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Hawaii County, HI Short-Term Rentals: Short-Term Rental Permits (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Short-term rental permit rules in Hawaii County, HI, also called Airbnb permits, vacation rental licenses, or STR registration, list the application steps, fees, and operating requirements for hosting.

Key Facts

Governing rule
Planning Dept Rule 23
Registration items
Items 1-10 (STVR only)
NUC items
Items 1-13
Affidavit
Notarized, all landowners sign
Tax docs
GET/TAT license + tax clearance

Summary

STVR Registration is filed with the County of Hawai'i Planning Department under Rule 23. Applicants submit a completed form, $500 fee, final building permit approvals, current GET/TAT licenses, a Real Property Tax Clearance Certificate, scaled site and floor plans, and a notarized Affidavit of Compliance.

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of Hawaii County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

Current tax licenses. Please submit copies of your current State of Hawai'i General Excise Tax / Transient Accommodations Tax licenses for your STVR. County of Hawai'i Real Property Tax Clearance Certificate obtained from the Real Property Tax Division. Notarized Affidavit of Compliance. All landowners must sign a copy of the attached Short-Term Vacation Rental Affidavit of Compliance.

Full Breakdown

Under Ordinance 18-114 and Planning Department Rule 23, a STVR Registration application (Items 1-10) requires: the completed registration form; landowner authorization if applicable; the $500 non-refundable fee; documentation that all County building, electrical, and plumbing permits received final approval; copies of the State GET/TAT licenses; a County Real Property Tax Clearance Certificate; a scaled 11x17 site plan showing boundaries, setbacks, and designated parking; a scaled floor plan; a notarized Affidavit of Compliance signed by all landowners; and, for pre-existing rentals, proof of prior STVR use. NUC applicants add Items 11-13 including a 300-foot surrounding-owner list and proof of notification.

Violations & Fines

Incomplete applications are not processed. Any misrepresentation by the applicant or agent may render the registration invalid, and the Director may request a site inspection to verify compliance with HCC Chapter 25.

Frequently Asked Questions

What tax documents must I attach?
Copies of your current State of Hawai'i General Excise Tax and Transient Accommodations Tax licenses, plus a County of Hawai'i Real Property Tax Clearance Certificate from the Real Property Tax Division.
Does the Director inspect my property?
Yes. Once your application is accepted, the Director may request a site inspection to verify the STVR is a legal dwelling that complies with HCC Chapter 25.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Hawaii County

All Hawaii County rules

How Hawaii County compares: Most Airbnb-Friendly Cities in America·Compare Hawaii County to another location·View the Hawaii short-term rentals overview

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