Honolulu vs Sacramento
Hawaii Restricted | California Legal with Permit
Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.
| Requirement | Honolulu, Hawaii | Sacramento, California |
|---|---|---|
| Legality Status | Restricted | Legal with Permit |
| Permit Fee | $1,000 initial registration; $500 annual renewal | $230 initial application; $160 annual renewal; $54 annual Business Operations Tax |
| Tax Rate | ~18.5% combined (11% state TAT + 3% county TAT surcharge + 4.5% GET) | 12% TOT + 1.15%–3.45% Tourism Marketing/Infrastructure District assessments |
| Annual Day Limit | No limit | 90 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 | Contact city for current details |
| Verdict | Sacramento 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
Sacramento, California
Status Legal with Permit
Permit Fee $230 initial application; $160 annual renewal; $54 annual Business Operations Tax
Tax Rate 12% TOT + 1.15%–3.45% Tourism Marketing/Infrastructure District assessments
Day Limit 90 days/year
Renewal Annual
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine Contact city for current details
Sacramento 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 →Sacramento Overview
Host must reside in the property at least 184 nights/year (primary residence requirement); non-primary-residence rentals capped at 90 days/year. Maximum 6 guests at any time.
Full Sacramento guide →Frequently Asked Questions
Is it easier to Airbnb in Honolulu or Sacramento?
Honolulu is classified as "Restricted" while Sacramento is "Legal with Permit." Honolulu's permit fee is $1,000 initial registration; $500 annual renewal compared to $230 initial application; $160 annual renewal; $54 annual Business Operations Tax in Sacramento.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Honolulu or Sacramento?
Honolulu charges ~18.5% combined (11% state TAT + 3% county TAT surcharge + 4.5% GET), while Sacramento charges 12% TOT + 1.15%–3.45% Tourism Marketing/Infrastructure District assessments. 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. Sacramento: Contact city for current details.