If you are forming an LLC or a corporation in Hawaii, the first thing you need to do is a business name search. Like all other states, Hawaii requires each LLC or corporation registered in the state to have a unique business name. You can do a Hawaii business name search on the Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA) website to see if the business name you want to use is available.  

Related: Guide to starting a business in Hawaii

Steps To Do A Hawaii Business Name Search

Before forming an LLC, be sure to check for business name availability. Each business entity must not already be registered with the state. 

To search:

Step 1: Visit the Hawaii Entity Name Database

Visit the Hawaii Business Express website.

Step 2: Enter a Business Name

Enter the name you would like to use in the field.  In this example, we will do a Hawaii LLC name search by looking up “The Pool Doctor” to see if it is available.”

Step 3: Review Results

When we search “The Pool Doctor,” we see 2 results. In order to reserve a business name, we have to pick a name that isn’t similar to a registered business. In this example, another business is using the name. Note that even removing minor words like “The” isn’t significant enough to make the name unique.

We can find more information about the business by clicking on the link.

Step 4: Find Detailed Information

Here we can find more information about the business.

While the name “The Pool Doctor” by itself may not be available, other variants such as “Pool Physician” or “Pool Medic” are.  Searching for those business names brings a result that says, “There are no businesses for this search term.”  While final approval is still with the Hawaii Business Registration Division of the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, it is likely available to register.  Additionally, this screen also allows for the purchase of a Certificate of Good Standing, which proves the existence of the entity. 

These are the basics of searching for a business name in Hawaii.  Even when the name of the business you want is available, the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs will make a final determination at the time of filing to ensure the name you picked isn’t too similar to other registered names. 

What information can be found on the Hawaii business entity database?

By doing a Hawaii business entity search, you can find several pieces of information about businesses operating in the state. Some of the highlights include:

• Business Type: Corporation, Limited Liability Company, Limited Partnership etc.
• Status: Active means the business is in good standing with the state, and all reports and filing fees are up to date.
• Purpose: Basic information about what the business does.
• Registration Date: Official filing date of the business entity.
• Mailing Address: The address on file for the business entity. This can be a physical business address or an address where the company documents are stored.
• Registered Agent Information: A Hawaii registered agent is the singular point of contact for the entity should a legal, or tax notice need to be sent to the business.  This is often one of the owners, and if their home address is used, that address becomes public information.  Many people find this concerning and use a Registered Agent service like Northwest Registered Agent, so their home address isn’t listed.  
• Officer Information: Names of the officers and their titles.

Hawaii Business Name Search FAQs