Hilo, Hawaii

Short-Term Rental Regulations — Hawaii County

Conditional

STR Status

Permit: RequiredFee: $20Tax: 4.0%
County-level data: No city-specific ordinance found. Showing regulations for Hawaii County which apply to this area.
$20License Cost
4.0%Tax Rate
121 ftBuffer Distance

Permit & Licensing

Permit RequiredYes
License Cost$20
Renewalannual
Business License RequiredNot specified
WaitlistNot specified

Owner Requirements

Owner Occupancy RequiredNo
Primary Residence RequiredYes
Insurance RequiredNot specified

Limits & Restrictions

Density / Distance Cap121 ft
Parking RequiredYes

Taxes & Fees

Transient Occupancy Tax / TOT4.0%

Official Sources

planning.hawaiicounty.gov/resources/short-term-vacation-rentalsavalara.com/mylodgetax/en/blog/2025/10/hawaii-county-short-term-rental-operators-must-register-with-county-under-new-law.htmlwesthawaiirealtors.com/stvr-infocheckmaterentals.com/blog/short-term-rental-laws-hawaiimauicounty.gov/1377/Short-Term-Rentalsmapps.mauicounty.gov/183/CP-STRH---Short-Term-Rental-Homesearchhawaiiproperty.com/hosted-vacation-rentals/awning.com/post/hawaii-short-term-rental-laws
Data confidence: 79%Last updated: May 22, 2026

Short-term rental rules in Hilo, Hawaii

Hilo, Hawaii has no separate city ordinance, so Hawaii County rules apply — under which short-term rentals are allowed under certain conditions. Operators must obtain a permit (fee: $20). The home must be the host's primary residence. A lodging/occupancy tax of 4.0% applies.

Frequently asked questions

Are short-term rentals allowed in Hilo, Hawaii?

Short-term rentals (including Airbnb and Vrbo) are allowed under certain conditions in Hilo, Hawaii. The home must be the host's primary residence.

Do I need a permit to run an Airbnb in Hilo?

A short-term rental permit is required, the fee is $20.

What taxes apply to short-term rentals in Hilo?

Short-term rentals in Hilo are subject to a lodging/occupancy tax of 4.0%.

Always verify before you buy. Short-term-rental rules change often and may not be fully current here. Confirm directly with Hilo, Hawaii County, or Hawaii authorities — and consult a qualified attorney — before purchasing property or operating an STR. This is not legal advice.