Hawaii County requires all short-term rentals (less than 30 days) to obtain an annual STVR Registration for a $500 fee. Rentals are strictly limited to specific resort and commercial zoning districts. The registration number must be displayed on all advertisements, and a 24/7 on-island contact is mandatory.
To host an Airbnb in Hawaii County (the Big Island), you must get an annual Short-Term Vacation Rental (STVR) permit from the county, which costs $500. Your property must be in a specific resort or commercial zone to be eligible; rentals in most residential and agricultural areas are prohibited. You'll also need to register for state and county taxes, and while platforms like Airbnb collect these for you, you're still responsible for filing returns. Make sure to display your STVR permit number on your listing and post required information like quiet hours and a 24/7 local contact inside your rental.
Permit Required
Yes
Night Limit
None
Primary Residence
Not Required
Total Tax Rate
17.7%
Disclaimer
This information is for general guidance only and should not be considered legal advice. Regulations change frequently. Always verify current requirements with local government authorities before operating a short-term rental.
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Permit Fee
$500
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