Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Wailea, HI

Short-Term Rental Homes (STRHs) in Wailea (governed by Maui County) are subject to county zoning and community-plan-region limits and may be approved only in specified areas; permit-holders must generally hold title for at least five years, structures must be completed at least five years prior to application, an on-call manager must be reachable and able to be onsite within one hour and within 30 driving miles, and an STRH permit may cover up to two dwellings with a combined maximum of six bedrooms. Neighbor notice, possible public hearings, and compliance with county code Chapter 19.65 standards apply.

Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Wailea. 1) Prepare and submit the STRH permit application packet to Maui County Department of Planning (digital single PDF) including completed application form, notarized owner certification, proof of ownership, Zoning & Flood Confirmation, Neighbor Notice and related attachments, and pay the non-refundable application fee per the county fee schedule; 2) Department review (may require site inspection and agency review); if triggers apply, applicant must pay the STRH public hearing fee and mail certified notice to owners/lessees within 500 feet and provide notarized affidavit of mailing; 3) Permit decision is by the Director (administrative) or by Planning Commission at public hearing; if approved, obtain and comply with permit conditions and renew as required (renewal application available on county website).

1) Prepare and submit the STRH permit application packet to Maui County Department of Planning (digital single PDF) including completed application form, notarized owner certification, proof of ownership, Zoning & Flood Confirmation, Neighbor Notice and related attachments, and pay the non-refundable application fee per the county fee schedule; 2) Department review (may require site inspection and agency review); if triggers apply, applicant must pay the STRH public hearing fee and mail certified notice to owners/lessees within 500 feet and provide notarized affidavit of mailing; 3) Permit decision is by the Director (administrative) or by Planning Commission at public hearing; if approved, obtain and comply with permit conditions and renew as required (renewal application available on county website).

Effectively, no for most properties. Maui County requires the applicant to have held title for at least five years and the structure to be at least five years old, in addition to being within a community-plan-approved area. Most new property buyers do not meet these requirements, and a moratorium on new permits has been discussed.

Maui County can impose fines of up to $10,000 per day for unpermitted STR operations. Enforcement has been dramatically escalated since the 2023 Lahaina wildfire, as the county prioritizes housing displaced residents. The county uses listing platform data to identify illegal operators.

Potentially. An STRH permit can cover up to two dwellings with a combined maximum of six bedrooms. However, the on-call manager requirement — reachable and onsite within one hour, within 30 driving miles — applies to all covered units.