Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Kalaheo, HI

Airbnb listings are allowed in Kalaheo, HI, but with restrictions. Kauai County prohibits new short-term rentals outside the Visitor Destination Area (VDA); properties within the VDA are not subject to that 180-day prohibition. Existing non-conforming TVRs and approved homestays outside the VDA appear on an official approved-list and must renew per Planning Department requirements. 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.

Kauai County prohibits new short-term rentals outside the Visitor Destination Area (VDA); properties within the VDA are not subject to that 180-day prohibition. Existing non-conforming TVRs and approved homestays outside the VDA appear on an official approved-list and must renew per Planning Department requirements.

Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Kalaheo. 1) Confirm eligibility by checking the "List of Approved Homestays & Non-Conforming TVR's by TMK" on the Kauai County Planning Transient Vacation Rentals page; 2) Complete the applicable renewal or recertification application form (e.g., "TVR-NCU Renewal Application" or "Homestay Recertification") and mail the renewal packet by certified mail, return receipt requested, at least 2 months prior to renewal to: Planning Department, 4444 Rice Street, Suite A473, Lihue, Hawaii 96766; 3) Include required attachments; incomplete packets will be returned; fees are referenced in Ordinance 950.

1) Confirm eligibility by checking the "List of Approved Homestays & Non-Conforming TVR's by TMK" on the Kauai County Planning Transient Vacation Rentals page; 2) Complete the applicable renewal or recertification application form (e.g., "TVR-NCU Renewal Application" or "Homestay Recertification") and mail the renewal packet by certified mail, return receipt requested, at least 2 months prior to renewal to: Planning Department, 4444 Rice Street, Suite A473, Lihue, Hawaii 96766; 3) Include required attachments; incomplete packets will be returned; fees are referenced in Ordinance 950.

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