# Hawaii business license

Source: https://joinopenfile.com/business-licenses/hawaii
Index: https://joinopenfile.com/llms.txt

Hawaii issues a General Excise Tax License through the Hawaii Department of Taxation. Your city or county may want its own license on top.

## Hawaii details

- Statewide license: Yes
- What it's called: General Excise Tax License
- Issued by: Hawaii Department of Taxation
- State fee (One-time fee paid at registration): $20
- Local licenses: Also check your city and county

[Official source](https://tax.hawaii.gov/geninfo/licensing/). Last checked November 2026. Fees are set by the state and confirmed again before we file.

[Find my licenses for me](https://joinopenfile.com/existing?service=licenses&state=HI)

$99, for any company.

## Questions

Do I need a business license in Hawaii?

Most businesses need the state's General Excise Tax License, and many cities and counties want their own as well.

Is an LLC the same as a business license?

No. Forming an LLC creates the company. A license is permission to operate, and you often need both.

What about a sales tax permit?

If you sell taxable goods or services, the state's tax agency issues that separately.