Best LLC Services in Hawaii
Discover the top-rated LLC services in Hawaii—perfect for locals and mainland businesses expanding to the Aloha State.
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Form Your LLC at $0 + State Filing Fees
- Articles of organization
- Name check service
- Digital welcome packet
- Initial phone consultations with specialists about business insurance and taxes
Start Your LLC for $0 - Just Pay State Fees
- Check business name availability
- Lifetime compliance alerts
- Lifetime support via email and phone
- LLC filing + optional tools to build your brand
LLC Formation Service - $39 + State Fees
- Files all paperwork with the state
- 1 year registered agent included
- Privacy by Default (use their address instead of yours)
- Free LLC Operating Agreement
- Never sells your data. Ever.
- Northwest Registered Agent for enhanced privacy & fast document delivery
- ZenBusiness for worry-free annual compliance services
- Bizee for foreign LLC formation
- Tailor Brands for LLC formation with branding services
- Swyft Filings for installment payments
Ideas move fast when you're surrounded by volcanoes, crashing waves, and tropical blue skies. Hawaii has that effect—it makes you want to create, launch, and go all in.
From selling cold brew with local beans to launching a travel site for fellow beach lovers, the opportunities here are endless.
And if you're ready to turn your big idea into a real business, an LLC is a smart way to start. Lucky for you, we've rounded up the best LLC services in Hawaii to make the process smoother than a beachside shave ice.
Northwest Registered Agent
Best for: Enhanced privacy and fast document delivery
Starting a business in Honolulu? Smart move. Most residents in Hawaii live—and spend—in Honolulu County.[1] It's also where most visitors land, stay, and swipe their cards. And when you're in the middle of the action, you need an LLC service that's right there with you, like Northwest Registered Agent.
Their Honolulu office is just blocks away from the Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, so you get faster filing and mail handling. No need to wait days for your important documents to show up.
But even if you're not in Honolulu or Hawaii, Northwest is still a great choice. You can use their business address on your LLC application form, giving you a professional, state-compliant address while keeping your home address private.
Established in 1998, Northwest Registered Agent is one of the country's oldest LLC services. It is best known for its enhanced privacy features, transparent pricing, and excellent customer service.
LLC Formation Service - $39 + State Fees
- Files all paperwork with the state
- 1 year registered agent included
- Privacy by Default (use their address instead of yours)
- Free LLC Operating Agreement
- Never sells your data. Ever.
Your information is never used for marketing, ads, or anything aside from the reason you provided it in the first place—to form a business. You won't have to worry about pushy upsells, like cold calls trying to get you to purchase more services than you need.
Core services and fees:
Northwest Registered Agent offers just one LLC formation package, with add-on services:
- Filing Services: $39 + state fees[2]
Aside from preparing and filing your documents, you also get one year of free registered agent service, an operating agreement, and 90 days of free website, email, and phone. - Registered Agent Services: $125/year[3]
Get same-day scans, instant notifications, a business address, free mail forwarding, and more. - Annual Report: $100/year + state fees[4]
Most states require LLCs to submit an annual report. It contains updated information about your business, including a new address, contact number, or member. Northwest files this report yearly, so you don't have to worry about due dates. - Identity Services: $9+/monthly[5]
Northwest's business identity services are free for 90 days. Identity services include a website domain name, a customizable website, up to 10 business email addresses, and an Internet-accessible phone line (unlimited calls and texts).
Pros + Cons:
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ZenBusiness
Best for: Worry-free annual compliance services
All LLCs in Hawaii must file annual reports. Missing the deadline usually results in a $10 fee per delinquent year, but state law allows penalties of up to $100 for every 30 days late. If you fail to file for two consecutive years, the state may dissolve your LLC.[6]
ZenBusiness is a smart choice if you'd rather not stress about deadlines. After helping form your Hawaii LLC, they can also handle your annual reports with their worry-free compliance service. Your business can stay in good standing without handling the grunt work yourself.
Founded in 2017, ZenBusiness has helped over 850,000 businesses[7] and is BBB-accredited with an A+ rating[8]. It offers comprehensive services at affordable prices, from LLC formation packages to annual business maintenance subscriptions.
Starter - $0 + State Filing Fees
- Includes 1 optional free year of Worry-Free Compliance that renews at $199/year
- Standard filing speed
- 100% accuracy guaranteed
- Other services are available with additional costs
If you're unsatisfied with how ZenBusiness handled your business formation, take advantage of its money-back guarantee. You can request a full refund within 60 days, minus state and third-party processing fees.[9]
Packages and fees:[10]
ZenBusiness offers three packages for LLC formation: a free basic package, and 2 paid tiers with annual fees.
- Starter: $0 + state fees
With Starter, you get standard formation features like business name search, preparation and filing of formation documents, and an online account to access documents.The Starter plan also includes a free year of Worry-Free Compliance services
and a free tax savings consultation.
