Hawaii Cottage Food Laws

Hawaii calls cottage food "homemade food products." Under the Hawaii Food Safety Code, HAR chapter 11-50, as amended effective Aug. 24, 2025, a person who makes only homemade food products in a home kitchen is exempt from the Department of Health, or DOH, food establishment permit. Operators must hold food safety certification, keep a handwashing sink available and label every product. Sales may be made in person, by phone or online, through agents or third-party vendors such as food establishments, and fulfilled by delivery, mail or shipping. The rules set no sales cap. This guide covers what you can sell, how you can sell, labeling and when you need a permit instead.

Disclaimer: This page is general information, not legal advice. Laws change, and local zoning, HOA and tax rules vary. Confirm current requirements with the Hawaii Department of Health Food Safety Branch, or with an attorney, before you start selling.

Quick facts

• No DOH food establishment permit is needed if you make only homemade food products in a home kitchen. HAR 11-50-3(c)
• Get food safety certification and label every product. HAR 11-50-3(c)(1), (3)
• Sell in person or remotely, including by phone or internet, directly or through an agent or third-party vendor. HAR 11-50-3(c)(4)
• Products may be delivered by the operator, an agent, a third-party vendor, mail or shipping. HAR 11-50-3(c)(4)(C)
• The rules set no sales cap. HAR 11-50-3(c)

What the law calls it

• Hawaii uses "homemade food products," "homemade food operator" and "home kitchen." The Legislature noted in Act 195 (2024) that what DOH calls homemade food products is what most states call cottage food. HAR 11-50-2; DOH news release, Aug. 2025

Foods you can sell

• Foods that do not need time or temperature control for safety, made or packaged in a home kitchen. HAR 11-50-2
• Plant foods that are pickled, fermented or acidified with a pH of 4.2 or less or a water activity below 0.88. Products with cut tomatoes, such as salsa, must be kept at or below 41 degrees Fahrenheit. HAR 11-50-2
• DOH's examples include jams and jellies, baked goods without custard or cream fillings and plant-based pickles, kimchi and salsa. DOH Homemade Food Products fact sheet

Foods you cannot sell

• Dried meats and seafood, and pickled, fermented or acidified cantaloupes and other melon-family fruits. HAR 11-50-2
• DOH says no vacuum packaging and no canning except jams and jellies. DOH Homemade Food Products fact sheet

Sales limit

• The rules do not set a dollar limit. HAR 11-50-3(c)

Training and permits

• Obtain food safety certification under HAR 11-50-20(c). DOH says training from DOH or an ANSI-accredited course meets the requirement. HAR 11-50-3(c)(1); DOH Homemade Food Products fact sheet
• Some farmers markets and events require a special event permit. DOH says organizers can require one, and DOH will review and sign off on the application. DOH Homemade Food Products fact sheet

Where and how you can sell

• Directly to the consumer in person or remotely, including by telephone or the internet. HAR 11-50-3(c)(4)(A)
• Through an agent or a third-party vendor, such as a food establishment. HAR 11-50-3(c)(4)(B)
• Online: allowed. HAR 11-50-3(c)(4)(A)
• Mail and shipping: allowed. Products may be delivered by mail or shipping. HAR 11-50-3(c)(4)(C)
• Shipping to other states: the rule allows mail and shipping but does not say whether that includes buyers outside Hawaii. Ask DOH, and check federal rules and the destination state's rules, before shipping out of state. HAR 11-50-3(c)(4)(C)
• Wholesale: DOH says non-TCS homemade products may be wholesaled to permitted food establishments that resell them. A restaurant using one as an ingredient must disclose it in writing and show the label on request. DOH Homemade Food Products fact sheet
• Hand-pounded poi may be sold only directly to the consumer. HAR 11-50-3(c)(5)

Labeling rules

• Labels must show "Made in a home kitchen not routinely inspected by the Department of Health"; the common name or a descriptive name; ingredients and subingredients in descending order by weight for foods with two or more ingredients; major food allergens; and your name and contact information. HAR 11-50-35

Zoning, HOAs and local rules

• Ask your county about zoning rules.
• Check your HOA documents, since the state does not review private covenants.

Inspections

• No routine permit inspection, but homemade food operations remain subject to DOH inspection, embargo and penalties. HAR 11-50-3(c)

When you need a permit instead

• Foods that need time or temperature control, such as cream-filled pastries, and foods outside the definition require a DOH food establishment permit. HAR 11-50-2; HAR 11-50-3(a)

Timeline

• 2024: Act 195 directed DOH to expand homemade food opportunities. DOH news release, Aug. 2025
• Aug. 24, 2025: amended HAR 11-50 took effect, adding pickled, fermented and acidified plant foods and allowing third-party and wholesale sales. DOH news release, Aug. 2025
• Oct. 13, 2026: this page was last reviewed against HAR 11-50 and DOH guidance.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a permit to sell homemade food in Hawaii?

No. Homemade food operations are exempt from the DOH food establishment permit. Source: HAR 11-50-3(c).

Do I need training to sell homemade food in Hawaii?

Yes. You need food safety certification. Source: HAR 11-50-3(c)(1).

Can I sell homemade food online in Hawaii?

Yes. Sales may be made remotely, including by phone or the internet. Source: HAR 11-50-3(c)(4)(A).

Can I mail or ship homemade food in Hawaii?

Yes. Products may be delivered by mail or shipping. Source: HAR 11-50-3(c)(4)(C).

Can I sell homemade food to stores or restaurants in Hawaii?

Yes. DOH says homemade products may be wholesaled to permitted food establishments. Source: DOH Homemade Food Products fact sheet.

Can I sell kimchi or pickles in Hawaii?

Yes, if they are plant-based with a pH of 4.2 or less or a water activity below 0.88. Source: HAR 11-50-2.

Can I sell beef jerky or dried aku in Hawaii?

No. Dried meats and seafood are excluded. Source: HAR 11-50-2.

Is there a sales cap in Hawaii?

No. The rules do not set one. Source: HAR 11-50-3(c).

What must a Hawaii homemade food label say?

"Made in a home kitchen not routinely inspected by the Department of Health," plus the name, ingredients, allergens and your contact information. Source: HAR 11-50-35.

Official sources

• Hawaii DOH: HAR Chapter 11-50 Food Safety Code (PDF)
• Hawaii DOH: Homemade Food Products fact sheet (PDF)
• Hawaii DOH: DOH adopts updates to Food Safety Code

This page is general information, not legal advice. Laws change, and local zoning, HOA and tax rules vary. Confirm current requirements with the Hawaii Department of Health Food Safety Branch, or with an attorney, before you start selling.