Honolulu vs Jersey City

Hawaii Restricted | New Jersey Restricted

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

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
Jersey City, New Jersey
Status Restricted
Permit Fee $250 initial application + $200 annual renewal
Tax Rate 6% municipal occupancy tax + 6.625% state sales + 5% state occupancy fee
Day Limit 60 days/year
Renewal Annual
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine $1,500–$2,000 first offense; up to $5,000+ for repeat violations

Both cities have comparable STR regulatory environments.

Permits & Licensing

Honolulu charges $1,000 initial registration; $500 annual renewal for STR licensing, while Jersey City charges $250 initial application + $200 annual renewal. Honolulu renewal is annual, and Jersey City renewal is annual. Both cities share a similar regulatory stance, classified as "Restricted."

Tax Obligations

In Honolulu, hosts pay ~18.5% combined (11% state TAT + 3% county TAT surcharge + 4.5% GET). In Jersey City, hosts pay 6% municipal occupancy tax + 6.625% state sales + 5% state occupancy fee. A key difference: platforms like Airbnb automatically collect taxes in Jersey City, but hosts in Honolulu must collect and remit taxes themselves — a significant operational burden.

Day Limits & Restrictions

Jersey City imposes a 60-night annual limit, while Honolulu has no annual cap — a significant advantage for high-volume hosts.

Fines & Enforcement

Hosts operating without a permit in Honolulu face penalties including $10,000/day for recurring violations; $5,000 initial fine. In Jersey City, violations can result in $1,500–$2,000 first offense; up to $5,000+ for repeat violations. Both cities actively enforce their STR regulations, so securing proper licensing before listing is essential in either market.

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 →

Jersey City Overview

Adopted after 2019 voter referendum. Owner-occupied only — tenants and rent-controlled units prohibited. Unhosted stays capped at 60 nights/year. Only buildings with fewer than 4 units eligible.

Contact: Division of Housing Preservation — (201) 547-4821

Full Jersey City guide →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it easier to Airbnb in Honolulu or Jersey City?
Honolulu is classified as "Restricted" while Jersey City is "Restricted." Honolulu's permit fee is $1,000 initial registration; $500 annual renewal compared to $250 initial application + $200 annual renewal in Jersey City. Both cities have comparable regulatory frameworks.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Honolulu or Jersey City?
Honolulu charges ~18.5% combined (11% state TAT + 3% county TAT surcharge + 4.5% GET), while Jersey City charges 6% municipal occupancy tax + 6.625% state sales + 5% state occupancy fee. Notably, Jersey City benefits from automatic platform tax collection, while hosts in Honolulu must handle taxes themselves.
Which city has stricter fines for illegal short-term rentals?
Honolulu: $10,000/day for recurring violations; $5,000 initial fine. Jersey City: $1,500–$2,000 first offense; up to $5,000+ for repeat violations. Both cities actively enforce STR regulations, so proper licensing is essential.
Do Honolulu and Jersey City have day limits for Airbnb?
Honolulu has no annual day limit. Jersey City limits STRs to 60 nights per year.
Which city is better for first-time Airbnb hosts — Honolulu or Jersey City?
For new hosts, consider the total cost of entry: Honolulu charges $1,000 initial registration; $500 annual renewal for permits with ~18.5% combined (11% state TAT + 3% county TAT surcharge + 4.5% GET) in taxes. Jersey City charges $250 initial application + $200 annual renewal with 6% municipal occupancy tax + 6.625% state sales + 5% state occupancy fee. Automatic tax collection in Jersey City makes compliance easier for beginners.