Overview: Are Short-Term Rentals Allowed in Kaneohe?

Short-term rentals (less than 30 consecutive days) are NOT permitted in Kaneohe, Hawaii. Kaneohe falls under the City and County of Honolulu's jurisdiction, which has some of the most restrictive short-term rental regulations in Hawaii. Under Honolulu's Land Use Ordinance and related ordinances (22-7 and 24-14), STRs providing accommodation for fewer than 30 consecutive days are only permitted in designated resort-zoned areas—primarily Waikiki, Ko Olina, Turtle Bay, and limited portions of Makaha. Kaneohe is not located within any of these permitted resort zones.

However, mid-term rentals (30+ days) are permitted throughout Kaneohe and other residential areas of Oahu, making this a viable alternative investment strategy for properties in this market.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Kaneohe

Since STRs under 30 days are prohibited in Kaneohe, investors have two primary pathways:

Option 1: Mid-Term Rental Strategy (30+ Days)

• Target Market: Digital nomads, traveling professionals, military personnel, relocating families, medical professionals
• Minimum Stay: 30 consecutive days (no upper limit)
• Registration: No special STR permit required for 30+ day rentals
• Zoning Compliance: Permitted in residential zones throughout Kaneohe

Option 2: Property Acquisition in Permitted STR Zones

• Focus Areas: Waikiki, Ko Olina (Beach Villas only), Turtle Bay, limited Makaha areas
• Investment Strategy: Purchase properties within designated resort zones
• Legal Operations: Full STR operations (under 30 days) permitted with proper registration

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

For Mid-Term Rentals (30+ Days) in Kaneohe:

• General Excise Tax (GET) License: Required for any rental business
  • Fee: $15
  • Available from Hawaii Department of Taxation
• Transient Accommodations Tax (TAT) License: Required for rentals under 180 days
  • Fee: $5 (1-5 units) or $15 (6+ units)
  • Must be obtained before rental operations
• Property Insurance: Minimum $1M liability coverage recommended
• Business Registration: Hawaii state business registration if operating as LLC/corporation

For STR Operations in Permitted Zones (Waikiki, Ko Olina, etc.):

Initial Registration Requirements:

• Title Report: Current property ownership documentation
• GET License: Hawaii General Excise Tax license
• TAT License: Transient Accommodations Tax license
• Insurance: Minimum $1,000,000 general liability coverage
• HOA/Association Approval: Written evidence that STRs are permitted
• Informational Binder: Including:
  • Floor plan with bedroom locations and maximum occupancy
  • Parking plan
  • Trash collection/disposal instructions
  • House rules
  • Emergency contact list
• Statement of Compliance: Signed document affirming regulatory adherence
• Registration Fee: $1,000 (initial)

Annual Renewal Requirements:

• NUC Holders: Renewal between September 1 - October 15 annually
• Standard STR Registration: Renewal 1-3 months before expiration
• Renewal Fee: $500
• Continued Compliance Documentation

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

City & County Level (Honolulu/Oahu):

Permitted STR Types:

1. Bed and Breakfast Homes (B&Bs):

   • Owner or permanent resident must be present during stays
   • Maximum 2 rooms rented
   • Maximum 2 adult transient occupants per room
   • Real property tax home exemption required

2. Transient Vacation Units (TVUs):

   • Whole home or unhosted rentals
   • Maximum 2 adult transient occupants per room
   • Only permitted in resort-zoned areas

Occupancy Limits:

• Maximum 2 adults per bedroom
• Total occupancy limits based on property size and bedroom count
• Strict enforcement of posted maximum occupancy

Prohibited Activities:

• STR operations outside designated resort zones
• Exceeding maximum occupancy limits
• Operating without proper registration/permits
• Advertising unregistered STRs

State Level Regulations:

• Tax Collection: Mandatory collection and remittance of GET, TAT, and applicable county surcharges
• Health and Safety: Compliance with all state health and safety codes
• Insurance Requirements: Minimum liability coverage as specified by county regulations

Grandfathered Properties (NUC Holders):

• Properties operating STRs before October 22, 1986
• Must maintain Nonconforming Use Certificate (NUC)
• Annual renewal required (September 1 - October 15)
• No new NUCs being issued
• Automatic loss of NUC for non-renewal

Contact Information for Local Authority

Department of Planning and Permitting (DPP)

• Address: 650 South King Street, 7th Floor, Honolulu, Hawaii 96813
• Phone: (808) 768-8000
• Fax: (808) 768-6743
• Website: honolulu.gov/dpp/permitting/str
• HNL Build Portal: honolulu.my.site.com/s

Key Personnel:

• Director: Dawn Takeuchi Apuna
• Deputy Director: Bryan Gallagher
• 2nd Deputy Director: Regina Malepeai

Additional Contacts:

• Request for Investigation: honolulu.gov/dpp/rfi/ (for reporting illegal STRs)
• STR FAQ: honolulu.gov/dpp/permitting/str/str-faq/

Source Pages and References

Official Government Sources:

1. Honolulu DPP STR Main Page: https://www.honolulu.gov/dpp/permitting/str/
2. STR Eligibility Map: https://cchnl.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=ed2eec39157f41d3a27901de4b3f7530
3. STR Compliance Map: https://cchnl.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=a87c9d1a9c4147c48286f569701f21b4
4. Land Use Ordinance (PDF): https://www.honolulu.gov/dpp/wp-content/uploads/sites/56/2024/09/land-use-ordinance.pdf
5. Ordinance 22-7: https://www.honolulu.gov/dpp/wp-content/uploads/sites/56/2024/07/ORD22-007.pdf
6. Ordinance 24-14: https://www.honolulu.gov/dpp/wp-content/uploads/sites/56/2024/09/Ord24-014.pdf
7. STR Disclosure Form: https://www4.honolulu.gov/docushare/dsweb/Get/Document-350454/STR%20Disclosure%20Form.pdf

Application and Renewal Guides:

8. Registration Informational Guide: https://www4.honolulu.gov/docushare/dsweb/Get/Document-351976/Informational%20Guide%20for%20STR%20Registration_Final.pdf
9. Renewal Informational Guide: https://www4.honolulu.gov/docushare/dsweb/Get/Document-351977/Informational%20Guide%20for%20STR%20Renewals_Final.pdf
10. Registration Tutorial: https://www4.honolulu.gov/docushare/dsweb/Get/Document-352004/New%20How%20to%20Register%20for%20a%20Short-term%20rental%20Permit.pdf
11. Renewal Tutorial: https://www4.honolulu.gov/docushare/dsweb/Get/Document-352005/Copy%20of%20New%20How%20to%20Renew%20for%20a%20Short-term%20rental%20Permit.pdf

Professional Management Resources:

12. Happy Vacations Hawaii - Kaneohe Area: https://www.happyvacationshawaii.com/vacation-rentals-in-kaneohe/
13. Oahu STR Laws Overview: https://www.happyvacationshawaii.com/oahu-vacation-rental-laws-regulations/
14. Mid-Term vs Short-Term Guide: https://www.happyvacationshawaii.com/short-term-vs-mid-term-rentals/

State Tax Information:

15. Hawaii TAT Information: Available through Hawaii Department of Taxation
16. Hawaii GET Information: Available through Hawaii Department of Taxation

Note: This guide is based on regulations current as of 2025. STR laws are subject to change, and investors should verify current requirements with the Department of Planning and Permitting before making investment decisions. Consulting with a local real estate attorney familiar with Hawaii STR regulations is highly recommended.