How to start an LLC in Hawaii
Forming an LLC in Hawaii costs $50 and online filings are typically approved in about 1–3 business days online. Here's the whole process, step by step.
Filing fee
$50
One-time, paid to the state
Approval time
about 1–3 business days online
Typical for online filings
Ongoing fee
$15/yr
What the state charges each year
Fees and processing times change — always confirm the current figures with the Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA) before you file.
The 4 steps in Hawaii
Pick a name that works in Hawaii
Your name must be distinguishable from other Hawaii businesses and include a designator like “LLC” or “Limited Liability Company.” Search the state's business database before you file.
File the paperwork
You file Articles of Organization with the DCCA Business Registration Division, online through Hawaii Business Express or by mail. The filing fee is $50. Also write a simple operating agreement — it's free, and it keeps your liability protection clear.
Get your free EIN
Apply at IRS.gov and get your Employer Identification Number immediately, for free. You'll need it for taxes and your business bank account.
Open a business bank account
Bring your approved Articles of Organization, EIN, and operating agreement. Keeping business money separate is what makes the liability protection hold.
Optional: name a registered agent service
Every Hawaii LLC needs a registered agent with a physical address in the state. You can be your own for free — or pay a service to keep your address private. Learn how registered agents work.
Hawaii is one of the cheapest states to keep an LLC running — just $15 a year — but missing the report can lead the state to dissolve your LLC.
File directly with the Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA).
Common questions about Hawaii LLCs
How much does it cost to start an LLC in Hawaii?
The Hawaii filing fee is $50, paid once when you submit your Articles of Organization. Getting your EIN from the IRS is free, and you can be your own registered agent for free. Ongoing, Hawaii charges $15/yr. Fees change over time, so confirm the current amount on the Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA) website before you file.
How long does it take to get an LLC in Hawaii?
Online filings are typically approved in about 1–3 business days online, though times vary with the state's workload. Mail filings take longer. Check the Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA) website for current processing times.
Do I need a registered agent in Hawaii?
Yes — every Hawaii LLC must list a registered agent with a physical street address in the state. You can be your own agent for free, or hire a commercial service (roughly $100–$150 a year) to keep your address off the public record.
Does Hawaii require an annual report?
Hawaii's annual report costs $15 and is due by the end of the quarter in which your LLC was formed, every year.
Can I form my Hawaii LLC myself, without a service?
Yes. Filing directly with the Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA) is straightforward: pick a name, submit the Articles of Organization online, and pay the $50 fee. A formation service is optional convenience, not a requirement.
Where to go next
Ready to make your Hawaii LLC official?
Grab the free checklist so nothing gets missed, or compare formation services.