Honolulu vs Palm Springs
Hawaii Restricted | California Legal but Limited
Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.
| Requirement | Honolulu, Hawaii | Palm Springs, California |
|---|---|---|
| Legality Status | Restricted | Legal but Limited |
| Permit Fee | $1,000 initial registration; $500 annual renewal | $1,072/year Vacation Rental Certificate; $642/year Junior Certificate |
| Tax Rate | ~18.5% combined (11% state TAT + 3% county TAT surcharge + 4.5% GET) | 12.5% combined (11.5% TOT + 1% TBID) |
| Annual Day Limit | No limit | No limit |
| Renewal Interval | Annual | Annual |
| Platform Remits Taxes | No — host must remit | Yes |
| Max Fine Example | $10,000/day for recurring violations; $5,000 initial fine | $5,000 for operating without certificate + permanent ineligibility; 3 violations = 2-year suspension |
| Verdict | Palm Springs 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
Palm Springs, California
Status Legal but Limited
Permit Fee $1,072/year Vacation Rental Certificate; $642/year Junior Certificate
Tax Rate 12.5% combined (11.5% TOT + 1% TBID)
Day Limit No limit
Renewal Annual
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine $5,000 for operating without certificate + permanent ineligibility; 3 violations = 2-year suspension
Palm Springs 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 →Palm Springs Overview
Limited to 26 rental contracts per year (28 nights or shorter each). Neighborhood density cap of 20% — multiple neighborhoods already at capacity. One permit per owner; occupancy based on bedroom count. $500,000 liability insurance required.
Full Palm Springs guide →Frequently Asked Questions
Is it easier to Airbnb in Honolulu or Palm Springs?
Honolulu is classified as "Restricted" while Palm Springs is "Legal but Limited." Honolulu's permit fee is $1,000 initial registration; $500 annual renewal compared to $1,072/year Vacation Rental Certificate; $642/year Junior Certificate in Palm Springs.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Honolulu or Palm Springs?
Honolulu charges ~18.5% combined (11% state TAT + 3% county TAT surcharge + 4.5% GET), while Palm Springs charges 12.5% combined (11.5% TOT + 1% TBID). 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. Palm Springs: $5,000 for operating without certificate + permanent ineligibility; 3 violations = 2-year suspension.