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.
-
2025
Ordinances 25-2 (Bill 64) and 25-52 adopted, updating zoning maps and definitions for STR-permitted apartment-zoned areas.
Official sources
Frequently asked questions
- Do you need a licence or registration to run a short-term rental in Honolulu?
- Yes, a licence or registration is recorded as required to run a short-term rental in Honolulu (per this tracker, as of Jun 4, 2026). See the details on this page for the process and any conditions. Verify against the official sources listed on this page before relying on it for an operational decision.