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🏠 Short-Term Rentals/Permit Requirements

Permit Requirements: Kailua vs Waipahu

How do permit requirements rules compare between Kailua, HI and Waipahu, HI?

Kailua and Waipahu have similar restriction levels.

Kailua, HI

Honolulu County

Heavy Restrictions

Kailua operators of bed and breakfast homes and transient vacation units must register annually with the Department of Planning and Permitting and meet strict Bill 41 operating standards before hosting any guests.

View full Kailua rules β†’

Waipahu, HI

Honolulu County

Heavy Restrictions

Waipahu owners of bed and breakfast homes or transient vacation units must register with the Honolulu DPP before renting for stays under 180 consecutive days.

View full Waipahu rules β†’

Key Facts Comparison

FactKailuaWaipahu
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Code Section-ROH 21-5.730
Minimum Stay-180 days (most zones)
Renewal-Annual
Agency-Honolulu DPP

Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.

Kailua FAQ

Can I legally run an Airbnb in Kailua?

Only if your property holds a valid nonconforming use certificate or sits in a resort-designated area. Otherwise minimum stays of 90 days apply.

How do I register a B&B?

Submit the DPP registration packet with floor plan, parking plan, insurance, and operator contact under Sec. 21-5.730.

Waipahu FAQ

Can I rent my ohana unit short-term?

Generally no in Waipahu residential zones without registration and appropriate nonconforming status. Ohana units have additional zoning restrictions under the LUO.

What does registration cost?

Registration fees are set by DPP and published on the STR registration page, separate from the 3% OTAT tax collected on rental proceeds.

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