Short-term rental permit rules in Honolulu, HI — also called Airbnb permits, vacation rental licenses, or STR registration — list the application steps, fees, and operating requirements for hosting.
Honolulu restricts short-term rentals (under 30 consecutive days) to resort-zoned areas and select apartment districts. All operators must obtain an annual registration certificate from the Department of Planning and Permitting before advertising or renting.
ROH § 21-5.730 (as amended by Ordinances 22-7 and 24-14) prohibits any owner from renting or advertising a unit for fewer than 90 consecutive days unless the unit is a registered bed and breakfast home or transient vacation unit located in an eligible zone (Resort, Resort Mixed Use, or certain mapped Apartment districts). Registration requires a title report, GET and TAT tax licenses, proof of insurance, and evidence of owner-occupancy for B&Bs. Certificates are valid one year and must be renewed annually. Advertisements must include the registration number and tax map key.
Initial violation: $1,000 fine plus up to $5,000 per continuing day. Recurring violations: $10,000 fine plus up to $10,000 per day.
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Honolulu County.
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