Comparent
RestrictedCity

Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Koloa, HI

Last verified: March 2026 · Report an update

Zoning & Conditions

Single-family transient vacation rentals are prohibited outside Visitor Destination Areas (VDAs) unless a Nonconforming Use Certificate (NCUC) was established prior to March 7, 2008. Rentals within VDAs must register with the Director of Finance. All units are subject to physical inspections and must meet specific safety and neighbor-comfort requirements.

How to Obtain a Permit

1. Register with the Director of Finance (for VDA properties) or apply for a Nonconforming Use Certificate (NCUC) with the Planning Department. 2. Pass a mandatory physical inspection of the rental unit. 3. Submit annual renewals with a $150 fee via certified mail at least two months prior to expiration.

Regulatory Updates — Koloa

Proposed and recent legislation

PassedJuly 2024

Kauai County TVR Permit Moratorium Maintained

Kauai County maintained its moratorium on new Transient Vacation Rental permits in residential zones, with only resort-zoned properties eligible for new TVR permits.

PassedDecember 2024

Kauai Hosted Home Share Program Clarified

The county clarified rules for hosted home shares (where the owner is present), which remain allowed in some residential areas under separate permit requirements.

ProposedJanuary 2025

Hawaii Statewide STR Legislation Proposed

State legislators proposed a bill creating a statewide STR registration framework that would layer on top of county regulations, adding compliance requirements for all operators.

Official Resources

Official Koloa STR regulation source

Local Resources & Advocacy

Hawaii Vacation Rental Association (HVRA)Statewide

Statewide advocacy group for Hawaii STR operators across all counties.

Kauai Visitors BureauLocal

Destination marketing organization for Kauai supporting the visitor industry including compliant vacation rentals.

Vacation Rental Management Association (VRMA)National

National trade organization for professional STR managers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are short-term rentals allowed in Koloa, HI?
Single-family transient vacation rentals are prohibited outside Visitor Destination Areas (VDAs) unless a Nonconforming Use Certificate (NCUC) was established prior to March 7, 2008. Rentals within VDAs must register with the Director of Finance. All units are subject to physical inspections and must meet specific safety and neighbor-comfort requirements.
Is a permit required to operate a short-term rental in Koloa?
Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Koloa. 1. Register with the Director of Finance (for VDA properties) or apply for a Nonconforming Use Certificate (NCUC) with the Planning Department. 2. Pass a mandatory physical inspection of the rental unit. 3. Submit annual renewals with a $150 fee via certified mail at least two months prior to expiration.
How do I get a short-term rental permit in Koloa?
1. Register with the Director of Finance (for VDA properties) or apply for a Nonconforming Use Certificate (NCUC) with the Planning Department. 2. Pass a mandatory physical inspection of the rental unit. 3. Submit annual renewals with a $150 fee via certified mail at least two months prior to expiration.
Can I operate an STR in Koloa, Kauai?
Only if your property is in a resort or hotel zone with an active Transient Vacation Rental (TVR) permit. Kauai County has halted new TVR permits in residential zones. Verify your property's zoning with Kauai County Planning.
What is a TVR permit in Kauai?
A Transient Vacation Rental permit authorizes non-hosted short-term rental of a property for less than 30 days. Kauai County only issues TVR permits in designated vacation destination districts; residential-zoned properties are not eligible for new permits.
Is a hosted home share allowed in Koloa if I live on-site?
Kauai County has a separate hosted home share program allowing owner-occupied rentals in some residential zones. Requirements include being the property's primary resident and registering with the county. Rules differ from TVR permits.
Comparent

Looking for property managers in Koloa, 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