If you own property on Oahu and want to operate a short-term rental (STR), registration with the City and County of Honolulu is required. The process involves verifying your property's eligibility, gathering documents, paying fees, and obtaining your official registration number. This guide walks you through each step so you can get your STR legally registered and operating in 2026.

Step 1: Verify Your Property's Eligibility

Before anything else, confirm that your property is located in an area where STRs are permitted. On Oahu, short-term rentals are only allowed in resort-zoned areas and specific locations identified under Ordinance 25-52.

Use the STR Eligibility Map on the Honolulu Department of Planning and Permitting (DPP) website to check your property. If you're still unsure after reviewing the map, you can submit a zoning verification request for $300 to get written confirmation.

Properties with an existing Nonconforming Use Certificate (NUC) do not need to register under the new system. To learn more about NUCs, read our guide: NUCs on Oahu: What Buyers and Owners Must Know.

For a full breakdown of where STRs are allowed, see: Where You Can Legally Operate an STR on Oahu.

Step 2: Obtain Your State Tax Licenses

Before registering with the city, you'll need two state tax accounts from the Hawaii Department of Taxation:

  • General Excise Tax (GET) License – Required for all businesses operating in Hawaii. The base rate is 4% with a 0.5% Oahu surcharge for a combined 4.5%.
  • Transient Accommodations Tax (TAT) ID – Required for any rental under 180 consecutive days. The state TAT rate is 11% as of January 1, 2026, plus Oahu's 3% county surcharge for a combined 14%.

You can apply for both through Hawaii Tax Online (HTO) at hitax.hawaii.gov. For a complete breakdown of STR taxes, see: Every Tax You Pay as an Oahu STR Owner: GET, TAT, and OTAT Explained.

Step 3: Gather Required Documents

The DPP requires several documents as part of your registration application:

  • Title report – Proof of property ownership
  • GET license number
  • TAT license number
  • Tax Map Key (TMK) number for your property
  • Statement of Compliance – A signed form affirming the property is not an affordable rental unit (available on the DPP STR website)
  • Property details – Number of bedrooms, maximum occupancy, and hosting platforms used

Download the DPP's Informational Guide for Registration for the most current checklist of required documents.

Step 4: Submit Your Online Application

Once you have all documents ready, submit your application through the DPP's online STR registration portal. The application will ask for:

  • Property address and TMK number
  • Owner and operator information
  • Number of bedrooms and maximum occupancy
  • Listing platform URLs (Airbnb, VRBO, etc.)
  • Your GET and TAT license numbers

There is no deadline to register, but you cannot legally operate your STR until your registration is approved. Submit your application well in advance, as review times can take several weeks or longer.

Step 5: Pay the Registration Fee

The registration fees for Oahu STRs are as follows:

Fee Type Amount
Initial Registration $1,000
Annual Renewal (same owner) $500
New Registration (ownership change) $1,000

The initial registration fee of $1,000 is non-refundable. Payment can be made by check payable to the "City and County of Honolulu" and mailed to the DPP, or by credit card through the online portal.

Important: Registrations are non-transferable. If you purchase a property that was previously operated as an STR, you must apply for a new registration and pay the full $1,000 fee.

Step 6: Receive Your Registration Certificate

After the DPP reviews and approves your application, you'll receive a registration certificate valid for one year. Your registration number must be displayed in all advertisements and listings for your STR, including Airbnb, VRBO, and any personal websites.

Step 7: Annual Renewal Requirements

STR registrations must be renewed annually. The renewal process requires:

  • Completed renewal application form
  • City and County of Honolulu real property tax clearance
  • City and County of Honolulu transient accommodations tax clearance
  • State of Hawaii GET and TAT tax clearance
  • $500 renewal fee

Stay on top of your renewal timeline to avoid lapses in your registration status.

Penalties for Operating Without Registration

Operating an STR on Oahu without a valid registration carries severe penalties:

  • $5,000 initial fine
  • $10,000 per day for continued violations
  • Property may be barred from STR use for five years

The city actively enforces these rules, so ensuring your registration is current and valid is essential.

STR Registration Checklist

Step Action Where
1 Check zoning eligibility DPP STR Eligibility Map
2 Get GET license hitax.hawaii.gov
3 Get TAT ID hitax.hawaii.gov
4 Gather documents (title report, TMK, Statement of Compliance) Various
5 Submit online application DPP STR Portal
6 Pay $1,000 registration fee Online or by mail
7 Receive registration certificate DPP
8 Add registration number to all listings Airbnb, VRBO, etc.
9 Renew annually ($500) DPP

How This Fits Into Your STR Journey

Registration is one piece of the puzzle. To build a complete picture of operating an STR on Oahu, explore the rest of our series:

Need Help Navigating the STR Process?

Whether you're buying an STR-eligible property or trying to register an existing one, we can help you understand your options and connect you with the right resources. Contact us today or explore properties for sale on Oahu.