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Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Lahaina, HI

Last verified: March 2026 · Report an update

Zoning & Conditions

Short-term rental homes (STRH) are permitted only where authorized by Maui County Code Chapter 19.65 and are limited by community-plan-area caps (e.g., West Maui is capped at 50). Only one STRH permit is allowed per lot, guest capacity is limited to twice the number of approved bedrooms (max 6 bedrooms on Maui), and managers must be reachable 24/7 and able to be physically present within one hour.

How to Obtain a Permit

1) Submit a Short-Term Rental Home (STRH) application via the MAPPS portal including proof of ownership, site/floor plans, and a list of neighbors within 500 feet. 2) Pay required application fees and undergo a review process that includes neighbor notification and potential Planning Commission review. 3) Upon approval, comply with ongoing conditions such as displaying the permit number in ads and maintaining 24-hour manager availability.

Regulatory Updates — Lahaina

Proposed and recent legislation

PassedNovember 2023

Post-Wildfire STR Moratorium in Affected Areas

Following the August 2023 wildfire, Maui County declared that properties in fire-affected areas of Lahaina could not obtain new STR permits or reinstate lapsed permits. The moratorium is intended to prioritize rebuilt housing stock for long-term residents who lost homes in the fire.

PassedOctober 2023

Maui County STR Permit Ban Extended to All Residential Zones

Maui County Bill 101 (2023) banned new STR permits in residential and apartment zoning districts across the entire county, compounding the Lahaina-specific restrictions. Only properties in hotel, resort, or commercial zones may obtain new STR permits.

PassedApril 2024

Federal and State Disaster Housing Funding Conditions

Federal FEMA disaster housing funds and Hawaii state recovery programs include conditions requiring that rebuilt homes in Lahaina be made available as long-term housing for a period of years before any conversion to short-term rental use is permitted.

Official Resources

Official Lahaina STR regulation source

Local Resources & Advocacy

Maui Long-Term Housing AllianceLocal

Community coalition advocating for long-term housing recovery over vacation rental rebuilding in Lahaina and other fire-affected areas. Engages with county council on STR permitting policy.

Hawaii Appleseed Center for Law and Economic JusticeStatewide

Legal advocacy organization focused on housing rights and economic justice in Hawaii, including tracking STR regulations and their impacts on housing availability for displaced Lahaina residents.

Vacation Rental Management Association (VRMA)National

National trade association monitoring Maui's post-disaster regulatory framework and providing guidance for operators navigating the complex post-wildfire permitting landscape.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are short-term rentals allowed in Lahaina, HI?
Short-term rental homes (STRH) are permitted only where authorized by Maui County Code Chapter 19.65 and are limited by community-plan-area caps (e.g., West Maui is capped at 50). Only one STRH permit is allowed per lot, guest capacity is limited to twice the number of approved bedrooms (max 6 bedrooms on Maui), and managers must be reachable 24/7 and able to be physically present within one hour.
Is a permit required to operate a short-term rental in Lahaina?
Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Lahaina. 1) Submit a Short-Term Rental Home (STRH) application via the MAPPS portal including proof of ownership, site/floor plans, and a list of neighbors within 500 feet. 2) Pay required application fees and undergo a review process that includes neighbor notification and potential Planning Commission review. 3) Upon approval, comply with ongoing conditions such as displaying the permit number in ads and maintaining 24-hour manager availability.
How do I get a short-term rental permit in Lahaina?
1) Submit a Short-Term Rental Home (STRH) application via the MAPPS portal including proof of ownership, site/floor plans, and a list of neighbors within 500 feet. 2) Pay required application fees and undergo a review process that includes neighbor notification and potential Planning Commission review. 3) Upon approval, comply with ongoing conditions such as displaying the permit number in ads and maintaining 24-hour manager availability.
Can vacation rentals be rebuilt and operated in Lahaina after the 2023 wildfire?
This is highly restricted. Maui County's 2023 ordinance bans new STR permits in residential and apartment zones, and additional post-fire policies specifically prohibit converting rebuilt homes in fire-affected Lahaina areas to vacation rental use. Rebuilt properties are generally required to be available as long-term housing for displaced residents. Only resort and commercial-zoned properties may pursue new STR permits, and those areas of Lahaina are limited.
What happened to existing Lahaina vacation rental permits after the wildfire?
Permits for properties that were destroyed and not yet rebuilt have lapsed or been suspended. County policy does not allow reinstatement of lapsed permits in fire-affected residential areas. Operators who owned licensed vacation rentals prior to the fire and whose properties survived or have been rebuilt should consult with Maui County's planning department about their specific permit status, as cases are handled individually.
Why is Maui County prioritizing long-term housing over vacation rental recovery in Lahaina?
The August 2023 wildfire displaced thousands of Lahaina residents, many of whom had been living in a housing market already severely constrained by short-term rental conversions. Prior to the fire, Lahaina had one of Hawaii's highest concentrations of vacation rentals relative to total housing stock, which had contributed to skyrocketing rents and workforce housing shortages. County officials and community advocates determined that rebuilding Lahaina's housing stock primarily for long-term residents was a prerequisite for sustainable community recovery.
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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