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Form with NorthwestHawaii LLC guide
How to Start an LLC in Hawaii
To form a Hawaii LLC, you'll need to appoint a registered agent with a registered office in Hawaii, file the Articles of Organization (Form LLC-1) with the Hawaii Business Registration Division, and pay the $51 filing fee. You won't file an Annual Report in your registration year, but after that you'll need to file one by the end of your registration quarter.
- State filing fee
- $51 The formation charge is a $50 filing fee plus a $1 State Archives fee.
- Formation filing
- Form LLC-1 Hawaii Business Registration Division
- Registered agent
- Required Hawaii street address
- Ongoing report
- Annual Report (Form C5) End of the registration quarter
- Publication requirement
- Not required No statewide newspaper publication requirement.
Verified from 4 official sources.
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The filing path
Form your Hawaii LLC in five steps
Use the Hawaii LLC Launchpad to check your proposed name, review the state's registered agent rules, and get a formation plan matched to your priorities before you begin Step 1.
Hawaii LLC Launchpad
Step 1 of 5
Name Your Hawaii LLC
The first step is picking a business name for your Hawaii LLC
State
Step 1: Name Your Hawaii LLC
Before you get started, you will need to pick a suitable name for your Hawaii LLC.
This will need to comply with all applicable naming requirements under Hawaii law and be both succinct and memorable, as this will make it easily searchable by your potential clients.
1. Important Naming Guidelines for Hawaii LLCs:
- Your name must contain the words “limited liability company” or the abbreviations “LLC” or “L.L.C.”
- Your name cannot be “substantially identical” with any other name registered with the Hawaii Business Registration Division.
- Your name cannot include certain words without prior authorization and/or licensing (e.g., bank, olympiad, CPA, etc.).
- Your name cannot state or imply that your LLC is connected with a government agency unless this has been permitted in advance.
We recommend checking out Hawaii’s official naming guidelines for a complete list of naming rules in the state.
2. Conduct a Business Name Search in Hawaii
To ensure your name has not already been taken by another business entity in Hawaii, you can perform a business entity search on the Secretary of State’s website.
Keep in mind that, if you’re not going to start your LLC right away, it might be a good idea to consider reserving your name. In Hawaii, you can reserve a business name for up to 120 days through the Hawaii Business Express website, with a $10 processing fee.
For more information, you can have a look at our Hawaii LLC Name Search guide.
3. Conduct a Domain Name Search
It’s important at this stage to also confirm your business name is available as a web domain. Even if you don’t plan to make a business website right away, this is an extremely important step as it will prevent others from acquiring it, potentially saving you both time and money in the long term.
Once you have verified your name is available, you may now select a professional service to complete the LLC formation process for you.
FAQ: Naming a Hawaii LLC
LLC is short for “limited liability company”. It is a simple business structure that offers more flexibility than a traditional corporation while still providing legal protection for your personal assets. Read What is a Limited Liability Company for more information.
Or, watch our two-minute video: What is an LLC?
Most LLCs do not need a trade name or DBA. The name of the LLC can serve as your company’s brand name and you can accept checks and other payments under that name as well. However, you may wish to register a DBA if you would like to conduct business under another name.
To learn more about DBAs in your state, read our How to File a DBA in Hawaii guide.
Step 2: Choose a Registered Agent in Hawaii
After you find the right name for your LLC, you will need to nominate a Hawaii registered agent. This is a requirement for all LLCs in Hawaii.
What is a registered agent? A registered agent is an individual or business entity responsible for receiving important legal documents on behalf of your business. Think of your registered agent as your business’s primary point of contact with the state.
Who can be a registered agent? A registered agent must be a resident of Hawaii or a business entity (i.e., a commercial registered agent) that has the authority to conduct business in the state. Examples of registered agent options include registered agent services, LLC members, and business attorneys.
Note: If you plan to use a commercial registered agent, you will need to submit a Commercial Registered Agent Listing Statement to the Hawaii Business Registration Division, with a $100 filing fee.
Get Free Registered Agent Services
Form an LLC with Northwest Registered Agent to get one year of registered agent services free of charge.
FAQ: Nominating a Registered Agent
Yes, you can act as your own registered agent as long as you are a resident of Hawaii. For privacy and time management purposes, many businesses benefit from hiring a professional registered agent service instead.
For more information, you can have a look at our What is a Registered Agent article.
Using a professional registered agent service is an affordable way to manage government filings for your LLC. For most businesses, the advantages of using a professional service significantly outweigh the small annual costs.
Step 3: File the Hawaii LLC Articles of Organization
To register your Hawaii LLC, you will need to file Form LLC-1: Articles of Organization with the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs. You can do this online, by mail, by fax, by email, or in person.
