Hosting in Honolulu.

[Sean512]

Hi everyone!

I’m a British guy living in New Zealand and have fallen madly in love with Hawaii 😃

So much so, I’m seriously thinking about buying a small apartment in Honolulu/ Waikiki area to renovate and call my new ‘home away from home’. The time I’m not there, I’d like to cash-in on the investment by hosting via Airbnb (obviously I’d need to find a caretaker to clean etc. as I will be somewhat far away).

I’m looking for advice/experience from others who host in Honolulu/Waikiki and hear your experiences. I have read a little about the new tax that has been enforced, it seems Airbnb will deduct that before paying out to your bank account?

Does anyone else host remotely? How well does the system you have work? I was thinking about getting an electronic front door lock so guests can let themselves in without someone having to be waiting for them, but it seems the vast majority of apartment buildings require a key-fob to enter the building first, which could be an issue?

Looking forward to hearing from you!

Kia Ora from New Zealand,

Sean

[Helen3]

In anywhere where you host remotely, you will need a local co-host who can support any issues that arise locally as well as a cleaner @Sean512 

Another must have for remote hosts is CCTV so you can monitor guest use of your place and help ensure only those who have booked and paid stay.

Before you invest in anywhere where you hope to have some of the costs defrayed by STR you need to check on local legislation governing STRs and have a back up plan in place as to how you will cover your costs if you don't get the number of bookings you need to cover your operating costs.

[Tim546]

New STR laws are coming out. Do not invest. 

[Sean512]

Hey Tim,

can you elaborate a little - I’m not sure what STR means? 🙂 

[Rachel177]

@Sean512 STR + short term rental. Apparently STR's will be banned/limited in Oahu - search this forum and you'll find some threads from hosts about the situation.

[Susan17]

@Sean512 

As with most places in the world, Honolulu is introducing strict new regs, which I believe will come into force on Aug 1st of this year.  Might be best to shelve your plan for now 😞

http://www.honoluludpp.org/Portals/0/LandUsePermitsDivision/ShortTermRental_FAQ.pdf

https://community.withairbnb.com/t5/Help/Honolulu-City-Council-Bill-85-amd-Bill-89-fiasco/td-p/10603...

https://community.withairbnb.com/t5/Help/Honolulu-Hosting-Zoning-and-legitamcy-questions/td-p/962412

https://community.withairbnb.com/t5/Help/Oahu-Vacation-Rentals-Banned/td-p/1061794

[Christina771]

Hi Sean,  I'm a reporter with a Honolulu-based news organization called Civil Beat. I'm writing about Honolulu's new crackdown on exactly the type of rental you were hoping to set up. I'd love to chat with you about your perspective on this as someone who was interested in owning/renting here. Can you shoot me a note? Christina Jedra at cjedra@civilbeat.org. Hope to hear from you soon!

[Jayce5]

Good afternoon Sean,  

My name is Jayce Ashment, I would love to have the opportunity to discuss your questions pertaining to Airbnbs in Honolulu/Waikiki area. I believe I may have suitable information that would help you if you do choose to purchase property on island. Everything from basic guidelines/laws, as well as the right contractors to help demo and remodel your potential property to your liking. I can break down property management for you as well that way your property is left in great hands.

If you are interested feel free to email me at jayceashment@gmail.com and I can get back to you!

Have a great day, 

Jayce Ashment

[Jennifer2018]

I called the taxation dept and the person I spoke to said as long as you own and live on the property you could have a short term for one room.  but we had to pay our GE 4% and another T tax about 10% total tax is just shy of 15%.  has anyone else heard this to be true???  any suggestion are always welcomed.  

aloha, JP 

[Tim546]

have not heard of this.