Hawaii Cottage Food Law
A complete guide to cottage food regulations in Hawaii (HI) — revenue limits, allowed products, labeling, and permitting requirements.
Requirements & Restrictions
Permitting & Registration
- Food Handler Certification
- Required
- Business License
- Not required
- State Registration
- Not required
Where You Can Sell
- Non-profit and for-profit events (e.g., fundraisers, craft fairs, farmers markets)
- Online
- Wholesale to permitted food establishments
Allowed Products
- Jams
- Jellies
- Baked goods without custard or cream fillings
- Pickles
- Kimchi
- Salsa (plant foods only)
- Juice sold direct to consumer
- Pickled, fermented, or acidified plant foods with pH ≤ 4.2 or water activity (Aw) < 0.88
Prohibited Products
- Dried meats
- Dried seafood
- Dried aku
- Dried fruits from the melon family
- Dried tomatoes
- Vacuum-packaged products
- Canned goods (except jams and jellies)
Labeling Requirements
The following information must appear on every cottage food product label sold in Hawaii:
Required Disclaimer
Made in a home kitchen not routinely inspected by the Department of Health
Additional Notes
No annual revenue cap is stated. HMF operators are exempt from a food establishment permit under HAR Chapter 11-50. Food safety training is required from the DOH or a DOH-approved (ANSI-accredited) program. The ingredient list is required only if the product has 2 or more ingredients. Labeling must include the name and contact information of the HMF operator (the example label on the official fact sheet shows website and email, but the rule states 'contact information' broadly). When selling wholesale to permitted food establishments, the restaurant must have written disclosure that the product is an HMF, and the label must be available to patrons upon request. The FDA does not recognize HMF products as an approved source. The amendments effective August 24, 2025 (HAR §11-50, Act 195, Session Laws of Hawaii 2024) expanded the definition of allowable HMF products to include pickled, fermented, or acidified plant foods and allowed wholesale to third parties. Home-based agricultural producers of honey are governed separately by HRS §328-79 and may NOT sell to a wholesaler.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the annual revenue limit for cottage food businesses in Hawaii?
- Hawaii does not impose a stated annual revenue limit on cottage food producers.
- Do I need a food handler certification to sell cottage food in Hawaii?
- Yes. Hawaii requires cottage food producers to hold a valid food handler certification.
- Is a business license required for cottage food sales in Hawaii?
- No. Hawaii does not require a business license to operate a cottage food business.
- Does Hawaii require cottage food producers to register with the state?
- No. Hawaii does not require cottage food producers to register with a state agency.
- Where can I legally sell cottage food products in Hawaii?
- In Hawaii, cottage food products may be sold at: Non-profit and for-profit events (e.g., fundraisers, craft fairs, farmers markets), Online, Wholesale to permitted food establishments.
- What allergen labeling standard applies to cottage food in Hawaii?
- Hawaii follows the FDA Big Nine allergen standard for cottage food labeling.
- What products are allowed under Hawaii cottage food law?
- The following product categories are permitted for cottage food production in Hawaii: Jams, Jellies, Baked goods without custard or cream fillings, Pickles, Kimchi, Salsa (plant foods only), Juice sold direct to consumer, Pickled, fermented, or acidified plant foods with pH ≤ 4.2 or water activity (Aw) < 0.88.
- What products are prohibited under Hawaii cottage food law?
- The following products may not be sold under Hawaii's cottage food exemption: Dried meats, Dried seafood, Dried aku, Dried fruits from the melon family, Dried tomatoes, Vacuum-packaged products, Canned goods (except jams and jellies).