Hair Salon Permit Requirements in Hilo, HI
Complete permit and license guide for starting a hair salon in Hilo, Hawaii County, Hawaii.
Not legal advice. Requirements may change — always verify with your local government authority before applying. This guide was compiled from public and official sources (last updated ) and has not yet been independently source-verified — confirm each requirement before acting on it.
Federal — start here
1 stopEIN (Employer Identification Number)
Required if you have employees or operate as an LLC or corporation. Free from the IRS.
Official government sourceFreeImmediate (online application)
Free
Immediate (online application)
State of Hawaii
2 stopsHawaii Board of Cosmetology — Individual Cosmetologist License
Each cosmetologist must hold a valid Hawaii Cosmetologist License. Requires 1,800 hours of cosmetology school and passing the state board exam.
Official government source$25 (initial)4–8 weeks
$25 (initial)
4–8 weeks
Hawaii Department of Taxation — General Excise Tax License
Hawaii does not have a traditional sales tax but requires all businesses to pay a General Excise Tax (GET) on gross income from business activities. The GET rate is 4% (4.5% in Honolulu). All businesses must register for a GET license with the Hawaii Department of Taxation.
Official government source$20 (one-time registration fee)2–4 weeks (by mail) or immediate (in-person)
$20 (one-time registration fee)
2–4 weeks (by mail) or immediate (in-person)
City of Hilo / Hawaii County
2 stopsHawaii Board of Cosmetology — Salon License
All cosmetology salons in Hawaii must be licensed by the Hawaii Board of Cosmetology. The salon must pass an inspection before the license is issued.
Official government source$30 (initial)3–6 weeks
$30 (initial)
3–6 weeks
County of Hawaii Finance Department — Business License
Hilo (Hawaii County) requires a County business registration and applicable permits. Contact the County Finance Department for business license requirements. This license must be renewed annually and displayed at your place of business.
Official government source$50–$500/year depending on business type and gross revenues1–3 weeks
$50–$500/year depending on business type and gross revenues
1–3 weeks
Terminus
Open for business — est. $300–$1,000 · 4–10 weeks to obtain all permits and licenses
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