Hawaii Sales Tax Calculator 2026
Hawaii does not impose a traditional retail sales tax. Instead, it applies the General Excise Tax (GET) to business gross income, which is commonly passed on to consumers at the retail level. This calculator provides a simplified estimate based on the General Excise Tax structure in Hawaii, focusing on the statewide retail rate and the county surcharge where applicable.
Estimates are shown for the 2026 tax year. In cases where official figures have not yet been finalized, calculations are based on the most recently available data and may be updated when final guidance is published.
Enter the purchase price before sales tax.
Estimated sales tax
Shows an estimated sales tax amount based on the configured rates.
Hawaii Sales Tax Calculator 2026 – how it works
Hawaii’s transaction-level tax amount is commonly discussed in terms of the General Excise Tax (GET) that businesses may pass through to customers on retail transactions. For retail transactions, the general excise tax rate is 4.00%. In addition, a county surcharge on the general excise tax may apply, up to a maximum of 0.50%. When both apply, the combined effect is the retail GET rate plus the applicable county surcharge, calculated on the transaction amount as a flat-rate percentage approach rather than a tiered structure. Official guidance is maintained by the Hawaii Department of Taxation (https://tax.hawaii.gov/).
Examples
Example calculations below illustrate simplified estimates using the retail general excise tax rate of 4.00% and, where applicable, the county surcharge maximum of 0.50%. These examples are presented as rate illustrations only and do not address transaction-specific taxability or business reporting treatment. - Retail GET only: A transaction amount multiplied by 4.00%. - Retail GET plus county surcharge (maximum): A transaction amount multiplied by 4.00%, plus the same transaction amount multiplied by 0.50%. In practice, the amount shown to consumers can reflect the GET passed through at the retail level, and the county surcharge component may be included when applicable.
Limitations and important notes
Results are simplified estimates and may not match the amount ultimately reported or collected for a specific transaction. Hawaii’s General Excise Tax (GET) is imposed on business gross income, and the amount passed on to consumers can vary by business practice and transaction context. The county surcharge is described here only up to the maximum of 0.50%, and applicability can differ by county. This content does not address exemptions, deductions, or special classifications, and it does not determine whether a particular transaction is subject to GET or a surcharge. For authoritative interpretation and current administrative rules, consult official guidance.
FAQs about Hawaii Sales Tax Calculator 2026
Is Hawaii’s “sales tax” actually a retail sales tax?
Hawaii does not impose a traditional retail sales tax. Instead, Hawaii applies the General Excise Tax (GET), which is a tax on business gross income. At the retail level, businesses commonly pass the GET through to consumers, so it can appear similar to a sales tax on a receipt. Because the legal incidence is on the business rather than the consumer, the way the tax is presented on invoices can differ across sellers.
What rates are reflected for retail transactions in Hawaii?
For retail transactions, the statewide General Excise Tax (GET) rate is 4.00%. In addition, a county surcharge on the general excise tax may apply, and the maximum county surcharge rate is 0.50%. When a surcharge applies, it is an additional flat-rate component alongside the statewide retail GET rate. The combined amount shown for a transaction can therefore reflect both the 4.00% retail GET and an added county surcharge component up to 0.50%, depending on county applicability.
How does the county surcharge relate to the statewide GET rate?
The county surcharge is an additional component that can apply on top of the statewide General Excise Tax (GET) rate for retail transactions. The statewide retail GET rate is 4.00%, and the county surcharge on the general excise tax has a maximum of 0.50%. If applicable, the surcharge is calculated as a flat-rate percentage on the transaction amount, separate from the statewide component.
Why might the amount on a receipt differ from a simplified estimate?
A simplified estimate focuses on the retail General Excise Tax (GET) rate of 4.00% and, where applicable, a county surcharge up to a maximum of 0.50%. However, the GET is imposed on business gross income, and businesses may present or pass through the tax differently. In addition, county surcharge applicability can vary by county, and a simplified estimate may not reflect the specific county treatment for a given transaction.
Does this calculation reflect a flat-rate approach or a tiered structure?
The rates described here are applied as flat-rate percentages for retail transactions. The statewide General Excise Tax (GET) retail rate is 4.00%, and the county surcharge on the general excise tax may apply up to a maximum of 0.50%. A flat-rate approach means the tax amount is computed by applying the relevant percentage rate to the transaction amount, without brackets, tiers, or progressive structures.
Related Sales tax calculators
Related calculators in Hawaii
Calculations are simplified and for guidance only. Always double-check results and current rules with official sources or a qualified professional before making financial decisions.