Overview: Are STRs allowed in Hauula?

• No, short-term rentals (STRs) are not permitted in Hauula unless the property is a nonconforming use certificate (NUC) holder. On Oahu, STRs (rentals for fewer than 30 consecutive days) are only allowed in resort‑zoned areas and a few specific apartment‑zoned areas. Hauula is located outside those designated areas, so standard STR registration is not available there. Only pre‑existing, “grandfathered” operations with valid NUCs (issued before October 22, 1986) may continue to operate, and they must renew annually. New NUCs are not being issued. (See References: Ordinance 22‑7, Ordinance 24‑14, Land Use Ordinance; STR Eligibility Map; NUC list)

How to start a short-term rental business in this market

If you are targeting Hauula specifically:

• Confirm whether the property has an active NUC by reviewing the Honolulu NUC list and/or contacting the STR Enforcement Branch. If there is no NUC, legal STR operations are not permitted under current rules.
• If you are considering other Oahu locations: Use the STR Eligibility Map to verify eligibility, or submit a zoning verification request (fee applies) if the map shows a zoning designation that may support STR use.
• Once eligibility is confirmed, proceed with registration through HNL Build. The process is the same for all eligible Oahu properties: obtain required documents, register with the Hawaii Department of Taxation (GET and TAT), secure insurance, prepare an informational binder, and submit fees through HNL Build. Each unit requires its own registration.

Step-by-step for eligible Oahu properties (Hauula likely ineligible unless NUC):

1. Verify eligibility on the STR Eligibility Map; if uncertain, request zoning verification.
2. Obtain state tax licenses (TAT and GET) and the necessary insurance coverage ($1,000,000 general liability).
3. Prepare the required documents and the informational binder.
4. Register via HNL Build (including all fees). If you already hold an NUC, do not register under the new system; renew your NUC annually instead.

Required documents, permits, licenses, and guidelines

For new STR registrations in eligible areas:

• State tax licenses:
  • Transient Accommodations Tax (TAT) license — Hawaii Department of Taxation (statewide).
  • General Excise Tax (GET) license — Hawaii Department of Taxation (statewide).
• Insurance:
  • Commercial general liability or homeowners insurance with business liability coverage; minimum $1,000,000 per occurrence.
• Registration package:
  • Statement of Compliance (signed).
  • Title report (for ownership verification).
  • Proof of TAT and GET licenses.
  • For B&Bs only: Real property tax home exemption documentation.
  • Evidence that STR use is permitted by an applicable association (e.g., HOA/CC&Rs).
  • Informational binder including:
    • Floor plan identifying transient occupant bedrooms, maximum occupancy per bedroom, and location of all fire exits.
    • Parking plan.
    • Trash collection and disposal instructions.
    • House rules.
    • Emergency contact list.
• Fees:
  • Initial STR registration fee: $1,000.
  • Annual renewal fee: $500.
  • Zoning verification (if applicable): $300.
• Applications are submitted through HNL Build; each unit must be registered separately.
• STR registrations are valid for one year; renew 1–3 months before expiration.

For NUC holders (Hauula):

• Annual renewal (not a new registration):
  • Renewal period: September 1 to October 15 each year.
  • Renewal fee: the NUC renewal fee is referenced on city guidance; contact STR Enforcement for the current amount.
  • Requirements: follow Ordinance 22‑7, complete the Informational Guide for NUC Renewals, and submit occupancy records (a template is available).
  • A NUC may be renewed by a new owner or operator so long as renewal occurs prior to its expiration.

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

City & County of Honolulu (Oahu):

• Legal definition: STRs are lodgings provided for fewer than 30 consecutive days.
• Allowed areas: STRs are permitted only in resort‑zoned areas and specific apartment‑zoned areas designated by ordinance (Ordinances 22‑7 and 24‑14). Maps are published via the STR Eligibility Map and the Land Use Ordinance.
• Types:
  • Bed and breakfast homes (B&Bs): Owner or permanent resident must be present; up to two rooms rented; maximum two adult transient occupants per room.
  • Transient vacation units (TVUs): Unhosted/whole‑home rentals; maximum two adult transient occupants per room.
• Occupancy limits: Two adults per transient occupant bedroom.
• Property‑specific rules:
  • Each eligible unit must be separately registered.
  • Any change in operator voids the existing STR license; a new registration is required.
  • STR registrations are nontransferable and valid for one year; renew 1–3 months before expiration.
  • Operating without a valid license violates Ordinance 22‑7.
• Advertisements: For rentals advertised at fewer than 30 days, listings must include the STR registration or NUC number and the property tax map key (TMK). Listings for non‑registered properties must include the required statutory statement about prohibited short‑term rental periods.
• Parking and operations: Guests must park in driveways or designated stalls; no street parking for transient guests.
• Compliance and enforcement: The STR Compliance Map shows properties with valid registrations and those with notices/orders. Violations can lead to fines; complaints may be filed online with STR inspectors.

