Asheville vs Honolulu
North Carolina Restricted | Hawaii Restricted
Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.
| Requirement | Asheville, North Carolina | Honolulu, Hawaii |
|---|---|---|
| Legality Status | Restricted | Restricted |
| Permit Fee | $200 homestay permit fee | $1,000 initial registration; $500 annual renewal |
| Tax Rate | ~16.75% combined (4.75% state sales + 6% county occupancy + 6% city occupancy) | ~18.5% combined (11% state TAT + 3% county TAT surcharge + 4.5% GET) |
| Annual Day Limit | No limit | No limit |
| Renewal Interval | Annual | Annual |
| Platform Remits Taxes | Yes | No — host must remit |
| Max Fine Example | $500/day for violations | $10,000/day for recurring violations; $5,000 initial fine |
| Verdict | Both cities have comparable STR regulatory environments. | |
Asheville, North Carolina
Status Restricted
Permit Fee $200 homestay permit fee
Tax Rate ~16.75% combined (4.75% state sales + 6% county occupancy + 6% city occupancy)
Day Limit No limit
Renewal Annual
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine $500/day for violations
Honolulu, Hawaii
Status Restricted
Permit Fee $1,000 initial registration; $500 annual renewal
Tax Rate ~18.5% combined (11% state TAT + 3% county TAT surcharge + 4.5% GET)
Day Limit No limit
Renewal Annual
Platform Tax No
Max Fine $10,000/day for recurring violations; $5,000 initial fine
Both cities have comparable STR regulatory environments.
Asheville Overview
Whole-dwelling STRs banned in most zones since 2018; only allowed in resort zoning districts. Owner-occupied homestays (max 2 guest rooms, host must live on-site) are permitted in residential zones with a permit.
Full Asheville guide →Honolulu Overview
STRs limited to resort-zoned and eligible apartment-zoned areas. Hosts must register as B&B (owner-occupied, max 2 guest rooms) or TVU (whole-home in eligible zones). Registrations are non-transferable.
Full Honolulu guide →Frequently Asked Questions
Is it easier to Airbnb in Asheville or Honolulu?
Asheville is classified as "Restricted" while Honolulu is "Restricted." Asheville's permit fee is $200 homestay permit fee compared to $1,000 initial registration; $500 annual renewal in Honolulu.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Asheville or Honolulu?
Asheville charges ~16.75% combined (4.75% state sales + 6% county occupancy + 6% city occupancy), while Honolulu charges ~18.5% combined (11% state TAT + 3% county TAT surcharge + 4.5% GET). Compare the full breakdown in the table above.
Which city has stricter fines for illegal short-term rentals?
Asheville: $500/day for violations. Honolulu: $10,000/day for recurring violations; $5,000 initial fine.