What zoning rules apply to STRs in Waipahu?

Waipahu is essentially a 'No-STR' zone for new operators as it lacks resort zoning.

What zoning rules apply to STRs in Waipahu?

The 30-day minimum stay rule is transitioning to a 90-day minimum in late 2025 for unpermitted rentals in residential zones.

What violations should Waipahu hosts avoid?

Advertising a rental for less than 30 days without a permit number is an automatic violation with heavy fines.

What should Waipahu hosts know about one off-street parking stall is?

One off-street parking stall is required per guest room.

Are there rental limits in Waipahu?

B&B permits are limited to one per individual and require the host to live on-site.

Waipahu

Prohibited

HawaiiUpdated Apr 7, 2026

Gold-standard verification1% sourced

Cross-referenced against 0 official sources — municipal codes, planning-department pages, and government registries.

Verified Feb 6, 2026Sources 0

Summary

Plain-english overview

Short-term rentals (stays under 30 days, or 90 days starting late 2025) are prohibited in residential neighborhoods like Waipahu unless the property holds a legacy Nonconforming Use Certificate (NUC).

Restriction level

Severity 100

Classification

Prohibited

100

Severity

Why this classification

Residential STRs prohibited
Primary residence required
Owner-occupied required
Host presence required (hosted-only)
Long minimum stay: 30 nights
High permit fee: $1000
Limited to 1 property per owner
Tenants cannot host
Permit required
Reporting required

In plain English

What this means for you

You generally cannot start a new short-term rental in Waipahu because it is a residential area and the city only issues new permits for resort zones. In residential zones, any rental must be for at least 30 consecutive days (increasing to 90 days in September 2025), and operating an unauthorized short-term rental can lead to fines of up to $10,000 per day.

At a glance

Key numbers

Permit requiredYes

Night limit365/year

Primary residenceRequired

Total tax rate0.2%

Permit fee$1,000

Processing time3-6 months

Max fine$10,000

5 things hosts often miss

Common compliance gaps

1Waipahu is essentially a 'No-STR' zone for new operators as it lacks resort zoning.
2The 30-day minimum stay rule is transitioning to a 90-day minimum in late 2025 for unpermitted rentals in residential zones.
3Advertising a rental for less than 30 days without a permit number is an automatic violation with heavy fines.
4One off-street parking stall is required per guest room.
5B&B permits are limited to one per individual and require the host to live on-site.

Regulation details

Sourced from official code

Eligibility8 rules

Waipahu requires that the property be the host's primary residence. Primary residence is defined as: Bed and Breakfast (B&B) rentals require the property to be the primary residence of the owner or a full-time resident manager who is present during stays.
Waipahu allows STRs in the following property types: Single Family, Condo, Townhouse.

Requirements13 rules

Waipahu requires STR registration. The permit is called "Short-Term Rental Registration". Apply through Department of Planning and Permitting (DPP). Processing time: 3-6 months. Renewal is required.
Waipahu: You must display your permit/registration number on your Airbnb listing.

Application process8 rules

Waipahu extended permit requirement: Biennial renewal fee; a 2.35% City Service Fee is applied to all registration and renewal payments.

Fees & costs1 rule

Waipahu charges a registration fee of $1000 (one_time). Extended/additional fee: $500 (Biennial renewal fee; a 2.35% City Service Fee is applied to all registration and renewal payments.).

Taxes2 rules

Waipahu charges a Transient Accommodations Tax (State TAT + Oahu TAT) of 0.1325%. This applies to stays under 180 days. Platforms like Airbnb collect and remit this tax. Note: Platforms may collect tax, but the owner must still be registered and is ultimately responsible for ensuring full payment.
Hawaii has a state sales tax of 0.045% that applies to STR rentals.

Limits & restrictions8 rules

Waipahu requires a minimum stay of 30 nights.
Waipahu: Each person can only register ONE property for short-term rental. You cannot legally operate multiple STRs.
Waipahu: B&B permits are limited to one per individual and require the host to live on-site.
Waipahu limits STRs to 365 nights per year. This applies to all rentals.
Waipahu enforces quiet hours: 10pm-8am.

