How to Start a Landscaping Business in Hawaii (2026)

Last updated: February 26, 2026

Starting a landscaping business in Hawaii does not require a general landscaping contractor license at the state level. The primary regulatory requirement is a Commercial Pesticide Applicator Certification, Category 3 (Ornamental and Turf) from the Hawaii Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity (HDAB) if your business applies restricted-use pesticides to client properties. You also need a GET license from the Department of Taxation, since landscaping services are subject to Hawaii’s General Excise Tax. Hawaii’s unique ecosystem – with many invasive species concerns and sensitive native habitats – places a premium on proper pesticide knowledge, making the Category 3 certification particularly important.

Landscaping Business Requirements in Hawaii at a Glance

Requirement	Agency	Cost	Timeline
LLC Formation	DCCA BREG	$50	3-5 business days
GET License (Form BB-1)	Hawaii Dept. of Taxation	$20 (one-time)	5-7 days online
Commercial Pesticide Applicator Certification, Cat. 3	Hawaii Dept. of Agriculture & Biosecurity (HDAB)	$50 exam + $100 certification card = $150	4-6 weeks after passing exam
Workers’ Compensation Insurance	DLIR / Private carrier	Varies	Required before first employee hired

How to Start a Landscaping Business in Hawaii (Step by Step)

Step 1: Form Your Business Entity and Get Your GET License

• LLC Formation: File Articles of Organization at hbe.ehawaii.gov. Fee: $50. Annual report: $15/year.
• EIN: Apply free at irs.gov.
• GET License: File Form BB-1 at Hawaii Tax Online. Fee: $20 one-time. Landscaping services and plant installation are subject to GET at 4.5% combined (4.0% state + 0.5% county surcharge in all four counties).

Step 2: Understand What Requires a Pesticide Applicator Certification

Hawaii’s pesticide licensing requirement applies when your landscaping business applies restricted-use pesticides (RUPs) to client properties in a commercial capacity. Not all landscaping work triggers this requirement:

• Certification required: Applying any restricted-use pesticide (herbicides, insecticides, fungicides classified as RUPs) to ornamental plants, turf, trees, shrubs, or flowers at commercial or residential client properties. Hiring employees to apply pesticides also requires certification (the business must have a certified applicator of record).
• Certification NOT required for: Basic mowing, pruning, trimming, mulching, planting, and irrigation work that does not involve pesticide application. Applying general-use pesticides (those available retail) is not regulated the same way, though safe handling practices still apply.
• Bottom line: If you offer a full-service landscaping program that includes pest and weed control applications, you need the Category 3 certification. If you only mow and maintain, it may not be required – but most landscaping companies find the certification valuable for expanded service offerings.

Step 3: Get Your Commercial Pesticide Applicator Certification (Category 3)

Hawaii’s pesticide applicator certification is issued by the Hawaii Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity (HDAB), Pesticides Branch.

• Category 3 – Ornamental and Turf Pest Control: Covers pest management on ornamental plants, trees, shrubs, flowers, and turf in landscaped areas around homes, parks, commercial buildings, and other non-crop areas.
• Exam fee: $50 per examination. Payment accepted by cash, check, or money order (no credit cards) at the HDAB office.
• Certification card fee: $100 upon passing the exam. Total initial cost: $150.
• Certification validity: 5 years from date of issuance.
• Renewal: $100 renewal fee every 5 years. Continuing Education Training (CET) credits are required before renewal. The number of required CET credits depends on the number of certification categories you hold.
• Exam scheduling: Register through the HDAB Pesticides Education Portal: hdoa.inforps.hi.gov/PesticidesEducation.
• Study materials: The University of Hawaii Cooperative Extension Service provides study guides for Hawaii pesticide applicator exams. Contact HDAB or the UH College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources for current study resources.
• Core exam + category exam: All applicants must pass a general core exam (pesticide safety, laws and regulations, environmental protection) AND the specific Category 3 exam.
• More info: dab.hawaii.gov/pi/pest/pesticide-applicator-certification

Step 4: No General Landscaping Contractor License Required

Hawaii does not require a general landscaping contractor license at the state level. Unlike states with landscape horticulturist licenses, Hawaii’s primary landscaping regulation is the pesticide applicator certification for those applying restricted-use pesticides. This means:

• No state license fee or exam specific to general landscaping work (beyond pesticide certification)
• No minimum experience requirements for general landscaping (mowing, planting, mulching, pruning)
• County business registrations are not uniformly required for landscaping – check with your specific county

Note on landscape construction: If your landscaping business includes irrigation system installation, grading, retaining wall construction, or hardscape work, you may also need a DCCA Contractors License Board license – specifically the C-27 Landscaping and Irrigation contractor classification. This is a separate DCCA PVL license from the pesticide certification. Contact the Contractors License Board at cca.hawaii.gov/pvl/boards/contractor if your scope includes construction work.

