Start an LLC in Hawaii — $50 State Fee, $15/Year Annual Report

Your Hawaii LLC name must be unique among all businesses registered with the Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA) and must include a required designator.

Hawaii Naming Rules:

• Must include: "Limited Liability Company," "LLC," or "L.L.C."
• Cannot use: Words implying a government agency (e.g., "FBI," "State Department")
• Restricted words: "Bank," "Insurance," "University" require additional approval
• Must be distinguishable: From all existing Hawaii business names in the DCCA database

Every Hawaii LLC must designate a registered agent — an individual or company with a physical Hawaii street address — to receive legal documents and official state notices during regular business hours.

Who can be your registered agent?

• Yourself: Must have a physical Hawaii address and be available during business hours
• A trusted individual: Any Hawaii resident with a physical address
• A professional service: Like Brendat — keeps your personal address off public records

The Articles of Organization officially creates your Hawaii LLC. You file it with the Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA), Business Registration Division (BREG) — online via the Hawaii Business Express portal or by mail.

Hawaii does not legally require an operating agreement, but it is strongly recommended for all Hawaii LLCs. It establishes ownership, profit sharing, and management rules and protects your liability shield.

Your operating agreement should cover:

• Ownership structure: Each member's percentage and capital contribution
• Profit distribution: How and when profits are divided
• Management: Who makes decisions and how voting works
• Member changes: Process for adding or removing members
• Dissolution: Steps to close the LLC if needed

Two important steps after your LLC is approved: obtain your federal EIN and register your LLC for Hawaii's General Excise Tax (GET).

Step 5A — Get Your EIN:

• US residents: Apply free online at IRS.gov — instant approval
• Non-US residents: Apply by fax using IRS Form SS-4 — 4–6 weeks
• Brendat handles this: Included in Standard and Premium packages

Step 5B — Register for Hawaii General Excise Tax (GET):

What it is: Hawaii's 4% tax on gross business revenue — applies to almost all businesses. Register with: Hawaii Department of Taxation via Hawaii Tax Online. Registration fee: $20 one-time registration fee. When to register: Before your LLC starts doing business in Hawaii.

Hawaii LLCs must file an annual report every year with the Hawaii DCCA to stay in good standing. At just $15 per year, Hawaii has one of the cheapest annual LLC maintenance costs in the entire United States.

• Annual report fee: $15/year
• Due date: Last day of your LLC's formation quarter each year
• Filing: Online via Hawaii Business Express portal
• Late penalty: $10 late fee + potential administrative dissolution