Selling a Business in Hawaii
Selling a business in Hawaii means pricing it correctly, preparing the records a buyer will ask for and finding a buyer who can pay and close. Hawaii has 32,911 employer businesses and about 122,958 more with no employees. This page covers the numbers, the steps and what buyers look for.
LOCAL SNAPSHOT
Hawaii by the numbers
32,911
32,911
EMPLOYER BUSINESSES
86%
86%
SMALL EMPLOYER SHARE
122,958
122,958
BUSINESSES WITH NO EMPLOYEES
520,043
520,043
EMPLOYMENT
$30.3 billion
$30.3 billion
ANNUAL PAYROLL
13,347
13,347
BUSINESSES WITH 5 TO 49 EMPLOYEES
U.S. Census Bureau, County Business Patterns 2023 and Nonemployer Statistics 2024. Counts are employer establishments, meaning business locations with paid employees.
How Hawaii compares
Hawaii ranks 43rd among the 50 states and the District of Columbia for employer businesses.
The number of employer businesses fell 0.1% between 2018 and 2023.
Accommodation and food service makes up 12% of employer businesses in Hawaii, compared with 9% nationwide.
13,347 employer businesses here have 5 to 49 employees.
Hawaii ranks 43rd among the 50 states and the District of Columbia for employer businesses.
The number of employer businesses fell 0.1% between 2018 and 2023.
Accommodation and food service makes up 12% of employer businesses in Hawaii, compared with 9% nationwide.
13,347 employer businesses here have 5 to 49 employees.
How a sale works in Hawaii
A sale follows the same sequence in every market. The business is valued from its earnings, assets, size and industry. The records a buyer will ask for are prepared. The business is marketed without naming it, and buyers are asked to sign a non-disclosure agreement before they see the name or the financial statements. Each buyer is checked for money and fit, the letter of intent is negotiated, the buyer's review of the books is managed, and the sale is carried to closing.
State rules on tax clearance, bulk sale notices and the transfer of permits and licenses differ from state to state.
Rules that apply in Hawaii
Notice when assets are sold
Hawaii law says that when a business sells or transfers all or a large part of its merchandise, fixtures or other business assets outside the ordinary course of business, the seller shall file a written and verified report of the sale with the Department of Taxation. The report is due within ten days after possession, control or title passes to the buyer. Source: Hawaii Revised Statutes section 237-43, bulk sales
Sales tax and the buyer's liability
Hawaii law says the buyer in a bulk sale shall hold back payment of the purchase price until the Department of Taxation issues a certificate that the seller's taxes, penalties and interest have been paid. If the report is not filed or the taxes are not paid on time, the buyer becomes personally liable for the seller's unpaid taxes, up to the purchase price. This is called successor liability, which means the buyer becomes responsible for the seller's unpaid taxes. Source: Hawaii Revised Statutes section 237-43, bulk sales
Permits and registrations
Hawaii law says the general excise tax license shall not be transferable and is valid only for the person named on it and the place of business it lists. Source: Hawaii Revised Statutes section 237-9, licenses
Unemployment insurance account
Hawaii law says that when a buyer acquires a business, or substantially all of its assets, continues it and keeps all or nearly all of the employees, an application may be made to transfer the seller's experience record, which is the history used to set the unemployment contribution rate. The seller must file a waiver with the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations before December 31 of the year after the acquisition. Source: Hawaii Revised Statutes section 383-66
These points come from official Hawaii agency pages checked on 2026-10-24. Rules change, so check the linked agency page for the current version. This is general information and not legal or tax advice.
A sale follows the same sequence in every market. The business is valued from its earnings, assets, size and industry. The records a buyer will ask for are prepared. The business is marketed without naming it, and buyers are asked to sign a non-disclosure agreement before they see the name or the financial statements. Each buyer is checked for money and fit, the letter of intent is negotiated, the buyer's review of the books is managed, and the sale is carried to closing.
State rules on tax clearance, bulk sale notices and the transfer of permits and licenses differ from state to state.
