Maui’s 2024 Short-Term Rental Changes: What Visitors Need to Know

Earlier this year, Maui County introduced a proposal aimed at tightening regulations on short-term rentals across the island in an effort to address residential housing shortages as a result of the devastating 2023 wildfires. Under the proposal, certain properties currently allowed to operate as short-term rentals would be required to transition back to long-term rental use or be subject to strict limitations. Here's a rundown of what the proposed changes mean for future visitors and why our properties remain a fantastic choice for your next Maui getaway.

What’s Happening with Short-Term Rentals–Is Maui Ending Short Term Rentals?

Maui County is proposing significant changes to the island's short-term rental rules in an effort to return apartment-zoned areas previously being used as short-term rentals to long-term housing for residents. If approved, the bill will phase out some 7,000 short-term rentals in apartment-zoned districts, primarily in South and West Maui. The bill will not include vacation rental properties in areas zoned for hotel use or properties that are partially zoned hotels.

An initial review of the bill conducted in July by the Maui and Molokaʻi planning commissions resulted in a recommendation for the measure's approval. The phase-out bill will now move to the Maui County Council for final review for a decision later this year. See the proposed timeline by area below.

West Maui - effective July 1st, 2025

The Rest of Maui County - effective January 1st, 2026

What is the Minatoya List?

The "Minatoya List" is named after Richard Minatoya, Deputy Corporation Counsel for Maui County, who ruled that apartment-zoned condos built before 1992, which had already been approved by their associations for short-term rentals, would be grandfathered in and could continue operating as vacation rentals. However, under the 2024 proposed short-term rental ban, these previous protections are being reconsidered. If the proposal passes, properties on the Minatoya List risk new restrictions that could potentially phase out their ability to operate as short-term rentals.

Properties on the Minatoya List:

View the complete list here.

How Will the Changes Affect Your Maui Vacation?

If you’ve previously stayed in a vacation rental in an apartment-zoned area of Maui, these changes could impact your future visits. Properties in South and West Maui on the "Minatoya List" may no longer be available for short-term rental after the proposed deadlines.

However, this doesn’t mean your vacation options are limited! The island will continue to offer a variety of accommodations, especially within designated hotel zones that are not affected by the new regulations, this includes all Maui Resort Rental properties. As a visitor, choosing a property within a resort or hotel-zoned area ensures that your stay won’t be disrupted by these new regulations, as these properties are specifically designed for tourism and not Maui residents.

Will Maui Resort Rentals Be Impacted by the Short-Term Rental Ban?

In short, no! From day one, Maui Resort Rentals has prioritized building an inventory of luxury vacation rentals set within hotel-zoned areas meant exclusively for tourism. This means that none of our rentals are included on the list of apartment-zoned properties that may be affected by the potential short-term rental ban.

We remain dedicated to providing exceptional service and accommodations and will continue to monitor any regulatory changes to ensure full compliance and the continued enjoyment of our guests.

As a resort specialist, we’re here to help you navigate these changes and make the most of your time on this beautiful island. Feel free to contact our team with any questions or concerns you may have as you plan your next Maui adventure or return to this post at a later date for further updates.