Christine Hitt
A new law went into effect on Jan. 1 that adds the Transient Accommodations Tax (TAT) to alternative places to stay, such as camper vans. Gov. Josh Green approved the bill in May.
Gov. Josh Green signed SB 2919 into law in 2024. Photo Credit: Courtesy of the Office of the Governor
The TAT is a tax on rentals for "transients," meaning visitors or Hawaii residents who stay in a unit for less than 180 days. Previously, it was defined to include a room, apartment, suite and single-family dwelling. But now the scope is broadened to also include "certain shelters and vehicles with sleeping accommodations."
Although there are not nearly as many of these types of accommodations compared to hotels, their numbers are not insignificant. A quick search on Outdoorsy resulted in over 350 vehicle accommodations available across the Islands, including vans, recreational vehicles and trucks with rooftop tents.