Honolulu (Oʻahu) rental license process

Honolulu typically has two compliance tracks depending on rental length: (1) Long-term rentals (180+ consecutive days) focus on Hawaiʻi GET compliance for rental income, and (2) Short-term rentals (<180 days) must comply with Hawaiʻi GET + TAT and Honolulu DPP STR registration rules. We handle each step for you.

Determine Rental Type (Long-term vs Short-term)

Same day

We confirm whether your leases are 180 consecutive days or more (long-term) or less than 180 days (short-term/STR), as this determines the compliance track and required registrations.

Register for GET License (All Rentals)

Often same day

We register via Hawaiʻi Tax Online / BB-1 and pay the $20 one-time registration fee. All rental operators must register for GET and file/pay GET on gross receipts unless exempt.

For STRs: Check Legality and Zoning Eligibility

1-3 days (research)

For short-term rentals, we check if your unit is eligible and/or already legal (e.g., resort areas, valid registrations, or grandfathered NUC). Honolulu regulates STRs heavily.

For STRs: Register for TAT

Often same day

STR operators must register for Transient Accommodations Tax (TAT). TAT registration fee is $5 (1-5 units) or $15 (6+ units), one-time.

For STRs: Apply for Honolulu DPP STR Registration

Varies based on review volume; plan weeks

We submit STR registration/renewal materials to DPP. Initial registration fee is $1,000; renewals are commonly $500 annually. DPP provides STR support via email/phone.

Set Up Filing Cadence and Ongoing Compliance

Ongoing

We help set up periodic and annual GET returns (G-45 / G-49) as required. For STRs, we track annual renewal and/or NUC renewals (if applicable).

Off-Island Landlord: Add Required Agent Disclosure

Before/at lease signing

If the owner/landlord lives out of state or on another island, we ensure the rental agreement designates an agent on the same island as the unit, as required by Hawaiʻi law.

Overall timeline

Long-term (GET only): Often same day to a few days to register, then ongoing filings. STR registration: Often multiple weeks depending on DPP review and completeness (and potential back-and-forth).

Ready to get started?

We'll handle the entire Honolulu (Oʻahu) rental license process for you.

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