How long does it take to register a business in Hawaii?

Processing times vary: 5-10 business days. Online filings are typically faster than mail submissions. Expedited processing may be available for an additional fee.

Do I need a business license in Hawaii?

Yes, most cities in Hawaii require a general business license. Requirements vary by location and industry. Contact your local city or county clerk's office for specific requirements.

Can I use my personal name as my business name?

Yes, you can use your personal name as your business name. For an LLC, you'll need to add "LLC" or "Limited Liability Company" to the end. However, using a unique business name often provides better branding opportunities and legal protection.

What if my desired business name is already taken?

If your preferred name is unavailable, you have several options: 1) Choose a different name, 2) Add descriptive words to make it unique, 3) Use a different LLC suffix (LLC, L.L.C., etc.), or 4) Consider filing a "Doing Business As" (DBA) name while keeping a different legal name.

How much does it cost to start a business in Hawaii?

The LLC filing fee is $50. Annual fees are $15. Additional costs include business licenses ($50-500), registered agent fees ($50-300/year if using a service), and other startup expenses. Total first-year costs typically range from $150.

Do I need a trademark for my business name?

While not required, trademark registration provides nationwide protection for your business name. Registering your LLC with the state only protects your name within Hawaii. If you plan to expand beyond the state or want stronger legal protection, consider applying for a federal trademark with the USPTO.

Can I change my business name later?

Yes, you can change your LLC name by filing an amendment with the Hawaii Secretary of State. This typically costs $20-100 and takes a few weeks to process. However, changing your name can be expensive when you consider updating all your marketing materials, domain, signage, and legal documents.

Hawaii Business Name Generator

Generate unique business names for your Hawaii LLC or startup. Get AI-powered suggestions tailored to Hawaii businesses and local market.

Generate Business Names for Hawaii

Describe your business idea

Choose naming style

Professional & corporate

Why Start a Business in Hawaii?

$50

Filing Fee

5-10

Processing (days)

140K

Total Businesses

15K/yr

New Businesses

Gateway to Asia-Pacific markets

Strong tourism industry

Unique cultural market

Low filing fee ($50)

Starting a Business in Hawaii

Top Cities for Business

Honolulu350,395
East Honolulu47,132
Pearl City45,159
Hilo44,186
Kailua38,635

Popular Industries

Tourism
Military/Defense
Agriculture
Healthcare
Real Estate

Cost to Start a Business in Hawaii

LLC Filing Fee$50

Annual Report Fee$15/year

Name Reservation (optional)$10 for 120 days

Business License (varies by city)$50-500

Estimated Total First Year$150

Processing time: 5-10 business days

Hawaii Tax Overview

Hawaii has income tax rates from 1.4-11%. Corporate tax is 4.4-6.4%. General Excise Tax is 4-4.5% (instead of sales tax).

Hawaii Business Name Requirements

Must include "LLC" or "Limited Liability Company"
Must be distinguishable

Restricted Words: The following words cannot be used without special approval:

Bank, Trust, Insurance

Business Name Ideas for Hawaii

Explore 30 pre-generated business name ideas across popular industries. Use these as inspiration or starting points for your own unique name.

restaurant

Aloha Table
Hawaiian Cuisine
Honolulu Kitchen
Island Dining
Pacific Eats
Local Flavors

barbershop

Honolulu Cuts
Premium Grooming
Aloha Barbers
Island Style
Hawaii Shave
Expert Service

construction

Hawaii Builders
Quality Construction
Aloha Build
Building HI
Honolulu Construction
Trusted Partners

consulting

Honolulu Strategy
Business Growth
Aloha Advisors
Strategic Solutions
Hawaii Consulting
Expert Guidance

retail

Hawaii Mercantile
Island Goods
Aloha Market
Quality Products
Honolulu Supply
Premium Retail

Home Services

Hawaii Home Care
Complete Solutions
Aloha Services
Professional Care
Honolulu Home Pros
Expert Maintenance

technology

Honolulu Tech
Innovation
Aloha Digital
Tech Solutions
Hawaii Software
Custom Development

healthcare

Hawaii Wellness
Quality Healthcare
Aloha Medical
Patient Care
Honolulu Health
Trusted Providers

Real Estate

Hawaii Properties
Dream Homes
Aloha Realty
Expert Service
Honolulu Living
Island Properties

fitness

Honolulu Fitness
Peak Performance
Aloha Strong
Island Fitness
Hawaii Athletics
Elite Training

Official Hawaii Business Resources

Hawaii DCCA

Business registration

Hawaii Department of Taxation

Tax information

Hawaii SBDC

Business counseling

How to Register a Business in Hawaii

Annual Compliance Requirements

After forming your Hawaii LLC, you'll need to maintain compliance with these ongoing requirements:

File Annual Report ($15)
Maintain registered agent
Pay General Excise Tax
Obtain local licenses

Check Domain Availability

Enter your business name to search for available domains

Business name

Opens GoDaddy search in a new tab

Frequently Asked Questions

Useful Tools for Hawaii Business Owners

Self-Employment Tax

Calculate SE tax liability

Profit Margin Calculator

Calculate your profit margins

S-Corp Salary

Optimize salary vs distribution

Generate Names for Nearby States

Ready to Launch Your Hawaii Business?

Jupid AI Accountant handles everything from LLC formation to ongoing tax compliance. Focus on growing your business while we handle the paperwork.

Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal, tax, or financial advice. Information is accurate as of 2026-01. Always verify current requirements with the Hawaii Secretary of State and consult with qualified professionals before making business decisions.