How Hawaii Sales Tax Works
Hawaii's state government imposes a 4.00% sales tax on most retail purchases. Counties, cities, and special districts can layer additional local sales tax on top — pushing combined rates to a population-weighted average of 4.50% statewide.
Hawaii's "sales tax" is technically a General Excise Tax (GET) that applies to nearly everything — services, rent, even doctor visits — making the effective tax base far broader than typical sales tax states.
Groceries in Hawaii
Hawaii taxes groceries at the full 4% General Excise Tax rate — there is no grocery exemption.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Hawaii sales tax rate for 2026?
Hawaii's state sales tax rate is 4.00% for 2026. When combined with the average local sales tax of 0.50%, most Hawaii residents pay a typical combined rate of 4.50%.
How much sales tax will I pay on a $100 purchase in Hawaii?
On a $100 purchase, expect approximately $4.00 in state sales tax, or about $4.50 including average local sales tax (combined 4.50%). Total cost: roughly $104.50.
Are groceries taxed in Hawaii?
Hawaii taxes groceries at the full 4% General Excise Tax rate — there is no grocery exemption.
Is sales tax calculated before or after discounts in Hawaii?
Hawaii follows the standard rule used by virtually all states: sales tax is calculated on the final discounted price, not the original price. If a $200 item is on sale for $150, you pay sales tax on $150. Manufacturer coupons can be treated differently in some states.
How is this Hawaii sales tax estimate calculated?
The calculator applies Hawaii's 4.00% state sales tax rate plus whatever local rate you enter (city + county + special districts). The default Local Rate is 0%; click a city in the table above to fill in its local portion, or look up your specific address with Hawaii's Department of Revenue tool.