Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Kaunakakai, HI

Airbnb listings are allowed in Kaunakakai, HI, but with restrictions. Maui County Code Chapter 19.65 limits new Short-Term Rental Home (STRH) permits on Molokai to 0 (no new permits); existing operations may be renewed. Rules limit bedrooms to 3 and maximum guests to twice the number of approved bedrooms; requirements include house rules, 24-hour contact, onsite parking, and neighborhood notices. 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.

Maui County Code Chapter 19.65 limits new Short-Term Rental Home (STRH) permits on Molokai to 0 (no new permits); existing operations may be renewed. Rules limit bedrooms to 3 and maximum guests to twice the number of approved bedrooms; requirements include house rules, 24-hour contact, onsite parking, and neighborhood notices.

Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Kaunakakai. 1) Submit an application via the MAPPS portal with a Land Use Designation Form, ownership verification, site/floor plans, and an ASHI-certified inspection report. 2) Provide certified mail notice to owners/lessees within 500 feet and post a project notice sign; Molokai applications require Planning Commission review. 3) If approved, distribute permit numbers and 24-hour contact info to neighbors; renewals must be submitted 60 days prior to expiration.

1) Submit an application via the MAPPS portal with a Land Use Designation Form, ownership verification, site/floor plans, and an ASHI-certified inspection report. 2) Provide certified mail notice to owners/lessees within 500 feet and post a project notice sign; Molokai applications require Planning Commission review. 3) If approved, distribute permit numbers and 24-hour contact info to neighbors; renewals must be submitted 60 days prior to expiration.

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