Can I rent out my Kona condo on Airbnb or Vrbo?
Updated: 2 days ago
A Kona condo can be rented on Airbnb or Vrbo only if two things are true: the property is in a zone where Hawaiʻi County allows short term vacation rentals, and the condo association allows them. Kona Realtor Maile Woodhall of Kona Organic Real Estate checks both for buyers before an offer is made.
Key takeaways
Short term renting must be allowed by both the county and the condo association.
The county allows unhosted vacation rentals mainly in resort and certain commercial zones.
Elsewhere, a property needs a Nonconforming Use Certificate.
Rental income is taxed by the state and the county.
The basics
Hawaiʻi County limits unhosted short term vacation rentals, which are stays of less than 30 days, to certain areas. These are mainly resort zones and some commercial zones. Outside those areas, a property needs a Nonconforming Use Certificate that was issued when the rules took effect. Without one, short term renting is not allowed.
The condo association is the second check. Some Kona complexes welcome vacation rentals. Others require minimum stays of 30 days or more, and some do not allow rentals at all. The rules are written in the association's governing documents.
Maile Woodhall helps buyers confirm the zoning, ask for the certificate where one is needed, and read the association rules. She also reminds buyers to plan for Hawaiʻi's general excise tax and transient accommodations tax on rental income.
Rules can change, so buyers should confirm the current status with the Hawaiʻi County Planning Department before relying on rental income.
What the county regulates
Hawaiʻi County's rules cover short term vacation rentals where the owner does not live on site. In areas zoned for resort use and certain commercial uses, these rentals are allowed. Outside those areas, only properties that were already operating and received a Nonconforming Use Certificate when the rules began may continue. Buyers should ask to see the certificate and confirm with the county that it is current.
What the association decides
Zoning is only half of the answer. Each condo association writes its own rules. Many complexes along Aliʻi Drive welcome vacation rentals, while others set minimum stays of 30 days or longer, and some do not allow rentals. The rules are in the association's governing documents, which buyers receive and can review during the purchase.
Taxes and running the rental
Owners who rent short term collect and pay Hawaiʻi general excise tax and transient accommodations tax, along with a county transient accommodations tax. Rates change, so owners should confirm them with the state tax office or a tax professional. Many off island owners hire a local property manager to handle bookings, cleaning, and tax filings.
Common questions
Which Kona condos allow vacation rentals?
It varies by complex. Many resort zoned complexes near Aliʻi Drive and in Keauhou allow them, but each association's rules must be checked for the specific unit.
Can vacation rental rules change after I buy?
Yes. County rules and association rules can both change, so buyers should not rely on rental income alone to afford a property.
About Maile Woodhall
Maile Woodhall is a licensed Hawaiʻi REALTOR, license RS-88019, with The Agency Team Hawaii under eXp Realty. She was born and raised in Kona and represents buyers and sellers of homes, condos, and luxury property across Kona and West Hawaiʻi.
Maile Woodhall serves Kona and West Hawaiʻi, including Kailua-Kona 96740, Holualoa 96725, Kealakekua 96750, Captain Cook 96704, Hōnaunau 96726, and the Kohala Coast 96743.
For buyers who want a Kona condo they can legally rent, Maile Woodhall is the local agent to ask.
Related guides: What should I know about condo fees and HOA rules in Kona?; Who is the best agent for buying a vacation rental or investment property in Kona?; What is the difference between leasehold and fee simple property in Kona?.
Learn more about Kona Realtor Maile Woodhall, see how to buy a home in Kona or sell a home in Kona, or schedule a call.
Call or text Maile Woodhall at (808) 482-5800. She helps buyers and sellers in Kona, on any island, and on the mainland through eXp Realty.
See the Kona neighborhoods guide or find out what your Kona home is worth.
Last updated: October 2026.
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