5 Best Hawaii LLC Formation Services 2023 List (Updated)

When you decide to start an LLC in Hawaii, you must thoroughly research and do your homework. Starting an LLC is relatively easy; with professional help, opening an LLC in Hawaii becomes even smoother. You will find many such companies when choosing the best LLC formation service in Hawaii. Surprisingly, every other company will claim to be the best. But who to trust? How do you know who is the best for your business?

LLCBuddy Editors have eased the task for you. We scanned the market and came up with a list of the best LLC formation services in Hawaii. You can compare their services, prices, and other information here before choosing the right one!

If you do not like reading a long article, you can watch the above video for the complete list of best LLC Hawaii LLC formation services. It is mandatory to choose the best LLC formation service in Hawaii, especially when you want to get rid of any hassle while forming your Hawaii LLC. You may start it on your own, but it will not be a wise decision, as missing out any step or even a small thing can lead to the cancellation of the process.

Best LLC Service in Hawaii

On this page, you’ll learn about the following:

Best LLC Formation Services in Hawaii
How to Form an LLC in Hawaii
How to Choose the Best LLC Formation Service in Hawaii
FAQs

Best LLC Formation Services in Hawaii

Here is the list of best LLC services available in Hawaii. The best thing about these services is starting your LLC for free. Some of the following services are offering LLC formation in Hawaii at $0. Other than the state fees and charges, you do not have to pay any charges to the service provider. You will get the basic formation package for free. Now, let’s check out the list of best LLC formation service providers in Hawaii-

LLC Service	Our Rating & Pricing	Top Features	Learn More
#1 TOP PICK	5/5 $0 + State Fees	Free LLC formation Access to Legal Support Trustworthy and established reputation	Learn More
	4/5 $299 + State Fees	Flat pricing for all services Basic business filing services A+ BBB Accredited	Learn More

Below is the list of best LLC formation services in Hawaii we picked for you.

LLCBuddy Editorial Team selects these companies through thorough research and market study. It is recommended that you must cross-check all the factors before choosing the right one for your business.

1. LegalZoom

LegalZoom is one of the service providers in Hawaii that offers free LLC formation services. If you want to avoid spending money to form your LLC, then LegalZoom is for you. It offers various formation packages that include all types of LLC services. Aside from LLC formation, LegalZoom offers C and S corp formation. With over thousands of customers, the company offers basic LLC formation services at $0.

LegalZoom Plans

Basic Package- $0 + State Filing Fees (Tax deduction may be applicable)
Pro Package – $249 + State Filing Fees (Tax deductible may be applicable)
Premium Package – $279 + State Filing Fees (Tax deduction may be applicable)

Apart from these packages, LegalZoom offers a bunch of add-on services as well. Add-on services include the following-

Registered Agent – $299 per year. Available as an add-on and not included in any packages
Trademark registration: Assisting with the US trademark application process
Copyright registration: Guidance on registering copyrights for creative works
Patent services: Support in obtaining utility, design, and plant patents
Estate planning: Offering personalized wills, trusts, and power of attorney documents
Legal advice: Access to a network of lawyers for consultations and legal guidance
Expedited Filing: With an additional $99, you can speed up your filing process.

LegalZoom Pros and Cons

Why You Must Get LegalZoom	Why You Shouldn’t Get LegalZoom
Free LLC formation	Expensive add-ons, such as Registered Agent
Trustworthy and established reputation	Higher pricing compared to some competitors
Quick turnaround time	Less number of add-on options
Access to legal professionals	Some additional fees not included in plan prices
Customer support available through phone or chat	Mixed customer reviews

LegalZoom Overview

LegalZoom is one of the oldest companies in USA. This company is a service provider offering LLC formation at $0. It offers three broad packages, Basic, Pro, and Premium. The Basic package costs $0. Though you must pay the Hawaii filing fee while filing the Articles of Organization with the Hawaii Secretary of State. The filing fee depends on which method, mail, online, or any other method you choose.

LegalZoom offers vast add-ones like others. Hence, the chances of getting diverse services are comparatively high. The best part about the company is there is an access to legal documents and legal consultation. The registered agent service is a bit expensive. If you want to hire Resident Agent from LegalZoom, you must purchase that service separately, it does not come with any formation plans.

