Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Kula, HI

Airbnb listings are allowed in Kula, HI, but with restrictions. Chapter 19.65 permits short-term rental homes subject to zoning district provisions and detailed restrictions: managers must be reachable at all times and able to be present within one hour and 30 driving miles. Regulations include quiet hours, onsite parking only, a limit of one permit per person/property, and a specific cap of 15 permits for the Makawao-Pukalani-Kula community plan area. 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.

Chapter 19.65 permits short-term rental homes subject to zoning district provisions and detailed restrictions: managers must be reachable at all times and able to be present within one hour and 30 driving miles. Regulations include quiet hours, onsite parking only, a limit of one permit per person/property, and a specific cap of 15 permits for the Makawao-Pukalani-Kula community plan area.

Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Kula. 1. Submit an STRH application to the Planning Department including property ownership verification, site/floor plans, a list of neighbors within 500 feet, and a department inspection report. 2. The Director reviews the application; if two or more adjacent-property protests are received, the planning commission must decide on the permit. 3. Initial permits are valid for up to 3 years and must be renewed at least 60 days before expiration.

1. Submit an STRH application to the Planning Department including property ownership verification, site/floor plans, a list of neighbors within 500 feet, and a department inspection report. 2. The Director reviews the application; if two or more adjacent-property protests are received, the planning commission must decide on the permit. 3. Initial permits are valid for up to 3 years and must be renewed at least 60 days before expiration.

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