Hilo, Hawaii Short Term Rental Regulations
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Reviewed by Derick Hargrave
Last updated August 23, 2023
Hilo Short-Term Rental Regulations
Information is maintained by the community to provide helpful insights and links to local regulations, HostScouts does not provide legal or investment advice.
City Code of Ordinances
Hawaiʻi County Council regulates the use of Short-Term Vacation Rentals. in Hilo. Newly adopted Planning Department Rule 23 to establish processing procedures, regulate, and manage the impacts of Short-Term Vacation Rentals. Short-Term Vacation Rental" (STVR) is defined as a dwelling unit in which the owner or operator does not reside on the building site, with no more than five bedrooms for rent, and is rented for thirty consecutive days or less. STVR is allowed in Permitted Zoning Districts, which means the following zoning districts designated in HCC Chapter 25: 1) Resort (V); 2) General Commercial (CG); 3) Village Commercial (CV); 4) Residential and Commercial Zoning Districts, situated in the General Plan Resort and Resort Node areas; Planning Department Rules of Practice & Procedure 23-1 and, 5) Multiple-Family Residential (RM) for multiple family dwellings within a condominium property regime as defined and governed by Chapters 514A or 514B, Hawai'i Revised Statutes. Consult the Ordinance 2018-114 (Bill 108): Hawaiʻi County Ordinance regarding Short-Term Vacation Rentals for more information. You can find your Tax Map Key (TMK) number—also known as Parcel ID or Parcel Number—by visiting the Real Property Tax website.Business License Requirements
The host must complete the Short-Term Vacation Rental Application and STVR Statement of Compliance, with instructions for filing and related forms.Building and Housing Standards
Hawaiʻi County has rules and regulations that specify minimum building, design, maintenance standards, habitability, health, and safety requirements. Some rules and regulations that apply to residential and non-residential properties may apply to your listing. Consult the Planning Department for more information.Tourist and Local Taxes
Short-term rentals might also be subjected to the city, state, and county sales tax and are liable for payment as established by the city, state and county law.Other Rules
It is also essential to understand and abide by other contracts or rules that bind you, such as leases, condo boards, co-op rules, HOA rules, or rules established by tenant organizations. Please read your lease agreement and check with your landlord if applicable. Visit Hawaiʻi County for more information.Is something not quite right? Registered users can suggest changes to this guide.
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Short Term City Rating6.6
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Competition
8.5 -
Real Estate Cost
6.6 -
STR Regulations
4.0 -
Seasonality
7.9 -
Rental Rates
5.8
Hilo, 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
- 44,186
- STR License Required
- Yes
- Tourist Season
- County
- Hawaii
- Airports
- Hilo International Airport (ITO)
- Kona International Airport at Keāhole (KOA)
Want to learn more about Hilo?
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 Hilo rental analytics guide if you're interested in data on the Hilo rental market.
Review the popular activities that hosts include in their property positing in Hilo.
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 Hilo guests.
Interested in other Hawaii cities?
Check out the Hawaii Airbnb rules directory
What makes Hilo a great place to invest?
- Hilo is a charming and historic town located on the Big Island of Hawaii, and it offers a unique and authentic Hawaiian experience. The town is surrounded by lush rainforests and is known for its beautiful waterfalls, such as the famous Akaka Falls and Rainbow Falls. Visitors can take a stroll through the botanical gardens, or hike through the nearby state parks for a chance to see native Hawaiian plants and wildlife.
- The town of Hilo is also home to several cultural and historical sites. The Pacific Tsunami Museum, for example, is dedicated to educating visitors about the history of tsunamis in the Pacific region and the impact they have had on the local communities. The Lyman Museum and Mission House, on the other hand, provides a glimpse into the history of the first American Christian missionaries in Hawaii and the impact they had on the islands.
- Hilo is also a great place for adventure seekers, with opportunities for snorkeling, swimming, and scuba diving at the nearby coral reefs, as well as kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding, and fishing in the bay. The nearby Volcanoes National Park, home to the active Kilauea volcano, offers visitors the chance to witness volcanic eruptions, hike through volcanic craters, and see the unique landscape that is only possible due to volcanic activity.
- For those who love food, Hilo is a paradise. The town is known for its delicious locally grown produce such as papaya, bananas, and macadamia nuts, as well as its fresh seafood, caught daily by local fisherman. Hilo also offers a variety of international cuisine, from sushi to Mediterranean, and Hawaiian cuisine such as Poke bowls, Laulau and Kalua pork.
- Lastly, Hilo is also known for its vibrant and friendly community, who are always eager to welcome visitors to their town and share their culture and traditions. There are many events and festivals throughout the year, such as the Merrie Monarch Festival, that celebrate the rich history and culture of Hawaii, and visitors are always welcome to join in on the fun.
Hilo Nearby Cities
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27 miles away
- Rating: 4.7
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62 miles away
- Rating: 5.5
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Local Real Estate
How expensive is the real estate in Hilo?
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 Hilo has increased 4% over the past year, and the average price per square foot is $330, which is higher than the national average.
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Median Sale Price
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$433,727
4% YoY
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Median per Square Foot
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$330
-2% YoY
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Average Monthly Rent
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$1,901
0% YoY
The most common terms hosts include in their listings for Hilo, Hawaii
Common terms for Hilo 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 Hilo has a description approximately 1,695 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 540 listings in Hilo, 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, Beach, Downtown Hilo, Island, Beautiful, View, Place, Quiet, and Lanai.
What are the most popular tourist activities in Hilo?
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 Hilo involve Swimming, Snorkeling, Hiking, Scuba Diving, 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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Swimming
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Snorkeling
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Hiking
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Scuba Diving
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Surfing
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Zoo
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Museums
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Whale Watching
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Beach
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Adventure Activities
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Eco Tourism
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Cycling
Local Attractions
What attractions do hosts highlight to guests?
There are quite a few popular attractions in Hilo, including Port of Hilo, University of Hawaii at Hilo, Rainbow Falls, Keaukaha Beach Park, 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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Keaukaha Beach Park
Included on 80% of listings
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Local Landmark
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Onekahakaha Beach Park
Included on 75% of listings
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Regional Landmark
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Port of Hilo
Included on 72% of listings
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Local Landmark
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University of Hawaii at Hilo Botanical Gardens
Included on 72% of listings
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Local Landmark
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Hilo Shopping Center
Included on 72% of listings
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Local Landmark
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Carlsmith Beach Park
Included on 71% of listings
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Regional Landmark
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Rainbow Falls
Included on 70% of listings
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Regional Landmark
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Hilo Farmers Market
Included on 70% of listings
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Regional Landmark
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Panaewa Rainforest Zoo
Included on 70% of listings
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Local Landmark
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Richardson's Ocean Park
Included on 70% of listings
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Regional Landmark
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University of Hawaii at Hilo
Included on 68% of listings
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Regional Landmark
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Liliuokalani Park and Gardens
Included on 68% of listings
What’s the weather like in Hilo, Hawaii?
The weather is generally warmer than the national average, with an average high temperature of around 80°, while the average low is about 67°. The rainfall is much heavier, averaging about 54 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 Hilo 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
65° Low 79° High
Spring
March through May
66° Low 79° High
Summer
June through August
69° Low 82° High
Fall
September through November
68° Low 82° High
Cities Near Hilo
Hilo, Hawaii, is located in Hawaii County. Some cities that are located nearby include:
