Catering Business Permit Requirements in Honolulu, HI
Complete permit and license guide for starting a catering business in Honolulu, Honolulu 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 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)
Hawaii Department of Health — Food Safety Manager Certification
Hawaii requires at least one certified food safety manager per food establishment. Must pass an ANSI-accredited exam such as ServSafe.
Official government source$80–$1501–2 days
$80–$150
1–2 days
City of Honolulu / Honolulu County
2 stopsHonolulu County / Honolulu Catering / Food Service Establishment License
Catering businesses operating out of Honolulu must obtain a Food Service Establishment License from the local health department. This requires a licensed commercial kitchen (commissary) and an on-site inspection.
Official government source$200–$500/year2–6 weeks
$200–$500/year
2–6 weeks
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
$50–$500/year depending on business type and gross revenues
1–3 weeks
Terminus
Open for business — est. $500–$1,500 · 4–8 weeks
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Official Sources
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