Waikiki, Hawaii Short Term Rental Regulations
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Reviewed by Derick Hargrave
Last updated September 03, 2023
Waikiki Short-Term Rental Regulations
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Short Term City Rating6.1
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Competition
3.3 -
Real Estate Cost
6.5 -
STR Regulations
N/A -
Seasonality
4.6 -
Rental Rates
9.9
Waikiki, 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
- 26,608
- STR License Required
- No
- Tourist Season
- December to April
- County
- Honolulu
- Airports
- Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL)
- Kalaeloa Airport (JRF)
Want to learn more about Waikiki?
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 Waikiki rental analytics guide if you're interested in data on the Waikiki rental market.
Review the popular activities that hosts include in their property positing in Waikiki.
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 Waikiki guests.
Interested in other Hawaii cities?
Check out the Hawaii short term rental regulations directory
What makes Waikiki a great place to invest?
- High Tourist Demand: Waikiki is one of the most visited destinations in Hawaii, attracting millions of tourists each year. This high demand for accommodations makes it an ideal location for investing in short-term rentals.
- Year-Round Appeal: Unlike some tourist destinations that have a peak season, Waikiki is a year-round destination. The weather is pleasant throughout the year, and there are always activities and events happening, ensuring a steady demand for short-term rentals.
- Proximity to Attractions: Waikiki is home to some of Hawaii's most famous attractions, including Waikiki Beach, Diamond Head, and the Honolulu Zoo. The convenience of having these attractions nearby makes it an attractive location for tourists and, consequently, for short-term rental investors.
- Wide Range of Activities: From surfing and snorkeling to shopping and dining, Waikiki offers a wide range of activities that cater to different interests. This diversity makes it appealing to a broad spectrum of tourists, increasing the potential for rental occupancy.
- Strong Supportive Infrastructure: Waikiki has a well-developed infrastructure, including public transportation, shopping centers, and medical facilities. This supportive infrastructure makes it a convenient and comfortable destination for tourists, which in turn increases the demand for short-term rentals.
Waikiki Nearby Cities
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1 miles away
- Rating: 5.7
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11 miles away
- Rating: 6.0
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Local Real Estate
How expensive is the real estate in Waikiki?
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 Waikiki has decreased -8% over the past year, and the average price per square foot is $778, which is higher than the national average.
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Median Sale Price
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$451,384
-8% YoY
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Median per Square Foot
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$778
-5% YoY
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Average Monthly Rent
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$2,431
2% YoY
The most common terms hosts include in their listings for Waikiki, Hawaii
Common terms for Waikiki 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 Waikiki has a description approximately 2,201 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 7,238 listings in Waikiki, 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 Waikiki Beach, Waikiki, Hotel, Ala Moana, Resort, Lanai, Desk, Days, Coffee maker, and Beach.
What are the most popular tourist activities in Waikiki?
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 Waikiki involve Swimming, Snorkeling, Surfing, the Zoo, and the Beach. 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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Surfing
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Zoo
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Beach
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Hiking
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Scuba Diving
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Outlet Shopping
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Sailing
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Museums
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Whale Watching
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Eco Tourism
Local Attractions
What attractions do hosts highlight to guests?
There are quite a few popular attractions in Waikiki, including Waikiki Beach Walk, Ala Moana Center, Royal Hawaiian Center, Honolulu Harbor, and Honolulu Zoo. 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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Well Known Attraction
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Ala Moana Center
Included on 79% of listings
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Well Known Attraction
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Royal Hawaiian Center
Included on 79% of listings
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Well Known Attraction
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Honolulu Harbor
Included on 79% of listings
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Well Known Attraction
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Honolulu Zoo
Included on 79% of listings
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Well Known Attraction
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University of Hawaii at Manoa
Included on 79% of listings
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Regional Landmark
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Iolani Palace
Included on 79% of listings
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Regional Landmark
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Duke Kahanamoku Beach
Included on 79% of listings
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Regional Landmark
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Duke Kahanamoku Statue
Included on 79% of listings
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Regional Landmark
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Magic Island
Included on 78% of listings
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Well Known Attraction
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Kaimana Beach
Included on 78% of listings
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Regional Landmark
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Sans Souci Beach
Included on 77% of listings
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Well Known Attraction
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Waikiki Beach Walk
Included on 77% of listings
What’s the weather like in Waikiki, 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 17 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 Waikiki 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 79° High
Spring
March through May
71° Low 81° High
Summer
June through August
75° Low 86° High
Fall
September through November
75° Low 85° High
Cities Near Waikiki
Waikiki, Hawaii, is located in Honolulu County. Some cities that are located nearby include:
