Honolulu Sales Tax
Hawaii. Combined state + county + city. Category exemptions and how it compares to neighboring states.
Category exemptions in Hawaii
What gets taxed and what's exempt — these rules apply across the entire state of Hawaii, including Honolulu.
| 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. |
Sales tax on common amounts
| Purchase | Tax | Total |
|---|---|---|
| $10 | $0.45 | $10.45 |
| $50 | $2.25 | $52.25 |
| $100 | $4.50 | $104.50 |
| $250 | $11.25 | $261.25 |
| $500 | $22.50 | $522.50 |
| $1,000 | $45.00 | $1045.00 |
| $5,000 | $225.00 | $5225.00 |
| $10,000 | $450.00 | $10450.00 |
Border shopping — neighboring states
For larger purchases, driving to a neighboring state with lower sales tax can save real money. Top metro sales tax in each contiguous neighbor of Hawaii.
| State | Reference city | Rate | vs Honolulu | $1,000 savings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hawaii (current) | Honolulu | 4.50% | — | — |
| Oregon | Portland | 0.00% | -4.50% | $45.00 |
| California | San Diego | 7.75% | +3.25% | — |
| Washington | Vancouver | 8.40% | +3.90% | — |
Use tax (state where you live) may still apply on out-of-state purchases for items shipped or for registered goods like vehicles. For everyday retail walked across the border, savings are realized at point of sale.
Other cities in Hawaii
Common questions
- What is the total sales tax rate in Honolulu?
- Honolulu, Hawaii charges a combined sales tax of 4.50%. That's 4.00% state tax plus 0.50% local (county + city + special district) on top.
- Are groceries taxed in Honolulu?
- Yes — Hawaii taxes groceries at the full rate. Hawaii's General Excise Tax taxes most transactions including food
- Is clothing taxed in Honolulu?
- Yes — Hawaii taxes clothing at the full combined rate of 4.50%.
- How do I save on sales tax when shopping in Honolulu?
- Three levers: (1) shop online from a state with no sales tax, (2) buy exempt categories (prescription drugs), (3) drive across the border if a nearby state has a lower rate.
Full data sources and formulas: /sources.
Estimate only — not tax advice. Local sales tax rates change frequently and may include special district levies not modeled here. Verify with the retailer or local taxing authority for large purchases. Category exemption rules and tax holidays change by year — check the Hawaii Department of Revenue for current rules. Methodology → Hawaii state rate →
Last reviewed: · Beforeview Editorial · editorial policy