Maui Short-Term Rental Ban Update: What Visitors Need to Know Now

Updated May 19th, 2026

Maui’s proposed short-term rental ban has been one of the island’s most talked-about travel topics since it was first introduced in 2024, and a lot has changed since then. What began as a controversial proposal to phase out some short-term rentals on Maui has now evolved into official legislation that could bring long term changes to certain vacation homes across the island.

If you’re planning a trip to Maui, here’s an up-to-date rundown of what has changed, what it means for your stay, and why our resort-zoned properties remain a fantastic choice for your next Maui getaway.

What Has Changed Since 2024?

When Maui County first introduced the idea of phasing out certain short-term rentals in 2024, it sparked widespread debate across the island. The proposal was aimed at addressing Maui’s housing shortage as a result of the devastating 2023 wildfires by returning apartment zoned homes previously used as vacation rentals back to long term residential use. During this period, the exact timeline for the phase out was still being debated and remained uncertain.

Since then, the biggest development has been the passage of Bill 9 in December 2025, which officially established a phased timeline for these changes. Compared to the original proposal, the timeline was extended significantly, giving property owners, businesses, and travelers more time to adapt.

Today, the phase out is scheduled to begin in 2029 for West Maui and 2031 for the rest of Maui County, meaning affected properties may continue operating as short-term rentals for several more years.

Are Vacation Rentals Still Legal in Maui?

Absolutely! Many vacation rentals are still legal in Maui, and many are completely unaffected by the new law. The legislation does not target timeshares or vacation rentals in hotel-zoned areas, resort-zoned areas, or properties that are partially zoned for hotel use — a distinction that remains important for travelers to understand.

Many professionally managed vacation rentals in resort areas like Kaanapali, Wailea, and Kapalua continue to operate as usual, including those managed by the Maui Resort Rentals team.

What This Means for Visitors in 2026

There are currently thousands of legal accommodations available across the island, and tourism infrastructure remains fully operational. This means, todays travelers can still confidently book a Maui vacation rental across many areas of the island. 

As you plan your stay, it’s a good idea to:

• Book with reputable, professional management companies
• Choose properties in clearly designated resort areas for added peace of mind and clarity around future availability

How Can I Tell if a Vacation Rental is in a Resort or Hotel Zoned Area?

In general, many large resort communities in areas like Kaanapali, Wailea, and Kapalua mostly include properties that are hotel or resort zoned and continue to legally operate as vacation rentals.

However, if you’re unsure whether a Maui vacation rental is located in a resort or hotel zoned area, the simplest option is to contact the host or property manager directly and ask whether the property is affected by Bill 9 or the proposed apartment-zoned phase-outs.

Professionally managed vacation rental companies should be able to clearly explain whether their properties are located in areas impacted by the new legislation.

At Maui Resort Rentals, all of our properties are located in resort-zoned areas that are not part of the current phase-out legislation. To help travelers book with confidence, we also clearly note this information directly within our property listings to help avoid confusion as these changes continue to evolve.

Will Maui Resort Rentals Be Impacted by Bill 9?

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 affected by Bill 9.

To help travelers book with confidence, we also clearly note this information directly within our property listings to help avoid confusion as these changes continue to evolve.

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.

What is Bill 9?

Bill 9 is a Maui County law, passed in December 2025, that impacts many apartment-zoned condos on the “Minatoya List.” These are properties that were historically allowed to operate as short-term rentals despite being located in apartment-zoned areas.

Timeline of Changes as of 2026:

• 2001: Minatoya ruling
• 2024: Phase-out proposal introduced
• 2025: Bill 9 passed
• 2029: West Maui phase-out begins
• 2031: Phase-out begins for affected properties in the rest of Maui County

What is the Minatoya List

The “Minatoya List,” named after Richard Minatoya, then Deputy Corporation Counsel for Maui County, refers to roughly 7,000 apartment-zoned condos built before 1992 that were previously approved to operate as short-term rentals. Although these properties were not located in traditional hotel-zoned areas, Minatoya’s ruling effectively grandfathered them in, allowing them to continue hosting visitors for many years.

Under Bill 9, many of these properties are scheduled to gradually lose the ability to operate as short-term rentals over the coming years.

Properties on the Minatoya List:

View the complete list here.

Why Is Maui Making These Changes?

Maui’s current short-term rental regulations didn’t happen overnight. The idea was first introduced in 2024 as part of a broader effort to address the island’s housing challenges, particularly in the wake of the 2023 Lahaina wildfire.

The initial proposal called for a faster phase-out of thousands of apartment-zoned vacation rentals and sparked significant debate among residents, property owners, local businesses, and tourism industry leaders. Supporters argued that reducing short-term rentals in certain areas could help increase long-term housing availability, support displaced residents, and stabilize local communities.

At the same time, the issue remains complex, with ongoing concerns about economic impacts, tourism jobs, local businesses, and property rights. After extensive review, public input, and revisions, the proposal ultimately became Bill 9, which passed in December 2025 with a much longer, phased timeline.

Ongoing Challenges

Since Bill 9 was passed, multiple legal challenges have been filed by property owners and industry groups. These cases question whether the phase-out is lawful and whether it unfairly impacts long-standing property rights. Because of this, the long-term outcome of the law is still evolving, and changes may occur as the legal process unfolds.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Maui banning vacation rentals?

No. Maui is not banning all vacation rentals. The law that went into effect in December 2025 phases out certain short-term rentals in apartment-zoned areas only. Many other accommodations that guests know and love remain legal, including properties in hotel-zoned and resort-zoned areas like those in the  Maui Resort Rentals portfolio.

Can I still stay in a condo in Maui?

Yes. Many condo-style vacation rentals, especially those in resort-zoned areas, are still available to visitors and will continue to be moving forward.

When does the Maui short-term rental ban start?

The phase-out begins in 2029 for affected properties in West Maui and 2031 for affected properties in the rest of Maui County.

Will this affect my upcoming trip?

In most cases, no. Current bookings and near-term travel plans are not impacted, as the phase-out does not begin until 2029.

Are Airbnbs illegal in Maui?

No. Airbnbs and vacation rentals are not illegal in Maui. However, Maui has passed legislation that will phase out certain short-term rentals in apartment-zoned areas over the coming years. Many legal vacation rentals remain unaffected, including hotel-zoned and resort-zoned properties.

Where are short-term rentals allowed in Maui?

Short-term rentals are still allowed in hotel-zoned and resort-zoned areas all around the island, including its most popular areas like Kaanapali and Wailea. 

Did Bill 9 in Maui pass?

Yes. Bill 9 passed in December 2025 and created a phased timeline for ending certain apartment-zoned short-term rentals, beginning in 2029 for West Maui and 2031 for the rest of Maui County.

As a resort specialist, we’re here to help you navigate these changes and make the most of your time on this beautiful island. If you have questions as you plan your next Maui getaway, feel free to contact our team with any questions or concerns you may have. We’ll also continue updating this post as new developments emerge.