Kula, Maui County Short-Term Rentals: Investor-Ready Compliance and Setup Guide

Overview: Are STRs allowed in Kula, Hawaii?

• Yes, short-term rentals (STRs) are allowed in Kula, Maui, subject to Maui County’s permitting and caps. Kula falls within the Makawao–Pukalani–Kula Community Plan Region. STRs may operate as:
  1. Hotel-zoned properties (no STR permit required), which are rare in Kula; or
  2. Non-hotel-zoned single-family STRs that obtain a Short-Term Rental Home (STRH) permit, which are capped at 15 in the Kula region. As of the current public list, 9 permits are issued (60% of cap). [Source 1]

How to start an STR business in Kula, Maui

1. Confirm zoning and eligibility

• Determine your property’s zoning. STRs are allowed by right in hotel districts and, under certain conditions, in apartment districts; non-conforming areas require a permit.
• Kula is largely rural/residential and agricultural; most properties will need an STRH permit if they intend to operate as STRs. [Source 1]

2. Apply for the correct authorization

• Hotel-zoned or apartment-zoned properties that meet the county code criteria may operate without an STRH permit. If not in an allowed zone, apply for an STRH permit (Short-Term Rental Home) or a Conditional Permit depending on your zoning. Permits are regionally capped; Kula’s cap is 15. [Source 1, Source 4]

3. Secure a designated manager

• Every STRH must have a designated manager who is available by telephone at all times and can arrive on-site within one hour when needed. Publish the manager’s contact details as required. [Source 1]

4. Manage parking and occupancy

• Provide on-site parking; street parking is not allowed for guests. STRH operations may include up to six bedrooms total across two licensed STRH dwellings. [Source 1]

5. Register for state taxes

• Register and pay Hawaii’s General Excise Tax (GET) and Transient Accommodation Tax (TAT) for all STRs. [Source 1, Source 4]

6. Advertising compliance

• All advertising must include the STRH permit number. Many platforms require proof of permits and compliance. [Source 1]

7. Monitor cap status and policy updates

• The County Council reviews community plan restrictions when the number of approved STRHs exceeds 90% of the cap. Kula is at 60% of the cap (9 of 15). The overall STR regulatory environment is evolving; follow Maui County Council and Planning Department updates. [Source 1, Source 2]

Required documents, permits, licenses, and guidelines

• Property information
  • Ownership verification (deed or title documentation)
  • Parcel/TMK number
  • Property zoning documentation
  • Site plan showing on-site parking configuration
• Authorization
  • STRH permit application (for non-hotel/non-conforming properties) or proof of eligibility to operate without a permit (hotel/apartment zoning) [Source 1]
  • Conditional Permit, if applicable to zoning
• Manager details
  • Designated manager name and 24/7 phone contact
  • Manager’s acknowledgment/availability plan (arrive within one hour)
• Taxes
  • GET and TAT registration and filings with the Hawaii Department of Taxation [Source 1, Source 4]
• Operations
  • Occupancy and bedroom counts (max six bedrooms across two licensed STRH dwellings) [Source 1]
  • Advertising copy with STRH permit number included [Source 1]

Specific regulations for STRs (Kula / Maui County / State of Hawaii)

• Maui County STRH rules
  • Designated manager required; available by phone; on-site arrival within one hour
  • All guest parking must be on-site; no street parking
  • STRH operations may have up to six bedrooms across two licensed STRH dwellings
  • All advertising must display the STRH permit number
  • STRHs are capped by community plan area; Kula’s cap is 15 (Makawao–Pukalani–Kula Region) [Source 1]
• Zoning and where STRs are allowed
  • Hotel districts: permitted by right; no STRH permit required
  • Apartment districts: certain pre-existing conditions allow STR operation without a permit (often referred to as the Minatoya framework); otherwise, a permit is required
  • Other districts (residential/rural/agricultural): generally require a Conditional Permit or STRH permit to operate a STR [Source 1]
• State-level reforms and tax obligations
  • SB 2919 (signed May 4, 2024) empowers counties to regulate STRs and combat illegal STRs; counties now have broader home rule authority. [Source 4]
  • All STRs must register for and pay GET and TAT. [Source 1, Source 4]
• Enforcement and caps review
  • The County Council reviews community plan restrictions when approvals reach 90% of the cap. [Source 1]
• Evolving policy environment
  • The Maui County Council is considering broader reforms, including phase-out strategies for certain apartment-zoned STRs (Bill 9). As of the latest reports, economic studies and carve-outs are under active review, and the timeline and final policy outcomes remain in flux. Investors should monitor council actions. [Source 2, Source 3]

Contact information (for STRs in Kula / Maui County)

• Maui County Planning Department (permits/zoning)
  • Phone: Not provided in the sources
  • Email: Not provided in the sources
  • Website: Mauicounty.gov (see Document Center and Permit Center)
  • Note: Use Maui County’s general Planning Department contact channels for STRH and Conditional Permit inquiries. [Source 1]
• Hawaii Department of Taxation (GET/TAT registration and compliance)
  • Phone: Not provided in the sources
  • Email: Not provided in the sources
  • Website: Tax.Hawaii.gov
  • Note: Register for GET and TAT accounts and file returns for transient accommodations. [Source 4]

Source links

• Short-Term Rental Homes Approved List (includes Kula caps and operating requirements) [Source 1]: www.mauicounty.gov/DocumentCenter/View/14762/Approved-Short-Term-Rental-Homes-List?bidId=-
• Maui County Council STR policy updates (Bill 9, investigative group carve-outs) [Source 2]: www.civilbeat.org/2025/10/controversial-bill-to-phase-out-maui-vacation-rentals-could-get-watered-down/
• Commentary on evolving STR policy landscape [Source 3]: beatofhawaii.com/mauis-vacation-rental-ban-just-cracked-wide-open/
• State-level enabling law (SB 2919) and Maui STR updates (February 2025) [Source 4]: www.luxuryrealestatemaui.com/blog/maui-short-term-rental-update-february-2025.html

Practical takeaways for Kula investors

• Eligibility: Most Kula properties will require an STRH permit. The cap is 15 permits for the Kula region; 9 are currently issued. Confirm cap status before investing.
• Operations: Budget for a manager and ensure on-site parking. Keep permit numbers in all ads.
• Taxes: Set up GET/TAT accounts immediately upon permit approval or eligibility.
• Policy risk: Regulatory changes are ongoing; the council is reassessing apartment-zoned STRs and creating carve-outs. Monitor Maui County communications closely for final rules and timelines.