Maui County vs San Francisco
Hawaii Effectively Banned | California Legal but Limited
Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.
| Requirement | Maui County, Hawaii | San Francisco, California |
|---|---|---|
| Legality Status | Effectively Banned | Legal but Limited |
| Permit Fee | Set by annual budget ordinance — contact Planning Dept for current amount | $450 registration fee |
| Tax Rate | ~18% combined (11% state TAT + 3% county MCTAT + 4% GET) | 14% Transient Occupancy Tax |
| Annual Day Limit | No limit | 90 days/year |
| Renewal Interval | Annual | Every 2 years |
| Platform Remits Taxes | No — host must remit | Yes |
| Max Fine Example | $20,000 first offense; $10,000/day thereafter | $1,000/day for illegal hosting |
| Verdict | San Francisco has more favorable STR regulations overall. | |
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
San Francisco, California
Status Legal but Limited
Permit Fee $450 registration fee
Tax Rate 14% Transient Occupancy Tax
Day Limit 90 days/year
Renewal Every 2 years
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine $1,000/day for illegal hosting
San Francisco has more favorable STR regulations overall.
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 →San Francisco Overview
Primary residence only, with a 90-day cap on unhosted stays (unlimited for hosted stays). Hosts must register, carry $500K liability insurance, and pass a fire/safety inspection. Rent-controlled units face additional restrictions.
Full San Francisco guide →Frequently Asked Questions
Is it easier to Airbnb in Maui County or San Francisco?
Maui County is classified as "Effectively Banned" while San Francisco is "Legal but Limited." Maui County's permit fee is Set by annual budget ordinance — contact Planning Dept for current amount compared to $450 registration fee in San Francisco.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Maui County or San Francisco?
Maui County charges ~18% combined (11% state TAT + 3% county MCTAT + 4% GET), while San Francisco charges 14% Transient Occupancy Tax. Compare the full breakdown in the table above.
Which city has stricter fines for illegal short-term rentals?
Maui County: $20,000 first offense; $10,000/day thereafter. San Francisco: $1,000/day for illegal hosting.