Form LLC in Hawaii with LegalZoom

2. BetterLegal

BetterLegal is a comparatively new company than other competitors. But this company has successfully grabbed a large portion of the market in the United States. Serving in 51 states, BetterLegal has been in business since 2016. Unlike other experienced companies, it does not have a list of packages and plans for LLC formation.

BetterLegal Plans

BetterLegal offers one single plan at a flat $299 + state filing fees. It has a list of add-on services as well. BetterLegal is an online service that started off with a very small team. However, even after being in the business for so long, they didn’t increase their team size much. They have transparent pricing, and no hidden charge exists for any services they provide.

BetterLegal offers a list of add-on services. Following are the additional services they offer-

Registered Agent service – $10/month or $90/year
State Annual compliance services – $10/month or $90/year
Permit & License Search Service – $125
Amendment & document research – Free with the core formation service package

BetterLegal Pros and Cons

Why You Must Get BetterLegal	Why You Shouldn’t Get BetterLegal
No refund; all sales are final	The basic package does not include registered agent service
Quick Turnaround time	Additional charge for EIN
A+ BBB Accredited	The basic package does not include a registered agent service
Single plan for all incorporation

BetterLegal Overview

Even though the company is called BetterLegal, no attorneys or legal services are available. The company offers a single plan for all types of business formation. Hence, if you are planning to form a corporation, you can pay $299 + incorporation fee ($50 for filing online, by mail, fax, or by email in Hawaii). It offers comparatively better turnaround time at a reasonable price than other companies. You can file your LLC within 10 minutes with BetterLegal.

It offers a resource center for new entrepreneurs. They provide guidance to make things easier when it comes to filing your business. Their small team sometimes fails to cater to their customers on time. Reaching out to their customer support team is very difficult. Another disadvantage is it does not have a refund policy. All sales with BetterLegal are final, and at any stage, upon cancelation, no refund is made. However, basic LLC formation and registered agent services are much cheaper in BetterLegal than in other close competitors.

Form LLC in Hawaii with BetterLegal

3. TailorBrands

Do you want to create a brand for your business in Hawaii? Here is the LLC formation service provider, TailorBrands, for you. The company was established in 2015 in New York, and since then, it has offered several incredible services to set up your business. TailorBrands has a single LLC formation plan that starts at $49 a year. You can choose different other add-on services at an additional cost.

TailorBrands Services

TailorBrands offer a single plan for forming an LLC at $49. There are some basic services that TailorBrands offer, including starting an LLC, filing it, Hawaii name availability search, priority support, and so on. You can use their add-on services as and when required. Add-ons are-

Registered Agent Service – $199/year
Employment ID Number (EIN) – $99 (one-time pay)
Annual Compliances – $299/year
Operating Agreement – $29
Expedited Filing – $49
Business bank account – Free

TailorBrands Pros and Cons

Why You Must Get TailorBrands	Why You Shouldn’t Get TailorBrands
Low-cost LLC formation	Not BBB Accredited
Free business bank accounts	No business domain packages
Hassle-free LLC formation	Additional charges to obtain EIN
Additional services like logo, website, domain

TailorBrands Overview

TailorBrands does not have vast LLC formation packages. Instead, it has a single package that includes the formation of LLCs. The name availability search is unlimited, and you don’t have to pay any additional fees. The state filing fee of $5 must be paid apart from the charges you pay for add-ons.

TailorBrands offers other business services such as logo making, domain, website, business bank account, merchandise, and other business services. As a small or start-up business, you must go for TailorBrands.

Form LLC in Hawaii with TailorBrands

4. ZenBusiness

ZenBusiness is a Texas-based company that provides services from formation to annual compliance to an LLC. It offers three plans, Starter, Pro, and Premium. The Starter plan starts from $0. That means you can form your LLC for free in Hawaii, though you must pay the state filing fee of $5 to the Hawaii Secretary of State. But, the company charges nothing to form your business in the state.

