Whether you are starting a business or incorporating an existing one in Hawaii, you’ll want to understand state requirements for Hawaii corporations and limited liability companies (LLCs).
Hawaii Corporation Formation Requirements
Cost to incorporate. BizFilings clearly outlines our fees and the state fees to form a corporation in Hawaii. View our pricing to plainly see:
- BizFilings’ package prices. BizFilings offers three incorporation service packages from which you can choose.
- State fee for standard turn-around. Our pricing clearly shows the state fee to incorporate in Hawaii with standard turn-around.
- Expedited turn-around. You will see the BizFilings and state fee, if any, for expedited turn-around.
- 48-hour turn-around. There is a 48-hour filing option in Hawaii, which is outlined in our pricing.
- Certified copy. Our pricing also clearly displays the BizFilings and state fee, if any, for issuing a Certified Copy of the Articles of Incorporation.
Corporate name. The name must contain the word "Corporation," "Incorporated," "Limited," or an abbreviation thereof. It must not be the same as, or substantially identical to, the name of any other corporation, partnership, or foreign corporation or foreign partnership existing or authorized to transact business within the state. Purely geographical locations and the word "Partners" cannot be used in corporate names. The word "Bank" and variations require approval from the Commissioner of Financial Institutions.
Director information. The following are Hawaii’s requirements for directors of corporations.
- Minimum number. Corporations must have one director if they only have one shareholder, two directors if they have two shareholders, and three directors if they have three or more shareholders.
- Residence requirements. Hawaii does not have a provision specifying where directors must reside.
- Age requirements. Directors must be at least 18 years old.
- Inclusion in the Articles of Incorporation. Director names and addresses are not required to be listed in the Articles of Incorporation.
Officers. Officer names and addresses are not required to be listed in the Articles of Incorporation.
Stock. Authorized shares and par value must be listed in the Articles of Incorporation. An increase in the number of shares or par value does not affect initial filing fees.
Registered agent. Corporations must list the name and address of a registered agent with a physical address (no P.O. Boxes) in Hawaii. The registered agent must be available during normal business hours to accept important legal and tax documents for the business.
Professional services businesses. Professional corporations (PCs) are allowed to be formed in Hawaii for professional services businesses.