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Start a Business in Hawaii

Costs, permits, taxes, and requirements for HI.

Cost Index

143%

43% above avg

Income Tax

1.4-11%

Sales Tax

4%

LLC Fee

$50

Business Guides for Hawaii

Cleaning Business

$2,900 - $14,300

Lawn Care

$4,300 - $28,600

Pressure Washing

$4,300 - $28,600

Food Truck

$71,500 - $286,000

Photography

$2,900 - $42,900

Bakery

$28,600 - $214,500

Restaurant

$250,300 - $1,072,500

Coffee Shop

$114,400 - $500,500

Catering

$14,300 - $107,300

Landscaping

$7,200 - $71,500

Handyman

$2,900 - $14,300

Pool Cleaning

$2,900 - $21,500

Pest Control

$14,300 - $71,500

Carpet Cleaning

$7,200 - $35,800

Window Cleaning

$1,400 - $14,300

Junk Removal

$7,200 - $71,500

Moving Company

$14,300 - $143,000

HVAC

$28,600 - $143,000

Plumbing

$21,500 - $107,300

Electrician

$21,500 - $107,300

Auto Detailing

$7,200 - $214,500

Car Wash

$71,500 - $715,000

Pet Grooming

$7,200 - $107,300

Dog Walking

$700 - $7,200

Barber Shop

$35,800 - $214,500

Hair Salon

$71,500 - $357,500

Nail Salon

$57,200 - $286,000

Mobile Spa

$7,200 - $42,900

Bookkeeping

$2,900 - $21,500

Tax Preparation

$4,300 - $28,600

Notary Services

$700 - $7,200

Consulting

$1,400 - $28,600

Event Planning

$7,200 - $42,900

DJ Service

$4,300 - $35,800

Wedding Photography

$7,200 - $42,900

Web Design

$1,400 - $14,300

Graphic Design

$1,400 - $14,300

Social Media Management

$700 - $7,200

Personal Training

$2,900 - $71,500

Gym

$71,500 - $715,000

Tutoring

$700 - $7,200

Daycare

$71,500 - $715,000

Vending Machine

$4,300 - $42,900

Massage Therapy

$7,200 - $71,500

Yoga Studio

$21,500 - $143,000

Laundromat

$143,000 - $715,000

Florist

$14,300 - $71,500

Ice Cream Shop

$28,600 - $143,000

House Painting

$2,900 - $21,500

Tree Service

$14,300 - $71,500

Interior Design

$2,900 - $21,500

E-Commerce

$700 - $14,300

Pet Sitting

$700 - $4,300

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Business Requirements in Hawaii

1

Register Your Business

File with Hawaii Secretary of State. LLC fee: $50

2

Get Business License

Most cities require a general business license ($50-$300).

3

Get EIN

Free from IRS. Required for bank accounts and taxes.

4

Register for Sales Tax

State rate: 4%. Local taxes may apply.

5

Get Business Insurance

General liability protects from lawsuits. Often required by landlords.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to start a business in Hawaii?
Startup costs in Hawaii are 43% higher than the national average. LLC filing costs $50, plus business license ($50-$300). Total varies by business type.
Does Hawaii have income tax?
Hawaii has a state income tax rate of 1.4-11%.
What is the sales tax in Hawaii?
The state sales tax in Hawaii is 4%. Local taxes may apply.
How do I form an LLC in Hawaii?
File Articles of Organization with the Secretary of State (fee: $50). You'll also need an Operating Agreement and EIN from the IRS.

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