Note on invasive species: Hawaii takes biosecurity seriously. Be aware of regulations around moving soil, mulch, or plant material between islands, which can transport invasive species. The HDAB administers plant quarantine rules that may affect landscaping operations involving plant material transport across county or island lines.

Step 5: Get Insurance and Register as Employer

• Workers’ Compensation: Required as soon as you hire your first employee. Hawaii’s threshold is 1+ employee – one of the lowest in the country. Purchase from a Hawaii-licensed carrier. Contact DLIR DCD: labor.hawaii.gov/dcd.
• General Liability Insurance: While not required by state law for landscaping, most commercial landscaping contracts require $1M per occurrence GL coverage. Also protects against property damage claims (broken windows, irrigation lines, vehicles) common in landscaping work.
• Commercial Auto: If you are transporting equipment in vehicles, commercial auto insurance is required. Personal auto policies do not cover vehicles used commercially.
• UI Tax Registration: Register with DLIR within 20 days of first hire. New employer rate: 2.40% on first $64,500/employee/year (2026, Schedule C). labor.hawaii.gov/ui.

Cost to Start a Landscaping Business in Hawaii

Item	Cost	Notes
LLC formation	$50	DCCA BREG
GET license	$20	One-time; Form BB-1
Pesticide applicator exam fee	$50	HDAB; core exam + Category 3 exam
Pesticide certification card	$100	HDAB; valid 5 years; renewal $100 every 5 years
General liability insurance (annual)	$1,000-$3,000/yr	Varies by revenue, crew size, and coverage limits
Equipment (mowers, trimmers, tools)	$3,000-$15,000	Commercial-grade mowers, blowers, trimmers, hand tools
Truck or trailer	$5,000-$30,000	Used pickup + open trailer is common startup configuration

Estimated total startup cost: $10,000 – $50,000 (vehicle and equipment dominate; licensing costs are minimal)

Related Hawaii Business Guides

• How to Start a Cleaning Service in Hawaii
• How to Start an HVAC Business in Hawaii
• How to Become a Private Investigator in Hawaii

← Back to all Hawaii business guides

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a license to start a landscaping business in Hawaii?

Hawaii does not require a general landscaping contractor license. However, if your business applies restricted-use pesticides to client properties, you need a Commercial Pesticide Applicator Certification, Category 3 (Ornamental and Turf) from the Hawaii Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity (HDAB). Exam fee: $50; certification card: $100; valid for 5 years. General landscaping work (mowing, pruning, planting) without pesticide application does not require state licensing.

How do I get a pesticide applicator license in Hawaii?

Register through the HDAB Pesticides Education Portal at hdoa.inforps.hi.gov/PesticidesEducation. You must pass a core exam (pesticide safety and regulations) and the Category 3 specific exam. The exam fee is $50; upon passing, the certification card costs $100 (total: $150). Payment is cash, check, or money order only. Study materials are available through the University of Hawaii Cooperative Extension Service. Certification is valid for 5 years; renewal is $100 with required continuing education credits.

Does GET apply to landscaping services in Hawaii?

Yes. Landscaping services including mowing, trimming, planting, and maintenance are subject to Hawaii’s General Excise Tax at the combined rate of 4.5% (4.0% state + 0.5% county surcharge in all four counties through 2030). Materials sold (plants, mulch, sod) are also subject to GET. Register for your GET license via Form BB-1 at Hawaii Tax Online for a one-time $20 fee before beginning operations.

How many employees can I have before workers’ comp is required in Hawaii?

In Hawaii, workers’ compensation is required once you hire even one employee – full-time, part-time, temporary, or seasonal. This is one of the broadest workers’ comp mandates in the country. Purchase coverage from a Hawaii-licensed insurance carrier before your first hire. Contact the DLIR Disability Compensation Division at labor.hawaii.gov/dcd.

Are there special concerns for landscaping in Hawaii due to invasive species?

Yes. Hawaii takes biosecurity extremely seriously. Moving soil, plant material, or organic debris between islands can introduce invasive species to new areas. The Hawaii Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity (HDAB) enforces plant quarantine rules that apply to landscaping operations. Be particularly careful when transporting mulch, soil amendments, or plant cuttings. Review HDAB biosecurity guidelines at dab.hawaii.gov and train your crew on proper practices to avoid biosecurity violations.