Incorporating in Hawaii

For complete and current information concerning Hawaii corporations you should go to the Official Site of the State of Hawaii. The following is not an attempt to present all you need to know when forming a corporation in Hawaii but rather to call your attention to just some of the basic information and requirements you may want to know as you submit information to form your corporation.

The information herein is cited from the Official Site of the State of Hawaii and Hawaii statutes. While we make every effort to ensure its accuracy, MaxFilings cannot and does not guarantee that all of the information is accurate or complete and/or current and it should therefore be independently verified.

 Hawaii corporation name:

A Hawaii corporation name must contain the word "corporation", "incorporated", or "limited", or an abbreviation thereof, and it cannot contain language stating or implying that the corporation is organized for a purpose other than that permitted by law and its articles of incorporation. Except as may be authorized under Hawaii law, a corporation’s name may not be the same as or substantially identical to other entities organized or authorized to transact business in Hawaii or names reserved or registered in accordance with the state’s laws.

Hawaii corporation board of directors:

Except as provided for under Hawaii law, each corporation must have a board of directors.
Directors need not be residents of Hawaii or shareholders of the corporation unless the articles of incorporation or bylaws so prescribe. The articles of incorporation or bylaws may prescribe qualifications for directors.

Hawaii corporation officers:

A Hawaii corporation shall have the officers described in its bylaws or appointed by the board of directors in accordance with the bylaws. If authorized by the bylaws or the board of directors, a duly appointed officer may appoint one or more officers or assistant officers.
The bylaws or the board of directors shall delegate to one of the officers responsibility for the preparation and custody of minutes of the meetings of directors and shareholders and for authenticating the corporation’s records. One person may simultaneously hold more than one office in a corporation.

Hawaii corporation shareholders’ and directors’ meetings:

A Hawaii corporation shall hold annual shareholders’ meetings at a time stated in, or fixed in accordance with, the bylaws. Annual shareholders' meetings may be held in or out of Hawaii at the place stated in, or fixed in accordance with, the bylaws. If no place is stated in, or fixed in accordance with, the bylaws, annual shareholders’ meetings shall be held at the corporation's principal office. The bylaws may authorize the board of directors, in its sole discretion, to determine that the annual shareholders’ meeting shall be held solely by means of remote communication as authorized under Hawaii law.

Special shareholders’ meetings shall be held on call of the board of directors or the person(s) authorized to do so by the articles of incorporation or bylaws; or, upon the demand of a sufficient number of shareholders as prescribed in Hawaii law. Special shareholders' meetings may be held in or out of Hawaii at the place stated in, or fixed in accordance with, the bylaws. If no place is stated in, or fixed in accordance with, the bylaws, special shareholders’ meetings shall be held at the corporation's principal office. The bylaws may authorize the board of directors, in its sole discretion, to determine that the special shareholders’ meeting shall be held solely by means of remote communication as authorized under Hawaii law. In addition, Hawaii law sets forth circumstances under which a court can order that a special shareholders’ meeting be held.

A Hawaii corporation’s board of directors may hold regular or special meetings in or out of Hawaii.

Hawaii taxes:

Visit the State of Hawaii Department of Taxation web site.

Hawaii Registered Agent:

Hawaii corporations are required to have a registered agent in Hawaii. By having MaxFilings provide you with a professional registered agent, you can be assured that all legal documents, tax documents, annual reports, and correspondence with the state and regulatory agencies will be handled promptly, professionally, and efficiently.

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Incorporate in Hawaii