Current Airbnb Laws and Regulations in Hawaii 

Honolulu, Hawaii Airbnb Laws

Short-Term Rental Rules in the City & County of Honolulu (O’ahu)

The City and County of Honolulu regulates short-term rentals (STRs) under Ordinances 19-18, 22-7, and 24-14. These rules apply across the island of Oʻahu, defining STRs as rentals less than 30 consecutive days.

• Zoning & Usage Restrictions: STRs are only legal in designated resort-zoned areas, certain apartment-zoned districts and must be rented for less than 30 days after approval and licensing. Beginning September 2025, all non-B&B, Non-Conforming Use Certificate (non-NUC) residential rentals must have a minimum rental term of 90 consecutive days. Advertising shorter stays in these areas is prohibited. Check the Honolulu’s Short-Term Rental Compliance Map to see if an area is eligible for licensing. 
• Licensing: All new STRs in Honolulu must be registered with Honolulu’s Department of Planning and Permitting (DPP) as either a Bed & Breakfast (B&B) or a Transient Vacation Unit (TVU), and complete a Statement of Compliance form. Each eligible unit must be registered separately. Hotels and STRs with valid Non-Conforming Use Certificates (NUCs) are exempt, but must remain in compliance with existing conditions.  
• Registration: Honolulu STR host should renew their registration annually, no earlier than 3 months before their license’s expiration, and no later than one month before the license expiration date. For registering a Honolulu short-term rental, hosts can visit the Informational Guide for Registration. For renewing a STR permit in O’ahu, visit the Informational Guide for Renewals. Once hosts register or renew their license on the Honolulu Online Permitting Portal, hosts will be able to access a copy of their STR license in the HNL Build portal. 
  • STR Types: 
    • Bed & Breakfast Homes (B&Bs): The host lives on-site during the guest’s stay and rents no more than two guest rooms, with a limit of two adult guests per room. 
    • Transient Vacation Units (TVUs): Whole-home, un-hosted rentals allowed only in eligible zones with a limit of two adult guests per room. 
    • Non-Conforming Use Certificate (NUC) Units: STRs operating legally before October 22, 1986 and were given a Non-Conforming Use Certificate (NUC), must be renewed annually between September 1 and October 15. No new NUCs are issued. 
• Occupancy Limits: The maximum occupancy is two adult guests per bedroom. Additional limits may apply based on zoning or fire code requirements. 
• Insurance: Honolulu STR hosts must maintain $1,000,000 in Commercial General Liability coverage or Homeowner’s insurance with Business Liability Coverage. 
• Informational Binder: Hosts are required to keep an informational binder including the following documents:  
  • Floor plan 
  • Parking plan 
  • Trash collection/disposal instructions 
  • House rules and quiet hours 
  • Emergency contacts 
  • A copy of the certificate of insurance. Copies of general Excise Tax and Transient Accommodation Tax licenses 
  • A copy of the registration certificate or NUC 
• Inspections & Fees: Properties applying for registration are subject to DPP review and must meet zoning, building and safety requirements. Annual registration and renewal fees vary by STR type. 
• Signage & Advertising: Hosts must display their registration license or NUC number in all advertising and on the property itself, along with a tax key map. 
• Parking: B&Bs and TVUs must provide adequate off-street parking as determined by DPP. 
• Point of Contact: A local contact person must be available 24/7 to respond to complaints or emergencies. 
• Taxes: STR operators must collect and remit Hawaii’s Transient Accommodations Tax (TAT) and General Excise Tax (GET) on all bookings, including platform such as Airbnb orVrbo as well as direct reservations. For previously registered properties, owners can pay O’ahu STR taxes at this portal. 
• More Information: Visit the City & County of Honolulu STR page for maps of eligible STR zones, registration forms and ordinance details, or visit the O’ahu Short-Term Renal FAQ page. For assistance, contact the DPP at info@honolulu.gov or (808) 768-8000.