Rules that apply in Hawaii
Notice when assets are sold
Hawaii law says that when a business sells or transfers all or a large part of its merchandise, fixtures or other business assets outside the ordinary course of business, the seller shall file a written and verified report of the sale with the Department of Taxation. The report is due within ten days after possession, control or title passes to the buyer. Source: Hawaii Revised Statutes section 237-43, bulk sales
Sales tax and the buyer's liability
Hawaii law says the buyer in a bulk sale shall hold back payment of the purchase price until the Department of Taxation issues a certificate that the seller's taxes, penalties and interest have been paid. If the report is not filed or the taxes are not paid on time, the buyer becomes personally liable for the seller's unpaid taxes, up to the purchase price. This is called successor liability, which means the buyer becomes responsible for the seller's unpaid taxes. Source: Hawaii Revised Statutes section 237-43, bulk sales
Permits and registrations
Hawaii law says the general excise tax license shall not be transferable and is valid only for the person named on it and the place of business it lists. Source: Hawaii Revised Statutes section 237-9, licenses
Unemployment insurance account
Hawaii law says that when a buyer acquires a business, or substantially all of its assets, continues it and keeps all or nearly all of the employees, an application may be made to transfer the seller's experience record, which is the history used to set the unemployment contribution rate. The seller must file a waiver with the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations before December 31 of the year after the acquisition. Source: Hawaii Revised Statutes section 383-66
These points come from official Hawaii agency pages checked on 2026-10-24. Rules change, so check the linked agency page for the current version. This is general information and not legal or tax advice.
What buyers look for
Buyers look first at profit that holds up under review. Three years of tax returns and profit and loss statements that match each other carry more weight than a high number that cannot be shown.
How much of the business depends on the owner
How concentrated sales are among a few customers
The lease, its remaining term and the landlord's consent to a sale
The condition of equipment and the contracts that transfer
Buyers look first at profit that holds up under review. Three years of tax returns and profit and loss statements that match each other carry more weight than a high number that cannot be shown.
How much of the business depends on the owner
How concentrated sales are among a few customers
The lease, its remaining term and the landlord's consent to a sale
The condition of equipment and the contracts that transfer
INDUSTRIES
What sells in Hawaii
Retail, accommodation and food service, health care and social assistance, repair, personal care and other services
Every kind of business we sell in Hawaii
We sell businesses in every one of these industries in Hawaii. Counts are employer businesses in the closest Census industry codes. Industries without a clean Census match are listed without a count, and a few industries share one Census category, so their counts match. A sale multiple is the price a business typically sells for as a multiple of its earnings. SDE means seller's discretionary earnings, which is the owner's pay plus the profit of the business. EBITDA means earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization.
Restaurants & Food
3,595 related employer businesses in Hawaii.
Quick-Service & Fast Food: 1,414 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Full-Service Restaurants: 1,238 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Coffee Shops: 546 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Grocery Stores & Markets: 272 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE + Inventory.
Bakeries: 67 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Liquor, Wine & Beer Stores: 58 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE + Inventory.
Ghost Kitchens. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Construction & Engineering
3,297 related employer businesses in Hawaii.
General Contracting: 997 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Interior Finishing: 472 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Plumbing: 403 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x SDE.
HVAC Services: 403 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.6x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Landscaping: 378 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Electrical: 363 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Civil Engineering: 307 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 7.0x - 11.0x EBITDA.
Foundation & Site Prep: 163 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x EBITDA + Fleet.
Roofing & Siding: 108 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Masonry: 57 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x EBITDA + Equipment.
Remediation & Restoration: 30 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Carpentry & Framing: 19 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Retail Stores
2,381 related employer businesses in Hawaii.
Fashion, Apparel & Jewelry: 1,082 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE + Inventory.
Health, Beauty & Pharmacy: 370 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.8x - 4.2x EBITDA.
Hobby, Toys & Gift Shops: 351 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 2.8x SDE + Inventory.
