Did you know that Hawaii boasts the lowest business failure rate in the United States? This, combined with its stable economy and high quality of life, make it an attractive location for entrepreneurs. According to Forbes, Hawaii ranks as the sixth ideal state to start a business. When starting/running a successful business, attention to detail and organization are critical. This is where a registered agent comes in – they handle the essential steps required for compliance with state regulations, such as filing annual reports and maintaining records.
By hiring a registered agent, businesses can rest assured that all necessary paperwork will be filed on time, avoiding potential penalties or fines. We scoured multiple review sites, including Better Business Bureau, and even contacted the companies directly to confirm the information we found about the best registered agents in Hawaii.
N.W. Registered Agent
Northwest Registered Agent is the best overall due to its numerous pros and a minimal number of cons. Perfect for all sorts of registered agent work.
ZenBusiness
ZenBusiness is the ideal choice if you're interested in starting and growing your business with all sorts of registered agent services right at your fingertips.
Harbor Compliance
Harbor Compliance is the best registered agent in Hawaii for monitoring compliance. All documents are processed the same day; perfect if you're in a rush.
BetterLegal
BetterLegal has some of the best and most affordable registered agent services for all kinds of businesses in Hawaii. They also have years of experience.
LegalZoom
LegalZoom is an excellent choice for entrepreneurs who want to do all of their legal correspondence themselves with certain helpful features.
What Is the Best Registered Agent Service in Hawaii?
1. Northwest Registered Agent
Best Overall Registered Agent in Hawaii ($125/year)
As the best overall registered agent in the state, they are dedicated to helping businesses succeed through their top-notch services and commitment to exceptional customer service.
Their Hawaii street address ensures that all service of process and legal documents and communications from the Secretary of State are received and handled promptly and securely.
And with their advanced data security measures, you can trust that your information is safe with them. But that’s not all – they also offer mail forwarding so you can stay on top of important correspondence without constantly updating your business address.
They offer compliance assistance, annual report filing, and record-keeping services to ensure your business stays in good standing with the state.
To top it off, their team of experts is always available to answer any questions you may have, whether it’s related to their services or general business advice.
Put your trust in Northwest Registered Agent – because when it comes to hiring a registered agent in Hawaii, they know what they’re doing.
Pros
- The Protection of Personal Data: Your data is essential, and you want to ensure it’s in good hands. With Northwest Registered Agent, you can trust that your information is safe. They have implemented advanced security measures to protect your data from potential threats.
- Committed to Customer Service: They understand that running a business can be challenging, so they are dedicated to providing the best possible customer service. Their team of experts is always available to answer any questions related to their services or general business advice.
- Compliance Assistance and Annual Report Filing: To stay in good standing with the state, it’s essential to keep up with annual report filing and compliance requirements.
Con
- Other Services Can Be Expensive: While their agent services are reasonably priced, other offerings, such as their annual report service and certified copies, are pricier.
Pricing
Registered Agent Service ($125/year): This service includes the Hawaii street address, mail forwarding, compliance assistance, annual report filing, and record-keeping services.
Annual Report Service ($125/year): This includes preparing and filing your annual report.
2. ZenBusiness
Best Registered Agent in Hawaii for Startups and Small Businesses ($199/year)
ZenBusiness is a company dedicated to helping businesses start and grow. In addition to offering LLC formation services, they also offer registered agent services to businesses in need.
This means they act as a physical address for important mail, such as legal notices, and ensure that it is promptly delivered to the appropriate parties.
This service has proven valuable for businesses that do not have an address in Hawaii or one that is open during regular business hours. ZenBusiness prides itself on its reliability and attention to detail, ensuring all crucial documents are processed efficiently and accurately.
Founded in 2015, ZenBusiness continues to expand its services, always striving to provide the best support for growing businesses. When it comes to registered agents, they are quickly establishing themselves as a top choice in Hawaii.
Pros
- Great Online Interface: One of the best things about ZenBusiness is its user-friendly online interface. The platform is easy to navigate, and you can quickly find the necessary information and services.
- Affordable Services: Their LLC formation and registered agent services are reasonably priced. In fact, their registered agent service is one of the most affordable on our list.
- Experienced Team: The team at ZenBusiness is experienced and knowledgeable in LLC formation and registered agent services. They are always available to answer any questions you may have.
