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Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Papaikou, HI

Last verified: 2026-05-14 · Report an update

Zoning & Conditions

STVRs are restricted to Permitted Zoning Districts (Resort, General Commercial, Village Commercial, and specific Residential/Commercial nodes). Operators must have a reachable person in Hawai‘i County available 24/7 who can respond within 3 hours, provide off-street parking, and display the registration number in all advertisements.

How to Obtain a Permit

1. Submit an application via the Hawai‘i County Planning Department EPIC online portal. 2. Provide required documents including building approvals, tax licenses (GE and TAT), tax clearance, site/floor plans, and a notarized Affidavit of Compliance. 3. Pay the $500 non-refundable fee and undergo a potential site inspection; NUCs must be renewed annually for $250.

Official Resources

Official Papaikou STR regulation source

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Airbnbs legal in Papaikou, HI?
Airbnb listings are allowed in Papaikou, HI, but with restrictions. STVRs are restricted to Permitted Zoning Districts (Resort, General Commercial, Village Commercial, and specific Residential/Commercial nodes). Operators must have a reachable person in Hawai‘i County available 24/7 who can respond within 3 hours, provide off-street parking, and display the registration number in all advertisements. 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.
Are short-term rentals allowed in Papaikou, HI?
STVRs are restricted to Permitted Zoning Districts (Resort, General Commercial, Village Commercial, and specific Residential/Commercial nodes). Operators must have a reachable person in Hawai‘i County available 24/7 who can respond within 3 hours, provide off-street parking, and display the registration number in all advertisements.
Is a permit required to operate a short-term rental in Papaikou?
Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Papaikou. 1. Submit an application via the Hawai‘i County Planning Department EPIC online portal. 2. Provide required documents including building approvals, tax licenses (GE and TAT), tax clearance, site/floor plans, and a notarized Affidavit of Compliance. 3. Pay the $500 non-refundable fee and undergo a potential site inspection; NUCs must be renewed annually for $250.
How do I get a short-term rental permit in Papaikou?
1. Submit an application via the Hawai‘i County Planning Department EPIC online portal. 2. Provide required documents including building approvals, tax licenses (GE and TAT), tax clearance, site/floor plans, and a notarized Affidavit of Compliance. 3. Pay the $500 non-refundable fee and undergo a potential site inspection; NUCs must be renewed annually for $250.
Is Vrbo legal in Papaikou, HI?
Vrbo is permitted in Papaikou, 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.
What taxes do short-term rental hosts pay in Papaikou?
Short-term rental hosts in Papaikou 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.
What is the latest short-term rental ordinance change in Papaikou?
We are not currently tracking any recent short-term rental ordinance changes for Papaikou. STR rules change frequently — verify the current requirements with the city or county before listing, using the official source linked on this page.
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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: 2026-05-14 · Suggest a correction