Starting a Business in Hawaii: Licenses, Registrations & Checklist

Hawaii start-up checklist

Form your LLC or corporation with Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, Business Registration Division. Official page
A sole proprietor does not file a trade name (DBA) with the state.

Register for state taxes with Hawaii Department of Taxation. Official page
Business-level tax: Corporate income tax and General Excise Tax.
Sales tax: get a General Excise Tax (GET) license from Hawaii Department of Taxation before you sell taxable goods. Official page
Remote sellers must register once sales into the state pass $100,000 a year.
Local sales taxes are collected through the state return.
If you have employees, withhold Hawaii income tax from wages and register for withholding. Official page

Register for unemployment insurance with Hawaii Department of Labor and Industrial Relations. The 2026 taxable wage base is $64,500 per employee; experience-rated rates run from 0% to 5.6%. Official page
New employers start at 2.4%.
Workers' compensation through Hawaii DLIR Disability Compensation Division and private insurers. Required when: 1 employee
Temporary Disability Insurance (TDI) coverage (Hawaii DLIR Disability Compensation Division). Applies from 1 employee.
Post the required labor notices at your workplace. Official page

File Annual Return (LLCs): Last day of the quarter containing the registration anniversary; fee $15.
File Annual Return (corporations and nonprofits): Last day of the quarter containing the registration anniversary; fee $12.50.
State tax returns and payments (sales, withholding, unemployment) follow the schedule your agency assigns when you register.

Business filings and annual reports: Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, Business Registration Division. Official page
Taxes: Hawaii Department of Taxation. Official page
Unemployment insurance and labor rules: Hawaii Department of Labor and Industrial Relations. Official page
Workers' compensation: Hawaii DLIR Disability Compensation Division.
Contractor licensing: Hawaii Contractors License Board.
Real estate licensing: Hawaii Real Estate Commission.
Alcohol licensing: County liquor commission.
Child care licensing: Hawaii Department of Human Services.
Health facility licensing: Hawaii Department of Health.

County permits (County business/permit office): Hawaii has no general local business license; counties issue zoning, building and industry permits.
Cannabis: medical licensing only, regulated by Hawaii Department of Health, Office of Medical Cannabis Control and Regulation.

Checked against official sources on October 13, 2026. Rules change; confirm each item with its agency.

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