To start a Hawaii food truck business you need to set up your tax information and register with the state. Next, you can purchase your equipment, apply for state and local permits, and enroll in food truck insurance.
Once you’re ready to take your business on the road, you can participate in food truck events all over your island. Whether you’re serving up hamburgers in Honolulu or kebabs in Kailua, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to share your food in the Aloha State — thanks to the bustling tourism industry and year-round tropical climate.
Hawaii Food Truck Business Requirements
Every food truck owner needs to complete some important steps to make their business official:
- Sign up for your EIN: An employer identification number (EIN) is used to file business taxes. You can apply online with the IRS.
- Apply for a Hawaii Tax Identification Number (HI Tax ID): In addition to federal taxes, Hawaii businesses need to register with the state tax agency.
- Choose your business class: Your business classification depends on the size and type of business you operate. Most food trucks are sole proprietorships or limited liability companies (LLCs).
- Select a name: Aside from enticing customers to stop in, your business name is essential for licensing, registration, and banking purposes. Check the Hawaii business name database to ensure your name is available.
- Build a business plan: A business plan ensures that you have a clear path to success, plus state inspectors will need to review it as part of their evaluation.
- Get your Certificate of Insurance (COI): Food vendors often need to provide a COI to participate in events. This proves you have adequate liability coverage.
How to Get a Food Truck License in Hawaii
Hawaiian food trucks have several licensing requirements, from health permits to driver’s licenses.
- A license that permits you to conduct business in the state of Hawaii.
- Cost: $20
- Where to get it: Hawaii Business Express
- Shows that your food prep area complies with safety standards.
- Cost: $100–$400
- Where to get it: Hawaii Department of Health
- Specifically for mobile food establishments being built or purchased and not previously approved by the Department of Health.
- Cost: Depends on county
- Where to get it: Hawaii Department of Health
- Registration with the state for taxes on gross business income and use tax (aka, imports from unlicensed sellers).
- Cost: Free
- Where to get it: Department of Taxation
- This license accounts for tax withholdings from employees’ wages.
- Cost: Free
- Where to get it: Department of Taxation
- Allows you to sell alcoholic beverages from your food truck. Laws vary by local restrictions.
- Cost: $150–$1,200
- Where to get it: County Department of Liquor Control
- Anybody serving food must complete a ServSafe course and pass a food safety test.
- Cost: $15
- Where to get it: 360 Training Learn 2 Serve
- Required to drive your food truck around town.
- Cost: $20–$40
- Where to get it: Hawaii Department of Transportation
Hawaii Food Truck Laws
Just like any restaurant, Hawaiian food trucks must adhere to state, county, and city laws to remain compliant.
Support Kitchen
Also known as a commissary, a support kitchen serves as a base of operations for mobile food establishments. These facilities must have a Hawaii Food Establishment Permit to qualify as an approved support kitchen. The kitchen owner must sign your application for it to be valid.
The support kitchen serves as a base of operations for your food truck. These facilities are used for food storage and preparation, sanitation of equipment, and food truck maintenance.
Food truck operators must complete a Support Kitchen Use Agreement for each kitchen that will be used and submit it annually with the Food Establishment Permit application. A health and safety inspector will determine whether or not a commissary kitchen can adequately support your food truck operations.
Note: You cannot use a home or private kitchen as a support kitchen for a Hawaii food truck.
Equipment Requirements
Every food truck must have essential equipment to pass health inspection, including:
- Sinks: Every unit needs a dedicated handwashing sink, plus a three-compartment sink for washing and sanitizing utensils and cookware.
- Water tanks: Requirements vary depending on your menu, but (generally) you need a potable water tank with a minimum 5-gallon capacity and a wastewater tank that’s at least 15% larger.
- Food equipment: All equipment used for food preparation and serving must be attached to the mobile food unit and cannot be set up on the ground or outside.
