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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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Rainbow Restoration

Rainbow Restoration, a Neighborly company, is the nation's leading damage restoration and remediation services franchise that provides hope during times of crisis.

$100,000 Min Cash Required

Salty Dawg Pet Salon + Bakery

Rethinking Pet Grooming Join the Pack with Salty Dawg Pet Salon + Bakerys Amazing Opportunity Pet grooming has nearly doubled over the past decade. Rising pet ownership has driven the demand for pet grooming, boarding, training, and walking to an all-time high. Salty Dawg is seeking owners with an entrepreneurial spirit as well as sales, marketing, and/or retail experience. Inquire now to learn more and become an owner yourself

$100,000 Min Cash Required

Proper Ecom

We build and manage Amazon stores for you. You bring the startup capital. We set up your store, add high-demand products, and handle everythinglistings, shipping, customer support, and growth. You own the store and keep the profits. We run the business behind the scenes for you.

$100,000 Min Cash Required

Minuteman Press

Own an Essential B2B Printing & Marketing Franchise with a proven business model, low inventory, work-life balance, great products & services that every business needs. No prior experience is needed. Be part of the modern printing industry.

$50,000 Min Cash Required

My Business Venture

My Business Venture gives you the ability to start an online business from your home. We provide you access up to 1 million products & you chose up to 2,500 you want to feature on your website MBVs 10 Price Guarantee on all items on your website ensures you will always be profitable & NEVER be undersold Includes enrollment in MBV University training program.

$10,000 Min Cash Required

ClaimTek Systems

Why Medical/Dental Billing is the business for you... No Experience Needed Great Income Potential Flexibility to work at home, on the road, basically anywhere you have Internet access. ClaimTek is the most trusted Medical/Dental Billing business opportunity in the industry. We are the only company with expertise in billing, software development, and business development over the last 25 years and the services we offer are IN DEMAND The Need: As hiring, managing, and compensating employees has become increasingly challenging for small businesses, outsourced healthcare billing and revenue cycle management services is the future for small to mid-size medical and dental practices. And that is where Claimtek comes in. Healthcare services is virtually recession-proof and the 1 sector for growth according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor

Starting a Small Business in Hawaii