- Pro: $199/yr + state fees
Pro is ideal if you want ZenBusiness to handle most of your LLC's requirements without paying for each service separately. You get everything in Starter plus an operating agreement, EIN, and rush filing
.
- Premium: $299/yr + state fees
Premium includes everything in the first two plans, plus unlimited access to ZenBusiness's business template library, a business website, and business email.
Pros + Cons:
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Bizee
Best for: Foreign LLC formation
With more than 9 million visitors in 2024[11], it's no surprise that many businesses want to expand to the Aloha State. But whether you're offering tours, opening a shop, or partnering with local businesses, you'll need to register as a foreign LLC.
Bizee has all the services you need to form a foreign LLC in Hawaii. They'll handle the paperwork, including the Application for a Certificate of Authority and certificate of good standing from your home state.
You can also name Bizee as your local registered agent—a requirement for all Hawaii LLCs, foreign or domestic. It's free for the first year, keeping your costs low.
They can also help you file a DBA if your business name is already taken in Hawaii. And figure out which local business permits and licenses you need, complete with a step-by-step guide and necessary forms. That includes the general excise tax license form, which you need to receive income from doing business in Hawaii.
With Bizee, expanding to Hawaii is smooth, straightforward, and fully compliant.
Bizee, previously known as Incfile, is an online formation company that helps business owners start an LLC, corporation, or nonprofit in any state. It offers other LLC services like DBA filing, registered agent services, and EIN applications.
Basic Package - $0 + State Fees
- Preparing and filing the Articles of Organization
- Unlimited name searches
- 1 year registered agent service included
Bizee typically files LLC applications within a few days of receiving your order. However, the actual time it takes to form your LLC depends on state processing times—which could be anywhere from one business day to a few weeks.
Plans and Pricing:
Bizee has three formation packages, each designed to fit different business needs. Here's what to expect from each plan:
- Basic: $0 + state fees[12]
Bizee's free planprepares and files your documents with the state, and also includes unlimited business name search and one year of free registered agent. You'll also get lifetime compliance alerts
, electronic delivery of LLC formation documents, and business tax consultation.
- Standard: $199 + state fees[13]
The Standard plan offers helpful extras like an operating agreement, EIN, and banking resolutions. It also provides unlimited phone and email support.
- Premium: $299 + state fees[14]
Premium is ideal if you want comprehensive business formation services in one plan. You get all the features of the first two plans plus business document templates, a website with a domain name, a business email, and express delivery of physical documents.
Pros + Cons:
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Tailor Brands
Best for: LLC formation with branding services
Although Hawaii is smaller than most states, the business scene here can be extremely competitive. With millions of visitors and potential new customers each year, many want to do business in the state. So if you're starting an LLC here, you've got to stand out from the crowd.
Tailor Brands helps you do exactly that. Along with forming your LLC, they offer logo design, a website builder, and other branding tools to help you attract new customers. You can even create branded merch, like t-shirts with your company logo or tote bags with your slogan.
Founded in 2014, Tailor Brands is an online business formation company specializing in LLC and branding services. It's one of the few LLC services in Hawaii that offers creative tools to help your business look polished from day one.
Start Your LLC for $0 - Just Pay State Fees
- Check business name availability
- Lifetime compliance alerts
- Lifetime support via email and phone
- LLC filing + optional tools to build your brand
Pricing and packages:
Tailor Brands offers three types of LLC formation packages:
- Lite: $0 + state fees
With Tailor Brands' cheapest plan, you only need to pay the state filing fees, then you'll get formation services like name availability research and preparation and filing of the Articles of Organization. - Essential: $199/yr + state fees
For an annual fee, the Essential plan also includes an operating agreementand annual compliance services
. You're also entitled to expedited filing within two business days after payment.
- Elite: $249/yr + state fees
Only Tailor Brands' most expensive plan comes with business branding tools. It includes extras like a 1-year free website domain, DIY website or e-commerce store, complimentary logos, business card tools, and a social media post tool.
Tailor Brands also offers add-ons like registered agents, business license and permit reports, and other business branding services.
Pros + Cons:
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Swyft Filings
Best for: Installment payments
Plenty of business ideas could thrive in Hawaii, from travel agencies for visitors to marketing agencies that help fellow local entrepreneurs thrive. However, launching a business in Hawaii can be expensive. Many things must be imported by sea or air, which adds significant delivery costs to businesses.
If you're forming a Hawaii LLC with a small capital, don't worry! With Swyft Filings' comprehensive LLC packages, you can get started without paying the full price immediately.
Swyft Filings lets you split the cost into two easy payments. But you still get these and other useful services right away:
- LLC name availability check
- Preparation and filing of LLC documents
- An EIN
It's a helpful option if you're just getting started and want to manage your budget carefully.