Hardware, Garden & Building: 216 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE + Inventory.
Home Decor & Furniture: 156 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.2x SDE + Inventory.
Sporting Goods & Firearms: 126 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.3x - 3.4x SDE.
Electronics & Repair: 80 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Medical Practices
2,335 related employer businesses in Hawaii.
Primary & Family Care: 887 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.2x SDE.
Dental Practices: 577 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x EBITDA.
Mental & Behavioral Health: 238 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Physical Therapy & Rehab: 188 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Home Health & Hospice: 103 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Vision & Eye Care: 98 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Veterinary Medicine: 96 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 6.0x - 9.0x EBITDA.
Medical Labs & Imaging: 69 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Specialty Medicine: 47 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 5.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Urgent Care Clinics: 32 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.0x EBITDA.
Financial & Professional Services
2,033 related employer businesses in Hawaii.
Accounting & Tax Practices: 691 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Real Estate Brokerages: 594 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.5x SDE.
Insurance Agencies: 385 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 6.0x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Wealth Management: 207 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.7x - 4.0x Recurring Revenue.
Private Lending: 102 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Mortgage Brokerages: 54 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Home Services
827 related employer businesses in Hawaii.
Property Management: 370 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Residential Cleaning: 365 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.6x SDE.
Commercial Cleaning: 365 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.47x - 4.11x EBITDA.
Pest Control: 59 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.34x - 2.90x SDE.
Security Systems: 33 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.9x EBITDA.
Audio Visual (AV). Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Junk Removal. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 3.0x SDE.
Pool & Spa Service. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.0x EBITDA.
Automotive & Boat
805 related employer businesses in Hawaii.
Auto Repair: 282 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.2x SDE.
Auto Parts: 150 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.2x SDE + Inventory.
Car Dealerships: 127 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2x - 8x Blue Sky + Assets.
Collision Repair: 119 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Car Washes: 60 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Towing & Repo: 47 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.0x EBITDA + Fleet.
Boat Dealerships: 12 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Marinas: 8 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: Cap Rate or 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Wholesale & Distribution
767 related employer businesses in Hawaii.
Food & Beverage Distribution: 276 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Industrial & Construction Supply: 172 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Electronics, IT & Office Equipment Distribution: 104 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Consumer Goods & Apparel Distribution: 82 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE + Inventory.
Medical, Dental & Pharmaceutical Distribution: 51 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Packaging, Paper & JanSan Distribution: 47 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Chemicals, Plastics & Raw Materials Distribution: 35 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Beauty & Personal Care
628 related employer businesses in Hawaii.
Hair Salons: 335 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.25x - 2.34x SDE.
Day Spas: 159 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 2.8x SDE.
Tattoo Shops: 159 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Massage Parlors: 159 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Nail Salons: 86 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.4x - 1.88x SDE.
Barber Shops: 48 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.25x SDE.
Medical Spas. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Manufacturing
613 related employer businesses in Hawaii.
Food & Beverage Manufacturing: 275 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.1x - 4.5x SDE.
Printing & Plastics: 95 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.9x - 4.9x SDE.
Wood & Furniture Manufacturing: 61 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE.
Medical & Chemical Manufacturing: 52 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Textile & Apparel Manufacturing: 49 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE.
Metal Fabrication: 39 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.2x - 4.2x SDE.
Construction Materials Manufacturing: 37 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Electronics & Tech Manufacturing: 5 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.5x EBITDA.
Technology & Media
536 related employer businesses in Hawaii.
Real Estate Media: 145 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.8x SDE.
Creative Agencies: 130 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 3.0x SDE.
Digital Marketing Agencies: 106 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Media, Film & Studio Production: 98 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.5x SDE.
Software Companies (SaaS): 57 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x SDE.
E-commerce & Online Brands. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE + Inventory.
Hospitality & Travel
501 related employer businesses in Hawaii.
Hotels: 262 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.6x - 5.1x EBITDA.
Motels: 262 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.1x - 2.5x SDE.
