Daycare / Child Care Center Permit Requirements in Hilo, HI

Complete permit and license guide for starting a daycare / child care center in Hilo, Hawaii County, Hawaii.

$500 -- $2000 8–16 weeks to obtain all licenses and pass inspections 6 requirements

Not legal advice. Requirements may change — always verify with your local government authority before applying. Last verified: .

Hilo / Hawaii County Requirements

3 requirements
1

Hawaii Department of Human Services — Child Care Facility License

Child care centers in Hawaii must be licensed by the DHS Child Care Licensing Branch. Requires background checks, facility inspections, and compliance with health and safety standards.

$50–$2006–12 weeks
Official government source
2

County of Hawaii Finance Department — Business License

Hilo (Hawaii County) requires a County business registration and applicable permits. Contact the County Finance Department for business license requirements. This license must be renewed annually and displayed at your place of business.

$50–$500/year depending on business type and gross revenues1–3 weeks
Official government source
3

Hawaii County / Hilo Building and Fire Safety Inspection

Child care centers must pass building inspections for safety, ADA accessibility, fire suppression, and appropriate child-proofing standards.

$100–$3002–6 weeks
Official government source

Hawaii State Requirements

2 requirements
1

Hawaii Department of Taxation — General Excise Tax License

Hawaii does not have a traditional sales tax but requires all businesses to pay a General Excise Tax (GET) on gross income from business activities. The GET rate is 4% (4.5% in Honolulu). All businesses must register for a GET license with the Hawaii Department of Taxation.

$20 (one-time registration fee)2–4 weeks (by mail) or immediate (in-person)
Official government source
2

Hawaii Background Check Requirement

All staff, volunteers, and household members (for family daycares) in Hawaii child care facilities must undergo criminal background checks through the state and FBI.

$25–$75 per person1–4 weeks
Official government source

Federal Requirements

1 requirement
1

EIN (Employer Identification Number)

Required if you have employees or operate as an LLC or corporation. Free from the IRS.

FreeImmediate (online application)
Official government source

Official Sources

Get your personalized permit checklist

Find out exactly which permits and licenses your daycare / child care center needs in Hilo, HI — with costs, timelines, and official links.

Get Your Permit Report — $9.99
Ready in ~60 seconds Secure payment via Stripe Official links & citations

Related Guides

Stop guessing about permits

Know exactly what permits your business needs

Get a personalized permit report with every license, registration, and permit required for your business — with costs, timelines, and official application links.

Get Your Permit Report — $9.99
Ready in ~60 seconds Secure payment via Stripe 50 states, 4,000+ jurisdictions