honolulu department of planning and permitting / ka ʻoihana hoʻolālā a me nā palapala ʻae / our island our future
Eligibility

Check Eligibility

Check if a property is eligible for STR registration on this map.

Registration

STR Registration

Click the above icon for the registration form.

Use the registration instructions checklist to ensure you have all the required documents before submitting. 
Include the completed statement of compliance with your application.
STR renew

STR Renewal

Click the above icon for the renewal form.  

Use the renewal instructions checklist to ensure you have all the required documents before submitting.

IMPORTANT: INCLUDE THE APPLICATION FORM WITH PAYMENT.

IF PAYMENT IS RECEIVED WITHOUT AN APPLICATION FORM, YOUR REGISTRATION/RENEWAL WILL BE DELAYED.

 

report a violation

Request for Investigation

If you suspect an illegal STR in your neighborhood, let us know.

compliance

STR Compliance Map

Properties issued a STR Notice of Violation or Order, and properties legally registered to operate, are displayed on this map.

 

Short-Term Rentals

What is a STR?

Short-term rentals (STRs) are also known as vacation rentals, and are lodgings that provide guest accommodation for less than 30 consecutive days. In order to preserve housing for long-term residents, STRs are only permitted in resort-zoned areas and a couple of specific apartment-zoned areas.

There are two types of STR:

  • Bed and breakfast homes (B&Bs) - The homeowner or permanent resident is present during the transient stay. Up to two rooms may be rented, with a maximum of two adult transient occupants per room. 
  • Transient vacation units (TVUs) - Commonly known as whole home or unhosted rentals. A maximum of two adult transient occupants are allowed per room.

"Grandfathered" STRs that have been in operation since prior to October 22, 1986, and were issued a nonconforming use certificate (NUC), must renew their NUC every year to continue operating. New NUCs are not being issued.

How are STRs regulated?

The Department of Planning and Permitting will continue to enforce STRs as less than 30 consecutive days across the board.

STR regulations are imposed by the Land Use Ordinance, as amended by Ordinance 22-7, which includes maps of the apartment-zoned areas where STRs are permitted. Anyone selling real property must provide the buyer with a short-term rental disclosure form stating whether the property may be legally used for STRs. The STR must be registered to be in compliance with law.

What if I have questions?

Please check below for answers to frequently asked questions. For other general questions, including registration and renewal, please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call our short-term vacation rental (STVR) line at (808) 768-STVR (7887).

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Registration for Operators of a STR B&B or TVU
When does registration become available for people in eligible STR areas?
Registration will be available online at our Short-Term Rentals website starting October 24, 2022.
How can I verify that I am allowed to have a STR?
You can call (808) 768-STVR or you can submit a zoning verification request.  The research fee is $150 (for each tax map key), or $300 (for each tax map ley) for confirmation of a nonconforming status.
Who needs to register?
The owner or operator of a less than 30-day rental must register each unit they are renting for less than 30 days. Exceptions are: 1) Existing NUC holders do not need to register under the new registration system. Current NUC holders must renew their NUCs annually between September 1 and October 15. 2) Hotels and time sharing units (defined in the Land Use Ordinance Sections 21-10.1 and 21-5.640, respectively).
Can an STR operator use one registration form to cover multiple units?
No, the operator must register each eligible unit individually.
When is the deadline to register as a STR operator?
There is no deadline to register. However, owners and operators that do not have a NUC cannot begin renting for less than 30 days until they are registered.
What's the difference between the new registration for STRs, and NUCs? Are they the same?
NUCs were issued under a registration process in the 1980s to allow certain existing STRs to operate as nonconforming uses. The registration process under Ord. 22-7 allows the owners of property in certain areas to establish new STRs, subject to the terms and operating requirements in Ord. 22-7.
What are the registration requirements?
There are more than a dozen requirements under Revised Ordinances of Honolulu (ROH) Section 21-5.730(b). Please refer to the Registration Instructions for guidance. 
Are documents submitted as part of the registration secured and protected?
Yes. The documents submitted are secure and protected. The online registration portal has undergone extensive web application and network penetration testing by a third party security consultant using the Open Web Application Security Project (OWASP) Top 10 Security Standards Guideline, with remediation completed August 2021.
Can I remove my property from the list of properties in the online registration portal so people cannot register any units on the property as an STR?
Yes. The property owner or authorized association may submit a written request to DPP remove their property from the registration system.
As a host, when and how do I register for the Oahu Transient Accommodations Tax?
Any tax related questions should be directed to their respective office:
  • Questions on General Excise Tax and Transient Accommodations tax should be directed to the State Department of Taxation. Visit the DOTAX website.
  • Questions on Oahu Transient Accommodations Tax (OTAT) should be directed to the City and County of Honolulu Department of Budget and Fiscal Services Real Property Assessment Division. Visit the OTAT website.
    • Changes to my Existing STR Registration
    The property manager helping me operate my STR is changing.  How do I update my STR operator?
    Fill out this Change in Operator form.  Signatures of owner and current operator are required.  Contact information for new operator must be indicated on the form.
    Nonconforming Use Certificates
    Where can I find a list of NUCs?
    Complete list of NUCs
    How will NUC renewals change due to Ordinance 22-7?
    Upon expiration in 2024, NUCs will have to be renewed annually for a fee of $500.
    Advertisement
    How do I learn more about registering on an online platform (like AirBnB) to advertise?
    Refer to the online platform's website. City and County staff cannot assist with this matter.
    What does Ordinance 22-7 require in online advertisements?
    Advertisements for less than 30 day rentals must include the operator's STR registration or NUC number and the tax map key of the property. It is unlawful to advertise a dwelling for a rental period of less than 30 days unless the dwelling is registered. Advertisements for rentals that are not registered or allowed by a NUC must also include the following statement: "this property may not be rented for less than 30 consecutive days. Rental prices will not be reduced or adjusted based on the number of days the rental is actually used or occupied.” Hotel and timeshare advertisements must include the tax map key for the property on which the hotel unit or timeshare unit is located.
    How do I find my tax map key (TMK)?
    Your TMK is identified in your real property tax bill. You may also use the property search website to search for your TMK by inputting the address for your property.
    Reporting a Violation
    Where may I file a complaint?
    You may submit a complaint online. We ask that you include the following information in your complaint:
  • The address of the B&B/TVU, including the apartment or unit number;
  • All facts that cause the complainant to believe that a violation has occurred;
  • The provisions of the Ordinance that the complainant believes are being violated; and
  • The complainant's name, phone number, email and a mailing address for follow-up contact from the department.
    • What hours will the city hotline for community tipsters be working? Who will follow up on complaints?
    Tipsters can provide information online for follow up by STR inspectors. We intend to have personnel available to take these calls during City business hours, 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

     

     

    Details

    Phone Directory of Services
    List of department contacts
    Directory of Services
    FAQs
    city Jobs, State ID, Driver license...
    Frequently Asked Questions
    Social Media Center
    Social Media accounts
    Follow Us

    Back to top