Safety requirements1 rule

Waipahu requires the following safety measures for STRs: smoke detectors, CO detectors, fire extinguisher, posted maximum occupancy, posted emergency contact, Quiet hours must be posted, Trash disposal rules must be posted, 24/7 on-island contact person required.

Penalties3 rules

Waipahu: Advertising a rental for less than 30 days without a permit number is an automatic violation with heavy fines.
Waipahu enforces the following penalties for STR violations: First offense: $1000. Second offense: $5000. Third offense: $10000. Daily fine: $10000. Maximum fine: 10000. Permit may be revoked for violations.

Exemptions2 rules

Waipahu: Rentals of 30+ days are generally NOT considered short-term rentals and may be exempt from STR regulations (but may have other requirements).
Waipahu exempts the following from STR regulations: long-term rentals (30+ days), Legacy Nonconforming Use Certificate (NUC) holders, Hotel-zoned properties.

How to get permitted

Step-by-step guide for Waipahu

0/4

steps completed

Step 1

Check Zoning and Eligibility

Visit the Honolulu DPP short-term rental map to confirm if your property is in a resort zone. Properties in Waipahu are predominantly residential and likely ineligible for new permits.

1 dayFree

Documents needed

Tax Map Key (TMK)

Official resource

Step 2

Register for State Tax Accounts

Obtain Hawaii General Excise Tax (GET) and Transient Accommodations Tax (TAT) certificates from the Hawaii Department of Taxation.

1-2 weeks$25

Documents needed

SSN or FEIN
Business Name

Official resource

Step 3

Apply for STR Registration with DPP

Submit a formal application to the Honolulu Department of Planning and Permitting along with the required fee and documentation.

2-4 months$1,023

Documents needed

State TAT/GET license numbers
Parking plan
Site and floor plans
Proof of primary residency (for B&B)

Official resource

Step 4

Post Registration Number and Adhere to Rules

Include your registration number in all listings and advertisements. Ensure guests follow noise and parking regulations to avoid neighbors' complaints.

ImmediateFree

Documents needed

Approved STR Permit

Frequently asked questions

4 answered

Disclaimer

Regulatory information is AI-researched from public city/county codes for educational purposes. Details may be outdated or incomplete. Always verify requirements directly with your city/county planning department before operating a short-term rental.

Researched & verified by Learn STR at GoStudioM

Waipahu

Prohibited

HawaiiUpdated Apr 7, 2026

Gold-standard verification1% sourced

Cross-referenced against 0 official sources — municipal codes, planning-department pages, and government registries.

Verified Feb 6, 2026Sources 0

Summary

Plain-english overview

Restriction level

Severity 100

Classification

Prohibited

100

Severity

Why this classification

Residential STRs prohibited
Primary residence required
Owner-occupied required
Host presence required (hosted-only)
Long minimum stay: 30 nights
High permit fee: $1000
Limited to 1 property per owner
Tenants cannot host
Permit required
Reporting required

In plain English

What this means for you

At a glance

Key numbers

Permit requiredYes

Night limit365/year

Primary residenceRequired

Total tax rate0.2%

Permit fee$1,000

Processing time3-6 months

Max fine$10,000

5 things hosts often miss

Common compliance gaps

1Waipahu is essentially a 'No-STR' zone for new operators as it lacks resort zoning.
2The 30-day minimum stay rule is transitioning to a 90-day minimum in late 2025 for unpermitted rentals in residential zones.
3Advertising a rental for less than 30 days without a permit number is an automatic violation with heavy fines.
4One off-street parking stall is required per guest room.
5B&B permits are limited to one per individual and require the host to live on-site.

Regulation details

Sourced from official code

Eligibility8 rules

Waipahu requires that the property be the host's primary residence. Primary residence is defined as: Bed and Breakfast (B&B) rentals require the property to be the primary residence of the owner or a full-time resident manager who is present during stays.
Waipahu allows STRs in the following property types: Single Family, Condo, Townhouse.

Requirements13 rules

Waipahu requires STR registration. The permit is called "Short-Term Rental Registration". Apply through Department of Planning and Permitting (DPP). Processing time: 3-6 months. Renewal is required.
Waipahu: You must display your permit/registration number on your Airbnb listing.

Application process8 rules

Waipahu extended permit requirement: Biennial renewal fee; a 2.35% City Service Fee is applied to all registration and renewal payments.

