If you’re planning a trip to Hawaii, or even considering staying longer, understanding Hawaii short term rental laws is no longer optional, it’s essential.

Operating a vacation rental in Hawaii has never been simple, and in 2026 it is becoming even more structured. A new county law now requires short-term rental operators in Hawaii County to register annually with the county government, creating a new layer of accountability for hosts and property managers.

Hawaii vacation rentals continue to be one of the most sought-after accommodation options for travellers who want space, privacy and a more local experience.

Short-term rental homes are subject to the following restrictions and standards:

The Maui Planning Commission heard more than seven hours of often impassioned testimony Tuesday, then deliberated nearly three hours before advising the Maui County Council to approve a bill to phase-out 7,000 short-term rentals in apartment districts, mostly in South and West Maui.

A Washington, D.C.–based group called Progress Action has poured thousands into ads warning Maui residents that Mayor Richard Bissen’s plan to phase out short-term rentals would be “a failure and a mistake.” The campaign has sparked heated debate over housing, transparency, and who truly benefits from Hawaiʻi’s tourism economy.