Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Waimea, HI

Airbnb listings are allowed in Waimea, HI, but with restrictions. Single-family transient vacation rentals are prohibited outside designated Visitor Destination Areas (VDAs) unless the property holds a Nonconforming Use Certificate (NCUC). Within VDAs, rentals are allowed but must register, provide a 24/7 on-island contact, display registration numbers, and file site/floor plans. All operators must comply with GET and TAT tax requirements. 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.

Single-family transient vacation rentals are prohibited outside designated Visitor Destination Areas (VDAs) unless the property holds a Nonconforming Use Certificate (NCUC). Within VDAs, rentals are allowed but must register, provide a 24/7 on-island contact, display registration numbers, and file site/floor plans. All operators must comply with GET and TAT tax requirements.

Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Waimea. 1) For properties in a VDA: Register with the Director of Finance using the prescribed form prior to use, submitting a site/floor plan and proof of tax compliance. 2) For properties outside a VDA with prior lawful use: Apply for a Nonconforming Use Certificate (NCUC) with evidence of continuous operation since 2008 and undergo a physical inspection by the Planning Department. 3) All permits require annual renewal with proof of paid taxes (GET/TAT).

1) For properties in a VDA: Register with the Director of Finance using the prescribed form prior to use, submitting a site/floor plan and proof of tax compliance. 2) For properties outside a VDA with prior lawful use: Apply for a Nonconforming Use Certificate (NCUC) with evidence of continuous operation since 2008 and undergo a physical inspection by the Planning Department. 3) All permits require annual renewal with proof of paid taxes (GET/TAT).

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