Starting a Business in Hawaii Cities
City-level guides to starting a business and getting a business license in 6 Hawaii cities.
New to this? Start with the Hawaii business formation guide, then come back for the specifics.
City Business Licenses
Hawaii County Tax Stack: 0.5% GET Surcharge in All Four Counties Through 2030, 3% County TAT, and FY2026-27 Property Tax by CountyWho issues it, what it costs, how to applyRead the guide →Honolulu Business License (Oahu): No General City License, $1,000 Short-Term Rental Registration, Home Occupation Rules and Liquor FeesWho issues it, what it costs, how to applyRead the guide →Maui County Business License: No License for Maui, Molokai or Lanai, 0.5% GET Surcharge from 2024, 3% TAT and the Bill 9 Vacation Rental Phase-OutWho issues it, what it costs, how to applyRead the guide →Hawaii County (Big Island) Business License: 0.5% GET Surcharge, $250 or $500 Vacation Rental Registration and $600 Restaurant Liquor LicenseWho issues it, what it costs, how to applyRead the guide →Kauai County Business License: 0.5% GET Surcharge, 3% TAT, $750 Vacation Rental Renewal Outside the VDA and $480 Restaurant Liquor LicenseWho issues it, what it costs, how to applyRead the guide →Honolulu County Licensed Trades: Peddler (Food Truck), Pawnbroker, Secondhand Dealer, Scrap Dealer and Firearms Dealer LicensesWho issues it, what it costs, how to applyRead the guide →