🌴 How to Start an LLC in Hawaii (2025 Step-by-Step)
Learn how to start an LLC in Hawaii in 7 simple steps. Covers Hawaii LLC costs, registered agents, taxes, Articles of Organization, and more.
🤔 Why Start a Hawaii LLC?
Forming a Hawaii LLC provides limited liability protection, credibility, and tax flexibility for entrepreneurs across the islands. Whether you’re opening a surf shop in Maui or consulting remotely from Oahu, a Hawaii LLC helps you protect your personal assets.
Use this 2025 guide to legally and efficiently form an LLC in Hawaii.
| Benefit | Description |
|---|---|
| 🌞 Tax Flexibility | Choose default pass-through or elect corporate taxation |
| 🏝️ Strong Asset Protection | LLC separates personal and business liabilities |
| 📄 Simple Reporting | Low-cost annual report and simple filing |
| 🌐 Online Services | Fast online filing and renewal process |
| 🛡️ Flexible Management | Member-managed or manager-managed LLCs allowed |
🧭 Step-by-Step: Forming an LLC in Hawaii
1. 🏷️ Choose a Name for Your Hawaii LLC
Your LLC name must:
Be distinguishable from existing entities
Include “Limited Liability Company” or abbreviations like “LLC” or “L.L.C.”
Avoid restricted terms without approval
🔍 Search availability at Hawaii Business Express.
2. 🧑💼 Appoint a Registered Agent in Hawaii
Your LLC must have a Hawaii registered agent to accept legal papers.
The agent must:
Have a physical Hawaii address
Be available during regular business hours
Be an individual or a business authorized in Hawaii
💡 Many use a professional service to maintain privacy and avoid missed legal notices.
3. 📝 File Articles of Organization with the DCCA
Submit Articles of Organization (Form LLC-1) to the Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA).
Filing Fee: $50 (plus $1 State Archive Fee)
Online Filing: Hawaii Business Express
Processing Time: 1–3 business days online
4. 📃 Create an Operating Agreement
An LLC operating agreement is not required by Hawaii law, but it’s crucial for:
Clarifying ownership and management roles
Outlining member responsibilities
Preventing internal disputes
Especially important for multi-member LLCs, but also recommended for single-member ones.
5. 🆔 Get an EIN from the IRS
Apply for an Employer Identification Number (EIN) for:
Opening a business bank account
Hiring employees
Filing federal and state taxes
🆓 You can apply online for free at irs.gov.
6. 🧾 Apply for a Hawaii General Excise Tax (GET) License
Every Hawaii LLC must register for a GET license via the Hawaii Tax Online portal.
Required for nearly all business activities
One-time fee: $20
GET is separate from state income tax
7. 💼 Open a Business Bank Account
Keep personal and business finances separate. You’ll need:
EIN
Certificate of Formation
Operating Agreement
8. 📆 File Hawaii Annual Reports
Your Hawaii LLC must file an annual report with the DCCA.
Due: End of the quarter in which the LLC was formed
Fee: $15
Late Penalty: $10
File at: HBE Portal
🔍 People Also Ask
1. How much does it cost to form an LLC in Hawaii?
1–2 business days (online) or 1–2 weeks by mail.
How much does it cost to start an LLC in Alabama?
It costs $51 total to file the Articles of Organization (includes state archive fee).
💰 Hawaii LLC Cost Summary (2025)
| Expense Type | Cost |
|---|---|
| Articles of Organization | $51 total |
| Registered Agent (annual) | $50–$150 |
| EIN | Free |
| Operating Agreement | Free (DIY) |
| GET License | $20 |
| Annual Report | $15/year |
🏛️ Hawaii DCCA Contact Info
Department: Business Registration Division (DCCA)
Phone: (808) 586-2727
Email: breg@dcca.hawaii.gov
Mailing Address:
State of Hawaii
Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs
Business Registration Division
P.O. Box 40
Honolulu, HI 96810Website: https://cca.hawaii.gov/breg
❓ FAQs: People Also Ask
1. What is the GET license in Hawaii?
It’s the General Excise Tax license — required for nearly all businesses in Hawaii.
2. Do I need a registered agent in Hawaii?
Yes. Every LLC in Hawaii must designate a registered agent with a local address.
3. When are Hawaii LLC annual reports due?
At the end of the quarter when your LLC was formed (March, June, September, or December).
4. Can I be my own registered agent in Hawaii?
No, but it is strongly recommended for legal protection and clarity.
5. Do I need an operating agreement in Hawaii?
It’s not required, but it is highly recommended to avoid internal legal issues.
6. What taxes do Hawaii LLCs pay?
In addition to federal taxes, Hawaii LLCs must pay General Excise Tax (GET) and possibly state income tax.
7. Can a non-resident form an LLC in Hawaii?
Yes. There are no residency restrictions.
8. Can I reserve a business name in Hawaii?
Yes. You can reserve a name for 120 days by filing a Name Reservation (Form X-1) and paying $10.
About Us
We specialize in guiding individuals through the process of forming LLCs across all states, while also offering a range of comprehensive business services tailored to entrepreneurs.
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- support@tostartanllc.com
- +1 (646) 347-3833
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