Resource Center

 Step by Step Guide to Starting your Business in Hawai`i

Thinking of starting a business? This link will take you to an easy to follow click and go, step by step, helpful guide from the Business Registration division for a general overview of what's required when you business in Hawaiʻi.

How to Register your Business in Hawai`i

For a better understanding on business registration, forms, fees... this one page explanation includes various links to help you make decisions before registering.

Register your Business

Already know how? You can do you Business Registration through this link at the Hawaii Business Express portal

Managing Your Business

Annual Reports, Changes Trademarks, Trade names, Sign up for Reminders

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick links to basic question categories: General, Trade Name, Trademark, Service Mark, Name Reservations, Limited Liability Companies, Profit Corporations, Corrections & Business Entity Information

 Business Action Center:

The State of Hawai`i DCCA’s Business Action Center is available to assist with registering businesses in the state of Hawai`i and staff remain available to meet the needs of the public over the phone, online, and in-person.

• Register a business entity, trade name, trademark, or submit other filings with the Department of Commerce & Consumer Affairs’ Business Registration Division

• Get help with applying for a general excise tax (GET) license from the Department of Taxation and receive information on how to apply for a federal employer identification number (EIN) from the Internal Revenue Service

• Obtain information about registering online as an employer with the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations

• Learn about business counseling and workshops offered by other agencies and other resources available to business owners

SCORE Hawai`i

SCORE Hawai`i (Chapter 159), has been serving and helping small businesses for over 50 years. SCORE Hawai`i is a volunteer, non-profit organization, dedicated to helping small businesses get off the ground, grow and achieve their goals through education and mentorship. They provide professional counseling for the business community of Hawai`i. Mentors are experts in such areas as accounting, finance, marketing, retail, manufacturing, technology, management, and business plan advisory.

Main Unemployment Information

The Department of Labor & Industrial Relations website provides answers to frequently asked questions, to share information alerts and to provide other resources related to Hawaii unemployment. The website will be updated regularly to address common concerns and to notify claimants of potential scams and fraud protection measures.

Extended Unemployment Insurance (UI)

This program ended September 4, 2021. Please check the link to review options

Self Employed Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA)

The federal government’s CARES Act provides a separate program for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) that extends eligibility to individuals who normally do not qualify for traditional unemployment benefits.

COVID Unemployment Frequently Asked Questions

The FAQ sections has been developed by the DLIR & partners related to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic