Detroit vs Honolulu
Michigan Legal but Limited | Hawaii Restricted
Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.
| Requirement | Detroit, Michigan | Honolulu, Hawaii |
|---|---|---|
| Legality Status | Legal but Limited | Restricted |
| Permit Fee | $500 annual license fee | $1,000 initial registration; $500 annual renewal |
| Tax Rate | 6% Michigan use tax + 6% Detroit Accommodations Tax (12% combined) | ~18.5% combined (11% state TAT + 3% county TAT surcharge + 4.5% GET) |
| Annual Day Limit | 90 days/year | No limit |
| Renewal Interval | Annual | Annual |
| Platform Remits Taxes | Yes | No — host must remit |
| Max Fine Example | Up to $1,000–$1,200 per violation for unlicensed operation | $10,000/day for recurring violations; $5,000 initial fine |
| Verdict | Detroit has more favorable STR regulations overall. | |
Detroit, Michigan
Status Legal but Limited
Permit Fee $500 annual license fee
Tax Rate 6% Michigan use tax + 6% Detroit Accommodations Tax (12% combined)
Day Limit 90 days/year
Renewal Annual
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine Up to $1,000–$1,200 per violation 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
Detroit has more favorable STR regulations overall.
Detroit Overview
90-day annual rental cap; max 10 guests at any time; principal residence requirement. Liability insurance required and properties must pass safety inspection.
Full Detroit 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 Detroit or Honolulu?
Detroit is classified as "Legal but Limited" while Honolulu is "Restricted." Detroit's permit fee is $500 annual license fee compared to $1,000 initial registration; $500 annual renewal in Honolulu.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Detroit or Honolulu?
Detroit charges 6% Michigan use tax + 6% Detroit Accommodations Tax (12% combined), 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?
Detroit: Up to $1,000–$1,200 per violation for unlicensed operation. Honolulu: $10,000/day for recurring violations; $5,000 initial fine.