Big Island, Hawaii Short Term Rental Regulations
Navigate short-term rental regulations with ease! From coastal retreats to urban hubs, our in-depth guides break down the essentials for cities across the nation. Stay informed of changes to local Airbnb rules with our up-to-date insights and best practices.
Reviewed by Karolyn Hutson
Last updated August 26, 2023
Big Island Short-Term Rental Regulations
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Short Term City Rating4.7
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Competition
4.0 -
Real Estate Cost
5.0 -
STR Regulations
N/A -
Seasonality
2.6 -
Rental Rates
7.0
Big Island, Hawaii Quick Stats
Short-term rentals have gained a lot of traction in the last few years. The trends and statistics of this sector are constantly changing, and having access to accurate data is essential for making sound investment decisions.
- Population
- 200,983
- STR License Required
- No
- Tourist Season
- December to April
- County
- Hawaii
- Airports
- Kona International Airport (KOA)
- Hilo International Airport (ITO)
Want to learn more about Big Island?
Hostscouts has you covered. Our guides for this city cover topics that can help you research cities across the US quickly and easily.
Check out our Big Island rental analytics guide if you're interested in data on the Big Island rental market.
Review the popular activities that hosts include in their property positing in Big Island.
The most popular local and regional landmarks hosts usually include in their Airbnb or Vrbo property listings.
Explore nightly rates that hosts list their properties and the average fees for pets and additional guests.
What are the most popular property sizes for rent? Research whether a 1, 2, or 3 bedroom best fits Big Island guests.
Interested in other Hawaii cities?
Check out the Hawaii Airbnb rules directory
What makes Big Island a great place to invest?
- Diverse Tourist Attractions: Big Island is home to some of the most unique attractions in the world. From the active Kilauea volcano, to the beautiful black sand beaches, and the Mauna Kea observatory, there is something for everyone. This diversity attracts a wide range of tourists, making it a hot spot for short-term rentals.
- Year-Round Demand: Unlike many other tourist destinations that have a peak season, Big Island is a year-round destination. The weather is pleasant throughout the year, and there are activities and attractions for every season. This means a steady demand for short-term rentals all year long.
- Natural Beauty and Parks: Big Island is home to several national parks, including Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and Pu'uhonua o Honaunau National Park. These parks attract nature lovers, hikers, and outdoor enthusiasts from around the world, creating a high demand for accommodations in the area.
- Water Activities: Being an island, there are numerous water activities available such as snorkeling, scuba diving, surfing, and whale watching. These activities attract a large number of tourists, many of whom prefer the comfort and convenience of short-term rentals.
- Cultural Attractions: Big Island has a rich history and culture. There are many historical sites, cultural festivals, and local markets that attract visitors who are interested in the Hawaiian culture. This creates an additional demand for short-term rentals.
Big Island Nearby Cities
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27 miles away
- Rating: 6.6
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38 miles away
- Rating: 5.5
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Local Real Estate
How expensive is the real estate in Big Island?
The cost of real estate can vary widely depending on the location, size, and features of the property, as well as market conditions. The median home value in Big Island has decreased -4% over the past year, and the average price per square foot is $428, which is higher than the national average.
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Median Sale Price
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$572,894
-4% YoY
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Median per Square Foot
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$428
0% YoY
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Average Monthly Rent
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$1,951
0% YoY
The most common terms hosts include in their listings for Big Island, Hawaii
Common terms for Big Island short term rental listings.
When potential guests are scrolling through listings on Airbnb, they’re looking for certain essential information to help them decide if your property is the right fit for their needs. As a host, ensuring that your listing includes all the relevant information that guests will be looking for is vital.
Some of the must-have elements of a property description include:
- Location: Guests will want to know where your property is located in relation to popular attractions, public transportation, and other points of interest.
- Amenities: What amenities does your property offer? Be sure to list all features guests can access, such as a pool, hot tub, parking, etc.
- Informative: The average listing in Big Island has a description approximately 1,902 words long. Make sure yours is long enough to describe your property but doesn't require your potential guest to read a novel.
After reviewing more than 1,772 listings in Big Island, we've consolidated the most common terms on the word cloud. The larger text represents a term that is used more often. The top ten mentioned terms are Hilo, Hawaii, Beautiful, Lanai, Island, Cottage, Volcano, Comfortable, Place, and Big Island.
What are the most popular tourist activities in Big Island?
Whether renting a house, an apartment, or a room, you should include popular tourist activities in your posting. The most common choices mentioned on property listings in Big Island involve Hiking, Swimming, Snorkeling, Adventure Activities, and Surfing. When you write your listing, have a section with recommended activities near the property to give your guests an idea of what is available.
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Hiking
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Swimming
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Snorkeling
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Adventure Activities
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Surfing
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Scuba Diving
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Whale Watching
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Eco Tourism
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Cycling
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Rural
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Museums
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Mountain Biking
Local Attractions
What attractions do hosts highlight to guests?
There are quite a few popular attractions in Big Island, including Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Kilauea, Volcano House, Rainbow Falls, and Hilo Farmers Market. Below we've included the most popular local and regional landmarks hosts usually include in their Airbnb or Vrbo property listings. Many hosts like to show off lesser-known regional landmarks visitors might not have heard of.
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Regional Landmark
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Volcano House
Included on 26% of listings
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Local Landmark
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Klauea Visitor Center
Included on 26% of listings
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Local Landmark
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Kilauea Iki Overlook
Included on 26% of listings
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Well Known Attraction
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Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
Included on 26% of listings
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Regional Landmark
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Hilo Farmers Market
Included on 25% of listings
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Local Landmark
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Thurston Lava Tube
Included on 25% of listings
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Local Landmark
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Volcano Winery
Included on 25% of listings
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Regional Landmark
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Kilauea
Included on 25% of listings
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Regional Landmark
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Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden
Included on 24% of listings
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Regional Landmark
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Panaewa Rainforest Zoo
Included on 24% of listings
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Regional Landmark
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Liliuokalani Park and Gardens
Included on 24% of listings
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Regional Landmark
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Rainbow Falls
Included on 24% of listings
What’s the weather like in Big Island, Hawaii?
The weather is generally warmer than the national average, with an average high temperature of around 83°, while the average low is about 72°. It has normal rainfall, averaging about 28 inches per year, compared to the national average of about 27 inches. Snowfall is scarce, with an average year having no snowfall. The humidity levels in Big Island are generally muggier than the national average, and the city has a mix of clouds and sunshine for most of the year.
Winter
December through February
69° Low 80° High
Spring
March through May
71° Low 82° High
Summer
June through August
75° Low 85° High
Fall
September through November
74° Low 85° High
Cities Near Big Island
Big Island, Hawaii, is located in Hawaii County. Some cities that are located nearby include:
