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Hawai'i County

Hawaii · United States
Pending
Last updated: 2026-07-29  ·  Last verified: 2026-07-29  ·  Region: US

At a Glance — Hawai'i County Airbnb & STR Rules

RuleDetails
Regulatory StatusProposed / pending
Permit / License RequiredYes
Permit FeeRegistration: $250 hosted / $500 unhosted; annual renewal required; platforms: $1,000
Penalties$1,000–$10,000 per violation for operating without registration
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Hawai'i County Airbnb & Vacation Rental Regulation Overview

Hawai'i County Short-Term Rental Regulations Overview

Short-term rental regulations in Hawai'i County, Hawaii are currently under development or pending approval as of 2026. Hosts operating on Airbnb, VRBO, or other vacation rental platforms must obtain proper licensing: Yes. The associated permit fees are Registration: $250 hosted / $500 unhosted; annual renewal required; platforms: $1,000.

Penalties for Non-Compliance in Hawai'i County

Hosts who fail to comply with Hawai'i County's short-term rental regulations may face enforcement action. $1,000–$10,000 per violation for operating without registration.

Full Regulatory Details

Regulatory Status
Pending
License / Registration
Yes
Permit Fee
Registration: $250 hosted / $500 unhosted; annual renewal required; platforms: $1,000
Compliance Notes
All short-term vacation rental operators on the Big Island (hosted and unhosted, stays of 180 days or fewer) must register under Ordinance 25-50 (Bill 47). The registration deadline has been extended to September 1, 2026 because the county's online portal is not yet operational. Registration fees are $250 for hosted (B&B) rentals and $500 for unhosted (STVR) rentals, with annual renewals required. Platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo must also register with the county ($1,000 fee) and submit monthly listing reports. Operators should monitor the Hawaii County Planning Department website for portal launch. Separately, Bill 147 — a comprehensive overhaul redefining STR categories, zoning rules, and operational standards — is advancing through planning commission review but is not yet law.
Effective Date
2026-09-01
Key Notes
Registration deadline is September 1, 2026 (extended from July 1); portal is not yet live as of late July 2026. Failure to register once the portal opens can result in fines of $1,000–$10,000 per violation. Bill 147 would extend the 'short-term' definition from stays under 30 days to stays under 180 days and bring hosted rentals into a formal regulatory framework for the first time. Platforms must register ($1,000) and file monthly reports. County will cross-reference registrations against Airbnb/Vrbo listings.
Penalties
$1,000–$10,000 per violation for operating without registration
Additional Context
Council member Heather Kimball introduced companion bills on July 22, 2026: one creating a grace period for registration from September 1 to December 31 and making editorial corrections to Ordinance 25-50, and a second creating a B&B tax class that would allow homeowners to retain their 3% property tax cap at a lower rate. Bill 147 received opposition from hundreds of STR operators at the July planning commission hearings.
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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Airbnb legal in Hawai'i County?

Short-term rental regulations in Hawai'i County are currently under development. Rules may change as legislation is finalized. All short-term vacation rental operators on the Big Island (hosted and unhosted, stays of 180 days or fewer) must register under Ordinance 25-50 (Bill 47). The registration deadline has been extended

Do you need a permit for Airbnb in Hawai'i County?

Yes. Hawai'i County requires the following for short-term rental operation: Yes.

What are the penalties for illegal Airbnb hosting in Hawai'i County?

Hosts who operate without proper permits in Hawai'i County may face enforcement. $1,000–$10,000 per violation for operating without registration.

What are the key STR compliance requirements in Hawai'i County?

Registration deadline is September 1, 2026 (extended from July 1); portal is not yet live as of late July 2026. Failure to register once the portal opens can result in fines of $1,000–$10,000 per violation. Bill 147 would extend the 'short-term' definition from stays under 30 days to stays under 180 days and bring hosted rentals into a formal regulatory framework for the first time. Platforms must

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