Hawaii (HI) Short-Term Rental Regulations
Compare STR rules across 1 Hawaii city. License fees, tax rates, and operating rules. Verified May 2026.
At a Glance
Regulatory Climate and Primary Residence fields derived from city-level archetype data. Preemption status verified against state statutes (verified against state legislative records).
📊 By the Numbers
- 1 city covered in Hawaii
- License fee range: $1,000–$1,000
- 1 city rated high-risk for investors
- Combined lodging tax: State TAT 11% + Oahu surcharge 3% = 14%
Source: City-level data from official municipal sources, cross-verified May 2026.
Regulatory Overview
Hawaii has no state-level STR preemption. Honolulu restricts STRs to resort-zoned areas only, with a $1,000 initial registration fee and $500 annual renewal. Hawaii's Transient Accommodations Tax (TAT) is 11% (increased from 10.25% January 2026, per Act 96) plus 3% Oahu surcharge. Honolulu is the most expensive market in our coverage, with the highest taxes, highest fines, and strictest zoning. Only properties in designated resort zones are eligible.
City Comparison — 1 City
All Hawaii cities covered by RentPermitted, ranked and compared:
| City | Status | License Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Honolulu | Resort-Zone Only | $1,000 initial registration / $500 annual renewal (per multiple consistent L5 so |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many cities in Hawaii does RentPermitted cover?
We cover 1 city in Hawaii: Honolulu.
Does Hawaii have state-wide STR laws?
Hawaii regulates short-term rentals primarily at the city level. There is no comprehensive state-wide STR law. Check each individual city page for specific license requirements, fees, and operating rules.
Which Hawaii city is best for STR investment?
Honolulu is the only city we currently cover in Hawaii. Honolulu is the most expensive STR market in this batch — highest taxes, highest fines, and highest barriers to entry. But it also has the strongest tourism demand and the highest ADRs. The play is cl
Similar States
States with a comparable restrictive regulatory profile:
Disclaimer: Data sourced from official Hawaii city websites and state statutes. Regulations change. Verify with local authorities before making investment decisions. Last comprehensive review: May 2026.
RentPermitted is not a government agency. We compile public information for educational purposes.