Honolulu vs Raleigh
Hawaii Restricted | North Carolina Legal with Permit
Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.
| Requirement | Honolulu, Hawaii | Raleigh, North Carolina |
|---|---|---|
| Legality Status | Restricted | Legal with Permit |
| Permit Fee | $1,000 initial registration; $500 annual renewal | ~$194 initial zoning permit; ~$86 annual renewal |
| Tax Rate | ~18.5% combined (11% state TAT + 3% county TAT surcharge + 4.5% GET) | ~13% combined (7% state+local sales + 6% Wake County room occupancy tax) |
| Annual Day Limit | No limit | 120 days/year |
| 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 | $100–$500/day for violations; permit revocation possible |
| Verdict | Raleigh 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
Raleigh, North Carolina
Status Legal with Permit
Permit Fee ~$194 initial zoning permit; ~$86 annual renewal
Tax Rate ~13% combined (7% state+local sales + 6% Wake County room occupancy tax)
Day Limit 120 days/year
Renewal Annual
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine $100–$500/day for violations; permit revocation possible
Raleigh 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 →Raleigh Overview
STRs allowed as limited use in residential and mixed-use zones. Standard permit limits hosting to 120 days/year; Extended Home-Sharing permit allows 365 days. Zoning permit number must be displayed on all advertisements.
Full Raleigh guide →Frequently Asked Questions
Is it easier to Airbnb in Honolulu or Raleigh?
Honolulu is classified as "Restricted" while Raleigh is "Legal with Permit." Honolulu's permit fee is $1,000 initial registration; $500 annual renewal compared to ~$194 initial zoning permit; ~$86 annual renewal in Raleigh.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Honolulu or Raleigh?
Honolulu charges ~18.5% combined (11% state TAT + 3% county TAT surcharge + 4.5% GET), while Raleigh charges ~13% combined (7% state+local sales + 6% Wake County room occupancy 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. Raleigh: $100–$500/day for violations; permit revocation possible.