CNBC 2025 · #49 of 50
Hawaii
Less favourableRank: #49 of 50
Year-over-year movement
Category breakdown
All 10 CNBC categories — score out of category max, rank among 50 states.
CNBC methodology — 10 categories, 2,500 points max
Founder Snapshot
Lite operational context for Hawaii — what to know before operating here. Sourced public facts, separate from CNBC scores.
Tax posture
Hawaii uses the General Excise Tax (GET) on gross receipts (not a traditional sales tax). Corporate income tax rates range up to 6.4%; personal income tax is progressive up to 11%.
Business registration
Register businesses through the Hawaii Business Registration Division.
Source: Hawaii Business Registration
Compliance calendar
Annual reports and business registrations renew through the Business Registration Division; GET returns are filed separately.
Multi-state heads-up
If you operate outside Hawaii or hire remotely — informational, not legal advice.
Remote sales & economic nexus
Remote sellers into Hawaii may have GET obligations once activity thresholds are met.
Remote employees & payroll
Employers with Hawaii workers must register for withholding and unemployment insurance.
Source: Hawaii DLIR — UI for Employers
Also applies across state lines
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If you are incorporated elsewhere but transact business here, you may need to foreign-qualify with the Secretary of State.
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Multi-state operations often trigger registration, withholding, or nexus rules — confirm with official state agencies.
Source: IRS — State government websites
Regulatory Pulse
Recent regulatory changes in Hawaii — sourced public updates for founders operating here.
Hawaii security breach notification
Businesses must notify Hawaii residents of unauthorized access to personal information.