Founded in 2015, Swyft Filings is one of the few LLC services that offer free LLC formation and installment payments for comprehensive packages. In 2022, it made the Inc. 5000 list for the third consecutive year[15], establishing its reliability as an LLC service provider.
Compared to the registration steps of other LLC services, Swyft Filings offers a quicker process, as you don't have to click through optional services. You could be done in 15 minutes or less.
Plans and pricing:
Swyft Filings offers three LLC formation packages:[16]
- Basic Plan: $0 + Filing Fees
With this free plan, Swyft will prepare and file your LLC formation documents with the state within 10 daysof receipt of your details. You can also use the Basic plan's free business name check and lifetime customer support.
- Standard Plan: $199 + Filing Fees
Standard prepares and files your documents with the state within five days of receipt and payment. It includes extra features like an operating agreement, EIN, and banking resolution. You also get a website plus free domain and access to 250+ customizable documents
.
- Premium Plan: $299 + Filing Fees
Premium prepares and files your documents with the state within one business day of receipt and payment. You also get expedited FedEx shipping, ComplianceGuard, and access to 250+ customizable documents
.
Yes, Swyft Filings has registered agent services, but they're not included in any of its LLC formation packages. Instead, you can get it as an add-on for $149/quarter.[17]
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Methodology
To identify the best LLC services in Hawaii, we evaluated five key criteria: pricing and formation packages, turnaround time, registered agent, compliance assistance, and customer support.
We reviewed each service's pricing structures and formation packages, ensuring cost transparency and valuable features—such as operating agreements, EIN, and expedited turnaround time.
Next, the cost and availability of registered agent services and compliance assistance were assessed. These services help businesses stay in good standing with the state.
Finally, customer support was evaluated based on office hours and response times. These two factors allowed us to identify the most dependable and user-friendly LLC services in Hawaii.
How to Choose the Best LLC Service
There are a lot of LLC services out there. Choosing the best one can be tough, especially if this is your first time using one.
Here are a few tips to help you decide:
- Compare the included features
LLC formation services don't include the same features in their packages. Compare each to see which package has the services you need at the price you're willing to pay. - Read customer reviews
You want an LLC service that provides high-quality customer support, even after placing your order. Check customer reviews to see how well they handle concerns and inquiries. - Consider their specialty
LegalZoom and Rocket Lawyer are better choices if you need legal assistance. But Bizee and Northwest Registered Agent are better if you need more startup business-oriented services, like registered agent services or annual compliance assistance.
DIY vs. Hire LLC Services in Hawaii
The decision to DIY or hire an LLC service depends on your comfort level, budget, and priorities. Here are points to consider:
- Cost
Filing business formation documents on your own is cheaper as you only pay state filing fees. Alternatively, subscribe to free LLC formation services like those offered by Tailor Brands and Bizee. Just be prepared for the upsells of other services. - Time and convenience
You can DIY if you have time to research the requirements, prepare the documents, file them with the state, and track its status. Otherwise, hire an LLC service to do the job. - Expertise
Use LLC services if you’re unsure about legal jargon or don’t want to risk making mistakes. Alternatively, take time to learn them before filing documents with the state. - Registered agent services
You can be the LLC's registered agent as long as you qualify. But if you aren't ready to shoulder this responsibility, appoint someone else or an LLC service as the registered agent.
- Compliance requirements
Most states have annual LLC requirements, including annual fees and reports. If you want someone else to manage these, hire an LLC service. - Control
You hire LLC services because they can do the heavy lifting. However, that also means you rely on them to do everything correctly. That said, DIY is ideal if you want complete control over the process.
Generally, DIY is easy if your LLC is simple, like a single-member LLC with no special tax needs.
Why Form an LLC in Hawaii?
Hawaii relies heavily on tourism, so forming an LLC is ideal if your business is related to this industry. Vacation rentals, tour guide services, and cultural experiences are great business ideas.
However, tourism involves inherent risk as it offers activities in unpredictable environments (ocean, mountains, etc.). With an LLC structure, personal assets are protected against these risks.
In case of accidents, an LLC shields you from the potential liabilities of running a business in Hawaii. You can still pursue your entrepreneurial dreams without the constant fear of losing everything you've worked for.
How to Form an LLC in Hawaii
Starting an LLC in Hawaii is easy enough. You can even do it yourself in six steps:
- Choose a name
Your LLC name must be unique and distinguishable from other businesses registered in Hawaii. It must also have Limited Liability Company, LLC, or similar at the end. - Appoint a registered agent
A registered agent receives legal documents on behalf of your LLC. They must have a physical address in the state where the LLC does business. - File the Articles of Organization
Next, submit the Articles of Organization and the filing fee to the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs. This form usually includes details like the LLC name, registered agent, and business purpose. - Create an operating agreement
An LLC operating agreement contains information like the roles and responsibilities of each member, how new or departing members will be treated, and how business profits and losses will be divided. - Get an EIN
Any LLC with more than one member or with employees must have an EIN, regardless of how it's taxed. This is a unique nine-digit number assigned by the IRSto identify a business entity for tax-related purposes.
