Pop. 1.5MCOL: 186%12 month season#2 Market
Off-peak rates available - best time for interior work

How Much to Charge for Painting in Hawaii?2026 Statewide Rates & Calculator

With 1.5M residents and a 60.7% homeownership rate, Hawaii has approximately 883,349 potential painting customers. High demand meets premium pricing here - a strong opportunity for experienced pros. Demand for painting stays steady throughout the year, making income more predictable.

Or Use Hawaii State Average

Don't see your city? Use the calculator below with Hawaii statewide rates.

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Include hallways

sq ft

Wall surface area

$

Suggested: $84/hr based on Hawaii wages

Your Pricing

Recommended Price

$4,147

Range: $3,686 - $4,608

$2.76/sq ft - 17.6h estimated

5 gallons of paint needed + 3 gallons primer

Cost Breakdown

Labor Cost$2,742.01
Paint$225.00
Primer$60.00
Supplies$45.00
Total Materials$330.00
Subtotal$3,072.01
Markup (35%)+$1,074.99

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Hawaii Painting Market Intelligence

Pricing models, earning potential, and market comparison for painting in Hawaii.

Painting Pricing Breakdown

Pricing ModelLowTypicalHigh
Per sq ft (interior)$3$5$7
Per sq ft (exterior)$4$7$10
Per room (avg 12x12)$372$744$1,302
Per hour$65$84$121

Prices adjusted for Hawaii cost of living (186% of national average).

How Much Can You Earn Doing Painting in Hawaii?

Part-time
15 hrs/week
$5,399/mo
$64,788/yr
Full-time
35 hrs/week
$12,597/mo
$151,164/yr
Recommended
Hustler
50 hrs/week
$17,996/mo
$215,952/yr

Estimates based on Hawaii average rates. Actual income varies by experience, efficiency, and client mix.

Hawaii vs Other Markets

MarketHourly RateCOLDemand
Hawaii$84/hr186%high
National Average$45/hr100%-
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Hawaii Licensing Requirements

  • C-27b license may be required for landscape work over $1,500
  • GET (General Excise Tax) license required for all businesses
  • Workers comp required for all employees
  • Higher costs make insurance even more important

This information is provided as general guidance only. Requirements may change and vary by locality. Always verify current requirements with state and local licensing authorities before starting your business.

Hawaii Painting Business Tips

Local insights for running a successful painting business in Hawaii

pricing

Shipping equipment to Hawaii is expensive. Price accordingly — customers expect island premium of 50-80%.

operations

Focus on one island to start. Inter-island travel for small jobs isn't economical.

Key Insight: Hawaii's isolation means less competition, but higher costs — premium pricing is both necessary and expected.

Painting Demand in Hawaii by Month

Plan your year around seasonal demand patterns.

Jan
60%
Feb
65%
Mar
70%
Apr
80%
May
90%
Jun
95%
Jul
100%
Aug
100%
Sep
85%
Oct
75%
Nov
65%
Dec
55%
Peak: Jun-Aug
Off-season: Nov-Feb

Year-round demand means steady income. Focus on quality and retention.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much should I charge for painting in Hawaii?

In Hawaii, painting rates range from $67-$126/hour, with an average of $84/hour. Hawaii's cost of living is 186% of the national average. Major cities like East Honolulu command higher rates ($90/hr), while smaller markets like Hilo average $79/hr.

What's the Hawaii average for painting services?

The Hawaii statewide average for painting is $84/hour or approximately $252-$420 per job. This reflects Hawaii's 186% cost of living index relative to the national baseline.

Which Hawaii cities have the highest painting rates?

In Hawaii, East Honolulu has the highest painting rates at around $90/hour due to its 200% cost of living. Other high-rate areas include Honolulu, East Honolulu, Pearl City.

Do I need a license for painting in Hawaii?

Hawaii licensing: C-27b license may be required for landscape work over $1,500 GET (General Excise Tax) license required for all businesses Workers comp required for all employees Higher costs make insurance even more important This information is provided as general guidance only. Requirements may change and vary by locality. Always verify current requirements with state and local licensing authorities before starting your business.

Is Hawaii a good market for painting businesses?

Hawaii offers a strong market for painting with rates averaging $84/hour. The state's 186% cost of living index supports sustainable pricing. Top markets include Honolulu, East Honolulu, Pearl City.

Trusted Data Sources

Based on

10,000+ quotes

Used by

5,000+ pros

Updated

January 2026

Verified by

BLS Data

Painting pricing data for Hawaii is sourced from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Census Bureau cost of living data, and verified quotes from local service professionals.

Data Sources:

  • U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
  • Hawaii Labor Department
  • U.S. Census Bureau

Last updated: January 2026