- Yearly Report Reminders: They offer a valuable service of reminding you when your annual report is due. This can be a lifesaver for business owners who forget to file on time.
Con
- No Customized Service Options: While their services are comprehensive, they do not offer customized service options.
Pricing
Registered Agent Service ($199/year): This package includes one year of registered agent service, access to their online platform, and document delivery.
LLC Formation Service ($49 + state fees): This package includes LLC formation, one year of registered agent service, and a corporate kit.
3. Harbor Compliance
Best Registered Agent in Hawaii for Compliance Monitoring ($99/year)
Harbor Compliance is the best-registered agent for affordability and larger companies. They have a track record of success, with a loyalty rate of 95% and a customer retention rate of 99%.
Their goal is to make the often-complicated task of staying compliantly accessible for businesses, and they do this through their simple online system and fast, prompt service.
Additionally, registered agents handle all the necessary filings and notifications for our clients, allowing them to focus on growing their businesses. But what sets them apart is their dedication to affordability and excellent service for larger companies.
Their simple online system allows clients to access documents quickly and stay up-to-date on their compliance needs. And with a dedicated account manager, they can trust that their needs will always be met promptly and efficiently.
Pros
- Prompt Services: Harbor Compliance is known for their prompt and efficient services. They have a team of compliance specialists available to answer any questions.
- Online System: Their system is user-friendly and allows you to access documents quickly and stay compliant.
- Dedicated Account Manager: As a client, you will be assigned a dedicated account manager available to answer any questions and help you with your compliance needs.
- Affordable: Their registered agent service is one of the most affordable on our list.
Con
- No Business Advice: While they are compliance experts, they do not offer business advice.
Pricing
Registered Agent Service ($99/year): ): This package includes one year of registered agent services, access to their online platform, and document delivery. It also includes mail forwarding and scanning for an additional fee.
4. BetterLegal
Best Registered Agent in Hawaii for Great Pricing ($99/year)
When choosing a registered agent for your business, you want someone reliable and knowledgeable in all aspects of the formation process. That’s why Better Legal stands out as a top option in Hawaii.
They offer competitive pricing and provide a wide range of services, including tax support, website creation assistance, and ongoing legal advice. Plus, their team has years of experience and success in helping businesses navigate the often-confusing world of legal paperwork.
Also, from tax guidance to website creation assistance, Better Legal offers the resources a new business needs to navigate the legal landscape successfully. Moreover, their ongoing support and legal advice ensure that your company remains compliant as it grows and evolves.
Better Legal is an intelligent choice when it comes to protecting your business and ensuring everything is done correctly. Their dedication to providing excellent service and support sets them apart as a top registered agent in Hawaii.
Pros
- A Wealth of Experience: The team behind Better Legal has a wealth of experience in the business world. This gives them the knowledge and expertise needed to help you with all aspects of the business formation process.
- Ongoing Support: Better Legal offers ongoing support and advice to ensure that your company remains compliant as it grows.
- Wide Range of Services: In addition to registered agent services, they offer a wide range of services.
- Competitive Pricing: They offer competitive pricing for their services.
- Services at the Same Rate: The registered agent service is just one of the many services they offer at the same rate.
Con
- Not Flexible: Some of their services might cost extra.
Pricing
Registered Agent Service ($90/year): This price includes their registered agent service and several other services.
5. LegalZoom
Best Registered Agent for DIY Entrepreneurs ($299/year)
LegalZoom offers a range of valuable business services as a premium registered agent in Hawaii. In addition to acting as the point of contact for official legal documents, LegalZoom also provides a physical street address in Hawaii and a comprehensive $1 million identity theft insurance policy.
This level of protection can be invaluable for companies operating in today’s digital age, where cybercrime is rising.
In addition, LegalZoom offers a free year of registered agent service with every package. This helps to alleviate the burden and expense of finding a separate registered agent for your business.
Customers also appreciate their easy-to-use online account, which allows them to track and manage all correspondence effortlessly. LegalZoom’s exceptional value and reliable services make them a top choice for businesses in Hawaii looking for a registered agent and mail forwarding service.
Pros
- Chat support
- Business document storage
- Tracking important deadlines
- Renewing licenses
- Compliance alerts
Cons
- Can be expensive for some startups
- Relatively weak free features
Pricing
The registered agent service provided by LegalZoom includes acceptance of business correspondence, along with reminders of tax and annual reporting requirements for $299/year. Although the service is more costly than others, the annual fee includes the cost of Hawaii state filing fees.
