Hawaii sales tax is unlike anything you will find in the other 49 states. Hawaii does not actually charge a traditional sales tax. Instead, the state levies a General Excise Tax (GET) on businesses. However, most businesses pass this cost directly to shoppers at the register. As a result, you will see a tax line on nearly every receipt. The effective rate you pay in 2026 ranges from 4.0% to 4.712%. Understanding how Hawaii sales tax applies to your purchases helps you budget and avoid surprises at checkout.
Hawaii Sales Tax Rate: The Basics
Hawaii’s base General Excise Tax rate is 4.0% statewide. All four counties add a 0.5% surcharge. This brings the combined statutory rate to 4.5% across the entire state. However, the amount shoppers see on a receipt can be slightly higher. Businesses may pass on up to 4.712% to fully recover their tax cost. This tax-on-tax effect is unique to Hawaii’s system. The combined rate remains well below the national average of approximately 5.5%.
For comparison, Louisiana charges a combined 10.11% and Tennessee charges 9.61%. Specifically, Hawaii ranks among the lowest combined rates in the country. Here is a quick breakdown of the rates that matter to shoppers.
| Rate Type | Percentage |
|---|---|
| State GET Rate | 4.00% |
| County Surcharge (All 4 Counties) | 0.50% |
| Combined Statutory Rate | 4.50% |
| Max Consumer Pass-On Rate | 4.712% |
| National Average Combined Rate | ~5.50% |
What Hawaii Does and Does Not Tax
Hawaii’s GET has one of the broadest tax bases in the country. Unlike many states, Hawaii taxes groceries at the full rate. Clothing and footwear are also fully taxed. In addition, over-the-counter medications like Tylenol and Advil are subject to the full Hawaii sales tax rate. This means everyday essentials cost more here than in states with exemptions for food or clothing.
However, a few categories are exempt. Prescription medications are not taxed under the GET. Certain medical services also qualify for exemptions. For example, prosthetic devices are exempt. Hawaii’s legislature has proposed phasing out taxes on groceries and non-prescription medicine by 2034. However, no changes have taken effect as of 2026. Shoppers should plan to pay the full rate on most purchases.
| Category | Taxed? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Groceries | Yes | Full 4.5% rate applies |
| Clothing & Footwear | Yes | No exemptions or reduced rates |
| Non-Prescription Medicine | Yes | OTC drugs like Tylenol fully taxed |
| Prescription Medicine | No | Exempt from GET |
| Prepared Food & Restaurants | Yes | Full rate on dine-in and takeout |
| Electronics & Appliances | Yes | Full rate applies |
| Services (Haircuts, Repairs) | Yes | GET applies to most services |
| Prosthetic Devices | No | Exempt from GET |
Hawaii Sales Tax by City and County
Hawaii has only four counties. All four currently impose the same 0.5% surcharge on top of the 4.0% state rate. As a result, the Hawaii sales tax rate is a uniform 4.5% no matter where you shop in the state. This surcharge is authorized through December 31, 2030. Unlike mainland states where rates vary wildly by city, Hawaii keeps things simple for shoppers.
For shoppers, this means there is no advantage to driving to a different town. The rate is the same in downtown Honolulu as it is in rural Hilo. Here are the combined rates for major locations across the islands.
| Location | County | Island | Combined Rate | Max Pass-On Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Honolulu | Honolulu | Oahu | 4.50% | 4.712% |
| Pearl City | Honolulu | Oahu | 4.50% | 4.712% |
| Kailua | Honolulu | Oahu | 4.50% | 4.712% |
| Hilo | Hawaii | Big Island | 4.50% | 4.712% |
| Kailua-Kona | Hawaii | Big Island | 4.50% | 4.712% |
| Kahului | Maui | Maui | 4.50% | 4.712% |
| Lahaina | Maui | Maui | 4.50% | 4.712% |
| Lihue | Kauai | Kauai | 4.50% | 4.712% |
Hawaii Sales Tax Holidays
Hawaii does not offer any sales tax holidays. There are no back-to-school tax-free weekends. There are no hurricane preparedness events. There are no energy-efficient appliance holidays. This applies to all in-store and online purchases throughout 2026.
