Where STRs Are Still Allowed in Maui After Bill 9
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A 2025 Update on Zoning, Hotel Districts, and Investor Opportunities
Short-term rentals have long been a cornerstone of Maui’s real estate market, particularly for mainland buyers and investors seeking vacation income combined with long-term appreciation. With the passage of Bill 9 and updated zoning interpretations in 2025, many buyers are asking a critical question: where are short-term rentals still allowed in Maui?
This guide breaks down what Bill 9 actually changed, which zoning districts continue to allow short-term rentals, how to interpret the TIG Exhibit 2 list, and what buyers and owners should consider moving forward. This is written from a local Maui real estate perspective, with practical insight for buyers, sellers, and investors navigating today’s regulatory environment.
Understanding Bill 9 and Its Impact on Maui Short-Term Rentals
Bill 9 was introduced to give Maui County greater control over where transient vacation rentals can operate. The goal was to address housing availability concerns while maintaining tourism in appropriate areas.
What Bill 9 did not do is eliminate short-term rentals across the island. Instead, it reinforced zoning distinctions and clarified where transient accommodations are permitted by right, permitted with conditions, or restricted entirely.
The key takeaway is simple: zoning matters more than ever.
Maui Zoning Categories That Still Allow Short-Term Rentals
Short-term rentals in Maui are primarily allowed in zones that were designed to accommodate visitor accommodations. These include hotel districts, resort zones, and specific apartment and mixed-use zones outlined in official county exhibits.
Hotel (H) Zoning Districts
Hotel zoning remains the most secure category for short-term rental use under Bill 9.
Common hotel zoning designations include:
- H-1 Hotel District
- H-2 Hotel District
- H-3 Hotel District
- H-4 Hotel District
Properties within these zones are intended for transient accommodations and remain largely unaffected by Bill 9 restrictions. This is where many of Maui’s well-known resort condominium complexes are located.
Popular areas with hotel zoning include:
If a condo is located in a hotel zone, short-term rental use is generally allowed, subject to standard county registration and tax compliance.
Apartment and Resort Zoning with STR Allowances
Certain apartment and resort-designated zones still allow short-term rentals, but only if they appear on the county’s official TIG Exhibit 2 list.
These zones include:
- A-1 and A-2 Apartment districts in specific locations
- Resort zoning tied to visitor accommodations
- Mixed-use developments with transient use approvals
Not every apartment-zoned property qualifies. Only those explicitly listed by the county are eligible for short-term rental use.
This distinction is critical for buyers who assume apartment zoning automatically disqualifies vacation rentals. In Maui, the exhibit list overrides general assumptions.
What Is TIG Exhibit 2 and Why It Matters
TIG Exhibit 2 is one of the most important documents for Maui short-term rental buyers.
It is the county’s official list of properties and TMKs where transient vacation rentals are allowed despite zoning that might otherwise suggest restrictions.
If a property appears on Exhibit 2:
- Short-term rental use is legally recognized
- Existing vacation rental operations can continue
- Buyers have greater certainty regarding rental legality
If a property does not appear on Exhibit 2 and is not hotel zoned, short-term rental use is typically prohibited.
This is where working with a local Maui real estate expert is essential. Many listings are marketed as “vacation rentable” without clearly confirming zoning or Exhibit 2 status.
Areas in Maui Where STRs Are Still Commonly Allowed
South Maui
South Maui continues to be one of the most STR-friendly regions due to extensive hotel zoning and long-established resort condominium developments.
Common STR-approved complexes include:
- Wailea resort condominiums
- Kamaole area hotel-zoned condos
- Select Kihei properties listed on Exhibit 2
South Maui remains attractive for investors due to strong rental demand, walkability, and proximity to beaches.
West Maui
West Maui has a high concentration of hotel-zoned resorts, particularly in Kaanapali and Kapalua.
Many legacy vacation rental complexes remain compliant under Bill 9, though Lahaina’s recovery and rebuilding efforts continue to influence inventory and pricing.
Buyers should pay close attention to zoning maps and official county records when evaluating West Maui STR opportunities.
Central and Upcountry Maui
Short-term rentals are far more restricted in Central Maui and Upcountry.
Most properties in these areas are residential zoned, and Bill 9 reinforced long-standing limitations on transient use. Investors targeting STR income typically avoid these areas unless pursuing long-term or owner-occupied strategies.
What This Means for Buyers and Investors in 2025
Bill 9 has created a clearer separation between resort real estate and residential housing. For investors, this means fewer gray areas and a greater emphasis on due diligence.
Key considerations include:
- Verifying zoning and Exhibit 2 status before making an offer
- Understanding HOA rules that may further restrict rental activity
- Factoring in county registration, GET, and TAT requirements
- Evaluating long-term value versus short-term income stability
For mainland buyers, the biggest risk is assuming that a condo marketed online is legally rentable without verifying county approval.
What Sellers Should Know About Bill 9
Sellers of STR-eligible properties should be proactive in documenting legality.
Providing buyers with:
- Zoning confirmation
- Exhibit 2 references
- History of compliant rental use can significantly strengthen buyer confidence and protect value.
Properties with confirmed STR legality are increasingly premium assets in Maui’s evolving regulatory landscape.
Frequently Asked Questions About Maui STRs After Bill 9
Are short-term rentals still legal in Maui?
- Yes. Short-term rentals remain legal in hotel-zoned areas and specific properties listed on TIG Exhibit 2.
Does apartment zoning automatically ban STRs?
- No. Some apartment-zoned properties are allowed to operate STRs if they appear on the county’s Exhibit 2 list.
Can Bill 9 remove existing STR rights?
- Bill 9 primarily reinforces zoning rules. Properties with established, legally recognized STR use in approved zones are generally protected.
Are HOA rules separate from county zoning?
- Yes. Even if county zoning allows STRs, an HOA can restrict or prohibit rental activity.
Is Wailea still safe for STR investing?
- Wailea remains one of the most secure areas for STRs due to extensive hotel zoning and resort-focused planning.
Final Thoughts
Bill 9 has reshaped how buyers evaluate short-term rental opportunities in Maui, but it has not eliminated them. It has made legal clarity, zoning verification, and local knowledge more important than ever.
If you are considering buying, selling, or investing in a Maui property with short-term rental potential, work with professionals who understand the nuances of Maui County zoning and market trends.
The Importance of Local Expertise
Maui’s real estate rules are not intuitive, and Bill 9 has amplified the consequences of misinformation.
Online listings, mainland forums, and national real estate platforms often oversimplify Maui zoning. Local expertise makes the difference between a sound investment and an expensive mistake.
At The Maui Property Team, our focus is helping buyers and sellers navigate these complexities with clarity and confidence.
Contact The Maui Property Team at Compass for personalized guidance, property verification, and expert insight tailored to your goals. Visit www.mauiproperty.com to explore current listings, market reports, and local expertise you can trust.