Denver vs Honolulu
Colorado Legal with Permit | Hawaii Restricted
Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.
| Requirement | Denver, Colorado | Honolulu, Hawaii |
|---|---|---|
| Legality Status | Legal with Permit | Restricted |
| Permit Fee | $100 license fee | $1,000 initial registration; $500 annual renewal |
| Tax Rate | 10.75% Lodger's Tax (combined city/county/state) | ~18.5% combined (11% state TAT + 3% county TAT surcharge + 4.5% GET) |
| Annual Day Limit | No limit | No limit |
| Renewal Interval | Every 2 years | Annual |
| Platform Remits Taxes | Yes | No — host must remit |
| Max Fine Example | $999/day for unlicensed operation | $10,000/day for recurring violations; $5,000 initial fine |
| Verdict | Denver has more favorable STR regulations overall. | |
Denver, Colorado
Status Legal with Permit
Permit Fee $100 license fee
Tax Rate 10.75% Lodger's Tax (combined city/county/state)
Day Limit No limit
Renewal Every 2 years
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine $999/day for unlicensed operation
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
Denver has more favorable STR regulations overall.
Denver Overview
Only primary residences may be used as STRs. Hosts must obtain a Short-Term Rental license. No cap on rental days. Accessory dwelling units on the same lot are also eligible.
Full Denver 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 Denver or Honolulu?
Denver is classified as "Legal with Permit" while Honolulu is "Restricted." Denver's permit fee is $100 license fee compared to $1,000 initial registration; $500 annual renewal in Honolulu.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Denver or Honolulu?
Denver charges 10.75% Lodger's Tax (combined city/county/state), 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?
Denver: $999/day for unlicensed operation. Honolulu: $10,000/day for recurring violations; $5,000 initial fine.