General excise tax (GET): Hawaiʻi's version of sales tax

Hawaiʻi has no sales tax; it has a general excise tax of 4% plus a 0.5% county surcharge, 4.5% in all four counties. Businesses may pass on up to 4.712% to customers, which is why receipts often show that number.

• State GET 4% plus 0.5% county surcharge: 4.5% on Oʻahu, Maui County, Kauaʻi and Hawaiʻi Island.
• Maximum pass-on to customers: 4.712% (the tax applies to income that already includes the passed-on tax).
• Maui County's surcharge started January 1, 2024; older guides may show 4% there.
• The county surcharges are scheduled to run through December 31, 2030.

Sources: Kintsugi: Hawaiʻi GET guide 2026 · Hawaiʻi Department of Taxation

Last checked Oct. 29, 2026. Hours, fees and rules can change, so confirm with the official source before you go.