Overview: STR Status in Kahului

Short-term rentals ARE ALLOWED in Kahului, HI, but they operate under strict Maui County regulations rather than city-specific ordinances. Kahului falls under the Kahului-Wailuku Community Plan Region, which currently permits up to 6 Short-Term Rental Home (STRH) permits. However, investors must navigate a complex regulatory environment that includes permit requirements, community plan area caps, and proposed legislation (Bill 9) that could significantly impact future operations.

Starting a Short-Term Rental Business in Kahului

Step 1: Zoning Verification

Before proceeding, verify that your property is located in an area where STRs are permitted. Kahului properties fall within the Kahului-Wailuku Community Plan Region, which has specific limitations.

Step 2: Permit Acquisition Process

All STR operators in Kahului must obtain the appropriate permits through Maui County's official system:

1. Short-Term Rental Home (STRH) Permit - Required for properties outside hotel/apartment zones
2. Bed & Breakfast Permit - For smaller operations
3. Conditional Use Permit - May be required for certain zoning situations

Step 3: Application Timeline

• Processing Time: 90-day review period
• Annual Renewal: Required for continued operation
• Timing: Begin applications well in advance, as permit caps exist

Required Documents, Permits, and Licenses

Mandatory Permits

• STRH Application (form STRH)
• Zoning & Flood Confirmation
• Fire safety inspection certificates
• Septic system compliance documentation (where applicable)

Documentation Requirements

• Proof of property ownership or authorized management agreement
• Designated manager information (must be available 24/7 and able to arrive within 1 hour)
• Neighbor notification affidavits within 500-foot radius
• Parking plan showing all parking must be onsite (no street parking)
• Insurance documentation

Financial Obligations

• Annual permit fees: $2,500-$5,000 (depending on property size)
• State taxes: General Excise Tax (GET) and Transient Accommodations Tax (TAT)
• Registration: Required with Hawaii Department of Taxation

Specific Regulations

Kahului-Wailuku Community Plan Region Limitations

• Permit Cap: Maximum of 6 STRH permits in the region
• Current Status: 5 permits approved (83% of cap as of October 2025)
• Room Limits: Up to 6 total bedrooms distributed over maximum 2 licensed STRH dwellings

Operating Requirements

• Manager Requirement: Designated manager must be available by telephone at all times and can arrive onsite within 1 hour
• Parking: All parking must be onsite; no street parking permitted
• Advertising: All advertisements must prominently display the STRH permit number
• Occupancy Limits: Typically 2 guests per bedroom plus 2 additional guests

Tax Obligations

• General Excise Tax (GET): Hawaii state tax
• Transient Accommodations Tax (TAT): Additional state tax on accommodations
• Registration: Required with Hawaii Department of Taxation
• Filing: Quarterly tax filings for most operators

Critical Upcoming Changes - Bill 9

Proposed Legislation Impact

Bill 9 would phase out short-term vacation rentals in apartment-zoned areas, with potential implications for:

• West Maui: STR operations must cease by 2028
• Remaining Maui areas: Follow by 2030
• Timeline: Bill advancing through council as of July 2025

Legal Challenges Expected

The proposed legislation faces significant legal challenges from property owners who argue it violates constitutional property rights, citing previous court rulings against similar measures in Honolulu.

Contact Information

Maui County Planning Department

Physical Address:
County of Maui
200 S. High St.
Kalana O Maui Bldg
Wailuku, HI 96793

Information Desk: 2nd floor lobby

Phone: (808) 270-7733
Website: mauicounty.gov

Hawaii Department of Taxation

Registration for GET and TAT:
Phone: (808) 587-4242
Website: tax.hawaii.gov

Maui County Council

Housing & Land Use Committee:
Email: HLU.committee@mauicounty.us
Phone: (808) 270-7838
Meeting Information: mauicounty.us/agendas

Links to Source Pages

1. Maui County STR Official Page: www.mauicounty.gov/1377/Short-Term-Rentals
2. Approved STRH Permits List: www.mauicounty.gov/DocumentCenter/View/14762/Approved-Short-Term-Rental-Homes-List?bidId=
3. Bill 9 Legislation: mauicounty.legistar.com/View.ashx?M=F&ID=14263348&GUID=299EB014-1CF9-4CF7-8EB2-3367662C0592
4. Maui Council Meeting Agendas: mauicounty.us/agendas/
5. Maui County STRH Application: www.mauicounty.gov/1874/Short-Term-Rental-Home-STRH-Application

Investment Strategy Considerations

Given the regulatory environment, potential investors should:

1. Act Quickly: With only 6 permits available in the Kahului-Wailuku region and 5 already issued, remaining opportunities are extremely limited
2. Monitor Bill 9: Stay informed on legislative developments that could reshape the STR landscape
3. Consider Alternatives: Explore hotel-zoned properties or other Maui areas with different regulatory frameworks
4. Professional Guidance: Engage local legal counsel familiar with Hawaii vacation rental law
5. Financial Planning: Account for permit fees, taxes, and potential compliance costs

The current regulatory environment in Kahului presents both opportunities and significant challenges for STR investors, requiring careful navigation of county regulations and careful monitoring of evolving legislation.