Kansas City vs Maui County
Missouri Legal with Permit | Hawaii Effectively Banned
Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.
| Requirement | Kansas City, Missouri | Maui County, Hawaii |
|---|---|---|
| Legality Status | Legal with Permit | Effectively Banned |
| Permit Fee | $250/year permit fee | Set by annual budget ordinance — contact Planning Dept for current amount |
| Tax Rate | 7.5% Transient Guest Tax + sales tax | ~18% combined (11% state TAT + 3% county MCTAT + 4% GET) |
| Annual Day Limit | No limit | No limit |
| Renewal Interval | Annual | Annual |
| Platform Remits Taxes | No — host must remit | No — host must remit |
| Max Fine Example | $500/offense for operating without permit | $20,000 first offense; $10,000/day thereafter |
| Verdict | Kansas City has more favorable STR regulations overall. | |
Kansas City, Missouri
Status Legal with Permit
Permit Fee $250/year permit fee
Tax Rate 7.5% Transient Guest Tax + sales tax
Day Limit No limit
Renewal Annual
Platform Tax No
Max Fine $500/offense for operating without permit
Maui County, Hawaii
Status Effectively Banned
Permit Fee Set by annual budget ordinance — contact Planning Dept for current amount
Tax Rate ~18% combined (11% state TAT + 3% county MCTAT + 4% GET)
Day Limit No limit
Renewal Annual
Platform Tax No
Max Fine $20,000 first offense; $10,000/day thereafter
Kansas City has more favorable STR regulations overall.
Kansas City Overview
Short-term rental permits required for all listings. Both owner-occupied and investor-owned properties are eligible. Must maintain guest registry and provide local emergency contact within 30 minutes.
Full Kansas City guide →Maui County Overview
Ordinance 5909 (signed Dec 2025) phases out all apartment-zoned vacation rentals — STR use must cease by Jan 1, 2029 in West Maui and Jan 1, 2031 elsewhere. Existing STRH and B&B permits remain but are capped. Legal challenges are pending.
Full Maui County guide →Frequently Asked Questions
Is it easier to Airbnb in Kansas City or Maui County?
Kansas City is classified as "Legal with Permit" while Maui County is "Effectively Banned." Kansas City's permit fee is $250/year permit fee compared to Set by annual budget ordinance — contact Planning Dept for current amount in Maui County.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Kansas City or Maui County?
Kansas City charges 7.5% Transient Guest Tax + sales tax, while Maui County charges ~18% combined (11% state TAT + 3% county MCTAT + 4% GET). Compare the full breakdown in the table above.
Which city has stricter fines for illegal short-term rentals?
Kansas City: $500/offense for operating without permit. Maui County: $20,000 first offense; $10,000/day thereafter.