Before getting started, we recommend ensuring that you have the following information on hand:
- Your LLC’s finalized name and principal office address (cannot be a P.O. box)
- Your registered agent’s name and street address
- The names and addresses of your LLC’s organizers and members
- Your LLC’s duration period (can be at-will or have a specified termination date)
- Your LLC’s management structure
File the Hawaii LLC Articles of Organization
OPTION 1: File Online With Hawaii Business Express
File Online– OR –
OPTION 2: File Form LLC-1 by Mail, by Fax, by Email, or in Person
Download FormState Filing Cost: $50, payable to the State of Hawaii (Nonrefundable) plus $1 State Archive Fee (May be refundable)
Mailing Address:
Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs
Business Registration Division
335 Merchant St.
P.O. Box 40
Honolulu, HI 96810
Office Address:
335 Merchant St.
Room 201
Honolulu, HI 96813
Fax: (808) 586-2733
Email: [email protected]
For help with completing the form, visit our Hawaii Articles of Organization guide.
If you’re expanding your existing business to the state of Hawaii, you’ll need to register as a foreign limited liability company (LLC).
FAQ: Filing Hawaii LLC Documents
Processing time for LLCs in Hawaii is typically between three to five business days. Or, you can opt for expedited processing (24 hours) by paying an additional $25 fee.
An LLC is referred to as a “domestic LLC” when it conducts business in the state where it was formed. A foreign limited liability company must be formed when an existing LLC wishes to expand its business to another state.
The minimum cost to start a Hawaii LLC is $50 for filing your Articles of Organization with the Hawaii Business Registration Division, plus a $1 state archives preservation fee.
To learn more, read our guide on the cost to form a Hawaii LLC.
Step 4: Create a Hawaii LLC Operating Agreement
LLCs are not required to have an operating agreement in Hawaii, but it’s a good practice to have one.
An operating agreement is a legal document outlining the ownership and operating procedures of an LLC.
A comprehensive operating agreement ensures that all business owners are on the same page and reduces the risk of future conflict.
You can use the free tool in our Business Center to create a custom operating agreement in minutes — or download our free templates:
FAQ: Creating a Hawaii LLC Operating Agreement
No. The operating agreement is an internal document that you should keep on file for future reference. However, many other states do legally require LLCs to have an operating agreement in place.
Step 5: Get an EIN for Your Hawaii LLC
You can get an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS for free. It is used to identify a business entity and keep track of a business’s tax reporting. You can think of an EIN as essentially a Social Security number (SSN) for the company.
Why do I need an EIN? An EIN is required for the following:
- To open a business bank account for the company
- For federal and state tax purposes
- To hire employees for the company
Where do I get an EIN? An EIN is obtained from the IRS (free of charge) by the business owner after forming the company. This can be done online or by mail.
FOR INTERNATIONAL APPLICANTS: You do not need an SSN to get an EIN. Learn more here.
Get an EIN
Option 1: Request an EIN from the IRS
– OR –
Option 2: Apply for an EIN by Mail or Fax
Mail to:
Internal Revenue Service
Attn: EIN Operation
Cincinnati, OH 45999
Fax: (855) 641-6935
Fee: Free
FAQ: Getting an EIN
A Social Security number is not required to get an EIN. You can simply fill out IRS Form SS-4 and leave section 7b blank. Then call the IRS at (267) 941-1099 to complete your application.
All LLCs with employees, or any LLC with more than one member, must have an EIN. This is required by the IRS.
Learn why we recommend always getting an EIN and how to get one for free in our Do I Need an EIN for an LLC guide.
When you get an EIN, you will be informed of the different tax classification options that are available. Most LLCs elect the default tax status.
However, some LLCs can reduce their federal tax obligation by choosing the S corporation (S corp) status. To learn more, read our LLC vs. S Corp guide.
Best LLC Services in Hawaii Compared
| Service | Total Cost* | Filing | Registered Agent | EIN | Operating Agreement |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Northwest
TOP PICK
25% TRUiC Discount
|
$130 | $29 | Free 1st Year $125/yr after | $50 | Free |
|
Tailor Brands
35% TRUiC Discount
|
$378 | $0 | $199/yr | $99 | $29 |
|
ZenBusiness
|
$348 | $0 | $99 1st Year $199/yr after | $99 | $99 |
|
LegalZoom
|
$478 | $0 | $249/yr | $79 | $99 |
For a comprehensive comparison, read our Best LLC Services review. We reviewed and ranked the top LLC formation services to help you determine the best fit for your new business.
Important Next Steps to Protect Your Hawaii LLC
After you’ve formed your LLC, you’ll need to complete key steps in order to:
- Separate your personal and business assets
- Stay compliant with state and federal laws
Get a Business Bank Account & Credit Card
Using a dedicated business banking account and business credit card is essential for personal asset protection.
When your personal and business accounts are mixed, your personal assets (your home, car, and other valuables) are at risk in the event your LLC is sued. In business law, this is referred to as piercing your corporate veil.
You can protect your business with these two steps:
1. Opening a business bank account:
- Separates your personal assets from your company’s assets, which is necessary for personal asset protection.
