- Home occupation permit required:
- Conditional
- Details:
- Hawaii/Honolulu does not have a specific home occupation permit for cottage food operations. However, some farmers markets and events may require a Special Event permit. DOH will review and sign off on Special Event permit applications for HMF operators.
- Home kitchen:
- Hawaii Homemade Food Operations (HMF) are exempt from a DOH food establishment permit under HAR Chapter 11-50. Honolulu County (City and County of Honolulu) has no separate county-level cottage food permit — state rules apply. Note: As of January 2026 updated rules (HAR 11-50 revised), the allowed food list has been expanded to include some acidified/fermented plant foods (pH ≤4.2 or Aw <0.88) and wholesale to retailers — a significant change from the prior direct-to-consumer only framework.
Last verified 2026-05-05. Not legal advice.