Travel Agencies: 117 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.3x - 3.2x SDE.
Transportation Services: 104 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.1x SDE.
Bed & Breakfasts / Inns: 18 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Logistics & Transportation
478 related employer businesses in Hawaii.
General Freight Trucking: 234 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.44x - 3.45x SDE.
Warehousing & Fulfillment: 62 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Freight Brokerage & 3PL: 55 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Last-Mile & Courier: 55 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.76x - 3.32x SDE.
Commercial Moving: 44 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 3.0x SDE.
NEMT & Passenger Transport: 19 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.1x - 3.1x SDE.
Heavy Haul Transport: 9 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 4.5x SDE.
Port Drayage. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Gas Stations & Convenience
415 related employer businesses in Hawaii.
Gas Stations: 238 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA + Real Estate.
Convenience Stores: 177 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE + Inventory.
Truck Stops & Travel Centers. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x EBITDA + Real Estate.
Entertainment & Recreation
383 related employer businesses in Hawaii.
Bars & Pubs: 157 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Clubs & Lounges: 157 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 6.0x EBITDA.
Outdoor Recreation: 157 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Golf Courses: 41 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 8.0x - 11.0x EBITDA.
Arcades & FECs: 22 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.1x - 3.6x SDE.
Bowling Alleys: 6 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Event Venues. Typical sale multiple: 2.8x - 3.5x Earnings.
Banquet Halls. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 4.5x Earnings.
Escape Rooms. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Education & Childcare
329 related employer businesses in Hawaii.
Daycare Centers: 267 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.39x - 3.35x SDE.
Tutoring Centers: 62 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Preschools. Typical sale multiple: 3.12x - 4.0x SDE.
Pharmacies & Medical Supply
299 related employer businesses in Hawaii.
Compounding Pharmacies: 128 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x EBITDA.
Specialty Pharmacies: 128 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Home Infusion: 103 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Durable Medical Equipment (DME): 37 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Medical Supply Retail: 31 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE + Inventory.
Energy & Utilities
200 related employer businesses in Hawaii.
Waste Management & Recycling: 78 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Assets.
Water & Wastewater Services: 62 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Propane & Fuel Distribution: 41 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Assets.
Solar & Renewable Energy: 14 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 6.0x EBITDA.
Oil & Gas Services: 5 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x EBITDA + Equipment.
Health & Fitness
180 related employer businesses in Hawaii.
Gyms & Health Clubs: 99 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.44x - 2.93x SDE.
Yoga Studios: 99 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.07x - 2.50x SDE.
Pilates Studios: 99 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.10x - 3.00x SDE.
Personal Training Studios: 99 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.00x - 2.80x SDE.
Wellness & Recovery Centers: 81 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 5.5x - 9.7x EBITDA.
Senior Care & Living
178 related employer businesses in Hawaii.
Non-Medical Home Care: 126 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Assisted Living Facilities: 43 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Real Estate.
Senior Living Communities: 9 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Real Estate.
Adult Day Services. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Pet Services
85 related employer businesses in Hawaii.
Pet Grooming & Spas: 52 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Boarding, Daycare & Training: 52 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Pet Retail & Specialty Supplies: 33 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE + Inventory.
Mobile & In-Home Pet Care. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE + Fleet.
Land & Agriculture
3 related employer businesses in Hawaii.
Agricultural Labor Contracting: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.4x - 6.09x EBITDA.
Crop Production. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 6.69x EBITDA.
Livestock & Ranching. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.76x EBITDA.
Agribusiness & Infrastructure. Typical sale multiple: 5.2x - 10.3x EBITDA.
AgTech & Precision Ag. Typical sale multiple: 8.3x - 12.1x EBITDA.
Agri-Tourism & Lifestyle. Typical sale multiple: 2.51x - 4.54x SDE.
E-commerce & Online Businesses
Amazon FBA Businesses. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE + Inventory.
Online Marketplaces. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 6.0x SDE.
