Form a Corporation in Hawaii
Forming a Corporation in Hawaii costs $50 in state filing fees and typically takes 5-7 business days to process. After that, plan for a $12.50 annual report fee.
Last verified July 2026 against official Hawaii sources · see sources
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How to File
Choose a Corporate Name
Select a unique name for your corporation that includes a designator such as 'Corporation,' 'Incorporated,' 'Limited,' or an abbreviation thereof (Corp., Inc., Ltd.). Search the Hawaii Business Express name database to confirm availability.
30 minutes
Appoint a Registered Agent
Designate a registered agent with a physical street address in Hawaii who is authorized to accept legal documents and service of process on behalf of the corporation. The registered agent can be an individual resident or a qualified commercial registered agent.
1-2 hours
File Articles of Incorporation
Prepare and file the Articles of Incorporation with the Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA), Business Registration Division. You may file online via Hawaii Business Express or by mail, paying the $50 filing fee.
1-2 hours
Appoint Directors and Hold Organizational Meeting
Appoint the initial board of directors as listed in the Articles of Incorporation, then hold an organizational meeting to adopt corporate bylaws, issue initial shares of stock, and elect officers such as President, Secretary, and Treasurer.
2-4 hours
What's Next After Filing
Once your Corporation is officially formed, you'll want to complete these important steps:
- •Draft and Adopt Corporate Bylaws — Create corporate bylaws that govern the internal operations of the corporation, including procedures for shareholder meetings, voting rights, officer duties, and dividend distribution. Bylaws are not filed with the state but must be maintained at the principal office.
- •Obtain an EIN and Open a Business Bank Account — Apply for a Federal Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS online at no cost, which is required for tax purposes, hiring employees, and opening a business bank account. Use the EIN to open a dedicated corporate bank account to maintain separation of personal and business finances.
- •Register for Hawaii State Taxes and Obtain Licenses — Register with the Hawaii Department of Taxation for General Excise Tax (GET) and any other applicable state taxes using Hawaii Tax Online. Obtain any required business licenses or permits specific to your industry and county in Hawaii.
Fees and Processing Time
- State filing fee:
- $50
- Expedite fee:
- $25
- Standard processing:
- 5-7 business days
- Expedited processing:
- 1-2 business days
Hawaii charges a $50 base filing fee for Articles of Incorporation. An additional $25 expedited processing fee applies for faster service. Online filings through the Hawaii Business Express portal may include a small convenience fee.
Corporation in Hawaii: Quick Answers
How much does it cost to form a Corporation in Hawaii?
The state filing fee is $50, plus $25 if you choose expedited processing. Optional costs such as a paid registered agent are on top of that.
How long does it take to form a Corporation in Hawaii?
Standard processing is 5-7 business days; expedited processing is 1-2 business days.
Does a Corporation in Hawaii need a registered agent?
Yes. You must name a registered agent with a physical Hawaii address. You can serve as your own agent if you have a Hawaii street address and are available during business hours.
Does Hawaii require a Corporation to publish a notice?
No. Hawaii has no newspaper publication requirement for this entity type.
What are the annual fees and filings for a Corporation in Hawaii?
The annual report fee is $12.50. Due: On or before the last day of the quarter following the anniversary quarter of incorporation. See Annual Obligations below for other required filings.
Advantages
- ✓Limited liability protection shields shareholders' personal assets from corporate debts and legal judgments
- ✓Corporations can raise capital more easily by issuing shares of stock to investors, making them attractive for growth-focused businesses
- ✓Corporations have perpetual existence, meaning the business continues regardless of changes in ownership or the death of a shareholder
- ✓Hawaii corporations can elect S-Corp status with the IRS to avoid double taxation and pass corporate income directly to shareholders' personal tax returns
Considerations
- •C-Corporations face double taxation, where corporate profits are taxed at the entity level and again when distributed as dividends to shareholders
- •Corporations require more administrative formality than LLCs, including maintaining bylaws, holding annual meetings, recording minutes, and issuing stock
- •Formation and ongoing compliance costs, including state fees, registered agent fees, and accounting expenses, are generally higher for corporations than for sole proprietorships or partnerships
Annual Obligations
How a Corporation Compares in Hawaii
Corporation vs. LLC
A Hawaii Corporation offers a more structured governance framework with shareholders, directors, and officers, and is better suited for businesses seeking outside investment or planning to go public, whereas an LLC provides greater flexibility in management and taxation with fewer formality requirements.
Corporation vs. S-Corp
An S-Corp is not a separate entity type in Hawaii but rather a federal tax election available to qualifying Hawaii corporations; an S-Corp passes income and losses through to shareholders to avoid double taxation, while a standard C-Corporation pays taxes at the corporate level before distributing dividends.
Corporation vs. Partnership
A Hawaii Corporation provides full limited liability protection for all owners, whereas a general partnership exposes partners to personal liability for business debts; corporations also have a more formal structure and greater ability to raise capital through stock issuance.
Corporation vs. Nonprofit
A Hawaii for-profit Corporation is formed to generate profit for its shareholders and can distribute earnings as dividends, while a Hawaii Nonprofit Corporation operates for a charitable or public purpose, may qualify for tax-exempt status, and cannot distribute profits to members or directors.
Sources
Fees, steps and deadlines on this page come from Hawaii's official filing office and tax agency pages listed below and were last verified in July 2026. Fees change — confirm on the official site before you file.
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