5 of the best · Hawaiʻi, USA
What a buyer from abroad needs to know in Hawaiʻi: FIRPTA withholding on a sale, Oʻahu’s short-term rental zones, a licensed agent and your own lawyer. We never publish prices.
Our 5 favourites, listed A–Z · Updated November 2026
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Three Hawaiʻi moments we keep going back to: Diamond Head at opening time, sunset on the terrace of House Without a Key, and a morning at Pearl Harbor.
Less than 30 days
Rentals of less than 30 consecutive days are allowed only in resort zones and a few apartment zones.
IRS
When a foreign person sells US real property, the buyer generally withholds 15%.
What a buyer from abroad needs to know first.
The back story
The Waikīkī and Kakaʻako condominium, the Kāhala beach house and the North Shore cottage, and the rules a foreign buyer meets: FIRPTA withholding on a sale, Honolulu’s short-term rental law and a licensed agent.
From the IRS, the City and the State.
Before you sign
Who to have on your side when you buy.
DCCA Real Estate Branch
Hawaiʻi’s Real Estate Branch licenses agents; verify yours online.
IRS
When a foreign person sells US real property, the buyer generally withholds 15%.
Less than 30 days
Rentals of less than 30 consecutive days are allowed only in resort zones and a few apartment zones.
In the islands.