Specifically, Hawaii has never established a GET holiday program. Many mainland states offer annual tax-free weekends. For example, Texas, Florida, and Ohio all hold back-to-school holidays each summer. However, Hawaii shoppers do not have this option. To offset the tax you pay on every purchase, focus on stacking coupons, cashback, and sales for maximum savings instead.
Online Shopping and Hawaii Sales Tax
Hawaii uses destination-based tax rules for online purchases. The tax rate is based on your shipping address. If you live on Oahu, you pay the Honolulu County rate. If you are on Maui, you pay the Maui County rate. Since all counties share the same 4.5% combined rate, your location does not change what you owe in 2026.
Major online retailers collect Hawaii sales tax automatically. Amazon, Walmart, Target, and eBay all act as marketplace facilitators under state law. They collect and remit the GET on your behalf. In addition, smaller online sellers with over $100,000 in annual Hawaii sales must also collect the tax. For more ways to save when ordering online, check out our complete guide to saving money shopping online.
Smart Shopping Tips for Hawaii
Even though Hawaii sales tax applies to nearly everything, smart strategies can help you keep more money. Here are practical tips for Hawaii shoppers.
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1. Prioritize prescription alternatives. Prescription medications are exempt from the GET. If your doctor can prescribe a version of an over-the-counter product, the prescription saves you 4.5% in tax. This adds up quickly for medications you take regularly. Ask your pharmacist about prescription equivalents.
2. Time your big purchases around sales events. Hawaii has no tax holidays to wait for. However, retailers still run major promotions throughout the year. Check our month-by-month calendar for the best time to buy everything. A 30% off sale saves far more than any tax break would.
3. Use cashback apps on every purchase. Cashback apps like Ibotta, Rakuten, and Capital One Shopping can return 1% to 10% on purchases. That often exceeds the Hawaii sales tax you pay at the register. Browse our cashback app reviews to find the best option for your shopping habits.
4. Shop military exchanges if eligible. Active-duty military, veterans, and their families can shop at exchange stores tax-free. Hawaii has several military installations with exchange facilities. This eliminates the GET entirely on qualifying purchases.
5. Accept that cross-border shopping is not an option. On the mainland, shoppers near Oregon or Montana can drive to a no-sales-tax state. Hawaii’s island geography makes this impossible. Instead, maximize savings through coupons, cashback, and smart timing. Explore all of our shopping guides for strategies that work in Hawaii.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the sales tax rate in Hawaii?
The Hawaii sales tax rate is 4.0% at the state level. All four counties add a 0.5% surcharge. The combined rate is 4.5% statewide. However, businesses may pass on up to 4.712% to consumers. This higher amount covers the tax-on-tax calculation unique to Hawaii’s General Excise Tax system.
Are groceries taxed in Hawaii?
Yes. Hawaii taxes groceries at the full combined rate of 4.5%. This includes all food purchased at grocery stores and supermarkets. There is no reduced rate or exemption for food items. Legislation to phase out the grocery tax has been proposed but has not yet passed as of 2026.
Does Hawaii have a sales tax holiday?
No. Hawaii does not offer any sales tax holidays or tax-free shopping weekends. Shoppers looking to save should time purchases around retailer sales events. Using cashback tools can also help offset the Hawaii sales tax you pay year-round.
Start Saving on Every Purchase
Now that you know your state’s sales tax rates, use that knowledge to time your purchases and stack savings. Combine tax-free shopping periods with cashback apps and coupon codes to keep more money in your pocket.
Official Sources
- Tax Foundation — state and local sales tax data
- IRS.gov — federal tax information
- FTC Consumer Information — shopping rights and protections
Rates current as of May 2026. Sales tax rates change periodically. Always verify current rates with your state’s revenue department.