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Why Start a Cleaning Business in Hawaii?
Dreaming of paradise? Hawaii is more than just sun, sand, and surf — it’s also a fantastic place to start a cleaning business! With its thriving tourism industry and ever-growing population, the demand for cleaning services is on the rise in the Aloha State.
This article will provide all the essential information you need to know on how to start a home cleaning company in the state of Hawaii, including necessary permits, training for staff, equipment needed, insurance requirements, and more. Let’s get started!
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A quick note:
The contents of this article are meant to help you grow your cleaning business, but should not be taken as legal advice. Always consult with an attorney and/or accountant to help make legal and financial decisions. If you need help finding a professional in your area, see what other cleaning business owners recommend in our ZenMaid Mastermind.
We suggest reading these articles first if you haven’t already:
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Do I Need a Cleaning License in Hawaii?
No general cleaning license is required in Hawaii. That said, depending on the particular services you offer and the city or county where you operate, you may need to obtain a business license, which is issued by the city or county where your business is located. To learn more about cleaning codes and cleaning certifications, save this post to read next.
File/Register Your Business with Hawaii
The state of Hawaii requires that all businesses register with the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs.
An LLC must file Articles of Organization with the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs for $50, and a general excise tax license is also required for $25. Incorporating a business involves filing Articles of Incorporation for $50 and obtaining a general excise tax license for $25.
For a full list of instructions and costs to expect, please visit Hawaii’s Business Express.
Business license requirements in Hawaii
Hawaii does require a state-wide business license for general house cleaning businesses. But as things often change, check with the state’s licensing needs when registering a new business.
Be sure to also check with your county, city, or local municipality. Requirements can vary and some may need a general business tax, licensing, or other filing requirements for business.
Call your local municipality office and inquire if this is required.
Get business insurance
For a breakdown of why you need insurance, the different kinds of insurance to consider, plus the difference between insurance and bonding, read this guide first.
It is recommended to have business insurance when starting a cleaning business in Hawaii. Business insurance can help protect your business and personal assets in the event of a lawsuit or other legal claim. Common types of business insurance to look into for cleaning businesses include general liability insurance, worker’s compensation insurance, and commercial property insurance. To compare top business insurance companies in Hawaii, check out WalletHub’s best of 2024 list for Hawaii.
