How To Start An LLC In Hawaii In 2025
Everything you need to know about forming an LLC in Hawaii, plus our expert-tested recommendations for the best formation services in the Aloha State.
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Hawaii offers surprisingly affordable LLC formation with excellent business advantages. With a $51 total state filing fee (one of the lowest in the nation) and processing times of 3-5 business days, Hawaii is an excellent state for starting your LLC. Whether you're in Honolulu, Hilo, Kona, or anywhere else in the Aloha State, you can have your Hawaii LLC up and running quickly.
Our top pick for Hawaii LLC formation is ZenBusiness. They offer fast processing for Hawaii LLCs, include a year of free Worry-Free Compliance, and their $0 formation package means you only pay the $51 Hawaii state fee. With their expertise in Hawaii business law and excellent customer support, they make the entire process simple and stress-free.
Featured Partners
- Best filing & protections
- Fastest processing
- Free compliance for 1 yr
- Award-winning support
On ZenBusiness's Website
- Best for standard filing
- Fast processing options
- Free yr registered agent
- Lifetime company alerts
On Bizee's Website
- Best legal services
- Fast processing options
- AI legal forms
- Trusted since 1999
On LegalZoom's Website
- Best branding services
- Fast processing options
- Logo & website builder
- Establish your brand
On Tailor Brands's Website
Compare the Best Hawaii LLC Services of 2025
Side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, and capabilities
| Feature | ZenBusiness Best Overall Value | Bizee Fastest Formation |  Inc Authority Free Formation | Tailor Brands Best for Branding | LegalZoom Best for Legal Support |  Rocket Lawyer Legal Documents |  BetterLegal Speed & Simplicity |  Active Filings Traditional Service |  Filenow Budget Option |  Northwest Basic Formation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $0 + state fees | $0 + state fees | $0 + state fees | $0 + state fees | $0 + state fees | $99.99 + state fees | $299 all-inclusive | $199 + state fees | $99 + state fees | $39 + state fees |
| Our Rating | 4.9 /5 | 4.6 /5 | 4.4 /5 | 4.3 /5 | 4.2 /5 | 4.0 /5 | 3.9 /5 | 3.8 /5 | 3.6 /5 | 3.4 /5 |
| Standard Processing | 7-10 days | 3 weeks | 7-10 days | 3 weeks | 5-14 days | 5-7 days | 2 days | 5-10 days | 7-10 days | 7-10 days |
| Rush Processing | 1 day +$79 | 1 day +$49 | 2 days +$99 | 1 day +$99 | Standard speed | 2 days +$100 | 3 days +$50 | |||
| Compliance Tools | Worry-Free Compliance Free 1st year | Alerts only Basic monitoring | Basic tools Included | Basic alerts Included | Premium only Extra cost | Document library With membership | Limited Basic support | Basic tools Limited | None Not available | None Not included |
| Registered Agent | $199/yr Not included | Free Year 1 Then $119/yr | Free Year 1 Then $199/yr | $119/yr Not included | $249/yr Not included | $149/yr Not included | Included In base price | Free Year 1 Then $119/yr | +$125/yr Not included | $125/yr Available |
| Operating Agreement | +$99 | +$99 | +$50 | Included | +$99 | Included | Included | +$99 | +$40 | +$39 |
| EIN Service | +$99 | +$70 | +$70 | Included | +$159 | +$99 | Included | +$70 | +$50 | +$70 |
| Customer Support | Phone, Chat, Email | Limited | Phone, Chat | Phone, Email | Phone, Chat | Phone, Chat | Phone, Email | Phone, Email | Email only | Email only |
| Mobile App | ||||||||||
| Attorney Access | ||||||||||
| Get Started | Get Started Learn more → | Get Started Learn more → | Get Started Learn more → | Get Started Learn more → | Get Started Learn more → | Get Started Learn more → | Get Started Learn more → | Get Started Learn more → | Get Started Learn more → | Get Started Learn more → |
Note: State filing fees are additional for all services except where noted. Features and pricing may vary by state.
