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Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Waikoloa, HI

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

Zoning & Conditions

STVRs are regulated by Ordinance 2018-114, which defines permitted zoning districts and establishes standards for operation. Existing STVRs outside permitted zones must obtain a Nonconforming Use Certificate (NUC) and comply with annual renewal requirements and safety standards, including building division approvals.

How to Obtain a Permit

Submit a Short-Term Vacation Rental Registration Form along with a $500 non-refundable processing fee. Provide documentation of final approvals from the Building Division and, if applicable, apply for a Nonconforming Use Certificate (NUC) which must be renewed annually.

Regulatory Updates — Waikoloa

Proposed and recent legislation

PassedOctober 2024

NUC Compliance Conditions Tightened

Hawaii County tightened the compliance conditions attached to STVR Nonconforming Use Certificates in Waikoloa, requiring NUC holders to re-submit documentation annually and demonstrating active rental use to maintain NUC status.

PassedJune 2024

Zoning District Eligibility Map Updated

Hawaii County published an updated STVR zoning district eligibility map for the Waikoloa resort corridor, clarifying which parcels fall within permitted zones versus those requiring a NUC.

PassedMarch 2024

STVR Enforcement Operations Expanded on Big Island

Hawaii County expanded STVR enforcement operations, using booking platform data to audit Waikoloa and other Big Island markets for unpermitted operators and issuing fines of up to $10,000 per day for violations.

Official Resources

Official Waikoloa STR regulation source

Local Resources & Advocacy

Vacation Rental Management Association (VRMA)National

National trade association providing regulatory guidance for vacation rental professionals navigating Hawaii County's Ordinance 2018-114 STVR framework in Waikoloa.

Hawaii Association of RealtorsStatewide

Statewide real estate association monitoring Hawaii County STVR ordinance changes and advocating for property owner rights in resort corridor markets like Waikoloa.

Big Island Visitors BureauLocal

Local tourism organization monitoring STVR accommodation supply in Waikoloa and its impact on Hawaii County's visitor economy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Airbnbs legal in Waikoloa, HI?
Airbnb listings are allowed in Waikoloa, HI, but with restrictions. STVRs are regulated by Ordinance 2018-114, which defines permitted zoning districts and establishes standards for operation. Existing STVRs outside permitted zones must obtain a Nonconforming Use Certificate (NUC) and comply with annual renewal requirements and safety standards, including building division approvals. 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 Waikoloa, HI?
STVRs are regulated by Ordinance 2018-114, which defines permitted zoning districts and establishes standards for operation. Existing STVRs outside permitted zones must obtain a Nonconforming Use Certificate (NUC) and comply with annual renewal requirements and safety standards, including building division approvals.
Is a permit required to operate a short-term rental in Waikoloa?
Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Waikoloa. Submit a Short-Term Vacation Rental Registration Form along with a $500 non-refundable processing fee. Provide documentation of final approvals from the Building Division and, if applicable, apply for a Nonconforming Use Certificate (NUC) which must be renewed annually.
How do I get a short-term rental permit in Waikoloa?
Submit a Short-Term Vacation Rental Registration Form along with a $500 non-refundable processing fee. Provide documentation of final approvals from the Building Division and, if applicable, apply for a Nonconforming Use Certificate (NUC) which must be renewed annually.
Is Vrbo legal in Waikoloa, HI?
Vrbo is permitted in Waikoloa, 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 Waikoloa?
Short-term rental hosts in Waikoloa 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 Waikoloa?
The most recent tracked change in Waikoloa is "NUC Compliance Conditions Tightened" (2024-10-01, status: passed). Hawaii County tightened the compliance conditions attached to STVR Nonconforming Use Certificates in Waikoloa, requiring NUC holders to re-submit documentation annually and demonstrating active rental use to maintain NUC status. See the regulatory updates section on this page for the full history.
Does my Waikoloa property need a Nonconforming Use Certificate?
Only if your property is outside a Hawaii County-designated STVR zoning district. Properties within permitted zones can obtain a standard STVR permit. Properties outside permitted zones must hold a NUC to operate legally — NUCs are difficult to obtain and require ongoing compliance documentation.
What are the fines for operating an unpermitted STVR in Waikoloa?
Hawaii County imposes fines of up to $10,000 per day for unpermitted STVR operations. Enforcement is active, using booking platform data to identify violators. Do not assume your property can operate without verifying its permit or NUC status.
How do I verify whether my Waikoloa property is in a permitted STVR zone?
Hawaii County's updated STVR zoning district eligibility map for Waikoloa is available through the Hawaii County Planning Department. Check your parcel against the map before listing — if you're in a non-permitted zone without a NUC, you are operating illegally.
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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