Maui County vs Seattle
Hawaii Effectively Banned | Washington Legal with Permit
Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.
| Requirement | Maui County, Hawaii | Seattle, Washington |
|---|---|---|
| Legality Status | Effectively Banned | Legal with Permit |
| Permit Fee | Set by annual budget ordinance — contact Planning Dept for current amount | $75/year short-term rental operator license |
| Tax Rate | ~18% combined (11% state TAT + 3% county MCTAT + 4% GET) | 15.6% combined lodging tax (state + county + city) |
| Annual Day Limit | No limit | No limit |
| Renewal Interval | Annual | Annual |
| Platform Remits Taxes | No — host must remit | Yes |
| Max Fine Example | $20,000 first offense; $10,000/day thereafter | $500/day for operating without a license |
| Verdict | Seattle 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
Seattle, Washington
Status Legal with Permit
Permit Fee $75/year short-term rental operator license
Tax Rate 15.6% combined lodging tax (state + county + city)
Day Limit No limit
Renewal Annual
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine $500/day for operating without a license
Seattle 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 →Seattle Overview
Both owner-occupied and non-owner-occupied units may be licensed. Operators may list up to 2 units. A platform license is also required for listing sites. Must collect and remit all applicable lodging taxes.
Full Seattle guide →Frequently Asked Questions
Is it easier to Airbnb in Maui County or Seattle?
Maui County is classified as "Effectively Banned" while Seattle is "Legal with Permit." Maui County's permit fee is Set by annual budget ordinance — contact Planning Dept for current amount compared to $75/year short-term rental operator license in Seattle.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Maui County or Seattle?
Maui County charges ~18% combined (11% state TAT + 3% county MCTAT + 4% GET), while Seattle charges 15.6% combined lodging tax (state + county + city). 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. Seattle: $500/day for operating without a license.