HAWAII CAR SALES TAX · 2026
Hawaii car sales tax calculator
Hawaii has no separate tax on cars; a dealer's sale carries the 4% general excise tax plus the 0.5% county surcharge, which the dealer may pass on to you. On a $35,000 car with a $10,000 trade-in, bought from a dealer, the tax is $1,125.00.
Tax on this purchase
- Tax due
- $1,125.00
- General excise tax
- $1,000.00
- County surcharge
- $125.00
- Taxed amount
- $25,000.00
- Trade-in subtracted
- $10,000.00
Hawaii car sales tax by price
A new car from a dealer.
| Price | No trade-in | $10,000 trade-in |
|---|---|---|
| $20,000 | $900.00 | $450.00 |
| $35,000 | $1,575.00 | $1,125.00 |
| $50,000 | $2,250.00 | $1,800.00 |
| $75,000 | $3,375.00 | $2,925.00 |
Hawaii car sales tax questions
How much is car sales tax in Hawaii?
Hawaii has no separate tax on cars; a dealer's sale carries the 4% general excise tax plus the 0.5% county surcharge, which the dealer may pass on to you. On a $35,000 car with a $10,000 trade-in, bought from a dealer, the tax is $1,125.00.
Does a trade-in lower Hawaii's car sales tax?
Yes. Hawaii taxes the price less the trade-in. A $10,000 trade-in on a $35,000 car from a dealer saves $450.00.
Is a private car sale taxed in Hawaii?
No. Hawaii does not tax a car bought from a private seller.
Is there local tax on a car in Hawaii?
Yes. Every county adds a 0.5% surcharge, effective through 2030.
What the calculator leaves out
- This site has not confirmed whether Hawaii taxes a manufacturer rebate, so the calculator taxes the price before it.
- The excise tax is on the dealer, who may pass it on to you, at most 4.712% of the price.
Title, registration and plate fees, dealer fees, and any yearly tax on owning the vehicle are not included.