From luxury beachfront resorts, heavenly hotels, and enchanting inns to charming bed and breakfasts, rustic cabins, and vacation rentals, the Hawaiian Islands are home to more accommodations than we could ever hope to count. With so many options to choose from, it can be hard to choose where you want to stay. As of August 1, 2019, there will be fewer options for those looking to stay on the island of Oahu.
The regulation of unhosted, transient short-term vacation rentals in the Hawaiian Islands has long been a hot-button issue, and now, the City and County of Honolulu has taken a stance on the issue, promising to crack down on these illegal bed and breakfasts. Signed into law by Mayor Kirk Caldwell on June 25, 2019, and going into effect this week visitors need to know how this law will affect them. Here are 8 things you should know about these new laws.
1. The only affected island is Oahu… for now.
These rules and regulations are only a concern for those traveling to Oahu, so if you’re heading to Kauai, Maui, or the Big Island, you’re in luck. We won’t be surprised, however, if a similar bill is passed for the other Hawaiian Islands in the future.
2. The numbers are staggering.
According to current estimates from the Honolulu City Council, Oahu is home to anywhere from 8,000 to 10,000 vacation rentals at any given time. Only 770 of those are legal, licensed short-term rentals.
3. Guests need not worry.
If you find yourself in an illegal B&B, or one that hasn’t gone through the proper permitting, there’s no need to worry as guests aren’t at risk financially. The property owner(s) are the only ones getting fined here.
4. Most B&Bs will be limited.
A limit on B&B density might create headaches for travelers. According to the new law, no more than 0.5 percent of the total number of dwelling units in each regional area on Oahu can be used as B&Bs. The entire island will have 1,699 rentable, legal B&Bs. Here’s a breakdown.
Central Oahu: 256
Ewa: 171
East Honolulu: 92
Ko’olau Loa (Hau’ula, Laie, Kahuku): 23
Ko’olau Poko (Kailua, Waimanalo, Kaneohe): 183
North Shore: 0
Primary Urban Center: 907
Waianae: 67
5. There are exceptions.
Rentals in resort areas like Waikiki, Ko Olina, and Turtle Bay, will be exempt from the new law.
6. Watch out for Oahu’s North Shore.
If you want to experience the serene, laid-back beauty of the North Shore, you better be quick. Thanks to directives in the North Shore Sustainable Communities Plan, no new B&B permits will be given to properties on the north shore.
7. It might be hard to accommodate large groups.
Under the law, new B&B owners are allowed to rent just two bedrooms to guests, leaving little space for larger parties. The property owner is also required by law to reside in the home, alongside the guests.
8. Don’t panic if you already have a reservation for a B&B.
Call, email, or text the owner of the B&B to ask if they have the proper permits for their property or if they’re planning to close up and cancel reservations. If they are planning to close, you may have to change plans and find a hotel. Luckily, the island is home to a myriad of boutique hotels — many of which you can book for less than $200 per night.
So, tell us, what do you think about these new laws? Do you believe the government will actually crack down on Oahu’s illegal B&Bs? Sound off in the comments below.
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