How to Start an LLC in Hawaii

Last Updated on June 1, 2022

To get started, register with the Hawaii DCCA Business Registration Division. Alternatively, you can download the Hawaii Articles of Organization (Form LLC-1) and file by mail.

After registering,

  1. Go to https://hbe.ehawaii.gov/BizEx/home.eb and select “Use QuickFile.”
  2. Enter the email address and password used to register with DCCA and log in.
  3. Next, click on the “Continue to Homepage” link. Then click “Use QuickFile.”
  4. Look for ‘Initial Business Filings’ and click the “LLC-1 Articles of Organization for Limited Liability Company” link.  You will be given a prompt to use the wizard or continue with the filing.  For this step-by-step guide, we will choose the filing.

Step 1: Name the LLC

Enter the name you want for the LLC.  The name of the LLC also has to differ from other entity names in the state of Hawaii.  See how to do a Hawaii LLC business name search through the Department of Consumer Affairs Business Registration Division’s business name database to check on name availability.

The name of the LLC must include one of the following designators at the end of the business name:

  • Limited Liability Company
  • Limited Liability Co.
  • Ltd. Liability Company
  • L.L.C.
  • LLC

Step 2: Mailing Address of Principal Office

In this section, enter the street address, city, state, zip code, and country of the initial principal office.  This address can be the LLC’s physical address, or it can be the address where the business records are stored.  This does not have to be an address in Hawaii, but you may not use a PO Box for the registered office.

Step 3: Registered Agent

To have an LLC in Hawaii, a Registered Agent must be identified.  The Registered Agent is either a resident of Hawaii (select Individual under Agent Type) or a registered agent service (select Entity under Agent Type and enter their state of incorporation from the State drop-down menu).  The agent must have a physical street address in the state to receive service of process (act as a point of contact to receive legal documents, tax notices, summons, subpoenas, etc.) on behalf of the LLC.

Step 4: Organizer Information

The LLC Organizer is someone who is involved with the formation of the Articles of Organization.  The Organizer may or may not be a member, such as a mentor, attorney, or accountant, but the initial members could be listed as an organizer.

At least one organizer has to be listed.

Learn more about who can be an LLC Organizer.

Step 5: Period of Duration

Most businesses intend to exist forever and would suggest “At-will.”  If you have a specific end date in mind (typically used for investment-related businesses), choose the close date.

Step 6: Member-Managed of Manager-Managed

This section asks for the names and addresses of initial managers if the LLC is manager-managed or the names and addresses of the initial members if the LLC is manager-managed.

  • Member-Managed LLCs have members (owners) that are active in the day-to-day operations of the business.
  • Manager-Managed LLCs have managers hired by the members to run the LLC, similar to a CEO of a corporation.

Most LLCs are member-managed.

If the LLC is Manager-Managed, select option A or option B if the LLC is Member-Managed.

If A was selected, list the total number of members of the LLC.

In section C, enter the name and address of each of the members and/or managers.

Step 7: Liability

This section has options on if the members will be liable for the LLC’s debts and obligations.

Most people select “Shall not be liable for the debts, obligations, and liabilities of the company.”

While you can select this option, if the LLC takes out a bank loan, expect the bank to require a personal guarantee from the members that will require them to pay back a loan personally.

Hawaii LLC owner liabilities

Step 8: Signature

Have an individual authorized to sign contracts to sign.

Step 9: Review

Review that the information is correct.

Step 10: Pay and File

Pay and file the Articles of Organization.

In approximately 2-3 business days, if expedited or up to 2 weeks with standard processing, the LLC will be approved.

If mailing the LLC-1 form, send payment to:

State of Hawaii – Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA)
Business Registration Division
PO Box 40
Honolulu, HI 96810

If you have questions, contact the Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs at 808-586-2727 or breg@dcca.hawaii.gov