Top side hustles in Honolulu
Living on Oahu is expensive, which is exactly why so many residents look for extra income. The good news is that Honolulu has advantages few cities can match: millions of visitors a year, one of the largest military communities in the country, a major university and a time zone that lets you serve clients across the Pacific and the mainland. The best side hustles in Honolulu combine those advantages with an honest look at Hawaii's tax rules, starting with the general excise tax.
This guide covers 18 side gigs in Honolulu with typical pay, startup costs and local tips, from Waikiki rideshare to PCS move-out cleaning. If you're working out how to make money in Honolulu without burning out, start with the first eight picks; they're the Honolulu side hustles 2026 is rewarding most.
What drives side income on Oahu
- Tourism, every month of the year. Waikiki hotels, cruise ships at Aloha Tower and visitors at Ala Moana Center keep drivers, photographers and service workers busy even outside the summer and winter peaks.
- The military community. Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Schofield Barracks, Camp H.M. Smith and Marine Corps Base Hawaii in Kaneohe bring constant relocations, deployments and spouses looking for flexible work.
- Students and young professionals. The University of Hawaii at Manoa, Hawaii Pacific University and Chaminade add demand for tutoring, rides and food delivery, and a pool of part-time workers.
- High prices. Groceries, rent and services cost more than on the mainland, so locals value anyone who saves them time, and remote mainland income goes a long way toward closing the gap.
Top picks: the best side hustles in Honolulu
1. Rideshare driving
Airport runs from Daniel K. Inouye International (HNL) to Waikiki are the backbone, with steady demand from Kakaako nightlife, Ala Moana shoppers and cruise ship days downtown. Traffic on the H-1 is notorious, so work the shoulders of rush hour. Our Lyft and Uber guide explains sign-up.
2. Food and grocery delivery
DoorDash, Uber Eats and Instacart stay busy in dense neighborhoods like Kakaako, Moiliili, Kaimuki and Waikiki, where parking is hard and residents happily pay to skip it. Condo deliveries can be slow, so learn building access quirks.
Gas costs more in Hawaii than almost anywhere on the mainland. Check your true hourly rate before you commit:
Gig Driver Earnings Calculator
Uber, Lyft, DoorDash or Instacart — see what you really earn per hour after gas and wear on your car.
3. Vacation and mid-term rental cleaning
Legal vacation rentals in resort-zoned areas and the many 90-day-plus furnished rentals for traveling nurses and military families need reliable turnover cleaning. One good property manager can fill several days a week.
4. Proposal, family and portrait photography
Visitors want vacation portraits, engagement shoots and proposal photos at sunset. Locals book graduation, baby and family sessions. Some beaches, parks and state lands require permits for commercial shoots, so check before you book a location.
5. Remote freelancing for mainland clients
Writing, design, bookkeeping, video editing and development pay mainland rates. Hawaii doesn't observe daylight saving time, so you're two or three hours behind the West Coast; early mornings overlap with mainland business hours and evenings with Asia-Pacific clients. Build a portfolio on Fiverr and move clients to retainers.
6. Military PCS move support
Military families arrive and leave constantly, especially in summer. Offer move-out cleaning for base and off-base housing, car shipping drop-offs at the port, temporary pet care, furniture assembly and house sitting during gaps between orders.
7. Pet sitting and dog walking
Condo dwellers in Kakaako and Waikiki and frequent interisland travelers need walks and overnight care. A sturdy dog leash and early-morning walks before the heat keep clients happy. Holiday weeks book out early.
8. Tutoring and test prep
Families with kids in competitive private and public schools pay well for math, science, SAT and college-application help. UH Manoa students can tutor in person; anyone can tutor online.
Side jobs in Honolulu compared
| Side hustle | Typical pay | Startup cost | Time to first dollar |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rideshare | $18–$28/hr | Eligible car | 1–2 weeks |
| Food delivery | $17–$25/hr | Car or e-bike | Under 1 week |
| Rental cleaning | $28–$50/hr | $75–$150 | 1–2 weeks |
| Photography | $150–$450 per session | Camera | 2–4 weeks |
| Remote freelancing | $30–$90/hr | Laptop | 2–6 weeks |
| PCS move support | $30–$60/hr | $75–$200 | 1–2 weeks |
| Pet sitting | $20–$30/walk | $0 | 1–3 weeks |
| Tutoring | $30–$70/hr | $0–$50 | 1–2 weeks |
Island-style side gigs
These lean on what makes Honolulu unique. Many involve beaches or parks, so check commercial-use permits with the City and County of Honolulu or the state before charging customers.
9. Tour and experience host
Food tours in Chinatown and Kaimuki, hiking guidance, history walks and cultural workshops appeal to visitors who want something beyond Waikiki. Partner with a permitted operator or list experiences where rules allow.
10. Surf and ocean lessons
Beginner surf and stand-up paddle lessons are popular, but commercial ocean activities are regulated. Working part-time for an established, permitted surf school is the easiest legal path.
11. Lei making and local crafts
Graduation season in May drives huge demand for lei, and craft fairs and farmers markets like the KCC market near Diamond Head sell jewelry, prints and local-themed goods year-round.