We sell businesses in every one of these industries in Hawaii. Counts are employer businesses in the closest Census industry codes. Industries without a clean Census match are listed without a count, and a few industries share one Census category, so their counts match. A sale multiple is the price a business typically sells for as a multiple of its earnings. SDE means seller's discretionary earnings, which is the owner's pay plus the profit of the business. EBITDA means earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization.
Restaurants & Food
3,595 related employer businesses in Hawaii.
Quick-Service & Fast Food: 1,414 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Full-Service Restaurants: 1,238 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Coffee Shops: 546 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Grocery Stores & Markets: 272 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE + Inventory.
Bakeries: 67 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Liquor, Wine & Beer Stores: 58 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE + Inventory.
Ghost Kitchens. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Construction & Engineering
3,297 related employer businesses in Hawaii.
General Contracting: 997 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Interior Finishing: 472 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Plumbing: 403 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x SDE.
HVAC Services: 403 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.6x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Landscaping: 378 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Electrical: 363 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Civil Engineering: 307 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 7.0x - 11.0x EBITDA.
Foundation & Site Prep: 163 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x EBITDA + Fleet.
Roofing & Siding: 108 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Masonry: 57 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x EBITDA + Equipment.
Remediation & Restoration: 30 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Carpentry & Framing: 19 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Retail Stores
2,381 related employer businesses in Hawaii.
Fashion, Apparel & Jewelry: 1,082 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE + Inventory.
Health, Beauty & Pharmacy: 370 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.8x - 4.2x EBITDA.
Hobby, Toys & Gift Shops: 351 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 2.8x SDE + Inventory.
Hardware, Garden & Building: 216 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE + Inventory.
Home Decor & Furniture: 156 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.2x SDE + Inventory.
Sporting Goods & Firearms: 126 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.3x - 3.4x SDE.
Electronics & Repair: 80 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Medical Practices
2,335 related employer businesses in Hawaii.
Primary & Family Care: 887 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.2x SDE.
Dental Practices: 577 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x EBITDA.
Mental & Behavioral Health: 238 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Physical Therapy & Rehab: 188 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Home Health & Hospice: 103 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Vision & Eye Care: 98 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Veterinary Medicine: 96 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 6.0x - 9.0x EBITDA.
Medical Labs & Imaging: 69 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Specialty Medicine: 47 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 5.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Urgent Care Clinics: 32 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.0x EBITDA.
Financial & Professional Services
2,033 related employer businesses in Hawaii.
Accounting & Tax Practices: 691 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Real Estate Brokerages: 594 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.5x SDE.
Insurance Agencies: 385 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 6.0x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Wealth Management: 207 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.7x - 4.0x Recurring Revenue.
Private Lending: 102 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Mortgage Brokerages: 54 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Home Services
827 related employer businesses in Hawaii.
Property Management: 370 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Residential Cleaning: 365 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.6x SDE.
Commercial Cleaning: 365 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.47x - 4.11x EBITDA.
Pest Control: 59 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.34x - 2.90x SDE.
Security Systems: 33 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.9x EBITDA.
Audio Visual (AV). Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Junk Removal. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 3.0x SDE.
Pool & Spa Service. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.0x EBITDA.
Automotive & Boat
805 related employer businesses in Hawaii.
Auto Repair: 282 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.2x SDE.
Auto Parts: 150 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.2x SDE + Inventory.
Car Dealerships: 127 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2x - 8x Blue Sky + Assets.
Collision Repair: 119 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Car Washes: 60 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Towing & Repo: 47 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.0x EBITDA + Fleet.
Boat Dealerships: 12 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Marinas: 8 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: Cap Rate or 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Wholesale & Distribution
767 related employer businesses in Hawaii.
Food & Beverage Distribution: 276 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Industrial & Construction Supply: 172 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Electronics, IT & Office Equipment Distribution: 104 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Consumer Goods & Apparel Distribution: 82 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE + Inventory.
