Hawaii car tax
Hawaii charges a yearly state vehicle weight tax and a county weight tax, both based on the car's weight, not its value. They are paid with registration to the county. A car purchase is subject to the 4% general excise tax plus any county surcharge.
State weight tax (HRS 249-33): 1.75¢/lb up to 4,000 lb, 2¢/lb for 4,001–7,000 lb, 2.25¢/lb for 7,001–10,000 lb, and $300 flat above that. Each county adds its own weight tax per pound plus fees ($46 state registration, county fee, $7 beautification). The tax is based on weight, not value, so no value calculator applies.
Buying a car in Hawaii: one-time tax
Hawaii general excise tax (GET) — 4%, plus local sales tax where you live. Trade-ins don't reduce the tax.
GET is charged to the seller and usually passed on. A county surcharge of 0.5% applies on Oahu, Kauai, and Hawaii Island.
Registration and due dates
$46 state registration plus state and county weight taxes and county fees. A 3,300 lb car in Honolulu pays about $360 a year in total.
Paid every year with registration renewal, by the expiration date.
Cut what your car costs in Hawaii
Car tax is set by your town, but your loan and insurance aren't. Refinancing a car loan at a lower rate often saves more each year than the tax itself.
Questions
Does Hawaii have a car property tax?
No, but the yearly state and county weight taxes work much like one.
Is there sales tax on cars in Hawaii?
Hawaii charges a 4% general excise tax (4.5% on Oahu, Kauai, and the Big Island), usually passed on to the buyer.
Can I deduct Hawaii car taxes on my federal return?
Generally no. Hawaii has no yearly value-based car tax, and flat registration fees cannot be deducted as personal property tax. Sales tax on the purchase can be deducted instead of income tax if you itemize.
Sources
Last checked October 14, 2026. Rates are for passenger cars owned by individuals; leased, business and specialty vehicles can differ. Confirm with your tax collector or commissioner of the revenue.