12. Food pop-ups and plate lunches
Pop-ups, baked goods and plate lunches sell fast when they're good. Food for the public needs Hawaii Department of Health permits or cottage food compliance, so check rules first.
13. Fitness bootcamps and personal training
Sunrise workouts at Kapiolani Park or Ala Moana Beach Park are easy to sell, but group fitness in city parks may need a permit. Private in-home or condo-gym sessions avoid that issue.
More side gigs in Honolulu
14. Social media for local businesses
Restaurants, boutiques and tour operators know they need Instagram and Google reviews but don't have time. Monthly packages are common.
15. Event staffing
The Honolulu Marathon in December, Aloha Festivals in September, Pan-Pacific Festival in June, UH football games in Manoa and Hawaii Convention Center events all need temporary staff.
16. Handyman and furniture assembly
New condo towers in Kakaako and constant military moves keep assembly and mounting work steady. Keep jobs small; bigger projects require a Hawaii contractor's license.
17. Local reselling
Shipping to and from the islands is expensive, so locally available furniture, appliances and surf gear sell quickly on Facebook Marketplace. PCS move-outs are a goldmine for inventory.
18. Mobile car detailing
Salt air, sand and red dirt are hard on cars. Interior details and protective wax packages sell well, especially to military families preparing cars for shipping.
How to start a side hustle in Honolulu this month
- Pick one gig that fits your schedule. Driving and delivery for nights; cleaning, pet care and PCS support for weekdays.
- Get your GET license. Register online with the Hawaii Department of Taxation for the one-time $20 fee.
- Check permits for your activity. Beaches, parks, food and ocean activities often need extra approvals.
- Price for Honolulu costs. Factor in gas, parking, GET and supplies, which all cost more here.
- Market locally. Nextdoor, military spouse Facebook groups and a Google Business Profile bring in early clients.
- Separate your money. Open a dedicated account and move GET and income tax savings out of every payment.
Hawaii taxes and rules for side income
- General excise tax (GET): Hawaii taxes the business itself on gross receipts. The rate on Oahu is 4.5% (4% state plus a 0.5% county surcharge). You need a GET license, which costs a one-time $20, and you file periodic returns plus an annual reconciliation. Many businesses visibly pass GET on to customers.
- State income tax: progressive rates from 1.4% to 11%. There's no separate state self-employment tax.
- Federal self-employment tax: 15.3% on net profit, plus federal income tax. Use our self-employment tax calculator to plan your set-aside.
- Rentals: short-term stays owe transient accommodations tax at the state and county level in addition to GET, and Honolulu's 90-day minimum applies in most residential areas.
- Permits: commercial activity in city parks and on state beaches and waters often requires permits. Ask before you charge.
For more ideas across all the islands, read our guide to side hustles you can do in Hawaii.
Compare with other city guides
Honolulu has no nearby neighbors, but many residents compare it with West Coast cities. See our guides to the best side hustles in San Francisco, San Diego and Las Vegas, a favorite destination for island residents. Better Side Hustles readers in Honolulu who succeed usually pick one gig, master the GET paperwork early and let local referrals build from there.
Frequently asked questions
What are the best side hustles in Honolulu?
Rideshare and food delivery, vacation rental cleaning, portrait and proposal photography, remote freelancing for mainland clients, military move support, pet sitting and tutoring are the strongest options. Tourism keeps visitor-facing gigs busy all year, while the military and university communities create steady local demand.
How can I make money in Honolulu fast?
Uber, Lyft, DoorDash and Uber Eats can have you earning within a week or two of approval, especially around Waikiki, Ala Moana and the airport. For quick local cash, offer move-out cleaning to military families during PCS season or pet sitting through Rover, and remember to get your GET license.
Do I need a GET license for a side hustle in Hawaii?
Almost certainly. Hawaii's general excise tax applies to nearly all business income, including rideshare, delivery, freelancing and cleaning. You register with the Department of Taxation for a one-time $20 fee, then file periodic GET returns on your gross receipts. On Oahu the rate is 4.5%, including the county surcharge.
How much can I make from side jobs in Honolulu?
Most people working 8 to 15 hours a week typically earn $600 to $2,000 a month. App driving often runs $18 to $28 an hour before gas, while photography, freelancing and skilled services can pay $40 to $100 an hour once you have a few regular clients. Honolulu's high costs make tracking expenses essential.
Can I rent out my place on Airbnb in Honolulu?
Usually not for short stays. Honolulu generally requires rentals of at least 90 days in most residential areas, with shorter stays limited to resort-zoned areas and certain grandfathered units. Mid-term rentals to traveling nurses and military families, or cleaning for legal vacation rentals, are safer ways to earn from the rental market.
How are side hustle earnings taxed in Hawaii?
You pay Hawaii income tax at progressive rates from 1.4% to 11%, federal income tax, 15.3% self-employment tax on net profit and GET on your gross receipts. Set aside roughly 30% of profit plus your GET, and make quarterly estimated payments to the IRS and the state.
Better Side Hustles Editorial Team. We research side hustles the practical way — platform fees, real pay ranges and what it takes to land your first dollar. How we write our guides.
Last reviewed October 26, 2026. Pay ranges are estimates and vary by city, season and effort. This article may contain affiliate links; see our disclosure.
