Noise Rules: Honolulu vs Urban Honolulu
How do noise rules rules compare between Honolulu, HI and Urban Honolulu, HI?
Urban Honolulu has fewer restrictions than Honolulu.
Honolulu, HI
Honolulu County
Honolulu requires registered short-term rental hosts to post and enforce quiet hours from 10 PM to 7 AM under Ordinance 22-007. Violations may result in permit revocation and steep per-day fines.
View full Honolulu rules →Urban Honolulu, HI
Honolulu County
Urban Honolulu STR operators and guests in Waikiki, Ala Moana, and Kakaako must comply with ROH Sec. 41-6.1, which bars unreasonable noise that disturbs neighbors.
View full Urban Honolulu rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Honolulu | Urban Honolulu |
|---|---|---|
| Quiet hours | 10 PM – 7 AM | - |
| Initial fine | $1,000 + $5,000/day | - |
| Repeat fine | $10,000 + $10,000/day | - |
| Enforcing agency | DPP (Dept. of Planning & Permitting) | - |
| Code Section | - | ROH Sec. 41-6.1 |
| Related LUO | - | Sec. 21-4.80 |
| Enforcement | - | HPD, DOH, DPP |
| High-Impact Areas | - | Waikiki, Kakaako |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Honolulu FAQ
Who is responsible if STR guests are noisy?
The registered operator is responsible. House rules must require guests to observe quiet hours; failure to enforce them can trigger DPP investigations and permit revocation.
Does the city noise ordinance (ROH Ch. 41) also apply to STR guests?
Yes. ROH § 41-6.1 prohibits loud, disturbing noise at any property regardless of rental status. Honolulu Police can respond to noise complaints independently of STR enforcement.
Urban Honolulu FAQ
Do condo quiet hours override Sec. 41-6.1?
No. Condo house rules add to Sec. 41-6.1 and are separately enforceable; either can trigger citations for STR guests at any hour when the disturbance is unreasonable.
How are rooftop and lanai noise complaints handled?
HPD responds to active disturbance calls; for recurring rooftop or lanai issues, neighbors can file written complaints with DPP to document the STR's compliance history.
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