6. Rocket Lawyer
Best Registered Agent in Hawaii for Ease of Use ($149/year)
Rocket Lawyer, a trusted provider of legal services for individuals and businesses, offers registered agent services in Hawaii for just $149 per year. As registered agents, they are responsible for receiving important legal documents on behalf of their clients and ensuring they meet compliance requirements.
Despite not having the same recognized name as some other registered agents in the state, Rocket Lawyer offers exceptional expertise and personalized service to its clients. They consistently go above and beyond, offering support to businesses on an ongoing basis rather than just fulfilling the basic requirements of a registered agent.
In addition, their low cost makes them a valuable asset for companies looking to minimize expenses without sacrificing quality service. Rocket Lawyer is a top choice for businesses in Hawaii seeking an easy-to-use and reliable registered agent.
7. Incfile
Best Registered Agent in Hawaii for Mail Forwarding ($119/year)
Incfile is the leading registered agent in Hawaii for affordable and efficient mail forwarding services. Their packages range from basic to comprehensive, making them an excellent option for businesses at any stage of development. In addition, their pricing is transparent, with no hidden fees.
Incfile offers a free year of registered agent service with every package. This helps to alleviate the burden and expense of finding a separate registered agent for your business.
Customers also appreciate their easy-to-use online account, which allows them to track and manage all correspondence effortlessly. Incfile’s exceptional value and reliable services make them a top choice for businesses in Hawaii looking for a registered agent and mail forwarding service.
Pros
- Affordable and Transparent Pricing: Incfile offers some of the most affordable registered agent and mail forwarding services in Hawaii. Their pricing is transparent, with no hidden fees, so you can budget accordingly.
- Free Year of Registered Agent Service: Incfile provides a free year of registered agent service with every package. This helps to alleviate the burden and expense of finding a separate registered agent for your business.
- Easy-to-Use Online Account: Incfile’s online account is easy to use and allows you to track and manage all correspondence effortlessly.
- Bilingual Customer Support: Incfile’s customer support team can help you in English and Spanish.
Con
- Lack of 24/7 Support: Incfile’s customer support team is only available between 9AM and 6PM CST.
Pricing
Registered Agent Service ($119/year): The first year of registered agent service is free with any package. The following year is $119.
8. SunDoc Filings
Best Registered Agent in Hawaii for E-Commerce Businesses and Compliance Needs ($159/year)
As an e-commerce business owner, staying compliant with changing regulations can be a full-time job. That’s where SunDoc Filings comes in.
As the best-registered agent in Hawaii, they offer a wide range of services to help e-commerce businesses stay on top of their compliance needs. Their experts stay up-to-date on all state and federal regulations and filings and can quickly handle any necessary paperwork, including annual reports and business license renewals.
They also offer services such as forming LLCs and corporations, obtaining tax IDs, and registering trademarks and copyrights. With SunDoc Filings on your side, you can rest assured that your business is meeting all legal requirements without sacrificing precious time and energy.
9. InCorp
Best Registered Agent in Hawaii for Affordability ($99/year)
As a registered agent in Hawaii, InCorp provides businesses with the reliable and affordable support they need. At only $99 per year, they offer some of the most competitive rates on the market.
But affordability isn’t their only achievement – InCorp also offers comprehensive services such as name reservations, compliance reminders, and document forwarding. They constantly strive to offer the highest level of service, making them a trusted partner for many businesses in Hawaii.
In addition, their experienced team is always available to answer questions and provide personalized assistance for any unique needs or challenges a business may face.
When it comes to choosing a registered agent in Hawaii, InCorp stands out for its combination of affordability and exceptional service.
10. Swyft Filings
Best Registered Agent in Hawaii for Fast Turnaround ($149/year)
When it comes to being the best registered agent in Hawaii with a fast turnaround, Swyft Filings stands above the rest. Not only do they have an impressive track record of top-notch service with an average turnaround time of 1 business day, but their yearly fee of $149 is also incredibly competitive.
Their services extend beyond just acting as a registered agent, as they offer a variety of resources and support for businesses looking to establish or grow their presence in Hawaii. These include assistance with obtaining licenses and permits, help setting up a corporate business bank account, and even virtual office solutions.
