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Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Kapaa, HI

Last verified: March 2026 · Report an update

Zoning & Conditions

Short-term rentals are permitted in the County-designated Visitor Destination Area (VDA). Outside the VDA, rentals under 180 days are unlawful unless authorized by specific County permits such as a Non-Conforming Use Certificate (TVR NCU) or an approved Homestay.

How to Obtain a Permit

1) Determine if the property is within the Visitor Destination Area (VDA); 2) If outside the VDA and eligible, submit the TVR NCU or Homestay application/recertification form found on the Planning Department website; 3) Include required materials such as an evacuation plan and pay fees as specified in the County fees ordinance.

Regulatory Updates — Kapaa

Proposed and recent legislation

PassedAugust 2024

Kauai County Illegal STR Enforcement Intensified

Kauai County dramatically escalated enforcement of illegal STRs outside the VDA, imposing daily fines of up to $10,000 and conducting systematic audits of listing platforms to identify unlicensed operators in Kapaa and other non-VDA areas.

PassedNovember 2024

TVR Non-Conforming Use Certificate Moratorium Extended

Kauai County extended its effective moratorium on new Transient Vacation Rental (TVR) Non-Conforming Use Certificates for properties outside the VDA, confirming no new TVR NCUs will be issued in the Kapaa area.

Under ReviewJanuary 2025

Homestay Permit Applications Backlog Review

Kauai County reviewed its backlog of Homestay permit applications for properties outside the VDA, processing a limited number while reaffirming that Homestay operations require owner-occupancy and are capped in availability.

Official Resources

Official Kapaa STR regulation source

Local Resources & Advocacy

Vacation Rental Management Association (VRMA)National

National trade association providing regulatory guidance for vacation rental professionals navigating Kauai County's highly restrictive VDA-based STR framework.

Hawaii Association of RealtorsStatewide

Statewide real estate association monitoring Kauai County STR ordinance changes and advocating for property owner rights amid aggressive enforcement of the VDA restriction.

Kauai Visitors BureauLocal

Kauai's official tourism organization monitoring the effect of STR restrictions on visitor accommodation supply and the island's overall hospitality capacity.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are short-term rentals allowed in Kapaa, HI?
Short-term rentals are permitted in the County-designated Visitor Destination Area (VDA). Outside the VDA, rentals under 180 days are unlawful unless authorized by specific County permits such as a Non-Conforming Use Certificate (TVR NCU) or an approved Homestay.
Is a permit required to operate a short-term rental in Kapaa?
Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Kapaa. 1) Determine if the property is within the Visitor Destination Area (VDA); 2) If outside the VDA and eligible, submit the TVR NCU or Homestay application/recertification form found on the Planning Department website; 3) Include required materials such as an evacuation plan and pay fees as specified in the County fees ordinance.
How do I get a short-term rental permit in Kapaa?
1) Determine if the property is within the Visitor Destination Area (VDA); 2) If outside the VDA and eligible, submit the TVR NCU or Homestay application/recertification form found on the Planning Department website; 3) Include required materials such as an evacuation plan and pay fees as specified in the County fees ordinance.
Can I legally rent my Kapaa property short-term if it's outside the VDA?
Almost certainly not, unless you hold a grandfathered Non-Conforming Use Certificate (TVR NCU) or an approved Homestay permit. Kauai County has extended its moratorium on new TVR NCUs and imposes fines of up to $10,000 per day for illegal STR operations outside the VDA.
What is a Visitor Destination Area (VDA) and how do I know if my property qualifies?
Kauai County designates specific geographic areas as Visitor Destination Areas where STR use is permitted. Most resort-zoned and hotel-corridor areas qualify; most residential neighborhoods in Kapaa do not. Check your parcel's VDA status with Kauai County Planning Department before listing.
Is there any way to get a new STR permit in Kapaa outside the VDA?
The only remaining pathways are a Homestay permit (owner-occupied, limited availability, backlog) or an existing TVR NCU transfer. Kauai County has extended its moratorium on new TVR NCUs indefinitely. Expect no new non-VDA STR permits in the foreseeable future.
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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