Medical, Dental & Pharmaceutical Distribution: 51 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Packaging, Paper & JanSan Distribution: 47 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Chemicals, Plastics & Raw Materials Distribution: 35 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Beauty & Personal Care
628 related employer businesses in Hawaii.
Hair Salons: 335 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.25x - 2.34x SDE.
Day Spas: 159 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 2.8x SDE.
Tattoo Shops: 159 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Massage Parlors: 159 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Nail Salons: 86 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.4x - 1.88x SDE.
Barber Shops: 48 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.25x SDE.
Medical Spas. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Manufacturing
613 related employer businesses in Hawaii.
Food & Beverage Manufacturing: 275 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.1x - 4.5x SDE.
Printing & Plastics: 95 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.9x - 4.9x SDE.
Wood & Furniture Manufacturing: 61 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE.
Medical & Chemical Manufacturing: 52 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Textile & Apparel Manufacturing: 49 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE.
Metal Fabrication: 39 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.2x - 4.2x SDE.
Construction Materials Manufacturing: 37 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Electronics & Tech Manufacturing: 5 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.5x EBITDA.
Technology & Media
536 related employer businesses in Hawaii.
Real Estate Media: 145 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.8x SDE.
Creative Agencies: 130 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 3.0x SDE.
Digital Marketing Agencies: 106 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Media, Film & Studio Production: 98 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.5x SDE.
Software Companies (SaaS): 57 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x SDE.
E-commerce & Online Brands. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE + Inventory.
Hospitality & Travel
501 related employer businesses in Hawaii.
Hotels: 262 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.6x - 5.1x EBITDA.
Motels: 262 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.1x - 2.5x SDE.
Travel Agencies: 117 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.3x - 3.2x SDE.
Transportation Services: 104 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.1x SDE.
Bed & Breakfasts / Inns: 18 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Logistics & Transportation
478 related employer businesses in Hawaii.
General Freight Trucking: 234 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.44x - 3.45x SDE.
Warehousing & Fulfillment: 62 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Freight Brokerage & 3PL: 55 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Last-Mile & Courier: 55 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.76x - 3.32x SDE.
Commercial Moving: 44 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 3.0x SDE.
NEMT & Passenger Transport: 19 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.1x - 3.1x SDE.
Heavy Haul Transport: 9 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 4.5x SDE.
Port Drayage. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Gas Stations & Convenience
415 related employer businesses in Hawaii.
Gas Stations: 238 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA + Real Estate.
Convenience Stores: 177 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE + Inventory.
Truck Stops & Travel Centers. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x EBITDA + Real Estate.
Entertainment & Recreation
383 related employer businesses in Hawaii.
Bars & Pubs: 157 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Clubs & Lounges: 157 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 6.0x EBITDA.
Outdoor Recreation: 157 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Golf Courses: 41 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 8.0x - 11.0x EBITDA.
Arcades & FECs: 22 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.1x - 3.6x SDE.
Bowling Alleys: 6 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Event Venues. Typical sale multiple: 2.8x - 3.5x Earnings.
Banquet Halls. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 4.5x Earnings.
Escape Rooms. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Education & Childcare
329 related employer businesses in Hawaii.
Daycare Centers: 267 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.39x - 3.35x SDE.
Tutoring Centers: 62 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Preschools. Typical sale multiple: 3.12x - 4.0x SDE.
Pharmacies & Medical Supply
299 related employer businesses in Hawaii.
Compounding Pharmacies: 128 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x EBITDA.
Specialty Pharmacies: 128 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Home Infusion: 103 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Durable Medical Equipment (DME): 37 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Medical Supply Retail: 31 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE + Inventory.
Energy & Utilities
200 related employer businesses in Hawaii.
Waste Management & Recycling: 78 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Assets.
Water & Wastewater Services: 62 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Propane & Fuel Distribution: 41 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Assets.
Solar & Renewable Energy: 14 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 6.0x EBITDA.
Oil & Gas Services: 5 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x EBITDA + Equipment.
Health & Fitness
180 related employer businesses in Hawaii.
