Denver vs Maui County
Colorado Legal with Permit | Hawaii Effectively Banned
Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.
| Requirement | Denver, Colorado | Maui County, Hawaii |
|---|---|---|
| Legality Status | Legal with Permit | Effectively Banned |
| Permit Fee | $100 license fee | Set by annual budget ordinance — contact Planning Dept for current amount |
| Tax Rate | 10.75% Lodger's Tax (combined city/county/state) | ~18% combined (11% state TAT + 3% county MCTAT + 4% 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 | $20,000 first offense; $10,000/day thereafter |
| 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
Maui County, Hawaii
Status Effectively Banned
Permit Fee Set by annual budget ordinance — contact Planning Dept for current amount
Tax Rate ~18% combined (11% state TAT + 3% county MCTAT + 4% GET)
Day Limit No limit
Renewal Annual
Platform Tax No
Max Fine $20,000 first offense; $10,000/day thereafter
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 →Maui County Overview
Ordinance 5909 (signed Dec 2025) phases out all apartment-zoned vacation rentals — STR use must cease by Jan 1, 2029 in West Maui and Jan 1, 2031 elsewhere. Existing STRH and B&B permits remain but are capped. Legal challenges are pending.
Full Maui County guide →Frequently Asked Questions
Is it easier to Airbnb in Denver or Maui County?
Denver is classified as "Legal with Permit" while Maui County is "Effectively Banned." Denver's permit fee is $100 license fee compared to Set by annual budget ordinance — contact Planning Dept for current amount in Maui County.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Denver or Maui County?
Denver charges 10.75% Lodger's Tax (combined city/county/state), while Maui County charges ~18% combined (11% state TAT + 3% county MCTAT + 4% 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. Maui County: $20,000 first offense; $10,000/day thereafter.