Our Top Picks for Hawaii LLC Services
Best Overall for Hawaii ZenBusiness excels at Hawaii LLC formation with their reliable processing and deep knowledge of Hawaii's specific requirements including General Excise Tax (GET) obligations. They include their Worry-Free Compliance for the first year (saving you $199+), handle your DCCA registration, and provide ongoing compliance support. Their team is well-versed in Hawaii's annual report requirements and can help ensure you stay compliant with all state regulations.
Best For:
Hawaii entrepreneurs who want comprehensive support and reliable filing
Pros
- Fast Hawaii LLC filing (3-5 business days)
- Free Worry-Free Compliance for 1 year
- Includes Hawaii annual report reminder service
- Expert support familiar with Hawaii requirements
- 100% accuracy guarantee on Hawaii filings
- Free EIN and operating agreement with Pro plan
Cons
- Premium features require upgraded plans
- Registered agent is $199/year
Great Value for Hawaii Bizee (formerly Incfile) offers excellent value for Hawaii LLC formation with reliable processing and comprehensive support. They provide a free Hawaii registered agent for the first year and their dashboard specifically tracks Hawaii's annual report deadlines. Perfect for entrepreneurs who want reliable service at an affordable price in the Hawaiian Islands.
Best For:
Hawaii businesses needing reliable, affordable formation
Pros
- Reliable Hawaii processing (3-5 days)
- Free Hawaii registered agent for first year
- Lifetime company alerts for Hawaii compliance
- Dashboard tracks Hawaii annual reports
- Free business tools and templates
- No hidden fees on basic package
Cons
- Operating agreement costs extra
- Limited phone support hours
Best Legal Support in HI LegalZoom brings decades of experience with Hawaii business formation. Their attorney network includes Hawaii-licensed lawyers who can provide state-specific legal advice on Hawaii's unique business environment, including General Excise Tax requirements. While their add-ons are pricier, they're ideal for Hawaii businesses with complex legal needs.
Best For:
Hawaii businesses needing ongoing legal support and guidance
Pros
- Attorney consultations for Hawaii law
- Expedited filing available for Hawaii (1-2 days)
- Comprehensive Hawaii legal forms library
- Phone support with Hawaii expertise
- 30+ years serving Hawaii businesses
- Peace of mind guarantee
Cons
- Hawaii registered agent costs $249/year
- Operating agreement extra (+$99)
Best Hawaii Branding Package Tailor Brands combines Hawaii LLC formation with comprehensive branding tools. Perfect for Hawaii's thriving tourism, creative, and hospitality industries, they help establish your brand identity while handling the legal formation. Their packages include everything needed to launch a professional Hawaii business presence online and offline.
Best For:
Hawaii creative businesses and tourism startups needing branding
Pros
- Logo design and branding included
- Website builder with Hawaii business info
- Business cards with Hawaii address
- 3-5 day Hawaii processing
- EIN and operating agreement included
- Social media kit for Hawaii business
Cons
- Monthly subscription required
- No rush processing for Hawaii
Free Hawaii Formation Inc Authority offers genuinely free Hawaii LLC formation where you only pay the $51 state fee. They include a free Hawaii registered agent for the first year and handle all DCCA filings. While processing is slower than competitors, they're perfect for Hawaii entrepreneurs prioritizing cost savings over speed.
Best For:
Budget-conscious Hawaii entrepreneurs
Pros
- Truly free Hawaii LLC formation
- Free Hawaii registered agent for first year
- Free tax consultation for Hawaii businesses
- Handles DCCA filing
- No hidden fees on basic package
- Hawaii business forms included
Cons
- Processing takes 5-7 business days
- Hawaii registered agent renews at $119/year
- Aggressive upselling reported
Privacy Focused Northwest Registered Agent takes a minimalist approach to Hawaii LLC formation, focusing on privacy and straightforward service without the bells and whistles. They handle your Hawaii DCCA registration efficiently and provide registered agent services at competitive rates, making them ideal for business owners who prefer a simple, direct approach to LLC formation in the Hawaiian Islands.
