Is there sales tax on groceries in Hawaii?
Quick answer
Yes. Hawaii taxes groceries at the full 4% state rate plus any local rate.
Hawaii's general excise tax applies to nearly everything, including groceries. A refundable food/excise tax credit offsets it for lower-income residents.
Rule summary
How Hawaii treats each category.
| Grocery food (home consumption) | Taxable at the full rate |
|---|---|
| Prepared and restaurant food | Taxable at the full combined rate (4.5%) |
| Candy and soft drinks | Usually taxable even where groceries are exempt |
| Prescription medicine | Exempt |
Source: Hawaii Department of Taxation · rates as published for 2026
This page summarizes the general rule. Every state writes exceptions for specific products, and local jurisdictions can differ from the state treatment. Confirm your situation with the Hawaii Department of Taxation or a tax professional before relying on it for filing.
Combined rates in Hawaii
What a taxable purchase actually costs in Hawaii.
Frequently asked
Answers pulled from the same rule set.
- Is there sales tax on groceries in Hawaii?
- Yes. Hawaii taxes groceries at the full 4% state rate plus any local rate.
- Is prepared food taxed differently than groceries in Hawaii?
- Yes. Hawaii treats hot, ready-to-eat and restaurant food as a taxable retail sale even where unprepared grocery food is exempt or reduced.
- Are prescription drugs taxable in Hawaii?
- No. Prescription medicine is exempt from sales tax in Hawaii.
More Hawaii guides
Other Hawaii rules that change the total.