Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Makawao, HI

Airbnb listings are allowed in Makawao, HI, but with restrictions. STRs are restricted to single-family dwellings with community-plan caps (15 for Makawao-Pukalani-Kula). Requirements include a designated 24-hour manager, onsite parking, no amplified sound audible at property lines, and a prohibition on parties or group gatherings. 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.

STRs are restricted to single-family dwellings with community-plan caps (15 for Makawao-Pukalani-Kula). Requirements include a designated 24-hour manager, onsite parking, no amplified sound audible at property lines, and a prohibition on parties or group gatherings.

Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Makawao. 1) Submit an application via the MAPPS online portal with proof of ownership, site/floor plans, and a health/safety inspection report. 2) Notify all owners and lessees within a 500-foot radius via certified mail. 3) Upon approval, permits are valid for up to 3 years initially, with renewals required 60 days before expiration.

1) Submit an application via the MAPPS online portal with proof of ownership, site/floor plans, and a health/safety inspection report. 2) Notify all owners and lessees within a 500-foot radius via certified mail. 3) Upon approval, permits are valid for up to 3 years initially, with renewals required 60 days before expiration.

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