Barber Shop Permit Requirements in Honolulu, HI

Complete permit and license guide for starting a barber shop in Honolulu, Honolulu County, Hawaii.

Updated 2026-03-15 5 stops $200–$800 est. 4–10 weeks to obtain all permits and licenses
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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. State Barber License (per barber)

    Each barber must hold a valid Hawaii Barber License. Requires 1,500 hours (or equivalent) of barber school and passing the state barber board exam.

    Official government source

    $40–$100 (initial)4–8 weeks

  2. 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)

City of Honolulu / Honolulu County

2 stops

  1. Hawaii Board of Barber — Salon License

    Barber shops in Hawaii must be licensed by the state cosmetology/barber board. The shop must pass an inspection before the license is issued. Annual or biennial renewal required.

    Official government source

    $30 (initial)3–6 weeks

  2. City and County of Honolulu Department of Budget and Fiscal Services — Business License

    Honolulu requires a City business registration and applicable permits from the Department of Planning and Permitting in addition to the state GET license. This license must be renewed annually and displayed at your place of business.

    $50–$500/year depending on business type and gross revenues1–3 weeks

Terminus

Open for business — est. $200–$800 · 4–10 weeks to obtain all permits and licenses

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Official Sources

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