Comparent
RestrictedCity

Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Kihei, HI

Last verified: March 2026 · Report an update

Zoning & Conditions

Short-term rentals in Kihei are permitted under Maui County’s Short-Term Rental Home (STRH), Bed & Breakfast (B&B), and Transient Vacation Rental (TVR) frameworks. STRH permits are explicitly limited by caps for each Community Plan Region per Maui County Code §19.65.030.R and must comply with county-prescribed standards.

How to Obtain a Permit

1) Submit a Short-Term Rental Home (STRH) application via the County’s MAPPS portal. 2) Ensure the application complies with applicable zoning, flood confirmation, and land-use approvals. 3) Follow instructions on the County STR applications page regarding fees and any required documentation.

Regulatory Updates — Kihei

Proposed and recent legislation

PassedOctober 2023

Maui County Bans New STR Permits in Residential Zones

Maui County Bill 101 (2023) prohibits new short-term rental home (STRH) permits in apartment and residential zoning districts across Maui, Molokai, and Lanai. Only hotel, resort, and commercial zones allow new STR permits. Existing grandfathered permits remain valid but are non-transferable on property sale in most cases.

PassedMarch 2024

Enforcement Ramp-Up Targeting Unpermitted Operations

Maui County increased STR enforcement activity following the 2023 ordinance changes, deploying code enforcement officers to identify and cite unpermitted vacation rental operations. Fines for unlicensed STR operation range from $10,000 to $25,000 per day under the county's updated penalty structure.

ProposedFebruary 2025

Hawaii State Legislature Considers Further STR Restrictions

Hawaii state legislators have debated bills that would impose a statewide cap on STR density and create a state-level registry for all vacation rentals. County-level restrictions like Maui's have intensified state-level political discussions about whether a uniform statewide framework is needed.

Official Resources

Official Kihei STR regulation source

Local Resources & Advocacy

Hawaii Short-Term Rental AllianceStatewide

Advocacy group representing Hawaii vacation rental operators and property managers in county and state regulatory proceedings. Monitors Maui County ordinance changes and provides compliance resources.

Maui Economic Development BoardLocal

Tracks economic impacts of tourism regulations including STR restrictions on Maui's economy and workforce. Provides data resources on the vacation rental industry's contribution to Maui County.

Vacation Rental Management Association (VRMA)National

National trade association monitoring Hawaii's rapidly changing regulatory landscape and providing advocacy resources for managers operating in challenging jurisdictions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are short-term rentals allowed in Kihei, HI?
Short-term rentals in Kihei are permitted under Maui County’s Short-Term Rental Home (STRH), Bed & Breakfast (B&B), and Transient Vacation Rental (TVR) frameworks. STRH permits are explicitly limited by caps for each Community Plan Region per Maui County Code §19.65.030.R and must comply with county-prescribed standards.
Is a permit required to operate a short-term rental in Kihei?
Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Kihei. 1) Submit a Short-Term Rental Home (STRH) application via the County’s MAPPS portal. 2) Ensure the application complies with applicable zoning, flood confirmation, and land-use approvals. 3) Follow instructions on the County STR applications page regarding fees and any required documentation.
How do I get a short-term rental permit in Kihei?
1) Submit a Short-Term Rental Home (STRH) application via the County’s MAPPS portal. 2) Ensure the application complies with applicable zoning, flood confirmation, and land-use approvals. 3) Follow instructions on the County STR applications page regarding fees and any required documentation.
Can I still get a new short-term rental permit in Kihei?
It depends on the zoning. Maui County's 2023 ordinance banned new STR permits in residential and apartment zones, which covers most of Kihei's residential neighborhoods. New permits are still available in hotel, resort, and commercial zoning districts. Buyers considering a Kihei STR investment must verify the property's zoning designation and confirm whether an existing STR permit is attached — and whether it is transferable.
Are grandfathered Kihei STR permits transferable when a property is sold?
This is one of the most important questions for buyers and sellers of Kihei vacation rental properties. Under current Maui County rules, most non-conforming STR permits in residential zones are not transferable to a new owner on sale. When a property with a grandfathered permit is sold, the permit typically expires and cannot be renewed by the new owner. Consulting with a Maui County land use attorney before purchasing is strongly recommended.
What are the fines for operating an unpermitted short-term rental in Kihei?
Maui County's updated penalty structure imposes fines of $10,000 to $25,000 per day for unlicensed vacation rental operation. These are among the highest STR penalties in the United States. The county has also pursued civil injunctions against repeat violators. Operators without a valid county STR permit or tax map key registration face significant legal and financial exposure.
Comparent

Looking for property managers in Kihei, HI?

Compare top-rated short-term rental managers on Comparent — read reviews, see pricing, and find the right fit.

View Property Managers

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