Maui County vs Washington DC
Hawaii Effectively Banned | District of Columbia Legal but Limited
Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.
| Requirement | Maui County, Hawaii | Washington DC, District of Columbia |
|---|---|---|
| Legality Status | Effectively Banned | Legal but Limited |
| Permit Fee | Set by annual budget ordinance — contact Planning Dept for current amount | $104.50 for 2-year license |
| Tax Rate | ~18% combined (11% state TAT + 3% county MCTAT + 4% GET) | 14.5% combined (sales tax on accommodations + transient lodging 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 | $500 first violation; $2,000 second; $6,000 third + license revocation |
| Verdict | Washington DC 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
Washington DC, District of Columbia
Status Legal but Limited
Permit Fee $104.50 for 2-year license
Tax Rate 14.5% combined (sales tax on accommodations + transient lodging tax)
Day Limit 90 days/year
Renewal Every 2 years
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine $500 first violation; $2,000 second; $6,000 third + license revocation
Washington DC 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 →Washington DC Overview
Primary residence only (must qualify for Homestead Deduction). Hosted stays have no day cap. Vacation rentals (unhosted) capped at 90 nights/year. Must carry $250K liability insurance.
Full Washington DC guide →Frequently Asked Questions
Is it easier to Airbnb in Maui County or Washington DC?
Maui County is classified as "Effectively Banned" while Washington DC is "Legal but Limited." Maui County's permit fee is Set by annual budget ordinance — contact Planning Dept for current amount compared to $104.50 for 2-year license in Washington DC.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Maui County or Washington DC?
Maui County charges ~18% combined (11% state TAT + 3% county MCTAT + 4% GET), while Washington DC charges 14.5% combined (sales tax on accommodations + transient lodging 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. Washington DC: $500 first violation; $2,000 second; $6,000 third + license revocation.