Income Tax for Hawaii (2026)

How This Calculator Works in Hawaii

This calculator applies Hawaii's 2026 tax brackets and rates to estimate your state income tax liability. Enter your income and filing status to see your marginal rate, effective rate, and estimated tax owed.

Hawaii Overview

Hawaii levies a progressive income tax with 12 brackets and a top rate of 11% — the second highest in the nation. The state's general excise tax (GET) of 4%-4.5% functions like a sales tax but is unusually broad, applying to services, rent, and transactions typically exempt elsewhere. Hawaii's high income tax rates combined with the GET and an extremely high cost of living make it one of the most heavily taxed states for residents.

How Hawaii Compares

Hawaii's top income tax rate of 11% compares to California at 13.3% and Alaska at 0%. The rate differences can meaningfully impact take-home pay for workers near state borders.

Hawaii's income tax rate of 11% compares to a national average of approximately 5.04%. This is above the national average.

Tips for Hawaii Residents

• 1Hawaii's top income tax rate of 11% is the second highest in the nation (behind California's 13.3%), and the state has 12 brackets — tied for the most of any state.
• 2The high number of brackets means the tax is very finely graduated, with rates starting at 1.4% and increasing in small increments up to 11%.
• 3Hawaii does not tax Social Security benefits or qualified pension/retirement income distributions from an employer plan.
• 4The state has a general excise tax (GET) of 4% (4.5% in Honolulu County) that functions like a sales tax but is technically levied on businesses — it applies to nearly all goods and services, including some that are typically exempt in other states.
• 5Hawaii's high cost of living combined with high income taxes means effective tax planning is especially important for residents.

Frequently Asked Questions