Rules about Airbnb in Hawaii

[Joel Duque-Estrada]

So, I've got a single family house in Hawaii, on the island of Oahu.  I'm moving back to the mainland in a few months and I'd really like to use it as a vacation rental on airbnb.  I've seen a lot of airbnb listings in my area and around the whole island, but in all the research I've done, it says that you're not suppose rent out houses for less than 30 days at a time, which would make it impossible to use it as a vacation rental.

My question is... since there's obviously a lot of people doing this, is there some exception to the 30 day rule that I haven't been able to find? 

[Laine Furukawa]

Joel Duque-Estrada Howzit! I'll be doing the same, but won't let the 29 night minimum stop me. I've managed Airbnb properties in Santa Monica, CA with similar regulations and I was initially hesitant like you, but was able to book consistently throughout the year. The difference is who you will be catering to and, of course, location. In Santa Monica I found that it attracted businesses with tech or engineer teams working on month long projects and looking for lodging and business men traveling with families. I like the corporate lodging site mentioned and will also look into that.

In terms of Hawaii regulations, to legally do a short-term rental you would need a non-conform use license, which hasn't been issued since the 80's (you can thank greedy hotel lobbyists for that). The work around is the 30 day or more as well as paying your GET and TAT (transient accommodation tax). In Hawaii, tenants are considered transient if staying less than 6 months so more likely than not you'll be responsible for paying that (or charge guests).

For the long-term, I would keep good relations with neighbors and screen your potential guests as responsibly as possible. I've heard nightmare stories of being neighbors to "overachieving" AirBnB's. This especially now as the topic of Airbnb is somewhat sensitive in Hawaii.

Hope this helps, brahdah! Nothing but the best for whatever you decide to do. Btw, I'm also available to manage / co-host AirBnB's if you are looking to be off island. I can also consult if needed.

Aloha 🤙🏽
Laine