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How to form an LLC in Hawaii

File an Articles of Organization with the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA), Business Registration Division. State filing fee $50.

Start my Hawaii LLC → Search names on the state site ↗

Due to form

$50

State filing fee

How to file

Online or by mail

Online filings are typically processed quickly; paper standard review is slower, expedited review shortens it…

Keeping it active

Annual Report

By the end of the calendar quarter in which the registration anniversary falls (Mar 31, Jun 30, Sep 30 or Dec 31); not required in the year of formation. · $15

The steps in Hawaii

  1. 1

    Choose a name

    It must be distinguishable from other businesses on file and end with “Limited Liability Company”, “Limited Company”, “L.L.C.”, “LLC”, “L.C.”, “LC”. Name must be distinguishable on the records; name reservation available ($10, expedited +$25). You can reserve a name first for $10 (optional).

  2. 2

    Appoint a registered agent

    Individual residing in Hawaii or a domestic/foreign entity authorized to do business in Hawaii, with a Hawaii business (street) address (HRS 428-107).

  3. 3

    File the Articles of Organization

    File with the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA), Business Registration Division (form LLC-1). You can file online or by mail. Fee: $50.

  4. 4

    Sign an operating agreement

    Not filed with the state, and not required by Hawaii law, but banks and partners often ask for one. LLCPros prepares one from your answers.

  5. 5

    Get an EIN and keep up with reports

    Get a free Employer Identification Number from the IRS, open a business bank account, then file the Annual Report (by the end of the calendar quarter in which the registration anniversary falls (Mar 31, Jun 30, Sep 30 or Dec 31); not required in the year of formation.).

Fees

Filing fee — Articles of Organization$50
Optional: Expedited review expedite+$25
Optional: name reservation$10
Later: Annual Report$15

Plus $1 State Archives fee (total $51 standard). Checks payable to DCCA; $25 dishonored-check fee.

State taxes to know about

No state franchise tax on LLCs. Taxed per federal classification; General Excise Tax license from Dept. of Taxation if doing business.

Questions about Hawaii LLCs

›How much does it cost to form an LLC in Hawaii?

The Hawaii filing fee for the Articles of Organization is $50. Optional expedited processing costs more.

›What document forms an LLC in Hawaii?

You file an Articles of Organization (form LLC-1) with the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA), Business Registration Division.

›Does Hawaii require a registered agent?

Yes. Individual residing in Hawaii or a domestic/foreign entity authorized to do business in Hawaii, with a Hawaii business (street) address (HRS 428-107).

›Does a Hawaii LLC file an annual report?

Yes: the Annual Report, by the end of the calendar quarter in which the registration anniversary falls (Mar 31, Jun 30, Sep 30 or Dec 31); not required in the year of formation., fee $15.

Double-check with the state

We could not confirm these on an official Hawaii page when we last checked (November 12, 2026). Your filing plan lists them too.

  • Whether Hawaii accepts a formation document you prepare yourself — if not, use the state’s own form with your worksheet
  • The newspaper publication rules and deadline
  • When the annual (or biennial) report is due, and its fee
  • The registered agent rules, including whether the agent must sign a consent
  • Which name endings and words the state allows
  • Exactly what the state’s form or online filing asks for
Self-help, not legal or tax advice. LLCPros is not a law firm, does not give legal or tax advice, and is not affiliated with any state or federal agency. We prepare documents from your answers and your state’s published rules; you file them and pay the state’s fees directly. Rules and fees change — check the official state links before filing, and talk to a lawyer or accountant about your situation.