Los Angeles vs Maui County
California Legal but Limited | Hawaii Effectively Banned
Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.
| Requirement | Los Angeles, California | Maui County, Hawaii |
|---|---|---|
| Legality Status | Legal but Limited | Effectively Banned |
| Permit Fee | $89 registration fee + $850 annual platform fee | Set by annual budget ordinance — contact Planning Dept for current amount |
| Tax Rate | 14% Transient Occupancy Tax | ~18% combined (11% state TAT + 3% county MCTAT + 4% GET) |
| Annual Day Limit | 120 days/year | No limit |
| Renewal Interval | Annual | Annual |
| Platform Remits Taxes | Yes | No — host must remit |
| Max Fine Example | $2,000–$5,000/violation (up to triple for repeat offenses) | $20,000 first offense; $10,000/day thereafter |
| Verdict | Los Angeles has more favorable STR regulations overall. | |
Los Angeles, California
Status Legal but Limited
Permit Fee $89 registration fee + $850 annual platform fee
Tax Rate 14% Transient Occupancy Tax
Day Limit 120 days/year
Renewal Annual
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine $2,000–$5,000/violation (up to triple for repeat offenses)
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
Los Angeles has more favorable STR regulations overall.
Los Angeles Overview
Home-Sharing Ordinance limits STRs to primary residences with a 120-day annual cap (extendable with Enhanced Plan). Registration required. RSO (rent-stabilized) units generally prohibited.
Full Los Angeles 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 Los Angeles or Maui County?
Los Angeles is classified as "Legal but Limited" while Maui County is "Effectively Banned." Los Angeles's permit fee is $89 registration fee + $850 annual platform fee compared to Set by annual budget ordinance — contact Planning Dept for current amount in Maui County.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Los Angeles or Maui County?
Los Angeles charges 14% Transient Occupancy 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?
Los Angeles: $2,000–$5,000/violation (up to triple for repeat offenses). Maui County: $20,000 first offense; $10,000/day thereafter.