The Watase Blog

Thoughts, stories and ideas.

Field notes on the money questions every trade business owner has — profit, cash, job costing, and building something worth keeping.

Hawaii GET Tax

Hawaii General Excise Tax Exemptions: A Small Business Owner's Complete Guide

Most Hawaii businesses assume they qualify for a GET exemption. Most don't — at least not the way they think. Hawaii has nearly 60 general excise tax exemptions, and the state found $196.5M in improperly claimed ones in 2021. Here's how to get it right.

Apr 8, 2026 · 15 min read

Hawaii GET Tax

Hawaii General Excise Tax for Small Business: The 2026 Guide

Hawaii's GET isn't a sales tax — it's a tax on every dollar your business earns, before expenses. Most owners get this wrong and lose margin every month. Here's how GET actually works, what rate you pay, and how to stay compliant.

Apr 7, 2026 · 19 min read