Maui Short Term Rental Rules in Flux

If you’re thinking about buying a property on Maui to use as a short-term rental, stop and read this first. The rules around vacation rentals here are MAYBE changing.  There is a hearing currently where the county is attempting to revoke property rights granted for 6000 to 7167 apartment zoned vacation rentals on Maui.

Not every condo is legally allowed to operate as a short-term rental. In fact, only certain zones and properties with historical hotel/resort use are fully permitted. Even then, you need to check the building’s House Rules, zoning, and current legislation.  For those of us in the trenches daily, we can break this down for you in a very short time.

In June 2025, the County of Maui is actively targeting properties on the Minatoya List, proposing the revocation of their short-term rental legality.  We are currently in the middle of the hearing and the county commission vote is coming soon.  These condos were previously considered safe for STR use, but are now under direct regulatory scrutiny. This is a major shift, and a previous Hawaii Attorney general said at the meeting this week that this action is unconstitutional. 

Here’s what you need to know:

• Hotel-zoned units are safest. These are your best bet if you want nightly rental flexibility.

• Minatoya List condos are under fire. Their STR rights are at risk as the county moves to revoke exemptions.

• Unpermitted rentals = major risk. 

For investors, the takeaway is clear: work with someone who knows the zoning map, the permit history, and the building's track record. This is not the market for guesswork.

If you’re thinking long-term, a legal short-term rental can be an incredible asset. Just make sure it’s actually legal—and not on the chopping block.  Contact me to answer all your questions.

Curious which properties are STR-approved or worth considering for long-term ROI? Let’s run the right play together.
📞 Benjamin Finnerty, Realtor®
The 808 Team | Keller Williams Realty Maui
📧 benjamin@the808team.com
📱 (808) 481-9748
🌐 benjamin.the808team.com