Hawaii business search
Hawaii's official business search is Business Name Search, run by the Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, Business Registration Division. It's free, and you can search by name.
Search Hawaii recordsHow to check if a name is taken in Hawaii
- Type the main words of the name into the search. Leave off endings like LLC or Inc.
- Look for exact matches and close ones. States usually refuse a name that only differs by punctuation, spacing or the ending.
- If nothing close comes up, run a free trademark search. A state accepting your name doesn't give you the right to use it as a brand.
LLC name endings in Hawaii
An LLC's name has to end with one of these: LLC, L.L.C., Limited Liability Company.
Once the name is clear
Hawaii charges $50 to form an LLC and $50 to form a corporation. See how to start an LLC in Hawaii, or a Hawaii DBA if you only need a trade name.
Hawaii business search questions
Is the Hawaii business search free?
Yes. The Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, Business Registration Division doesn't charge to search its records.
Does searching reserve a name in Hawaii?
No. A search only shows what's on record today. The name is yours once your filing is accepted, and most states also let you pay to hold a name for a set time.
Can I see who owns a Hawaii LLC?
The record shows what Hawaii requires a company to file, which is often its registered agent and sometimes its managers or members. Many states don't list owners at all.