- Get business permits and licenses
Depending on your business, you may need additional licenses or permits. For example, you need a sales tax permit if you sell consumable goods. Research state-specific requirements and local rules that apply to your LLC.
Once your LLC is up and running, comply with ongoing requirements like filing the annual report and renewing business permits and licenses.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How much does it cost to start an LLC in Hawaii?
It costs $51 to file the Articles of Organization with Hawaii's Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs.[18] However, the total cost of forming an LLC in Hawaii could be much higher. You might need to pay for registered agent services, permits and licenses, and other state filing fees.
- Do LLCs pay taxes in Hawaii?
LLCs are generally considered "pass-through" entities for tax purposes. This means the LLC's profits and losses pass through to the owners and are reported on individual tax returns. So, the LLC itself doesn't pay income taxes. The owners do.
However, all businesses in Hawaii must pay the general excise tax on gross business income. Rates vary depending on the type of business, from 0.15% to 4%.
- Can an LLC own property in Hawaii?
Yes, an LLC can own property in Hawaii. This is a common practice, especially for real estate investors and business owners who want to protect their personal assets.
- How long does it take to get an LLC in Hawaii?
The Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs typically processes Hawaii LLC applications within 3 to 5 working days. You can also pay for expedited services, so it can be done in just 1 day.[19]
- How do I set up an LLC in Hawaii?
To start an LLC in Hawaii, you need to pick a valid business name that ends with "LLC." Most LLC services can check your preferred name's availability for free.
Next, choose a registered agent. This person or company must have a street address in Hawaii because they'll get important mail for your business.
Then, file your Articles of Organization with the state. This form asks for your business name, registered agent, and the names and addresses of your LLC's members or managers. An LLC service can help you fill it out and file it correctly.
Bottom Line
Tailor Brands, Northwest Registered Agent, and ZenBusiness are the best LLC services in Hawaii because they do more than just filing and preparing business documents.
From creative branding tools to worry-free annual compliance, their comprehensive services help your business thrive in the competitive Hawaii market.
Carefully compare their offers, pricing, and customer reviews to select the perfect partner for your business needs.
References
- ^ Hawaii.gov. Annual Estimates of the Resident Population for Counties in Hawaii: April 1, 2020 to July 1, 2024, Retrieved 05/01/2025
- ^ Northwest Registered Agent. Limited Liability Companies, Retrieved 04/25/2025
- ^ Northwest Registered Agent. Registered Agent Service, Retrieved 04/25/2025
- ^ Northwest Registered Agent. Annual Report Information, Retrieved 04/25/2025
- ^ Northwest Registered Agent. Business Identity, Retrieved 04/25/2025
- ^ Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs. Information for Domestic Limited Liability Company, Retrieved 05/01/2025
- ^ ZenBusiness. About ZenBusiness, Retrieved 05/01/2025
- ^ ZenBusiness. ZenBusiness Inc, Retrieved 05/01/2025
- ^ ZenBusiness. ZenBusiness, Inc. Terms of Use, Retrieved 04/25/2025
- ^ ZenBusiness. Create Your LLC in Minutes, Retrieved 04/25/2025
- ^ Hawaii Department of Business, Economic Development & Tourism. Visitor Industry Continued Improvement in December 2024, Retrieved 05/01/2025
- ^ Bizee. Bizee Basic Package: What to Know About Our Most Popular Package, Retrieved 04/25/2025
- ^ Bizee. Business Formation Packages, Retrieved 07/14/2025
- ^ Bizee. Everything You Get with Bizee's Premium Package, Retrieved 04/25/2025
- ^ Swyft Filings. About Us, Retrieved 05/01/2025
- ^ Swyft Filings. Pricing, Retrieved 04/27/2025
- ^ Swyft Filings. Get a Registered Agent Service for Your Business, Retrieved 05/03/2025
- ^ Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs. Fees / Uniform Limited Liability Company Act, Chapter 428, Retrieved 05/01/2025
- ^ Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs. General Info on Registering, Retrieved 05/01/2025
Nicole King is a research analyst at CreditDonkey, a business formation services comparison and reviews website. Write to Nicole King at nicole.king@creditdonkey.com. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook for our latest posts.
Note: This website is made possible through financial relationships with some of the products and services mentioned on this site. We may receive compensation if you shop through links in our content. You do not have to use our links, but you help support CreditDonkey if you do.
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