Boston vs Honolulu
Massachusetts Legal but Limited | Hawaii Restricted
Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.
| Requirement | Boston, Massachusetts | Honolulu, Hawaii |
|---|---|---|
| Legality Status | Legal but Limited | Restricted |
| Permit Fee | $25 registration fee | $1,000 initial registration; $500 annual renewal |
| Tax Rate | 6.5% state excise + 6% city convention center tax | ~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 | $300/day for unregistered listing | $10,000/day for recurring violations; $5,000 initial fine |
| Verdict | Boston has more favorable STR regulations overall. | |
Boston, Massachusetts
Status Legal but Limited
Permit Fee $25 registration fee
Tax Rate 6.5% state excise + 6% city convention center tax
Day Limit No limit
Renewal Annual
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine $300/day for unregistered listing
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
Boston has more favorable STR regulations overall.
Boston Overview
Only primary-residence units may be listed as STRs. Investor-owned (non-owner-occupied) short-term rentals are prohibited. Must register with the city and carry $1M liability insurance.
Full Boston 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 Boston or Honolulu?
Boston is classified as "Legal but Limited" while Honolulu is "Restricted." Boston's permit fee is $25 registration fee compared to $1,000 initial registration; $500 annual renewal in Honolulu.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Boston or Honolulu?
Boston charges 6.5% state excise + 6% city convention center tax, 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?
Boston: $300/day for unregistered listing. Honolulu: $10,000/day for recurring violations; $5,000 initial fine.