Cottage Food Laws in Hawaii (2026)
Complete guide to Hawaii's cottage food laws: No cap (unlimited) annual limit, no registration required, and online sales allowed.
Hawaii expanded its law significantly in August 2025 via HB 2144, adding acidified and fermented foods and allowing indirect/wholesale sales for non-TCS products. Food safety training options include a free DOH workshop or an ANSI-accredited online course (~$10-15, valid 3 years). Catering is not permitted.
Quick Facts for Hawaii
Annual Sales Limit
No cap (unlimited)
Registration/Permit
No permit, license, or registration required. Must complete food safety training before selling.
Kitchen Inspection
No inspection required
Food Handler Certification
Yes — food safety course required
Online Sales
Yes — online ordering allowed
Governing Agency
Legislation: HAR 11-50 (September 2017); expanded by HB 2144 (effective August 2025)
What You Can Sell in Hawaii
Allowed Products
- Breads and pastries
- Candy and confections
- Jams, jellies, and preserves
- Dried goods (herbs, spices, tea, coffee)
- Granola, popcorn, and snacks
- Fermented foods
- Acidified foods (vegetables/fruit, pH at or below 4.2)
- Honey
- Carbonated drinks
- Hand-pounded poi
Not Allowed
- Perishable baked goods requiring refrigeration
- Low-acid canned foods
- Meat jerkies
- Melons (for acidified/fermented preparations)
Where You Can Sell in Hawaii
Labeling Requirements in Hawaii
Every product you sell must include these on the label:
How to Start a Cottage Food Business in Hawaii
Verify your products are allowed
Hawaii allows specific non-potentially-hazardous foods. See the allowed products list above. If your product isn't listed, check with Hawaii Department of Health, Food Safety Branch.
Complete required food safety training
Hawaii requires a food handler certification or food safety course. These are typically available online for $10-$30.
No registration needed — just start
Hawaii does not require registration, permits, or licenses for cottage food operations. You can start selling immediately.
Set up proper labeling
Hawaii requires specific label elements on every product. See the labeling requirements section above for the exact list.
Start selling
Begin selling at approved venues in Hawaii. Track your sales to stay within the No cap (unlimited) annual limit.
Need more help?
Ask our AI assistant about Hawaii's specific cottage food requirements, labeling rules, and selling venues.
Chat with AI AssistantCottage food laws change frequently. This guide is for informational purposes only. Always verify current requirements with Hawaii's department of agriculture or health department before starting a cottage food business.