Best For:
Hawaii entrepreneurs who prioritize privacy and simple, no-frills service
Pros
- Strong privacy protection for Hawaii businesses
- Transparent pricing with no hidden fees
- Handles Hawaii DCCA filing
- No aggressive marketing or upselling
- Straightforward Hawaii LLC process
- Low-cost registered agent service
Cons
- Email-only customer support
- No rush processing for Hawaii filings
- Limited business tools and resources
- Basic operating agreement template
All-Inclusive & Fast BetterLegal offers a streamlined approach to Hawaii LLC formation with their comprehensive $299 service package plus Hawaii's $51 state filing fee. With guaranteed 2-business-day turnaround and transparent pricing, they're perfect for entrepreneurs who want speed and simplicity without hidden costs in their Hawaii LLC formation process.
Best For:
Hawaii businesses needing everything done quickly with transparent pricing
Pros
- Guaranteed 2-business-day Hawaii formation
- Everything included: formation, EIN, operating agreement, registered agent
- Transparent flat-rate pricing structure
- Hawaii-specific compliance guidance
- No hidden fees or surprise costs
- Streamlined single-package approach
Cons
- Higher upfront cost than budget options
- State filing fees are additional cost
- Limited ongoing support after formation
- Fewer customization options
Legal Platform Rocket Lawyer goes beyond simple Hawaii LLC formation to provide a comprehensive legal platform. With access to Hawaii-licensed attorneys and an extensive library of legal documents, they're ideal for businesses that need ongoing legal support. While formation takes longer than specialized services, the added legal resources make it worthwhile for complex Hawaii business needs.
Best For:
Hawaii businesses anticipating ongoing legal needs and document creation
Pros
- Access to Hawaii-licensed attorneys
- Comprehensive legal document library
- Ongoing legal support beyond formation
- Rush Hawaii processing available (additional fee)
- Hawaii business law resources
- Attorney consultations included with membership
Cons
- Monthly membership required for best value
- Hawaii formation takes 5-7 business days
- Higher costs compared to formation-only services
- Complex pricing structure
Traditional Service Active Filings provides reliable Hawaii LLC formation with a focus on personal service and phone support. While their pricing is higher than newer competitors, they offer a traditional approach that many Hawaii business owners appreciate, with knowledgeable representatives who understand Hawaii's specific LLC requirements and annual reporting deadlines.
Best For:
Hawaii entrepreneurs who prefer phone support and traditional business services
Pros
- Phone support with Hawaii expertise
- First year registered agent included
- Rush processing available for Hawaii
- Traditional, reliable service approach
- Hawaii annual report reminders
- Basic compliance tools included
Cons
- Higher starting price than competitors
- Limited online tools and resources
- Standard processing takes 5-7 days
- Fewer modern business features
Compliance Specialists Harbor Compliance specializes in the ongoing administrative and compliance aspects of Hawaii business ownership. While their basic LLC formation is straightforward, their real strength lies in helping established Hawaii businesses navigate complex regulatory requirements including General Excise Tax compliance, making them ideal for companies planning significant growth.
Best For:
Hawaii businesses with complex compliance needs or planning to expand
Pros
- Specialized in ongoing Hawaii compliance
- Corporate services and advanced structures
- Hawaii annual report filing services
- Business licensing assistance
- Registered agent services statewide
- Focus on regulatory requirements
Cons
- Higher fees for premium services
- Complex pricing for basic formation
- Longer processing times (7-10 days)
- Limited customer support hours
Hawaii LLC Requirements & Steps
What You Need to Form a Hawaii LLC
- ✓ Unique LLC Name: Must include "Limited Liability Company" or "LLC" and be distinguishable from other Hawaii businesses
- ✓ Hawaii Registered Agent: Required by law - must have a Hawaii street address (no P.O. boxes)
- ✓ Articles of Organization: Filed with Hawaii DCCA Business Registration Division using Form LLC-1
- ✓ EIN (Federal Tax ID): Required to open a business bank account and hire employees
- ✓ Operating Agreement: Not required by Hawaii but highly recommended
- ✓ Annual Report: Due date dependent on registration date
Hawaii LLC Costs
- • State Filing Fee: $51 ($50 + $1 state archives fee)
- • Registered Agent: $100-$300/year (or free first year with most services)
- • EIN: Free from IRS, $50-$150 through formation services
- • Annual Report: $15 per year ($12.50 if filed online)
- • General Excise Tax License: Required for LLCs in Hawaii
Hawaii LLC Timeline
- • Name Approval: Instant online check via DCCA
- • Processing Time: 3-5 business days standard, 1 day expedited (+$25)
- • EIN Application: Instant online or 4 weeks by mail
- • Total Time to Launch: 3-7 business days with standard service
Why Form Your LLC in Hawaii?
