‹ Hawaii

Kauai County short-term rental rules (2026)

Hawaii · United States
Restricted
Rules last checked  ·  Region: US

Market overview

RESTRICTEDStays under 180 nights

Allowed, with material limits. Allowed only in certain zones.

Renewal applications must be submitted at least 60 days before expiration; missing renewal deadline forfeits licensing.

Why do places restrict rentals?

Property eligibility: Not assessed A market overview can't tell whether a specific home qualifies (zoning, permits, HOA).

Tax on stays
18.5%
total, on our records
Primary residence
Not required
Night cap
None
Fines
Up to $10,000

Work for Kauai County? Claim this page to confirm or correct the rules.

RESTRICTEDStays of 30+ nights

Longer stays (30+ days)

Stays of 180 nights or more fall outside the short-term rental rules, but longer stays are only partly open here: some are limited to certain tenants, buildings or areas.

Some stays above this length are still limited here; the full report has the details.

Guests staying this long can gain tenant rights, such as protection from eviction.

Not legal advice. The legal framework, notes and sources are in the full report.

Browse all 5 STR regulations in Hawaii → Browse all 944 STR regulations in United States →

The full Kauai County rules

17 rules on record for Kauai County, 12 of them from government sources. Every rule traced to its official source. How we research

Free account includes full rules for one place, with change alerts. Full report $39 · See a sample. For a lender or insurer: rules summary for one address, $29, free with the report. Already have an account? Sign in.

Source: County of Kauai Planning Department (kauai.gov, official), checked 7 Nov 2026. Official links, citations and how to apply come with a paid plan.

Quick answers

Is Airbnb legal in Kauai County?

Yes, with material limits. Renewal applications must be submitted at least 60 days before expiration; missing renewal deadline forfeits licensing.

What taxes apply to short-term rentals in Kauai County?

18.5% in total on stays, on our records.

Is there a limit on rental nights in Kauai County?

No night cap is on record.

What are the penalties in Kauai County?

Fines of up to $10,000 are on record.

Can I rent for longer stays in Kauai County?

Stays of 180 nights or more fall outside the short-term rental rules, but longer stays are only partly open here: some are limited to certain tenants, buildings or areas. Some stays above this length are still limited here; the full report has the details. Guests staying this long can gain tenant rights, such as protection from eviction.

When were the Kauai County rules last checked?

We last checked the short-term rental rules for Kauai County on 7 Nov 2026.

Search 5,120+ places

LawfulStay tracks short-term rental rules for 5,120+ places, with every rule traced to its official source.

Search the database →