Start a Business in Honolulu

Permits, costs, timeline, and step-by-step requirements.

✔ 4 permits⏱ 2-6 weeks💰 General Excise Tax license required

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Overview

Starting a business in Honolulu requires a Business License through the Department of Customer Services. Base fee: General Excise Tax license required. No general state business license. GET (General Excise Tax) instead of sales tax — 4% rate.

Required Permits

✓Federal: EIN from IRS (free, instant online)
✓State: LLC/Corp filing + seller's permit/sales tax registration
✓County: health department permit + fire inspection
✓City: business licence/tax certificate

Step-by-Step Process

1

Federal: EIN from IRS (free, instant online)

2

State: LLC/Corp filing + seller's permit/sales tax registration

3

County: health department permit + fire inspection

4

City: business licence/tax certificate

Costs

Estimated total: General Excise Tax license required depending on permits and inspections.

Contact

Department of Customer Services

Phone: 808-768-3800

Apply Online →

Common Mistakes

⚠ Consolidated city-county
⚠ Hawaii General Excise Tax (GET) instead of sales tax — 4% rate
⚠ GET applies to ALL business income including services
⚠ Island logistics affect permitting timelines
⚠ No state business license but GET registration required
⚠ Tourism-heavy economy — hospitality permits common

Choose Your Business Type

RestaurantFood TruckBarber ShopRetail StoreCoffee ShopBar / NightclubGym / Fitness StudioNail SalonCannabis DispensaryDog GroomingBakeryCleaning ServiceDaycare CenterAuto Repair Shop

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