Fees & costs1 rule

Waipahu charges a registration fee of $1000 (one_time). Extended/additional fee: $500 (Biennial renewal fee; a 2.35% City Service Fee is applied to all registration and renewal payments.).

Taxes2 rules

Waipahu charges a Transient Accommodations Tax (State TAT + Oahu TAT) of 0.1325%. This applies to stays under 180 days. Platforms like Airbnb collect and remit this tax. Note: Platforms may collect tax, but the owner must still be registered and is ultimately responsible for ensuring full payment.
Hawaii has a state sales tax of 0.045% that applies to STR rentals.

Limits & restrictions8 rules

Waipahu requires a minimum stay of 30 nights.
Waipahu: Each person can only register ONE property for short-term rental. You cannot legally operate multiple STRs.
Waipahu: B&B permits are limited to one per individual and require the host to live on-site.
Waipahu limits STRs to 365 nights per year. This applies to all rentals.
Waipahu enforces quiet hours: 10pm-8am.

Safety requirements1 rule

Waipahu requires the following safety measures for STRs: smoke detectors, CO detectors, fire extinguisher, posted maximum occupancy, posted emergency contact, Quiet hours must be posted, Trash disposal rules must be posted, 24/7 on-island contact person required.

Penalties3 rules

Waipahu: Advertising a rental for less than 30 days without a permit number is an automatic violation with heavy fines.
Waipahu enforces the following penalties for STR violations: First offense: $1000. Second offense: $5000. Third offense: $10000. Daily fine: $10000. Maximum fine: 10000. Permit may be revoked for violations.

Exemptions2 rules

Waipahu: Rentals of 30+ days are generally NOT considered short-term rentals and may be exempt from STR regulations (but may have other requirements).
Waipahu exempts the following from STR regulations: long-term rentals (30+ days), Legacy Nonconforming Use Certificate (NUC) holders, Hotel-zoned properties.

How to get permitted

Step-by-step guide for Waipahu

0/4

steps completed

Step 1

Check Zoning and Eligibility

Visit the Honolulu DPP short-term rental map to confirm if your property is in a resort zone. Properties in Waipahu are predominantly residential and likely ineligible for new permits.

1 dayFree

Documents needed

Tax Map Key (TMK)

Official resource

Step 2

Register for State Tax Accounts

Obtain Hawaii General Excise Tax (GET) and Transient Accommodations Tax (TAT) certificates from the Hawaii Department of Taxation.

1-2 weeks$25

Documents needed

SSN or FEIN
Business Name

Official resource

Step 3

Apply for STR Registration with DPP

Submit a formal application to the Honolulu Department of Planning and Permitting along with the required fee and documentation.

2-4 months$1,023

Documents needed

State TAT/GET license numbers
Parking plan
Site and floor plans
Proof of primary residency (for B&B)

Official resource

Step 4

Post Registration Number and Adhere to Rules

Include your registration number in all listings and advertisements. Ensure guests follow noise and parking regulations to avoid neighbors' complaints.

ImmediateFree

Documents needed

Approved STR Permit

Frequently asked questions

4 answered

Disclaimer

Researched & verified by Learn STR at GoStudioM

Summary

Restriction level

Why this classification

In plain English

At a glance

5 things hosts often miss

Regulation details

How to get permitted

Check Zoning and Eligibility

Register for State Tax Accounts

Apply for STR Registration with DPP

Post Registration Number and Adhere to Rules

Frequently asked questions

1Do I need a permit for short-term rentals in Waipahu?

2What is the TOT tax rate in Waipahu?

3Are there rental night limits in Waipahu?

4What are the penalties for non-compliance in Waipahu?

Disclaimer

Summary

Restriction level

Why this classification

In plain English

At a glance

5 things hosts often miss

Regulation details

How to get permitted

Check Zoning and Eligibility

Register for State Tax Accounts

Apply for STR Registration with DPP

Post Registration Number and Adhere to Rules

Frequently asked questions

1Do I need a permit for short-term rentals in Waipahu?

2What is the TOT tax rate in Waipahu?

3Are there rental night limits in Waipahu?

4What are the penalties for non-compliance in Waipahu?

Disclaimer