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Hawaii County (Big Island)

Hawaii · United States
Pending
Last updated: 2026-07-14  ·  Last verified: 2026-07-26  ·  Region: US

At a Glance — Hawaii County (Big Island) Airbnb & STR Rules

RuleDetails
Regulatory StatusProposed / pending
Permit / License RequiredExisting Ordinance 25-50 registration technically effective July 1, 2026 but online portal not yet live; Bill 147 would replace existing STVR/B&B fram
PenaltiesNot specified for Bill 147 pending; existing code violations carry civil fines
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Hawaii County (Big Island) Airbnb & Vacation Rental Regulation Overview

Hawaii County (Big Island) Short-Term Rental Regulations Overview

Short-term rental regulations in Hawaii County (Big Island), 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: Existing Ordinance 25-50 registration technically effective July 1, 2026 but online portal not yet live; Bill 147 would replace existing STVR/B&B framework entirely if enacted.

Penalties for Non-Compliance in Hawaii County (Big Island)

Hosts who fail to comply with Hawaii County (Big Island)'s short-term rental regulations may face enforcement action. Not specified for Bill 147 pending; existing code violations carry civil fines.

Full Regulatory Details

Regulatory Status
Pending
License / Registration
Existing Ordinance 25-50 registration technically effective July 1, 2026 but online portal not yet live; Bill 147 would replace existing STVR/B&B framework entirely if enacted
Compliance Notes
Hawaii County's Bill 147 — which would repeal and replace all existing STVR and B&B regulations — faces its next procedural vote at the Windward Planning Commission on July 16, 2026, after the Leeward Planning Commission deferred its vote following a four-hour hearing with mostly opposition testimony from STR and B&B operators. The outcome of the Windward Commission hearing determines whether Bill 147 advances to the County Council. Both commissions must forward recommendations by the August 8, 2026 deadline. Existing registration under Ordinance 25-50 is technically required from July 1, 2026, but the registration portal has not yet gone live.
Effective Date
Pending — planning commission recommendation due August 8, 2026; County Council vote TBD
Key Notes
Windward Planning Commission takes up Bill 147 on July 16, 2026 — after Leeward Commission deferred following four-hour hearing with mostly opposition testimony from STR and B&B operators. Windward hearing outcome determines whether bill advances to County Council. Both commissions must recommend by August 8, 2026 deadline. Ordinance 25-50 registration required from July 1, 2026 but portal not yet live.
Penalties
Not specified for Bill 147 pending; existing code violations carry civil fines
Additional Context
Bill 147 was introduced in the Policy Committee on Planning, Land Use, and Economic Development on April 7, 2026, then referred to both planning commissions. The Windward Planning Commission must also weigh in before August 8. The county plans to cross-reference the new registration list against active Airbnb and VRBO listings for enforcement.
Sources
Hawaii County Planning Department (https://www.hawaiicounty.gov/departments/planning/current-projects/short-term-rental-regulations)
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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Airbnb legal in Hawaii County (Big Island)?

Short-term rental regulations in Hawaii County (Big Island) are currently under development. Rules may change as legislation is finalized. Hawaii County's Bill 147 — which would repeal and replace all existing STVR and B&B regulations — faces its next procedural vote at the Windward Planning Commission on July 16, 2026, after the Leeward

Do you need a permit for Airbnb in Hawaii County (Big Island)?

Yes. Hawaii County (Big Island) requires the following for short-term rental operation: Existing Ordinance 25-50 registration technically effective July 1, 2026 but online portal not yet live; Bill 147 would replace existing STVR/B&B framework entirely if enacted.

What are the penalties for illegal Airbnb hosting in Hawaii County (Big Island)?

Hosts who operate without proper permits in Hawaii County (Big Island) may face enforcement. Not specified for Bill 147 pending; existing code violations carry civil fines.

What are the key STR compliance requirements in Hawaii County (Big Island)?

Windward Planning Commission takes up Bill 147 on July 16, 2026 — after Leeward Commission deferred following four-hour hearing with mostly opposition testimony from STR and B&B operators. Windward hearing outcome determines whether bill advances to County Council. Both commissions must recommend by August 8, 2026 deadline. Ordinance 25-50 registration required from July 1, 2026 but portal not yet

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