United States · Hawaii
Short-term rental rules in Honolulu
Legal regime
Short-term rentals are defined as lodging accommodations for less than 30 consecutive days. Two STR types are permitted: Bed & Breakfast (B&B) and Transient Vacation Unit (TVU). STRs are restricted to resort-zoned areas and specific apartment-zoned areas designated by City Council, per the Land Use Ordinance as amended by Ordinance 22-7 (and subsequent ordinances 24-14, 25-2 / Bill 64, and 25-52, which updated permitted-zone maps and definitions).
Key parameters
- License required
- Yes
- Max nights/year
- No cap specified
License process
Registration is required via the City and County of Honolulu HNL Build portal. B&B: owner/resident must be present on-site; limited to 2 rentable rooms; maximum 2 adults per room. TVU: whole-home rental; maximum 2 adults per room. Application requires a Statement of Compliance form, property documentation, and fee payment. Disclosure requirements apply per Ordinance 22-6 (operators must display registration numbers in all advertising). Administered by the Department of Planning and Permitting (DPP).
Applicable taxes
Recent changes
-
2022
Ordinance 22-7 (Bill 41) enacted, restructuring STR regulation on Oahu by defining B&B and TVU categories, restricting STRs to resort and specific apartment zones, and requiring registration.
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2025
Ordinances 25-2 (Bill 64) and 25-52 adopted, updating zoning maps and definitions for STR-permitted apartment-zoned areas.