Honolulu vs New York City
Hawaii Restricted | New York Effectively Banned
Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.
| Requirement | Honolulu, Hawaii | New York City, New York |
|---|---|---|
| Legality Status | Restricted | Effectively Banned |
| Permit Fee | $1,000 initial registration; $500 annual renewal | $145 registration fee (OSE) |
| Tax Rate | ~18.5% combined (11% state TAT + 3% county TAT surcharge + 4.5% GET) | 5.875% hotel room occupancy tax + state/city sales tax |
| Annual Day Limit | No limit | No limit |
| Renewal Interval | Annual | Every 2 years |
| Platform Remits Taxes | No — host must remit | Yes |
| Max Fine Example | $10,000/day for recurring violations; $5,000 initial fine | $5,000 first offense; up to $7,500 for subsequent violations |
| Verdict | Honolulu has more favorable STR regulations overall. | |
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
New York City, New York
Status Effectively Banned
Permit Fee $145 registration fee (OSE)
Tax Rate 5.875% hotel room occupancy tax + state/city sales tax
Day Limit No limit
Renewal Every 2 years
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine $5,000 first offense; up to $7,500 for subsequent violations
Honolulu has more favorable STR regulations overall.
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 →New York City Overview
Local Law 18 (2023) requires hosts to register with OSE, be present during stays, and limits guests to 2. Entire-apartment rentals under 30 days are effectively banned. Only hosted stays with the owner present are permitted.
Full New York City guide →Frequently Asked Questions
Is it easier to Airbnb in Honolulu or New York City?
Honolulu is classified as "Restricted" while New York City is "Effectively Banned." Honolulu's permit fee is $1,000 initial registration; $500 annual renewal compared to $145 registration fee (OSE) in New York City.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Honolulu or New York City?
Honolulu charges ~18.5% combined (11% state TAT + 3% county TAT surcharge + 4.5% GET), while New York City charges 5.875% hotel room occupancy tax + state/city sales tax. Compare the full breakdown in the table above.
Which city has stricter fines for illegal short-term rentals?
Honolulu: $10,000/day for recurring violations; $5,000 initial fine. New York City: $5,000 first offense; up to $7,500 for subsequent violations.