Is Haines, Alaska Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Haines, Alaska, begin by researching local regulations through the Haines Borough Assembly, as the town requires short-term rental permits and compliance with zoning ordinances that typically allow rentals in residential areas with proper registration. Contact the Haines Borough Clerk's office to obtain a business license (approximately $50-100 annually) and short-term rental permit (estimated $100-200), while ensuring compliance with Alaska state tax requirements including the 8% accommodation tax. Find property by working with local realtors like Chilkat Valley Realty or searching online platforms, focusing on areas near the cruise ship dock, Fort Seward, or downtown for maximum tourist appeal, with property prices ranging from $200,000-500,000 for suitable homes. Furnish the space with durable, Alaska-themed decor from local suppliers or Anchorage retailers, ensuring amenities like high-speed internet, heating systems capable of handling -10°F winters, and outdoor gear storage for fishing and hiking equipment. List your property on Airbnb, VRBO, and local tourism websites, highlighting proximity to attractions like the Hammer Museum, Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve, and ferry connections to Skagway, with rates typically ranging from $100-300 per night depending on season and size. Manage the property by establishing relationships with local cleaning services, maintenance contractors familiar with Alaska building requirements, and consider partnering with Haines tourism businesses for guest recommendations while maintaining 24/7 communication availability during the peak May-September cruise season when most bookings occur.

To identify profitable short-term rental properties in Haines, Alaska, focus on locations within walking distance of the cruise ship dock and downtown area, as approximately 100,000+ cruise passengers visit annually between May and September, with properties near the Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve and Fort Seward Historic District commanding premium rates of $150-300+ per night during peak season. Target 2-4 bedroom properties with mountain or water views, full kitchens, and parking, as guests often stay 2-3 nights while exploring the area's wildlife and outdoor activities. Analyze pricing using AirDNA and Mashvisor to benchmark against the limited supply of existing STRs, noting that Haines has fewer than 50 active listings, creating opportunity for new entrants. Research competition through Airbnb, VRBO, and local property management companies like Alaska Vacation Rentals, identifying gaps in luxury or budget segments. Utilize tools like STR Helper for revenue projections, monitor the Haines Borough planning department for zoning regulations, and connect with local real estate agents familiar with tourism patterns, while considering that winter occupancy drops significantly, requiring properties to generate 70-80% of annual revenue during the May-September tourist season.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Haines, Alaska, you must first contact the Haines Borough Planning Department at 103 3rd Avenue South or call (907) 766-2231 to request a Conditional Use Permit application, as short-term rentals require special approval in residential zones. Submit the completed application along with a site plan showing parking areas, a floor plan indicating maximum occupancy, proof of property ownership or lease agreement, Alaska business license, liability insurance certificate (minimum $300,000), and a waste management plan. The application fee is approximately $350 plus $75 for public notice publication, with additional fees of $200 for Planning Commission review. The process typically takes 45-60 days and includes a public hearing before the Planning Commission. Haines-specific requirements include maintaining adequate off-street parking (minimum 2 spaces), limiting occupancy to 2 people per bedroom plus 2 additional guests, ensuring compliance with fire safety codes including smoke detectors and fire extinguishers, providing a local contact person available 24/7, and adhering to noise ordinances with quiet hours from 10 PM to 7 AM. Once approved, you must also register with the State of Alaska for tax collection purposes and may need to obtain additional permits from the fire department for properties exceeding certain occupancy limits.

Short-term rentals (STRs) are legal in Haines, Alaska, but operate under municipal regulations established by the Haines Borough. The borough requires STR operators to obtain a business license and comply with zoning requirements, with most residential areas allowing STRs as a permitted use. Properties must meet safety standards including smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and fire extinguishers, while operators must collect and remit local sales tax. The borough implemented a registration system around 2018-2019 that requires annual renewal and limits occupancy based on septic system capacity and parking availability. STRs are generally prohibited in areas zoned exclusively for long-term residential use, and the borough has established quiet hours and parking requirements to address neighborhood concerns. Recent changes include stricter enforcement of existing regulations and enhanced complaint procedures, though no major restrictions have been added as of 2023, reflecting the community's recognition of tourism's economic importance while balancing resident quality of life concerns.

The most promising Airbnb investment areas in Haines, Alaska include the downtown historic district near the Sheldon Museum and Cultural Center, which attracts cruise ship passengers and cultural tourists from May through September, and properties along the Chilkat River corridor offering scenic views for nature enthusiasts visiting the Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve. The Fort Seward area, with its historic military buildings and proximity to the Alaska Indian Arts center, appeals to history buffs and cultural tourists, while locations near the Small Tracts Road provide access to hiking trails and outdoor recreation that draw adventure travelers year-round. Properties within walking distance of the ferry terminal capture transit passengers traveling the Alaska Marine Highway System, and areas near the Haines Highway benefit from road travelers heading to or from Canada and other Alaska destinations, particularly during the summer tourism peak when the town's population swells with visitors attending the Southeast Alaska State Fair and accessing nearby fishing and wildlife viewing opportunities.