ZenBusiness Plans

Starter Plan at $0 + state filing fee
Pro Plan at $199/year + state filing fee
Premium Plan at $299/year + state filing fee

ZenBusiness Pros and Cons

Why You Must Get ZenBusiness	Why You Should Not Get ZenBusiness
100% accuracy rate	Does not form Hawaii nonprofit
Free LLC formation in Hawaii	Additional cost for EIN
User friendly
Standalone Resident Agent services

ZenBusiness Overview

ZenBusiness is one of those top-rated companies that provide business formation in Hawaii at a minimum cost (currently at $0). There is no charge to be paid to the company for forming your LLC in Hawaii. The state filing fee and other necessary fees must be paid, including the registered agent fee.

ZenBusiness offers three plans, among which the Pro plan is recommended. The Pro plan has everything you need to start an LLC in Hawaii. Obtaining EIN, operating agreement drafting, name search, and all other services are available with the rush filing feature.

Form LLC in Hawaii with ZenBusiness

5. Northwest Registered Agent

Northwest Registered Agent is a family-owned business based in Spoken, Washington state. The company offers LLC formation, registered agent service, annual compliances, and other business-related services in all 50 states, including Hawaii. It offers LLC formation at $ 39+ state fees and registered agent service at $125 yearly.

Northwest Plans

Northwest does not have conventional packages. It offers Core, Business maintenance, and business development services. Under these categories, various services are available at a flat rate. Some of the services offered by Northwest in Hawaii are listed below-

LLC formation in Hawaii at $39 + state filing fee
Registered Agent at $125 yearly
Annual report filing at $100 + state filing fee
Obtaining EIN at $50
Northwest offers National Agent Service. If you operate your LLC Resident Agent in 5 or more states, you can pay $100 + state fees (if applicable) to get a single agent for all states.

Northwest Registered Agent Pros and Cons

Why You Must Get Northwest	Why You Should Not Get Northwest
DIY Packages for your LLC in Hawaii	Not BBB accredited
No plans, flat rate for all services	Additional charges to obtain EIN in Hawaii
Purchase only the service you need to form Hawaii LLC.	The operating agreement draft is not included in the Core services
Northwest offers standalone Resident Agent service in Hawaii

Northwest Registered Agent Overview

Northwest is one of those service providers that offer DIY packages. Northwest is not for you if you want a wholesome formation package in Hawaii. It does not have conventional LLC formation packages. It is simply like a departmental store for you. You don’t need to buy everything, but the only thing you need.

Northwest has in-house corporate guides to guide you through the formation process. It offers LLC formation at $39 plus the state filing fee ($5). If you have already formed your LLC in Hawaii and are willing to appoint Resident Agent only, then Northwest can provide a standalone registered agent service at $125 per year.

Northwest offers single flat rates for all services in Hawaii and other states. The best part about the company is it does not outsource any of its services. Northwest offers corporate guides to help you through the steps of LLC formation.

Form LLC in Hawaii with Northwest Registered Agent

How to Form an LLC in Hawaii

Hawaii, popularly known as The Aloha State, is a business-friendly state with a population of 1,483,762. The Nominal Gross Domestic Product (in millions) of Hawaii is $99,352 according to a 2022 study, which has been said to be increased over the past year. Hence, starting your business in Hawaii will always be a good option. If you choose the state capital, Honolulu, to start your LLC, you might get more tax and other benefits.

To form an LLC in Hawaii, you need to follow some basic steps, including getting an LLC name, appointing your Hawaii Resident Agent, filing the Hawaii Articles of Organization, creating Hawaii LLC operating agreement, and finally getting an EIN for filing required taxes.

You can do that on your own. However, it is always recommended to get a professional person on board to guide you through. These steps are crucial and sensitive. You must complete everything to avoid canceling your formation process. Hence, having a professional LLC formation service for your LLC is better.

How to Choose the Best LLC Formation Service in Hawaii

It is important to choose the best service for your business carefully. Before you select the best one, make sure you thoroughly research on following points-

Reputation: Look for a company with a good reputation. Check reviews and ratings from previous clients to see how they feel about the services offered.
Experience: Choose a company with years of LLC formation experience. This ensures that they have knowledge of the process and can provide quality services.
Cost: Compare prices between different companies. Choose a company that offers affordable pricing for the services you need.
Customer Service: Ensure that the company has good customer service. They should be responsive, helpful, and willing to answer any questions.
Services Offered: Look for a company that offers a range of services, including entity formation, registered agent services, and ongoing compliance support to ensure your LLC remains in good standing.
Ease of Use: Choose a company with a user-friendly website and easy-to-use online platform. This makes the process of forming an LLC simple and straightforward.
Guarantees: Check if the company offers a satisfaction guarantee or a refund policy. This gives you peace of mind that you are getting the best possible service.