- Refrigeration: Cold ingredients must be stored at or below 41º F and frozen foods at or below 0º F.
- Food warmers: Hot prepared food must be stored in a hot-holding unit at 135º F or higher.
- Pass-thru and openings: The state recommends that concession windows are no larger than 5 square feet and spaced at least 2 feet apart. Openings must be screened to prevent pests.
- Surfaces: All work surfaces and shelving should be non-absorbent, durable, and easily sanitized.
Food Truck Insurance in Hawaii
Working with the public comes with risks, so before you sign up for events, protect your business with Hawaii food truck insurance. Even with all of the required licenses, inspections, and equipment, accidents can still happen. The right coverage can save you big when things go wrong.
From slip-and-falls in front of your food truck to accidentally serving peanuts to a customer with a nut allergy, you can be held financially liable for business-related claims. Liability insurance protects you from having to pay out-of-pocket expenses like medical bills, repair costs, and legal fees.
Want to make sure you get the best value for your coverage? Learn more about the cost of food truck insurance with our comprehensive breakdown.
Hawaii Food Truck Business Costs
Operating a safe and compliant food truck business means investing in the right equipment for the job. You’ll need to purchase the following to get your business up and running:
- Food truck
- New: $30,000–$100,000
- Used: $50,000–$175,000
- Cooking equipment
- Grill/griddle: $500–$5,400
- Deep fryer: $500–$1,600
- Oven: $550–$6,000
- Refrigeration
- Refrigerator/freezer: $1,000–$3,000
- Prep table: $500–$5,000
- Safety and Sanitation
- Commercial sink: $100–$2,000
- Handwashing sink: $100–$500
- Fire suppression system: $2,000–$5,000
- Technology
- Point of Sale (POS) system: $500–$2,000
- Inventory software: $50–$500
In addition to licensing and equipment, food and supplies are also essential. Consider local food costs and create a solid menu pricing strategy to ensure you can turn a profit after all of your overhead expenses.
Food Truck Festivals in Hawaii
Participating in food truck festivals and fairs is one of the best ways to get exposure for your business and start earning profits. If you sign up for events outside of your town, make sure to research the local regulations and obtain any necessary permits to operate there.
Check out these popular Hawaiian food truck festivals to help you get started:
FAQs About Food Truck Regulations in Hawaii
Can a Food Truck Sell Alcohol in Hawaii?
Hawaii food trucks can’t get permanent liquor licenses, but they can sell alcohol on a short-term basis for special events. You can apply for a temporary permit through your local agency; the cost will range between $150–$1,200.
Are There Specific Zoning Regulations for Food Trucks in Hawaii?
Yes, there are zoning rules for where you can park and operate your food truck in Hawaii, including specific laws from counties and cities. While regulations vary, restricted areas often include:
- Public parks or beaches (without a permit)
- Public streets
- School zones
- Malls
What Are the Fire Safety Requirements for Food Trucks in Hawaii?
- Permanently installed fire suppression system
- Fire extinguishers
- Proper ventilation
- Frequent safety inspections
- Clean and well-maintained grease traps
- Employee training
Resources for Food Trucks in Hawaii
Lindsey Fliger
Ohio-based copywriter Lindsey Fliger leverages her experience as a lifelong foodie, dedicated home chef, and very decent baker. She holds a bachelor’s in English from Kent State University and a master’s in English Literature from The University of Akron. Before Veracity, she wrote about everything from kitchen tools to decadent wines at Zulily.
Ohio-based copywriter Lindsey Fliger leverages her experience as a lifelong foodie, dedicated home chef, and very decent baker. She holds a bachelor’s in English from Kent State University and a master’s in English Literature from The University of Akron. Before Veracity, she wrote about everything from kitchen tools to decadent wines at Zulily.
JoAnne understands that starting and operating a business takes a tremendous amount of time, dedication, and financial resources. She believes that insurance is the single best way to protect your investment, business, and personal assets.
