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Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Kamuela, HI

Last verified: March 2026 · Report an update

Zoning & Conditions

Hawaii County regulates STVRs via Ordinance 2018-114 and Rule 23; they are defined as unhosted rentals of 30 days or less with max 5 bedrooms. Requirements include site plans with specific parking dimensions (18' x 8.5'), building final approvals, State GE/TAT license proof, and a reachable local contact for complaints.

How to Obtain a Permit

1) Complete the STVR Registration Form and Statement of Compliance and assemble required documents (site plan, floor plan, proof of final building approvals, and State GE/TAT licenses). 2) Submit the application and pay the $500 non-refundable processing fee through the Planning Department EPIC online submittal system. 3) Await Planning Department review under Rule 23; NUC holders must renew annually.

Regulatory Updates — Kamuela

Proposed and recent legislation

PassedJanuary 2025

Hawaii County STVR Permit Audit Expanded

Hawaii County expanded its STVR audit program under Ordinance 2018-114, requiring existing permit holders to resubmit site plans and verify building final approval documentation, with non-compliant permits subject to suspension.

PassedJuly 2024

State GE/TAT License Compliance Verification Required

Hawaii County now requires proof of a current Hawaii General Excise Tax and Transient Accommodations Tax license at STVR permit application and renewal, cross-referencing with state tax records.

PassedFebruary 2024

Local Contact Response Time Enforcement

Hawaii County clarified its local contact requirement, requiring the contact to be reachable and able to physically respond to the property when guest complaints are filed. Contacts who are unreachable or unavailable are grounds for permit review.

Official Resources

Official Kamuela STR regulation source

Local Resources & Advocacy

Vacation Rental Management Association (VRMA)National

National trade association providing regulatory guidance and advocacy resources for vacation rental professionals navigating Hawaii County's complex STVR permit framework.

Hawaii Association of RealtorsStatewide

Statewide real estate association monitoring Hawaii County STVR ordinance changes and advocating for property owner rights on the Big Island.

Kohala Coast Resort AssociationLocal

Local hospitality association representing the North Kohala and Waimea resort corridor, monitoring STR policy for its impact on the area's visitor accommodation mix.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are short-term rentals allowed in Kamuela, HI?
Hawaii County regulates STVRs via Ordinance 2018-114 and Rule 23; they are defined as unhosted rentals of 30 days or less with max 5 bedrooms. Requirements include site plans with specific parking dimensions (18' x 8.5'), building final approvals, State GE/TAT license proof, and a reachable local contact for complaints.
Is a permit required to operate a short-term rental in Kamuela?
Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Kamuela. 1) Complete the STVR Registration Form and Statement of Compliance and assemble required documents (site plan, floor plan, proof of final building approvals, and State GE/TAT licenses). 2) Submit the application and pay the $500 non-refundable processing fee through the Planning Department EPIC online submittal system. 3) Await Planning Department review under Rule 23; NUC holders must renew annually.
How do I get a short-term rental permit in Kamuela?
1) Complete the STVR Registration Form and Statement of Compliance and assemble required documents (site plan, floor plan, proof of final building approvals, and State GE/TAT licenses). 2) Submit the application and pay the $500 non-refundable processing fee through the Planning Department EPIC online submittal system. 3) Await Planning Department review under Rule 23; NUC holders must renew annually.
What are the site plan requirements for a Hawaii County STVR permit?
Hawaii County requires a site plan showing specific parking spaces with dimensions of at least 18 feet by 8.5 feet per space. The plan must reflect the actual property layout and be submitted with the STVR permit application. Building final approvals must also be on file.
Do I need a Hawaii state tax license to operate an STVR in Kamuela?
Yes. Hawaii County requires proof of a current Hawaii General Excise Tax (GET) license and a Transient Accommodations Tax (TAT) license at permit application and renewal. Operating without valid state tax licenses is grounds for permit denial or revocation.
What does the local contact requirement mean in practice?
Your designated local contact must be reachable by phone and able to physically travel to the property when complaints are filed. A contact who is consistently unreachable or unable to respond in person is grounds for a permit compliance review and potential suspension.
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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