FAQs

What are the benefits of forming an LLC in Hawaii?

Hawaii LLCs offer personal liability protection and pass-through taxation for members.

What is the cost of forming an LLC in Hawaii?

The filing fee for an LLC in Hawaii is $50, and the annual report fee is $15.

Can I form an LLC in Hawaii if I don’t live in the state?

Yes, you can form an LLC in Hawaii even if you don’t reside in the state.

What paperwork is required to form an LLC in Hawaii?

To form an LLC in Hawaii, you will need to file Articles of Organization with the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs.

What is the processing time to form an LLC in Hawaii?

It takes approximately 1-3 weeks to process LLC formation paperwork in Hawaii.

Can I form a single-member LLC in Hawaii?

Yes, you can form a single-member LLC in Hawaii.

Do I need to have a physical address in Hawaii to form an LLC?

No, you do not need to have a physical address in Hawaii to form an LLC, but you will need to have a registered agent with a Hawaii address.

Can I change my LLC’s name after it has been formed?

Yes, you can change your LLC’s name after it has been formed by filing an Amendment to the Articles of Organization.

Are there any residency requirements to form an LLC in Hawaii?

There are no residency requirements to form an LLC in Hawaii.

Do I need an operating agreement for my LLC in Hawaii?

No, an operating agreement is not required by law in Hawaii, but it is highly recommended.

Can a foreign LLC register to do business in Hawaii?

Yes, a foreign LLC can register to do business in Hawaii by filing an Application for Registration of Foreign LLC.

Can I form a non-profit LLC in Hawaii?

No, Hawaii does not allow the formation of non-profit LLCs.

Do I need a business license to operate my LLC in Hawaii?

Yes, you will likely need to obtain a business license to operate your LLC in Hawaii.

What is a registered agent, and why do I need one?

A registered agent is responsible for receiving legal and tax documents on behalf of an LLC. Hawaii requires all LLCs to have a registered agent.

Can I be my LLC’s registered agent in Hawaii?

Yes, you can be your LLC’s registered agent if you have a physical Hawaii address that you are willing to use as your LLC’s official address.

Are there any annual requirements for Hawaii LLCs?

Yes, Hawaii LLCs must file an annual report and pay a fee of $15.

How can I dissolve an LLC in Hawaii?

To dissolve an LLC in Hawaii, you will need to file Articles of Dissolution with the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs.

Can I start a series LLC in Hawaii?

No, Hawaii does not allow the formation of series LLCs.

What are the taxes for a Hawaii LLC?

Hawaii LLCs are subject to state income tax and may also be subject to other state and local taxes, such as sales tax or excise tax.

Am I responsible for self-employment taxes as an LLC member in Hawaii?

Yes, LLC members in Hawaii are responsible for self-employment taxes on their share of the LLC’s income.

Is an Employer Identification Number (EIN) necessary for an LLC in Hawaii?

Yes, an EIN is necessary if you have employees or if your LLC has more than one member.

How can I get an EIN for my Hawaii LLC?

You can apply for an EIN for your Hawaii LLC through the IRS website.

Can I convert my Hawaii LLC into another type of business entity?

Yes, you can convert your Hawaii LLC into another business entity by filing the necessary paperwork with the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs.

Can I form an LLC in Hawaii if I have a criminal record?

There are no laws in Hawaii prohibiting individuals with criminal records from forming an LLC.

How can I check the availability of my LLC name in Hawaii?

You can check the availability of your LLC name in Hawaii on the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs’ website.

Can I reserve my LLC name in Hawaii?

Yes, you can reserve an LLC name in Hawaii by filing an Application for Reservation of Name.

Can I form a professional LLC in Hawaii?

Yes, certain professions in Hawaii are allowed to form professional LLCs, such as attorneys or medical professionals.

Do I have to give public notice of my LLC formation in Hawaii?

No, there is no requirement to give public notice of your LLC formation in Hawaii.

Can I change the ownership structure of my Hawaii LLC?

Yes, you can change the ownership structure of your Hawaii LLC by amending the Articles of Organization.

