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Starting a Small Business in Hawaii

Welcome to the Small Business Startup Hawaii Franchise Directory! Here, you’ll find everything you need to begin your journey to business ownership in The Aloha State. If you’re considering starting a small business in Hawaii, read on for an overview of the state economy. Afterward, explore business opportunities and franchises for sale with our Hawaii Franchise Search Tool.

Hawaii Industry Trends

If an industry is performing well, business opportunities within it are often worth exploring. Begin your market research with this list of the Hawaii economy’s most prominent industries in 2022. Afterward, take your research one step further by investigating niche markets and B2B opportunities within one of these top revenue-generating industries.

Tourism (Revenue: $218.7 billion)
Hotels & Motels (Revenue: $11.1 billion)
Public Schools (Revenue: $9.2 billion)
Health & Medical Insurance (Revenue: $5.5 billion)
Hospitals (Revenue: $5.2 billion)
New Car Dealers (Revenue: $4.7 billion)
Commercial Banking (Revenue: $4.7 billion)
Supermarkets & Grocery Stores (Revenue: $4.2 billion)
Warehouse Clubs & Supercenters (Revenue: $3.5 billion)
Specialist Doctors (Revenue: $33 billion)

Hawaii Sector Statistics

When starting a small business in Hawaii, gross domestic product (GDP) is another tool entrepreneurs can use to make investment decisions. Generally, a steadily rising GDP means that people are spending more money and creating more jobs.

The three sectors that contributed most to Hawaii’s GDP in 2022 were Real Estate, Rentals & Leasing; Healthcare & Social Assistance; and Retail Trade. Combined, these three sectors represented 42.8% of the state’s GDP. In 2022, the sectors that contributed most to Hawaii’s GDP included:

Real Estate & Rental and Leasing (Value: $12.9 billion* | Annual growth: -0.7%)
Healthcare & Social Assistance (Value: $6.2 billion* | Annual growth: 2.4%)
Retail Trade (Value: $5.2 billion* | Annual growth: -2.3%)
Accommodation & Food Services (Value: $4.4 billion* | Annual growth: -28.1%)
Construction (Value: $3.9 billion* | Annual growth: -0.6%)
Professional, Scientific & Technical Services (Value: $3.7 billion* | Annual growth: 2.7%)
Finance & Insurance (Value: $3.2 billion* | Annual growth: 6.4%)
Information (Value: $2.7 billion* | Annual growth: 8.7%)
Wholesale Trade (Value: $2.4 billion* | Annual growth: -0.7%)
Administration, Business Support & Waste Management Services (Value: $2.3 billion* | Annual growth: -0.2%)
Transportation & Warehousing (Value: $2.2 billion* | Annual growth: -11.2%)
Manufacturing (Value: $1.5 billion* | Annual growth: -2.0%)
Other Services (except Public Administration) (Value: $1.4 billion* | Annual growth: -3.9%)
Utilities (Value: $1.4 billion* | Annual growth: -3.8%)
Management of Companies and Enterprises (Value: $1.2 billion* | Annual growth: -0.3%)

*Approximately

Hawaii Population Statistics

A growing population often means greater demand and a steady flow of new customers. If you are undecided about the location of your new business, start by investigating population statistics. Afterward, take your research a step further by exploring population demographics. Doing so lets you decide whether a location is a good match for your target market.

In 2022, counties with the highest populations in Hawaii included:

Honolulu (Population: 948,600 | Annual growth rate*: -0.8%)
Hawaii (Population: 205,400 | Annual growth rate*: 0.5%)
Kauai (Population: 71,700 | Annual growth rate*: -0.1%)

*From 2017 to 2022.

Hawaii Business Opportunities

We hope this snapshot of the Hawaii economy helps as you investigate business opportunities in The Aloha State! Starting a small business in Hawaii is an exciting journey, and we know you’re probably eager to start. But remember, take your time to explore all your options. While you’ll always have the “opportunity” to start your own business, sometimes, it makes more sense to invest in an opportunity that already exists. These are called “Franchise Opportunities,” and they offer several benefits, including the recognition of a well-established brand and a proven track record of success.

To learn more, start by exploring franchise opportunities in Hawaii below!

Explore Opportunities and Insights

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PostalAnnex

Today's busy lifestyles demand the services PostalAnnex offers. Capitalize on this demand and open your own business After retiring from the printing business PostalAnnex founder Jack Lentz began working out of his home as a business consultant. He soon realized the need for mailing faxing copying shipping and other services to belong under one roof. As a result he created the first PostalAnnex store business franchise located next door to a post office in the University City neighborhood of San Diego CA. Our franchises serve a growing customer base of small and home-based businesses that lacks the resources our stores offer. Today's hectic lifestyle requires a one-stop service center for businesses that don't have an administrative assistant to take care of those daily errands. Saving our consumers time is what keeps them coming back. By being a local neighborhood business

$70,000 Min Cash Required

Dickey's Barbecue Pit

Join the Largest Barbecue Franchise in America Dickey's Barbecue Pit is a true American success story serving legit Texas barbecue across the world. In 1941, Travis Dickey opened the first location in Dallas, Texas. Soon enough, our barbecue was everyone's favorite and the brand built a loyal following within the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. By 1994, Dickey's expanded nationwide with its first franchise locations. Today, we have evolved into a global brand with more than 500 stores.

$100,000 Min Cash Required

Blue Coast Savings Consultants

Blue Coast Savings Consultants is a leading consultancy in cost savings and expense reduction. For over 30 years, our advisors have helped businesses enhance their profits and achieve greater financial flexibility by cutting unnecessary costs. If we dont deliver savings, theres simply no fee.

$70,000 Min Cash Required

Automated Investments

Automated Investments is the pillar of e-Commerce automation. Automated Investments build and operate profitable and hands off Amazon FBA (Fulfilled-By-Amazon) businesses for their clients and investors. While the clients and investors act as the capital partners, Automated Investments works tirelessly behind the scenes as the operation partners providing 20-50 monthly ROI. Automated Investments handles the Amazon store creation, product research, product purchasing, Amazon FBA product prep, shipping the inventory to your Amazon FBA store, full complete custom support and ongoing management. We lift our fingers so you dont have to.

$100,000 Min Cash Required

Batteries Plus

Over 30 years of consistent growth. Ongoing support. Multiple revenue streams. Whether youre looking into owning your very first store, or youre interested in adding to your existing franchise portfolio, Batteries Plus is here to help. Learn more about the costs, benefits, and available locations today

$100,000 Min Cash Required

The Brass Tap - Craft Beer Bar

The Brass Tap is an upscale beer bar that offers 40-60 different craft beers on tap, more than 300 varieties of imports, and local craft beers. We are constantly searching for the best beers from all regions around the world, and rotate our taps to ensure that you can always expect to find a new favorite. We offer hundreds of different bottled beers that are also available for carry out. At The Brass Tap, you can enjoy our spacious patio and never have to drink the same beer twice

Starting a Small Business in Hawaii