Posted on: August 4, 2025
Aloha from South Maui! You may have seen headlines buzzing about a short‑term rental (“STR”) ban coming to Maui. We wanted to take a moment to clarify the facts and reassure everyone planning a stay at Wailea Ekahi Village: your vacation plans are still alive, and the island remains open.
What Is Bill 9 (2025) Really About?
A recent proposal known as Bill 9 would phase out STRs in certain apartment‑zoned areas, including those on the Minatoya List — properties that have legally operated as short‑term rentals for decades. The units on that list were grandfathered in due to zoning exceptions dating back to 1989.
- Why now? The 2023 wildfires intensified Maui’s housing shortage, prompting the County to act.
- What’s being phased out? STRs in affected zones, but not hotel or resort-zoned properties. The goal is to transition STR units into long-term housing for local residents.
- Timeline:
- West Maui: phase-out by end of 2028
- Rest of island (including Wailea): phase-out by end of 2030 (timeline may extend to 2031)
Why Wailea Ekahi Village Isn’t Going Dark Tomorrow
- No immediate changes — Bill 9 isn’t law yet. It still needs Full Council approval, potential amendments, and maybe legal challenges.
- Mixed‑zoning gives more flexibility — Wailea Ekahi enjoys a combination of hotel, resort, and apartment zoning, which may offer protection or carve-outs. Local committees are reviewing options.
- STRs still legal for now — As of today, your reservations remain valid, and bookings continue as normal.
Browse Available Rental Properties
Why This Matters to Travelers & Owners
- Travelers: Some alarmist headlines may discourage visitors. Rest assured: Maui is open, prime travel planning is unaffected, and Wailea Ekahi remains welcoming.
- Owners: We’re evaluating legal avenues, working with the Maui Vacation Rental Association (MVRA), and staying engaged with the process. Stay tuned for updates.
What the Research Says
- Potential benefits: The U of Hawai‘i predicts adding ~6,100 long-term rental units, increasing local housing stock by 13%.
- Economic risks: Possible 15% drop in tourism spending, a 4% dip in GDP, and $60 million in lost property tax revenue.
- Legal concerns: STR operators are preparing challenges, citing property rights and the longstanding Minatoya precedent.
A Global Trend: Maui Isn’t Alone
Maui’s STR phase-out proposal is part of a much larger global shift in how destinations balance tourism with housing needs.
- Barcelona recently made headlines by announcing a complete phase-out of all short-term rental licenses by 2028, citing housing affordability and urban planning concerns.
- Montana, British Columbia, and several cities in California are exploring similar regulations in response to rising housing costs and community concerns.
These shifts reflect a growing tension between tourism-driven economies and the need for accessible housing. While the debate is complex, it’s clear that STR regulations are becoming a focal point in many communities worldwide.
How We’re Staying Proactive at Wailea Ekahi Village
- Owner committee actively monitoring legislation and exploring options
- Engaged with MVRA, attending meetings and maintaining oversight
- Transparent communication — we’ll keep you updated via email and social media
What You Can Do (as a Guest or Owner)
| If You’re a Traveler | If You’re an Owner |
| Feel confident in your reservation — Wailea Ekahi Village is welcoming you. | Explore options like adding a sleeper sofa to boost occupancy. |
| Focus on island adventures — this is not your doomsday countdown. | Stay involved with property updates and community conversations. |
| Look forward to a peaceful stay with stunning views and aloha spirit! | Consider your long-term strategy — zoning, rezoning, or sale. |
Bottom Line: Your Maui Stay Is Still Secure
Bill 9 is a serious proposal, but it’s not enacted, and plenty can change before — or if — it becomes law. Vacation rentals in hotel and resort zones, like ours, are not affected. At Wailea Ekahi Village, we remain committed to open communication, staying engaged, and helping you plan your Maui getaway with confidence.
We’ll keep calm, carry on, and keep you updated every step of the way. If you have questions or want to discuss the situation, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
Mahalo for being part of our Maui ohana!