Estimate only — not tax advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See methodology and sources.
Hawaii Sales Tax
General excise tax
State rate
4.00%
Average combined (state + local)
4.45%
Category exemptions
| Category | Rule | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Groceries | Taxed (full rate) | Hawaii's General Excise Tax taxes most transactions including food |
| Clothing | Taxed (full rate) | GET applies to all retail |
| Prescription drugs | Exempt | Prescribed medications dispensed by a licensed pharmacist. |
Example: $100 purchase
- State sales tax only: $4.00
- Combined (state + average local): $4.45
- Total with combined tax: $104.45
Major cities in Hawaii
| City | Combined rate | vs state avg |
|---|---|---|
| Honolulu | 4.50% | +0.05% |
| Hilo | 4.50% | +0.05% |
| Kailua | 4.50% | +0.05% |
| Pearl City | 4.50% | +0.05% |
| Kaneohe | 4.50% | +0.05% |
Border shopping — vs neighboring states
For larger purchases, driving to a neighbor with lower combined rate can save real money.
| State | State rate | Avg combined | vs HI | Save on $1,000 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hawaii (current) | 4.00% | 4.45% | — | — |
| Oregon | 0.00% | 0.00% | -4.45% | $44.50 |
| California | 7.25% | 8.82% | +4.37% | — |
| Washington | 6.50% | 9.42% | +4.97% | — |
Common questions
- What is the sales tax rate in Hawaii?
- Hawaii levies a 4.00% state sales tax. With local taxes added, the statewide average combined rate is 4.45%. Actual rate at the register depends on your city and county.
- Does Hawaii tax groceries?
- Yes — Hawaii taxes groceries at the full combined rate. Hawaii's General Excise Tax taxes most transactions including food
- Does Hawaii have a sales tax holiday?
- Hawaii does not run an annual sales tax holiday. For tax-free shopping, consider neighboring states with holidays, or use online retailers based in no-sales-tax states (OR, MT, NH, DE) — though use tax may still apply on out-of-state purchases.
- Who collects sales tax in Hawaii?
- The Hawaii Department of Revenue collects state-level sales tax; counties and cities add local rates that are remitted through the same return. Out-of-state sellers shipping to Hawaii must collect if they exceed economic nexus thresholds (typically $100k in sales or 200 transactions).
Full data sources and formulas: /sources.
Estimate only — not tax advice. Local rates vary by city and county — your actual rate at the register may differ from the state average. Category-specific exemptions (groceries, prescription drugs, clothing) and tax holidays change by year; check the Hawaii DOR for current rules. All states →
Last reviewed: · Beforeview Editorial · editorial policy