Bed and Breakfasts Make Great Neighbors

If you are following Bill 108 here on the Big Island, you know that the future of vacation rentals is hanging in the balance.  What is being discussed is regulation of residential homes that are not owner occupied being used to host visitors to the island.  Commonly, these homes are listed on VRBO or with Airbnb but some are listed through real estate offices that have vacation rental programs.  We will be watching this bill closely as it makes its final pass through legislation.

But don't confuse unoccupied units with Bed and Breakfasts.  They have their own regulation which is not currently at stake.

Section 25-4-7 of the Hawaii County Code outlines requirements for all Bed and Breakfast establishments on the Big Island. In effect since only 1996, the rules allow their existence in almost any residential area.  

In a nutshell:

• Up to 5 guest rooms are allowable on lots of 15000 square feet or greater.
• Room count may be adjusted for smaller lots.
• Up to 10 guests can be housed at any time.
• Guests may stay 30 days or less.
• The specific county permit required is based on the underlying zoning.
• Off-street parking must be provided.
• Owners are expected to live in the Bed and Breakfast dwelling.
• Only breakfast may be served.
• A Bed and Breakfast permit “runs with the land” meaning that once it is in place, it passes to subsequent owners.

As REALTORS®, we sometimes advertise properties that possess unique qualities which we feel might make them desirable as transient accommodations.  Every once in a while I get to market an actual licensed Bed and Breakfast.

Would you believe that a Bed and Breakfast has less impact on a neighborhood than a typical family. It's true.  Guest generally arrive at the property and then leave in the morning without making much noise.

Maybe B&B's improve home values.

Because pride of ownership directly affects the innkeeper’s ability to make a living, property maintenance issues are normally non-existent.  Many reflect the gracious character and charm synonymous with Hilo.

What better experience for a visitor to take away from this wonderful place than the warmth of a Big Island family willing to share their home with Aloha!  In my mind, there are certainly worse things that could happen to a neighborhood!

Looking to buy a B&B in East Hawaii?  Here are a few options (not all have B&B permits but might have potential to obtain such permit):

Looking to stay at a B&B during your visit to the East Side of the Big Island?  Here are a couple suggestions.

Hale Kai Bed and Breakfast in Hilo 

Old Hawaiian Bed and Breakfast in Hilo

Inn at Kulaniapia Falls in Hilo

Ala Kai Bed and Breakfast in Kea'au

Bed and Breakfast Mountain View in Mt. View

As always, if you are wanting help finding your dream property, give us a call.  Let our experience work for you.

(cover photo of MLS #614359 called Lai Nani)