Charleston vs Honolulu

South Carolina Restricted | Hawaii Restricted

Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.

Charleston, South Carolina
Status Restricted
Permit Fee $250 (24–72 nights/yr) or $1,500 (72+ nights/yr) + $200 zoning review fee
Tax Rate ~14% combined (5% state sales + 2% state accommodations + 2% county + 2% city + local option taxes)
Day Limit No limit
Renewal Annual
Platform Tax No
Max Fine Up to $1,087/day or 30 days jail; criminal prosecution possible
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.

Permits & Licensing

Charleston charges $250 (24–72 nights/yr) or $1,500 (72+ nights/yr) + $200 zoning review fee for STR licensing, while Honolulu charges $1,000 initial registration; $500 annual renewal. Charleston renewal is annual, and Honolulu renewal is annual. Both cities share a similar regulatory stance, classified as "Restricted."

Tax Obligations

In Charleston, hosts pay ~14% combined (5% state sales + 2% state accommodations + 2% county + 2% city + local option taxes). In Honolulu, hosts pay ~18.5% combined (11% state TAT + 3% county TAT surcharge + 4.5% GET). Neither city has automatic platform tax collection — hosts in both markets must handle tax collection and remittance independently.

Day Limits & Restrictions

Neither city imposes an annual day limit on short-term rentals, giving hosts year-round flexibility.

Fines & Enforcement

Hosts operating without a permit in Charleston face penalties including Up to $1,087/day or 30 days jail; criminal prosecution possible. In Honolulu, violations can result in $10,000/day for recurring violations; $5,000 initial fine. Both cities actively enforce their STR regulations, so securing proper licensing before listing is essential in either market.

Charleston Overview

Whole-house STRs are effectively banned; at least one full-time resident must sleep on-site each night. Max 4 adult guests. Charleston is one of the few U.S. cities that criminally prosecutes illegal STR operators. $1M liability insurance required.

Contact: Charleston Dept. of Planning, Preservation & Sustainability — (843) 724-7311

Full Charleston 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.

Contact: Dept. of Planning and Permitting — (808) 768-7887

Full Honolulu guide →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it easier to Airbnb in Charleston or Honolulu?
Charleston is classified as "Restricted" while Honolulu is "Restricted." Charleston's permit fee is $250 (24–72 nights/yr) or $1,500 (72+ nights/yr) + $200 zoning review fee compared to $1,000 initial registration; $500 annual renewal in Honolulu. Both cities have comparable regulatory frameworks.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Charleston or Honolulu?
Charleston charges ~14% combined (5% state sales + 2% state accommodations + 2% county + 2% city + local option taxes), while Honolulu charges ~18.5% combined (11% state TAT + 3% county TAT surcharge + 4.5% GET).
Which city has stricter fines for illegal short-term rentals?
Charleston: Up to $1,087/day or 30 days jail; criminal prosecution possible. Honolulu: $10,000/day for recurring violations; $5,000 initial fine. Both cities actively enforce STR regulations, so proper licensing is essential.
Do Charleston and Honolulu have day limits for Airbnb?
Charleston has no annual day limit. Honolulu has no annual day limit.
Which city is better for first-time Airbnb hosts — Charleston or Honolulu?
For new hosts, consider the total cost of entry: Charleston charges $250 (24–72 nights/yr) or $1,500 (72+ nights/yr) + $200 zoning review fee for permits with ~14% combined (5% state sales + 2% state accommodations + 2% county + 2% city + local option taxes) in taxes. Honolulu charges $1,000 initial registration; $500 annual renewal with ~18.5% combined (11% state TAT + 3% county TAT surcharge + 4.5% GET). Neither city offers automatic platform tax collection, so plan for manual tax remittance.