Airbnb & Short-Term Rental Rules in Honolulu, HI (2026)

Whether Honolulu, HI permits short-term rentals (Airbnb/VRBO) has not been confirmed from an official source. Contact the local planning department through their official website to verify current STR rules — including whether hosting is permitted at all, registration requirements, and any local restrictions — before listing your property on Airbnb, VRBO, or a similar platform.

Statewide Preemption

Registration Requirements

Whether short-term rental registration is required in Honolulu has not been confirmed from official sources. Contact the local planning department or local building department to verify current registration requirements before hosting on Airbnb, VRBO, or similar platforms.

Operational Rules

No specific operational rules listed for short-term rentals in Honolulu beyond standard property codes.

• •Transient Vacation Unit (TVU) permit required for all rentals of 30 days or fewer
• •TVU permits are extremely limited — most areas of Oahu have permit moratoria in effect since 2019
• •New TVU permits generally only available in resort-zoned areas (primarily Waikiki and Ko Olina)
• •Residential neighborhoods (outside resort zones) are largely closed to new STR applications
• •Annual TVU permit fee and strict compliance requirements
• •Honolulu TAT (Transient Accommodations Tax) must be collected — currently 10.25%
• •Operator must be Hawaii General Excise Tax (GET) licensed
• •Safety standards: smoke detectors, CO detectors, fire extinguisher, posted emergency contacts
• •Maximum occupancy rules apply — typically 2 guests per bedroom

Penalties for Violations

Specific penalty amounts for STR violations in Honolulu are not listed. Contact the local planning department for enforcement information.

• ⚠$10,000 fine per day for operating without a TVU permit — among the strictest penalties in the US
• ⚠Criminal misdemeanor charges possible for repeat violations
• ⚠Property owner and operator both liable
• ⚠Permit applications can be denied if prior violations exist

Frequently Asked Questions