Maui County vs Sedona

Hawaii Effectively Banned | Arizona Legal with Permit

Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.

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
Sedona, Arizona
Status Legal with Permit
Permit Fee $210/year
Tax Rate 13.3%–13.9% combined (varies by county portion — Yavapai vs Coconino)
Day Limit No limit
Renewal Annual
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine $500 first violation; $1,000 second; $3,500 third; up to $1,000/month without permit

Sedona has more favorable STR regulations overall.

Permits & Licensing

Maui County charges Set by annual budget ordinance — contact Planning Dept for current amount for STR licensing, while Sedona charges $210/year. Maui County renewal is annual, and Sedona renewal is annual. Overall, Sedona has a more permissive regulatory environment (Legal with Permit) compared to Maui County (Effectively Banned).

Tax Obligations

In Maui County, hosts pay ~18% combined (11% state TAT + 3% county MCTAT + 4% GET). In Sedona, hosts pay 13.3%–13.9% combined (varies by county portion — Yavapai vs Coconino). A key difference: platforms like Airbnb automatically collect taxes in Sedona, but hosts in Maui County must collect and remit taxes themselves — a significant operational burden.

Day Limits & Restrictions

Neither city imposes an annual day limit on short-term rentals, giving hosts year-round flexibility.

Fines & Enforcement

Hosts operating without a permit in Maui County face penalties including $20,000 first offense; $10,000/day thereafter. In Sedona, violations can result in $500 first violation; $1,000 second; $3,500 third; up to $1,000/month without permit. Both cities actively enforce their STR regulations, so securing proper licensing before listing is essential in either market.

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.

Contact: Planning Dept., Current Planning Division — (808) 270-8205

Full Maui County guide →

Sedona Overview

Sedona straddles Yavapai and Coconino counties, so tax rates vary. Each unit needs its own permit. Special events (weddings, retreats) strictly prohibited. 24/7 complaint hotline: (928) 203-5110.

Contact: Sedona Community Development — (928) 203-5198

Full Sedona guide →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it easier to Airbnb in Maui County or Sedona?
Maui County is classified as "Effectively Banned" while Sedona is "Legal with Permit." Maui County's permit fee is Set by annual budget ordinance — contact Planning Dept for current amount compared to $210/year in Sedona. Overall, Sedona has a more host-friendly regulatory environment.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Maui County or Sedona?
Maui County charges ~18% combined (11% state TAT + 3% county MCTAT + 4% GET), while Sedona charges 13.3%–13.9% combined (varies by county portion — Yavapai vs Coconino). Notably, Sedona benefits from automatic platform tax collection, while hosts in Maui County must handle taxes themselves.
Which city has stricter fines for illegal short-term rentals?
Maui County: $20,000 first offense; $10,000/day thereafter. Sedona: $500 first violation; $1,000 second; $3,500 third; up to $1,000/month without permit. Both cities actively enforce STR regulations, so proper licensing is essential.
Do Maui County and Sedona have day limits for Airbnb?
Maui County has no annual day limit. Sedona has no annual day limit.
Which city is better for first-time Airbnb hosts — Maui County or Sedona?
For new hosts, consider the total cost of entry: Maui County charges Set by annual budget ordinance — contact Planning Dept for current amount for permits with ~18% combined (11% state TAT + 3% county MCTAT + 4% GET) in taxes. Sedona charges $210/year with 13.3%–13.9% combined (varies by county portion — Yavapai vs Coconino). Automatic tax collection in Sedona makes compliance easier for beginners.