State of Hawaii (applies to all STRs statewide):

• Tax regime:
  • General Excise Tax (GET): 4% statewide; plus Honolulu County surcharge of 0.5% (total 4.5% on gross rent).
  • Transient Accommodations Tax (TAT): 10.25% of gross rental income (statewide).
  • Honolulu County Transient Accommodations Tax (OTAT): 3% of gross rental income for rentals shorter than 180 days.
• Licensing: TAT and GET licenses are obtained from the Hawaii Department of Taxation; they do not expire once issued.
• New state-level authority: Senate Bill 2919 (2024) empowers counties to regulate the time, place, manner, and duration of land use via zoning, and to phase out transient accommodation use in residential or agricultural zoned areas. Honolulu has exercised this authority to restrict STRs to resort/apartment zones and limit nonconforming uses.
• Real estate disclosures: Ordinance 22‑6 requires buyers receive a Short-Term Rental Disclosure Form indicating whether the property may legally be used for STRs.

Contact information (local authority in charge of STRs)

• Honolulu Department of Planning and Permitting (DPP)
  • Street: 650 South King Street, 7th Floor, Honolulu, HI 96813
  • Phone: (808) 768‑8000
  • STR Enforcement Branch: (808) 768‑7887
  • General STR inquiries: STR@honolulu.gov
  • NUC questions: NUC@honolulu.gov
  • Land Use Permits Division (zoning verification questions): (808) 768‑8015

For tax registration and administration:

• State of Hawaii Department of Taxation
  • Website: tax.hawaii.gov
  • Honolulu OTAT inquiries: City and County of Honolulu, Department of Budget and Fiscal Services (see References for city page)

Links to source pages and key documents

• Honolulu DPP Short-Term Rentals page: www.honolulu.gov/dpp/permitting/str/
• Short-Term Rental FAQ: www.honolulu.gov/dpp/permitting/str/str-faq/
• STR Eligibility Map: cchnl.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=ed2eec39157f41d3a27901de4b3f7530
• STR Compliance Map: cchnl.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=a87c9d1a9c4147c48286f569701f21b4
• Informational Guide for Registration (PDF): www4.honolulu.gov/docushare/dsweb/Get/Document-351976/Informational%20Guide%20for%20STR%20Registration_Final.pdf
• Informational Guide for Renewals (PDF): www4.honolulu.gov/docushare/dsweb/Get/Document-351977/Informational%20Guide%20for%20STR%20Renewals_Final.pdf
• Statement of Compliance (PDF): www4.honolulu.gov/docushare/dsweb/Get/Document-351978/Statement_of_Compliance.pdf
• How to Register (PDF): www4.honolulu.gov/docushare/dsweb/Get/Document-352004/New%20How%20to%20Register%20for%20a%20Short- term%20rental%20Permit.pdf
• How to Renew (PDF): www4.honolulu.gov/docushare/dsweb/Get/Document-352005/Copy%20of%20New%20How%20to%20Renew%20for%20a%20Short- term%20rental%20Permit.pdf
• Registration Requirements Summary & Checklist (PDF): www4.honolulu.gov/docushare/dsweb/Get/Document-350452/STR%20Registration%20Req%20Summary%20&%20Checklist.pdf
• Renewal Requirements Summary & Checklist (PDF): www4.honolulu.gov/docushare/dsweb/Get/Document-350453/STR%20Renewal%20Req%20Summary%20&%20Checklist_rev.pdf
• Zoning Verification Form (PDF): www.honolulu.gov/dpp/wp-content/uploads/sites/56/2024/07/ZONING_VERIFICATION_FILLABLE_FORM_- EFFECTIVE_2024.06.19.pdf
• Ordinance 22‑7 (PDF): www.honolulu.gov/dpp/wp-content/uploads/sites/56/2024/07/ORD22-007.pdf
• Ordinance 24‑14 (PDF): www.honolulu.gov/dpp/wp-content/uploads/sites/56/2024/09/Ord24-014.pdf
• Ordinance 22‑6 (PDF): www.honolulu.gov/dpp/wp-content/uploads/sites/56/2024/07/ORD22-006.pdf
• Land Use Ordinance (PDF): www.honolulu.gov/dpp/wp-content/uploads/sites/56/2024/09/land-use-ordinance.pdf
• STR Disclosure Form (PDF): www4.honolulu.gov/docushare/dsweb/Get/Document-350454/STR%20Disclosure%20Form.pdf
• Complete list of NUCs (PDF): www4.honolulu.gov/docushare/dsweb/Get/Document-346129/nucs-tmk.pdf
• Request for Investigation (complaints): www.honolulu.gov/dpp/rfi/
• HNL Build portal: honolulu.my.site.com/s/
• Oahu Transient Accommodations Tax (OTAT) – City and County of Honolulu: www.honolulu.gov/otat
• Hawaii Department of Taxation (GET/TAT): tax.hawaii.gov/
• City property records search (TMK lookup): www.qpublic.net/hi/honolulu/

Notes for investors:

• Hauula is outside all current STR‑eligible zones and does not have city‑specific regulations; Honolulu County rules apply.
• If you are evaluating other Oahu areas, focus on resort zones or properties with valid NUCs; use the eligibility map and seek zoning verification where necessary.
• Always consult current Honolulu DPP guidance and fees before acquisition or operation; fees and processes may change.