Gyms & Health Clubs: 99 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.44x - 2.93x SDE.
Yoga Studios: 99 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.07x - 2.50x SDE.
Pilates Studios: 99 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.10x - 3.00x SDE.
Personal Training Studios: 99 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.00x - 2.80x SDE.
Wellness & Recovery Centers: 81 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 5.5x - 9.7x EBITDA.
Senior Care & Living
178 related employer businesses in Hawaii.
Non-Medical Home Care: 126 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Assisted Living Facilities: 43 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Real Estate.
Senior Living Communities: 9 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Real Estate.
Adult Day Services. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Pet Services
85 related employer businesses in Hawaii.
Pet Grooming & Spas: 52 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Boarding, Daycare & Training: 52 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Pet Retail & Specialty Supplies: 33 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE + Inventory.
Mobile & In-Home Pet Care. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE + Fleet.
Land & Agriculture
3 related employer businesses in Hawaii.
Agricultural Labor Contracting: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.4x - 6.09x EBITDA.
Crop Production. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 6.69x EBITDA.
Livestock & Ranching. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.76x EBITDA.
Agribusiness & Infrastructure. Typical sale multiple: 5.2x - 10.3x EBITDA.
AgTech & Precision Ag. Typical sale multiple: 8.3x - 12.1x EBITDA.
Agri-Tourism & Lifestyle. Typical sale multiple: 2.51x - 4.54x SDE.
E-commerce & Online Businesses
Amazon FBA Businesses. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE + Inventory.
Online Marketplaces. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 6.0x SDE.
Metro areas in this state
Counties
Working with owners in Hawaii
Business Advisors of America works with owners who are selling a business in Hawaii. Contact us to talk about a sale.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Questions owners in Hawaii ask
How long does it take to sell a business in Hawaii?
The time depends on the price, the quality of the records and the number of qualified buyers. Many sales take six months or longer from the start of the process to closing.
How is a business valued in Hawaii?
Valuation starts with the earnings the business produces for an owner, then adjusts for assets, size, industry and the terms a buyer is likely to accept. The result is a range, and the asking price is set inside it.
Is the sale confidential?
Buyers are asked to sign a non-disclosure agreement before they see the name of the business or its financial statements.
What should I prepare before listing?
Three years of tax returns and profit and loss statements, a current balance sheet, the lease, a list of equipment and a summary of key contracts.
What is the difference between SDE and EBITDA?
SDE means seller's discretionary earnings, which is the owner's pay plus the profit of the business. EBITDA means earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, and it is used for larger businesses that run without the owner.
FROM OUR BLOG
Guides for owners in Hawaii
October 3, 2025
Business Owners
Add-Backs: What Counts, What Does Not, and What Buyers Push Back On
Every add-back you can prove raises your sale price by two to three times its amount. Every add-back you cannot prove costs you credibility on all the others.
Read article
October 3, 2025
Business Owners
Add-Backs: What Counts, What Does Not, and What Buyers Push Back On
Every add-back you can prove raises your sale price by two to three times its amount. Every add-back you cannot prove costs you credibility on all the others.
Read article
March 5, 2026
Business Owners
Buyer Qualification: How We Screen Out the Buyers Who Cannot Close
Most inquiries on a business listing come from people who cannot close. Here is how they get screened out before they see your name or your financials.
Read article
March 5, 2026
Business Owners
Buyer Qualification: How We Screen Out the Buyers Who Cannot Close
Most inquiries on a business listing come from people who cannot close. Here is how they get screened out before they see your name or your financials.
Read article
February 9, 2026
Business Owners
The Confidential Information Memorandum: What Goes In It and Why
The CIM is the document a buyer reads before they decide to spend time on your business. Here is what it has to contain and the mistakes that cost sellers offers.
Read article
February 9, 2026
Business Owners
The Confidential Information Memorandum: What Goes In It and Why
The CIM is the document a buyer reads before they decide to spend time on your business. Here is what it has to contain and the mistakes that cost sellers offers.
Read article