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Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Princeville, HI

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

Zoning & Conditions

Single-family transient vacation rentals (TVRs) are permitted within Visitor Destination Areas like Princeville. Requirements include a 24/7 local contact person, a visible sign displaying the registration number and contact phone, inclusion of the registration number in all advertising, and providing guests with a specific information sheet regarding safety and neighborhood conduct.

How to Obtain a Permit

1. Register the TVR with the Director of Finance using the prescribed form prior to operation (for VDA properties like Princeville). 2. Submit the application including site/floor plans, proof of State GET and TAT licenses, and 24/7 contact information. 3. For Nonconforming Use Certificates, pay the $750 annual renewal fee and mail renewal packets via certified mail at least two months before the expiration date.

Regulatory Updates — Princeville

Proposed and recent legislation

PassedSeptember 2024

Kauai County VDA Compliance Audit Expanded

Kauai County expanded its compliance audit of VDA-zone TVR operators in Princeville, requiring all active permit holders to resubmit documentation including sign visibility, 24/7 contact information, and registration number display.

Under ReviewJanuary 2025

VDA Boundary Review Initiated

Kauai County Planning Department initiated a review of VDA boundaries to assess whether current designations remain consistent with the county's housing affordability and resort development goals, with Princeville's boundaries under assessment.

PassedMay 2024

Registration Number Display Requirement Strictly Enforced

Princeville TVR operators received notices confirming that registration numbers must be visibly displayed on the exterior of the property and included in all advertising listings, with fines for non-compliant operators.

Official Resources

Official Princeville STR regulation source

Local Resources & Advocacy

Vacation Rental Management Association (VRMA)National

National trade association providing regulatory guidance for vacation rental professionals operating within Kauai County's VDA framework in Princeville.

Hawaii Association of RealtorsStatewide

Statewide real estate association monitoring Kauai County TVR ordinance changes and advocating for property owner rights in designated Visitor Destination Areas.

Kauai Visitors BureauLocal

Kauai's official tourism organization monitoring the TVR accommodation supply within the VDA and its contribution to Princeville's resort visitor economy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Airbnbs legal in Princeville, HI?
Airbnb listings are allowed in Princeville, HI, but with restrictions. Single-family transient vacation rentals (TVRs) are permitted within Visitor Destination Areas like Princeville. Requirements include a 24/7 local contact person, a visible sign displaying the registration number and contact phone, inclusion of the registration number in all advertising, and providing guests with a specific information sheet regarding safety and neighborhood conduct. 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 Princeville, HI?
Single-family transient vacation rentals (TVRs) are permitted within Visitor Destination Areas like Princeville. Requirements include a 24/7 local contact person, a visible sign displaying the registration number and contact phone, inclusion of the registration number in all advertising, and providing guests with a specific information sheet regarding safety and neighborhood conduct.
Is a permit required to operate a short-term rental in Princeville?
Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Princeville. 1. Register the TVR with the Director of Finance using the prescribed form prior to operation (for VDA properties like Princeville). 2. Submit the application including site/floor plans, proof of State GET and TAT licenses, and 24/7 contact information. 3. For Nonconforming Use Certificates, pay the $750 annual renewal fee and mail renewal packets via certified mail at least two months before the expiration date.
How do I get a short-term rental permit in Princeville?
1. Register the TVR with the Director of Finance using the prescribed form prior to operation (for VDA properties like Princeville). 2. Submit the application including site/floor plans, proof of State GET and TAT licenses, and 24/7 contact information. 3. For Nonconforming Use Certificates, pay the $750 annual renewal fee and mail renewal packets via certified mail at least two months before the expiration date.
Is Vrbo legal in Princeville, HI?
Vrbo is permitted in Princeville, 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 Princeville?
Short-term rental hosts in Princeville 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 Princeville?
The most recent tracked change in Princeville is "Kauai County VDA Compliance Audit Expanded" (2024-09-01, status: passed). Kauai County expanded its compliance audit of VDA-zone TVR operators in Princeville, requiring all active permit holders to resubmit documentation including sign visibility, 24/7 contact information, and registration number display. See the regulatory updates section on this page for the full history.
Is Princeville in a Kauai Visitor Destination Area?
Yes. Princeville is within Kauai County's designated Visitor Destination Area (VDA), which makes it one of the few areas on Kauai where Transient Vacation Rentals (TVRs) are legally permitted for single-family homes. Properties outside the VDA cannot legally operate as TVRs.
Even though I'm in the VDA, am I at risk from Kauai's STR enforcement?
Yes. Kauai County's enforcement is aggressive island-wide, including in the VDA. VDA operators face compliance audits, documentation resubmission requirements, and strict registration number display rules. Violations — even by legally permitted operators — can result in significant fines.
Could the VDA boundary change and affect my Princeville property?
Possibly. Kauai County has initiated a review of VDA boundaries. If Princeville's VDA designation is narrowed or new conditions are added, currently legal TVRs could face new restrictions or lose their permitted status. Monitor county planning proceedings closely.
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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