Comparent
RestrictedCity

Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Kailua Kona, HI

Last verified: March 2026 · Report an update

Zoning & Conditions

STVRs are permitted only in Resort (V), General Commercial (CG), Village Commercial (CV), and specific RM/condominium districts; rentals outside these zones require a Nonconforming Use Certificate. Owners must provide a local contact reachable 24/7, ensure all guest parking is off-street, and include registration numbers in all advertisements.

How to Obtain a Permit

1. Submit a registration application via the EPIC online submittal system. 2. Provide required documents including building permit final approvals, tax clearance certificates, and a site/floor plan. 3. Pay a one-time $500 filing fee; NUCs must be renewed annually for $250.

Regulatory Updates — Kailua Kona

Proposed and recent legislation

PassedNovember 2023

Hawaii County STR Permit Restrictions in Residential Zones

Hawaii County enacted ordinances restricting new short-term vacation rental permits in residential zoning districts on the island of Hawaii. New permits are available primarily in resort and commercial zones. Existing permitted properties continue to operate, but non-transferable permit policies apply in some zones.

PassedDecember 2021

Hawaii State GET and TAT Compliance

Hawaii vacation rental operators must collect and remit Hawaii state general excise tax (GET) and the transient accommodations tax (TAT). Airbnb and Vrbo collect and remit these taxes on behalf of hosts for most bookings. The TAT rate was increased to 10.25% in 2021.

Official source
ProposedFebruary 2025

Hawaii Legislature Considers Additional STR Restrictions

Hawaii state lawmakers have introduced bills that would impose statewide caps on STR density and require a state-level registry for all vacation rentals, building on county-level restrictions already in place across Maui, Oahu, and Hawaii counties.

Official Resources

Official Kailua Kona STR regulation source

Local Resources & Advocacy

Hawaii Short-Term Rental AllianceStatewide

Advocacy group representing Hawaii vacation rental operators and property managers in county and state regulatory proceedings. Monitors Hawaii County ordinance changes.

Kona-Kohala Chamber of CommerceLocal

Represents business interests on the Big Island's western coast including vacation rental operators. Tracks Hawaii County STR regulatory developments.

Vacation Rental Management Association (VRMA)National

National trade association providing regulatory monitoring and compliance resources for vacation rental managers navigating Hawaii's increasingly restrictive STR landscape.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are short-term rentals allowed in Kailua Kona, HI?
STVRs are permitted only in Resort (V), General Commercial (CG), Village Commercial (CV), and specific RM/condominium districts; rentals outside these zones require a Nonconforming Use Certificate. Owners must provide a local contact reachable 24/7, ensure all guest parking is off-street, and include registration numbers in all advertisements.
Is a permit required to operate a short-term rental in Kailua Kona?
Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Kailua Kona. 1. Submit a registration application via the EPIC online submittal system. 2. Provide required documents including building permit final approvals, tax clearance certificates, and a site/floor plan. 3. Pay a one-time $500 filing fee; NUCs must be renewed annually for $250.
How do I get a short-term rental permit in Kailua Kona?
1. Submit a registration application via the EPIC online submittal system. 2. Provide required documents including building permit final approvals, tax clearance certificates, and a site/floor plan. 3. Pay a one-time $500 filing fee; NUCs must be renewed annually for $250.
Can I get a new STR permit in Kailua-Kona for a residential property?
New STR permits in residential zoning districts in Hawaii County are restricted or prohibited. New permits are primarily available for properties in resort and commercial zones. Buyers of residential properties in Kona should not assume STR permits are available — verify with Hawaii County's Planning Department whether a specific property's zone and permit status allow vacation rental use before purchasing.
What taxes must Kailua-Kona vacation rental operators collect?
Hawaii vacation rental operators must collect and remit Hawaii state general excise tax (GET, 4.5% including surcharge for Hawaii County), Hawaii transient accommodations tax (TAT, 10.25%), and the Kailua-Kona area's county surcharge. The combined effective tax rate on rental income is approximately 15–18%. Airbnb and Vrbo collect and remit Hawaii GET and TAT on behalf of hosts. Operators must still register with the Hawaii Department of Taxation for a Hawaii Tax ID.
How does Kailua-Kona compare to Maui for STR restrictions?
Both Maui County and Hawaii County (Big Island) have moved to restrict new STR permits in residential zones, driven by the same statewide housing crisis and political pressure. Maui's restrictions (enacted 2023) were among the nation's most aggressive, with very high fines for violations. Hawaii County's restrictions are significant but somewhat less extreme than Maui's at this time. Both are stricter than most mainland markets. The statewide political trajectory suggests continued tightening on both islands.
Comparent

Looking for property managers in Kailua Kona, HI?

Compare top-rated short-term rental managers on Comparent — read reviews, see pricing, and find the right fit.

View Property Managers

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