- Makes accounting and tax filing easier.
2. Getting a business credit card:
- Helps you separate personal and business expenses.
- Builds your company’s credit history, which can be useful to raise capital later on.
Get Insurance
Even though an LLC offers limited liability, you’ll still likely need to purchase some form of business insurance to protect your LLC’s assets. The most common types are:
- General Liability Insurance: A broad insurance policy that protects your business from lawsuits. Most small businesses get general liability insurance.
- Professional Liability Insurance: A business insurance for professional service providers (consultants, accountants, etc.) that covers against claims of malpractice and other business errors.
- Workers’ Compensation Insurance: A type of insurance that provides coverage for employees’ job-related illnesses, injuries, or deaths. In Hawaii, businesses with one or more employees, including LLC members and corporate officers, are required by law to have workers compensation insurance.
What This Means:
Without insurance: If someone sues your bakery for $40,000, they could take your commercial mixer and empty your business account ($25,000 total), but won’t be able to touch your house or personal savings.
With insurance: Your business liability policy could cover the $40,000 claim, meaning that both your personal and business assets would remain untouched.
That’s why many small business owners turn to providers like Ergo Next Insurance for affordable, tailored coverage. Get a free quote today.
Want to learn exactly what coverage your Hawaii business may need? Read our full Hawaii Business Insurance Guide.
Obtain Business Licenses If Needed
While Hawaii doesn’t require a general state business license, your LLC may need specific licenses or permits based on its industry, location, and activities.
- State-Level Licenses: Check with the Professional and Vocational Licensing Division to determine if your business requires any state-issued licenses or permits.
- Local Licenses: Check with your city or county clerk’s office to identify any local licensing requirements, such as zoning permits or health department approvals.
- Federal Licenses: If your business activities are regulated by a federal agency (e.g., selling alcohol, firearms, or operating in transportation), consult the U.S. Small Business Administration’s guide to determine necessary federal licenses or permits.
For a comprehensive overview and step-by-step instructions, refer to our Hawaii Business License Guide.
If you’d rather have a service handle this step for you, we recommend checking out LegalZoom’s Business License service.
Pay Hawaii LLC Taxes
Your Hawaii LLC will have several key tax obligations:
Federal LLC Tax Requirements
As a pass-through entity, profits typically flow to your personal tax return. LLC members pay self-employment tax (15.3%) on their earnings.
Income Taxes
In addition to your federal tax obligations, your Hawaii LLC will be required to pay certain state income taxes on the revenue it generates. There are two key state income taxes to be aware of in particular:
- Personal Income Tax: In Hawaii, this tax is set at a gradual rate that ranges between 1.4% and 11% depending on a taxable entity’s income. You can find out the rate at which you’ll need to pay this tax using the Hawaii Department of Taxation’s Individual Tax Tables.
- Corporate Income Tax: This tax is levied at a gradual rate varying between 4.4% and 6.4% on the adjusted net income of any LLCs structured as C corps.
You can pay and file returns for both of these state income taxes free of charge using the Hawaii Tax Online (HTO) system.
General Excise Tax
Hawaii imposes a 4% general excise tax on the gross income of all businesses operating within the state.
To meet this requirement, you will need to obtain a GET license by submitting the Hawaii Basic Business Application using the Hawaii Tax Online portal. The filing fee is $20.
Read our general excise tax guide to find out more.
Employer Taxes
If you have employees in Michigan, you will need to register for Unemployment Insurance Tax through the State of Hawaii Department of Labor and Industrial Relations. You will also need to sign up for Withholding Tax through the Department of Taxation.
Local Taxes
Some Hawaii cities and counties have their own tax requirements that may affect your LLC such as property and local general excise tax.
You can view the full list of county general excise and use tax surcharges on the Department of Taxation website. Additional information can be found on county property taxes by contacting your county officials or referring to the current tax year’s real property tax rates.
Most Hawaii LLCs must file their state tax returns by April 15. For help understanding your full tax obligations — and making sure nothing gets missed — check out our full Hawaii LLC Tax Guide.
Need personalized help? Schedule a free consultation with 1-800Accountant to get expert guidance from CPAs who specialize in small business taxes.
File Your LLC Annual Report
Your Hawaii LLC will be required to file an annual report with the Department of Commerce each year in order to keep the state’s records on your business up to date.
This can be done online, by mail, by fax, by email, or in person along with a fee of $15.
The due date for your annual report will depend on the quarter in which it was registered. If your formation date is:
- Between January 1 and March 31, your filing due date is March 31
- Between April 1 and June 30, your filing due date is June 30
- Between July 1 and September 30, your filing due date is September 30
- Between October 1 and December 31, your filing due date is December 31
Note: Your LLC will need to pay a $10 penalty fee if it misses its filing deadline, and can even face administrative dissolution (after two years).
To stay on top of this deadline and other important compliance tasks, we recommend hiring a professional registered agent service — they can help ensure you never miss a filing.