Hawaii Vehicle Registration Cost by County (2026)
Hawaii's cost is driven by the county vehicle weight tax — Honolulu charges 7¢/lb, the Big Island just 1.25¢/lb. On a 4,000-lb car that's about $424/yr in Honolulu vs ~$194 in Hawaii County. All four counties below.
Weight-tax rates verified July 2026 (HRS Chapter 249 + county ordinances). Totals are for a 4,000-lb passenger car: state weight tax ($70) + county weight tax + $73.50 in flat fees.
| County | County weight tax | Total on a 4,000-lb car |
|---|---|---|
| Honolulu (Honolulu (Oahu)) | 7¢/lb | $424/yr |
| Maui (Wailuku) | 3.5¢/lb | $284/yr |
| Kauai (Lihue) | 2¢/lb | $224/yr |
| Hawaii (Hilo / Kona (Big Island)) | 1.25¢/lb | $194/yr |
Frequently asked questions
Why is Hawaii car registration so expensive in Honolulu?
Because of the county vehicle weight tax. Honolulu charges 7.0¢ per pound of vehicle weight — on a 4,000-lb car that's $280 a year just in county weight tax, on top of the state weight tax and flat fees. The Big Island (Hawaii County) charges only 1.25¢/lb, so the same car costs far less there.
How is Hawaii vehicle registration calculated?
Total = the state weight tax (1.75¢/lb up to 4,000 lbs) + your county's weight tax (cents per pound) + about $73.50 in flat fees ($46 state registration, $7 beautification, $20 county, $0.50 emblem). The county weight-tax rate is the piece that varies.
Which Hawaii county has the cheapest registration?
Hawaii County (the Big Island) at 1.25¢/lb — about $194/year on a 4,000-lb car. Kauai (2.0¢) and Maui (3.5¢) are in between, and Honolulu (7.0¢) is the most expensive at about $424.
Does the weight tax go up for heavier vehicles?
Yes. The state weight tax steps up above 4,000 lbs (to 2.0¢/lb, then higher), and county rates can step up for heavier or commercial vehicles. The figures here are for a typical 4,000-lb passenger car.