Tax Advantages
- • Pass-through taxation for LLCs
- • Low annual report fee ($15)
- • Affordable state filing fee ($51)
Business Environment
- • Strategic Pacific location
- • Major tourism industry
- • Growing defense sector
- • Gateway to Asian markets
Legal Protections
- • Strong asset protection laws
- • Limited liability protection
- • Privacy for members
- • Flexible management structure
Easy Administration
- • Low state filing fee ($51)
- • Reasonable processing times
- • Simple annual reporting ($15)
- • Online filing available
Hawaii LLC Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to form an LLC in Hawaii?
The Hawaii state filing fee is $51 ($50 filing fee + $1 state archives fee), one of the lowest in the nation. Additional costs include a registered agent ($100-$300/year, though many services offer the first year free), EIN application (free from IRS or $50-$150 through a service), and the annual report fee of $15 ($12.50 if filed online). Most Hawaii entrepreneurs spend between $51-$400 total to form their LLC, depending on which services they choose.
Do I need a registered agent for my Hawaii LLC?
Yes, Hawaii law requires every LLC to have a registered agent with a Hawaii street address (P.O. boxes are not acceptable). The registered agent receives legal documents and official state correspondence on behalf of your LLC. You can serve as your own registered agent if you have a Hawaii address, but most business owners use a professional service for privacy and reliability. Many formation services include the first year free.
How long does it take to form an LLC in Hawaii?
Hawaii LLC formation typically takes 3-5 business days for standard processing through the DCCA Business Registration Division. Expedited service is available for an additional $25 fee, which reduces processing time to 1 business day. Online filing through the Hawaii Business Express portal is generally faster than mail filing. Total time from filing to launch is typically 3-7 business days.
What is Hawaii's annual report requirement?
Hawaii LLCs must file an annual report on the anniversary of their formation date each year. The report costs $15. It updates your business information including address, registered agent, and member/manager details. Failure to file can result in administrative dissolution. Most formation services provide reminders and some will file it for you.
Can I form a Hawaii LLC if I don't live in Hawaii?
Yes, you don't need to be a Hawaii resident to form a Hawaii LLC. However, you must have a registered agent with a Hawaii street address. This is where professional registered agent services become essential for out-of-state business owners. Keep in mind you may also need to register as a foreign LLC in your home state if you're conducting business there.
What is Hawaii's General Excise Tax (GET)?
Hawaii's General Excise Tax (GET) is a unique business tax that differs from typical sales taxes found on the mainland. GET applies to most business activities in Hawaii and is paid by the business (though it can be passed on to customers). Most businesses need to obtain a GET license and file periodic returns. This is separate from federal income taxes and LLC formation fees.
Popular Hawaii Cities for LLCs
- • Honolulu
- • Kapolei
- • Pearl City
- • Kailua
- • Hilo
- • Kona (Kailua-Kona)
- • Waimea
- • Pahoa
- • Kahului
- • Lahaina
- • Kihei
- • Paia
- • Lihue (Kauai)
- • Kaunakakai (Molokai)
- • Lanai City (Lanai)
Ready to Start Your Hawaii LLC?
Join thousands of entrepreneurs who've successfully formed their Hawaii LLCs. Get started today with our top-rated formation services.