Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Kauai County, HI

Airbnb listings are allowed in Kauai County, HI, but with restrictions. Single-family transient vacation rentals (TVRs) are permitted only within designated Visitor Destination Areas (VDAs) or with a Nonconforming Use Certificate (NCUC) for uses established prior to March 7, 2008. Operators must provide a 24/7 on-island contact, display their certificate number, and comply with zoning standards; agricultural parcels require special permits or specific build dates. 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.

Single-family transient vacation rentals (TVRs) are permitted only within designated Visitor Destination Areas (VDAs) or with a Nonconforming Use Certificate (NCUC) for uses established prior to March 7, 2008. Operators must provide a 24/7 on-island contact, display their certificate number, and comply with zoning standards; agricultural parcels require special permits or specific build dates.

Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Kauai County. 1) Submit a complete application/renewal packet to the Planning Department via certified mail or delivery, including GET/TAT certificates, site/floor plans, and proof of continuous use (tax returns, reservation records). 2) Pay the required fees (e.g., $750 annual renewal for NCUCs) and provide 24/7 on-island contact information. 3) Comply with any requested inspections and ensure annual renewal by the Planning Department deadlines.

1) Submit a complete application/renewal packet to the Planning Department via certified mail or delivery, including GET/TAT certificates, site/floor plans, and proof of continuous use (tax returns, reservation records). 2) Pay the required fees (e.g., $750 annual renewal for NCUCs) and provide 24/7 on-island contact information. 3) Comply with any requested inspections and ensure annual renewal by the Planning Department deadlines.

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