Overview: Are short-term rentals allowed in Hana, HI?

Short-term rentals are permitted in Hana, but only under specific, tightly regulated pathways. Hana falls under Maui County’s short-term rental regime (Maui County Code Chapter 19.65). The two legally recognized categories are:

• Short-Term Rental Home (STRH): Unhosted single-family dwellings or designated manager–operated units; must meet county requirements and obtain an STRH permit.
• Bed and Breakfast (B&B): Owner- or resident-manager–hosted units with a maximum of two guest rooms; must obtain a B&B permit.

Operation without the applicable permit is prohibited. Hana is subject to a strict community-plan cap on STRH permits and heightened compliance obligations.

How to start a short-term rental business in Hana

• Confirm eligibility and strategy:
  • Verify that the subject property is zoned for residential use and not located within a hotel or apartment zoning district that already qualifies as a short-term rental by right. If it is in an apartment or hotel zone, you may be eligible to operate as a transient accommodation without a permit, but you must still register and pay state taxes (see Licensing and Taxes sections below).
  • Decide whether the property fits STRH criteria (unhosted, designated manager) or B&B criteria (hosted, two rooms maximum).
• Meet state tax prerequisites before applying for a county permit:
  • Obtain Hawaii General Excise Tax (GET) and Transient Accommodations Tax (TAT) licenses from the Hawaii Department of Taxation (DoTAX).
• Apply for the correct Maui County permit (STRH or B&B):
  • Submit the application through Maui’s MAPPS (Maui’s Automated Planning and Permitting System) and the respective Planning Division processes. You may be asked for site/floor plans, ownership verification, neighboring-owner notice list, inspection reports, and other documentation (see Required documents).
• Set up operations to code:
  • Ensure a designated manager is available by phone at all times and can respond on-site within one hour (STRH).
  • All parking must be on-site (no street parking for guests). Advertising must include the permit number. Maintain an informational binder and any required safety equipment.
• Register with DoTAX, collect and remit taxes:
  • Register for TAT and GET. Remit transient accommodation tax to DoTAX and any county surtaxes as applicable. Keep meticulous records of gross rental income, fees, and tax remittances.
• Insurance and ongoing compliance:
  • Secure appropriate insurance coverage. Maintain compliance with rules that govern occupancy limits, parking, signage, noise, trash, and property maintenance. Renew permits/registrations per county requirements and retain all renewals and filings.

Required documents, permits, licenses, and guidelines

• Maui County permits (choose one):
  • STRH permit (unhosted; designated manager required)
  • B&B permit (owner/resident-hosted; max two guest rooms)
• State tax licenses:
  • Hawaii Transient Accommodations Tax (TAT) license
  • Hawaii General Excise Tax (GET) license
• Typical Maui application package elements:
  • Owner identification and contact details
  • Verification of property ownership
  • Tax Map Key (TMK) number
  • Site plan and floor plan identifying bedrooms, sleeping areas, fire exits, and parking spaces
  • List of names and addresses of owners/lessees of record within 500 feet of the proposed STR (STRH)
  • Inspection report or Planning Department verification
  • Owner’s certification of compliance with county rules and requirements
  • Advertising that includes the permit number once issued
• Operational standards:
  • Designated manager available 24/7 by phone; able to respond on site within one hour (STRH)
  • All guest parking on-site (no street parking)
  • Informational binder and safety equipment as required by inspection and county guidelines

Note: Exact document checklists and fees can vary slightly by permit type and application cycle; verify with the Planning Department before submitting.

Specific regulations for short-term rentals (city/county/state)

• State of Hawaii:
  • STRs are defined as “transient accommodations” under HRS Chapter 237D (less than 180 consecutive days per letting). Counties regulate time, place, manner, and duration via zoning ordinances. In 2024, Senate Bill 2919 further empowered counties to regulate and phase out transient uses in residential and agricultural zones.
• Maui County:
  • STRH and B&B permits are regulated under Maui County Code Chapter 19.65 (Short-Term Rental Homes and Bed & Breakfast Homes). STRH operations require a designated manager, on-site parking, and permit numbers included in all advertising.
  • STRH caps are set per community plan area. Hana is capped at 15 STRH permits. As of October 8, 2025, 18 STRH permits are listed as “issued/renewed through 10/08/2025” for Hana—an overage (approximately 120% of the 15-permit cap). This indicates that at present, no new STRH permits are being issued in Hana due to the cap being reached. B&B permits are subject to separate caps and performance standards.
  • Many apartment/hotel zones in Maui allow short-term rental operations by right (without STRH/B&B permits); these operations must still register for state taxes and comply with county rules. Outside these zones, STRH/B&B permits are the only legal pathways.
• Hana-specific considerations:
  • The Hana Community Plan Region has the lowest STRH cap (15) on the island and appears to be at or above capacity as of the current list. Prospective investors should assume that new STRH permits are unavailable unless existing permits lapse or policy changes adjust the cap.
  • B&B operations may be a more feasible pathway in Hana due to the hosted model and lower room caps, but they also require permits and are subject to separate caps and standards.

Local authority and key contacts (Maui County)

• Planning Administration
  • Phone: (808) 270-7735
  • Fax: (808) 270-1775
• Current Planning Division (permitting)
  • Physical Address: 2200 Main Street, One Main Plaza Bldg, Suite 619, Wailuku, HI 96793
  • Phone: (808) 270-8205
  • Fax: (808) 270-1775
• Online permitting:
  • MAPPS (Maui’s Automated Planning and Permitting System)
  • Maui County Planning Department Short-Term Rentals landing page (see Sources)
• State of Hawaii taxation (TAT/GET licensing):
  • Hawaii Department of Taxation (DoTAX)
  • Transient Accommodations Tax information and General Excise Tax licensing details (see Sources)

Links to source pages and documents

• Hawaii STR Laws Overview and Definitions
  • Source: www.gosummer.com/post/hawaii-short-term-rental-laws
• Maui County STRH Application and Guidance
  • Source: www.mauicounty.gov/1874/Short-Term-Rental-Home-STRH-Application
• Maui County Approved STRH Permit List (issue/renew dates through 10/08/2025)
  • Source: www.mauicounty.gov/DocumentCenter/View/14762/Approved-Short-Term-Rental-Homes-List?bidId=-
• Maui County STR regulatory context and mapping resources
  • Source: www.gosummer.com/post/hawaii-short-term-rental-laws

Practical takeaways for investors

• Hana’s STRH market is effectively closed until capacity changes. Given the 15-permit cap and current issued list exceeding the cap, new STRH permits are unlikely without attrition or policy adjustments.
• If the property sits within a qualifying apartment or hotel zoning district, it may be eligible to operate as a transient accommodation without a county STRH/B&B permit. You still need TAT/GET licensing and must comply with all tax and reporting obligations.
• If the property fits the hosted model, explore a B&B permit. Verify whether a B&B cap applies in Hana and whether any quota remains before investing.
• Always verify current caps, inspection requirements, and application procedures with Maui Planning. Regulations are evolving; enforcement is active, and caps may be reallocated as ordinances are updated.