Hawaii Sales Tax Calculator 2026 — 4% Rate
Calculate Hawaii general excise tax (GET) on any purchase instantly. Hawaii has no sales tax as such: businesses pay a 4% GET plus a 0.5% county surcharge and normally pass it on, so 4.5% is the rate in every county. Enter your purchase amount to see the tax and the total — all calculated privately in your browser.
Hawaii Sales Tax Rate: State vs Combined
Hawaii levies a general excise tax (GET) on businesses instead of a retail sales tax, and businesses normally pass it on to the customer. The GET rate is 4%, and all four counties have adopted a 0.5% county surcharge, for a total of 4.5% (Hawaii Department of Taxation). The Tax Foundation's table of rates as of July 1, 2026 shows the same picture: 4% state, 0.5% local, 4.5% combined. A $100 purchase costs $104.00 at the GET rate alone and $104.50 with the surcharge.
What Is and Isn't Taxed in Hawaii
Hawaii does not exempt groceries: the general excise tax applies to food at the full rate. Clothing is taxed like other goods at 4% plus the 0.5% county surcharge. Prescription drugs are exempt from the general excise tax.
Hawaii Sales Tax Holidays
Hawaii has no sales tax holiday. The general excise tax applies year-round, including to groceries; prescription drugs are exempt.
How to Calculate Hawaii Sales Tax
To calculate the tax on a Hawaii purchase, multiply the price by 4.5% (4% GET + 0.5% county surcharge). Example: a $200 purchase × 4.5% = $9.00 in tax = $209.00 total. If your receipt shows a different rate, enter it in the optional field above.
Tips for Accurate Sales Tax Calculations
The 4.5% rate applies in every county, so there is no local rate to look up. Keep receipts that show the tax rate used; this helps verify correct tax was charged and supports any refund claims for exempt purchases. If you are making a business purchase, check whether your state offers a sales tax exemption certificate to avoid paying tax on resale items.
Last updated: October 2026. Sources: Tax Foundation, State and Local Sales Tax Rates, Midyear 2026 (rates as of July 1, 2026); Hawaii Department of Taxation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the sales tax rate in Hawaii?
Hawaii has no sales tax as such; it levies a general excise tax (GET) of 4% on businesses, which is normally passed on to customers. Every county adds a 0.5% surcharge, so the total is 4.5% (Hawaii Department of Taxation; Tax Foundation, July 2026).
Does Hawaii tax groceries?
Yes. Hawaii's general excise tax applies to groceries at the full rate — 4% plus the 0.5% county surcharge, 4.5% in total. Hawaii is one of the few states that does not exempt or reduce the rate on food.
Is clothing taxed in Hawaii?
Yes. Clothing is subject to Hawaii's general excise tax like other goods: 4% plus the 0.5% county surcharge, 4.5% in total.
What is the combined sales tax rate in Hawaii?
4.5% in every county: the 4% general excise tax plus the 0.5% county surcharge that all four counties have adopted. The Tax Foundation's table of rates as of July 1, 2026 lists the same 4.5% combined rate.
How do I calculate sales tax in Hawaii?
Multiply the purchase price by 0.045 (4% GET + 0.5% county surcharge). Example: $50 × 0.045 = $2.25 tax, total $52.25. For the GET alone: price × 0.04.