Landscaping Business Permit Requirements in Hilo, HI

Complete permit and license guide for starting a landscaping business in Hilo, Hawaii County, Hawaii.

Updated 2026-03-15 5 stops $200–$700 est. 2–6 weeks to obtain all licenses
Get my personalized route — $14.99

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 stop

  1. EIN (Employer Identification Number)

    Required if you have employees or operate as an LLC or corporation. Free from the IRS.

    Official government source

    FreeImmediate (online application)

State of Hawaii

2 stops

  1. 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)

  2. Hawaii Pesticide Applicator License

    If you apply pesticides or herbicides as part of landscaping services in Hawaii, you must hold a Commercial Pesticide Applicator License from the state department of agriculture.

    Official government source

    $50–$200 (exam and license)2–4 weeks

City of Hilo / Hawaii County

2 stops

  1. 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

  2. Hawaii County / Hilo Contractor Registration

    Landscaping contractors may need to register with Hawaii County or the City of Hilo. Some jurisdictions require a separate contractor's registration for landscaping and irrigation work.

    Official government source

    $50–$2001–3 weeks

Terminus

Open for business — est. $200–$700 · 2–6 weeks to obtain all licenses

Want this mapped to your exact business and structure, in filing order?

Get my personalized route — $14.99

Official Sources

Related Guides