In Haines, Alaska, Airbnb hosts are subject to the Haines Borough transient occupancy tax of 8% on gross rental receipts for stays of 30 days or less, which applies to all short-term rental accommodations including vacation rentals and bed & breakfasts. The tax is collected from guests at the time of booking and must be remitted monthly to the Haines Borough by the 15th of the following month using the borough's tax return forms. Additionally, hosts must collect Alaska state sales tax at a rate of 0% (Alaska has no statewide sales tax), though they may be subject to local sales tax depending on specific municipal regulations. The borough requires registration and a business license for short-term rental operations, and hosts must maintain detailed records of all transactions. Exemptions typically include stays exceeding 30 consecutive days, which are considered long-term rentals rather than transient accommodations, and certain government or emergency housing situations as defined by borough ordinances.

The total cost to start an Airbnb in Haines, Alaska would be approximately $285,000-$315,000. Property purchase represents the largest expense at $200,000-$220,000 for a median-priced home suitable for short-term rental in this small Southeast Alaska town. Furnishing costs would run $15,000-$25,000 to create a comfortable, Alaska-themed guest experience with quality furniture, bedding, kitchen essentials, and outdoor gear. Initial setup including professional photography, listing creation, and marketing materials would cost $2,000-$3,000. Permits and fees including business license, short-term rental permit, and tax registrations would total $1,500-$2,500. Insurance for short-term rental coverage would cost $3,000-$4,000 annually, with $1,500-$2,000 for the first six months. Utilities including electricity, heating oil, water, sewer, internet, and cable would run $800-$1,200 monthly due to Alaska's high energy costs, totaling $4,800-$7,200 for six months. First six months operating costs including cleaning supplies, maintenance, property management software, and marketing would add another $3,000-$5,000. Additional considerations include higher costs for goods and services due to Haines' remote location and seasonal tourism patterns affecting occupancy rates.

Airbnb properties in Haines, Alaska show moderate profitability potential with average nightly rates ranging from $120-180 during peak summer months (May-September) and dropping to $80-120 in winter, generating annual revenues of $15,000-35,000 for properties with 40-60% occupancy rates. Operating expenses typically include property management (10-15% of revenue), cleaning fees ($40-60 per turnover), utilities ($200-400 monthly), insurance ($1,200-2,000 annually), and maintenance costs ($2,000-4,000 yearly), resulting in net profit margins of 25-40% for well-managed properties. Success factors include proximity to the ferry terminal and cruise ship docks, as Haines receives approximately 100,000 visitors annually through Alaska Marine Highway System and small cruise vessels, with properties within walking distance of downtown commanding premium rates. A typical 2-bedroom cabin near the Chilkat River has generated $28,000 in annual revenue with $18,000 in expenses, yielding 36% profit margins, while waterfront properties and those offering unique experiences like wildlife viewing or cultural tours achieve higher occupancy rates and can command 20-30% premium pricing, though the short tourist season and limited year-round demand present challenges for maximizing annual returns.

Airbnb investments in Haines, Alaska typically generate annual ROI of 12-18% due to the town's strategic location as a gateway to Glacier Bay National Park and its position on the Alaska Marine Highway System, with peak summer tourism from May through September driving occupancy rates of 65-75% during high season. Cash-on-cash returns generally range from 8-14% annually, with properties near the harbor or downtown area commanding premium rates of $150-250 per night during peak season and $80-120 during shoulder months. Most investors achieve profitability within 18-24 months, particularly those targeting the cruise ship passenger market and outdoor recreation enthusiasts visiting for fishing, hiking, and wildlife viewing, though success heavily depends on property condition, marketing effectiveness, and the seasonal nature of Alaska's tourism industry which concentrates 70% of annual revenue into a 4-5 month window.

STRSearch is a national platform that helps investors identify profitable short-term rental properties across markets including Haines, Alaska. In the Haines area, local real estate agents like those at Chilkat Valley Real Estate and Haines Real Estate Services have experience with vacation rental properties, while Alaska Premier Properties and Glacier Bay Realty also serve the region with investment property expertise. National services include AirDNA for market analysis, Mashvisor for property analytics, and BiggerPockets for investor networking and deal sourcing. Vacasa and RedAwning provide property management services that can help investors understand the rental potential of properties in Haines. Local property management companies like Southeast Alaska Vacation Rentals and Glacier Bay Property Management offer insights into the short-term rental market dynamics. Investment-focused platforms like Roofstock and HomeUnion occasionally feature Alaska properties, while real estate investment groups through Alaska Real Estate Investors Association can provide local market knowledge and networking opportunities for finding profitable Airbnb investments in the Haines market.