of listing platforms and issuing citations to operators in residential zones not eligible for STR use.

PassedJune 2024

Bed-and-Breakfast Registration Compliance Sweep

Honolulu conducted a compliance sweep of registered Bed-and-Breakfast operations in Kailua, verifying that all active B&Bs have current registration, host-present operation, and comply with the two-room and two-guest-per-room limits.

PassedFebruary 2024

STR Eligibility Map Updated for Windward Districts

Honolulu's Department of Planning and Permitting updated its STR eligibility map for windward Oahu districts including Kailua, providing clearer parcel-level data on resort and apartment zone designations.

Official Resources

Official Kailua STR regulation source

Local Resources & Advocacy

Vacation Rental Management Association (VRMA)National

National trade association providing regulatory guidance for vacation rental professionals navigating Honolulu's resort-zone-only STR framework in Kailua.

Hawaii Association of RealtorsStatewide

Statewide real estate association monitoring Honolulu's STR ordinance and advocating for property owner rights in Oahu resort corridor markets.

Hawaii Tourism AuthorityLocal

State tourism organization monitoring STR accommodation supply on Oahu and its impact on Hawaii's overall visitor accommodation capacity and tourism goals.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are short-term rentals allowed in Kailua, HI?
Short-term rentals (less than 30 days) are permitted only in resort-zoned areas and specific apartment-zoned areas. Bed-and-breakfasts require a host present with a maximum of two rooms and two adult guests per room, while whole-home units (TVUs) also limit occupancy to two adults per room. Recent ordinances also impose on-street parking restrictions and seller disclosure requirements.
Is a permit required to operate a short-term rental in Kailua?
Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Kailua. 1) Complete the required Statement of Compliance and gather necessary documents as outlined in the DPP Informational Guide. 2) Create an account on the HNL Build online portal and submit the registration application along with required fees. 3) Once approved, the license is issued and accessible within the HNL Build portal; existing NUC holders must renew annually.
How do I get a short-term rental permit in Kailua?
1) Complete the required Statement of Compliance and gather necessary documents as outlined in the DPP Informational Guide. 2) Create an account on the HNL Build online portal and submit the registration application along with required fees. 3) Once approved, the license is issued and accessible within the HNL Build portal; existing NUC holders must renew annually.
Can I operate a vacation rental in my Kailua residential home?
Almost certainly not. Honolulu restricts non-hosted STRs to resort-zoned areas and specific apartment zones. Kailua's residential neighborhoods are almost entirely ineligible. A Bed-and-Breakfast (host present, max 2 rooms, max 2 adults per room) may be possible in some apartment-zoned areas.
What are the fines for an unpermitted STR in Kailua?
Honolulu City and County can impose fines of up to $10,000 per day for unpermitted STR operations. Enforcement in Kailua has been expanding, using listing platform data to identify violations. Do not assume your residential property can legally operate as a vacation rental.
How do I know if my Kailua property is in an eligible zone?
Check Honolulu's Department of Planning and Permitting STR eligibility map, which has been updated with parcel-level data for windward Oahu including Kailua. Only resort-zoned and specific apartment-zoned parcels are eligible. If your property is in a residential zone, it is not eligible.
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Disclaimer

This information is for general reference only and may not reflect the most current regulations. STR regulations change frequently. Always verify requirements with official local government sources before operating a short-term rental.

Last verified: March 2026 · Suggest a correction