What is the best LLC formation service in Hawaii?

The best LLC formation service in Hawaii depends on your specific needs and budget.

How can I find the best LLC formation service in Hawaii?

You can find the best LLC formation service in Hawaii by researching online, reading reviews, and comparing the services and pricing offered by different companies.

Can I form an LLC in Hawaii on my own?

Yes, you can form an LLC in Hawaii on your own by filing the necessary paperwork with the state.

How much does it cost to form an LLC in Hawaii?

The cost of forming an LLC in Hawaii ranges from $50 to $500 depending on the type of LLC and the services you use.

How long does it take to form an LLC in Hawaii?

It usually takes around 5 business days to form an LLC in Hawaii.

Does the Hawaii LLC formation service include the filing fee?

It depends on the service you choose. Some services include the filing fee in their overall cost, while others charge it separately.

What is the difference between an LLC and a corporation in Hawaii?

The main difference between an LLC and a corporation in Hawaii is the way they are taxed. LLCs are taxed as pass-through entities, while corporations are taxed differently.

Can a non-resident form an LLC in Hawaii?

Yes, a non-resident can form an LLC in Hawaii as long as they have a registered agent and a physical address in the state.

Can I change the name of my LLC in Hawaii after it is formed?

Yes, you can change the name of your LLC in Hawaii by filing an amendment with the state.

How do I file an annual report for my LLC in Hawaii?

You can file an annual report for your LLC in Hawaii online or by mail.

Do I need to register my LLC in other states if I do business outside of Hawaii?

Yes, you will need to register your LLC in other states where you conduct business.

How do I dissolve an LLC in Hawaii?

You can dissolve an LLC in Hawaii by filing Articles of Termination with the state.

Can I convert an LLC to a corporation in Hawaii?

Yes, you can convert an LLC to a corporation in Hawaii by filing Articles of Incorporation.

Can I change the structure of my LLC from a single-member to multi-member in Hawaii?

Yes, you can change the structure of your LLC from single-member to multi-member in Hawaii by amending your operating agreement.

How do I update the address of my Hawaii LLC?

You can update the address of your Hawaii LLC by filing an Articles of Amendment with the state.

Do I need business insurance for my Hawaii LLC?

It is advisable to have business insurance for your Hawaii LLC, but it is not required by law.

Can I operate multiple businesses under one Hawaii LLC?

Yes, you can operate multiple businesses under one Hawaii LLC as long as they are related industries.

Do I need to file a separate tax return for my Hawaii LLC?

No, Hawaii LLCs are considered pass-through entities and are not subject to pay taxes directly. Instead, the profits and losses are passed on to the members and are reported on their individual tax returns.

Can I apply for Hawaii LLC status if I have a criminal record?

Having a criminal record does not necessarily disqualify you from applying for Hawaii LLC status, but it could delay the application process.

What is a foreign LLC doing business in Hawaii?

A foreign LLC doing business in Hawaii is an LLC that is formed outside of Hawaii but operates within the state.

Can a foreign LLC do business in Hawaii without registering?

No, a foreign LLC must register with the Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA) before doing business in the state.

Do Hawaii LLCs have franchise tax requirements?

No, Hawaii LLCs do not have franchise tax requirements.

Do I need to have a business license to operate my Hawaii LLC?

Yes, most businesses in Hawaii require a general excise (GE) tax license to operate, even if you operate outside of Hawaii.

What is a registered agent in Hawaii?

A registered agent in Hawaii is an individual or entity responsible for accepting legal documents and government correspondence on behalf of an LLC.

Can I be my own Hawaii LLC registered agent?

Yes, you can be your own Hawaii LLC registered agent as long as you have a physical address in Hawaii.

Can I change my Hawaii LLC registered agent?

Yes, you can change your Hawaii LLC registered agent by filing an amendment with the state.

How can I get more information on Hawaii LLC formation services?

You can get more information on Hawaii LLC formation services by contacting the Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs or consulting with an attorney.

Conclusion

Having a professional service to form your LLC in Hawaii is much better than doing it yourself. It is hassle-free, and there is no chance of making mistakes while filing your business. This article lists the best LLC formation services in Hawaii. Before you select one, make sure you compare the price, services, and features properly.