Their reputation for excellent customer service and efficient filing processes has helped various businesses establish themselves and grow and thrive in the competitive market. In addition, their website offers comprehensive resources for business owners navigating the often complicated legal aspects of running a company.
In short, Swyft Filings offers a comprehensive package for businesses needing a reliable registered agent in Hawaii.
11. CSC Global
Best Registered Agent in Hawaii For Global Connections ($299/year)
CSC Global is one of the top registered agents in Hawaii, offering top-notch services for businesses operating in various sectors. They have been recognized for their achievements in the industry, including receiving the Governance and Compliance Services Provider of the Year award from Corporate LiveWire in 2018.
As a registered agent, CSC Global helps businesses to comply with state regulations and maintain good standing. This allows businesses to focus on growth and success without worrying about administrative tasks or possible legal consequences.
They offer services for businesses operating in various sectors, including financial services, technology, healthcare, and real estate.
In addition to their registered agent service, CSC Global offers compliance support and risk management solutions to help businesses operate smoothly and efficiently. They have been recognized for their exceptional customer service, with a 99% satisfaction rating from clients.
CSC Global understands the unique challenges faced by businesses operating in different industries and provides personalized support to help these companies grow and succeed.
Also, CSC Global offers additional services such as entity formation and annual compliance packages at competitive prices. Overall, they are an excellent choice for companies looking for a reliable registered agent in Hawaii.
12. Registered Agents Inc.
Best Registered Agent in Hawaii For Wholesale Services ($200/year)
As one of the leading registered agents in Hawaii, Registered Agents Inc. has a track record of exceptional service and support for businesses in need of wholesale services.
For just $200 a year, they provide comprehensive incoming mail management, updates on important notifications, and access to an online dashboard for all scanned documents. Not only that, but their team also offers compliance alerts to ensure businesses remain in compliance with state regulations.
In addition, Registered Agents Inc. offers additional business formation and annual reporting services at competitive rates.
With their track record of success and commitment to excellence, Registered Agents Inc. is the optimal choice for businesses seeking reliable and trustworthy registered agent services in Hawaii.
13. Jumpstart Filings
Best Registered Agent in Hawaii for New Companies ($129)
Jumpstart Filings is the best registered agent in Hawaii for new companies. Their services include annual reports and business license filings, as well as forwarding important documents to clients promptly.
They also offer support for entity formations and offer guidance on compliance requirements. In addition to being highly efficient and reliable, Jumpstart Filings has distinguished itself by offering its services at a fraction of the cost of other registered agents.
Their $129 fee for new company registrations is significantly lower than the industry standard, allowing businesses to allocate their resources toward growth and development.
What Is a Hawaii Registered Agent?
A Hawaii registered agent, also known as a statutory agent, is a person or entity designated to receive important legal and tax documents on behalf of a business, such as service of process notices and tax forms. They must reside or have a physical address in the state in which the business is registered.
In Hawaii, companies are required by law to designate and maintain a registered agent at all times. In addition to receiving documentation, the registered agent ensures that these documents are quickly forwarded to the appropriate parties within the company. It is essential to select a registered agent who is reliable and can be easily reached during regular business hours.
Failing to maintain a valid registered agent or consistently failing to forward documents can result in penalties for the business. It is common for businesses to hire professional registered agent services, ensuring that there is always someone available to receive and handle necessary documentation.
How Can a Hawaii Registered Agent Help Your Business?
There are several ways in which a Hawaii registered agent can help your business. These include:
- Serving as a Legal Point of Contact:
The registered agent is the person or entity designated to receive service of process notices and other legal documents on behalf of the business. This ensures that the company is quickly aware of any lawsuits or other legal actions against it.
- Helping to Keep the Business in Compliance:
The registered agent is responsible for forwarding essential tax documents and other notifications to the business. This helps to ensure that the company remains in compliance with state regulations and avoids any penalties.
- Managing Incoming Mail:
The registered agent can help to manage incoming mail and forward it to the appropriate party within the company. This can save the business time and money by avoiding the need to sort through large amounts of mail.
- Providing Access to Scanned Documents:
Most registered agents offer online access to scanned copies of all documents they receive on behalf of their clients. This allows businesses to view vital documentation quickly and easily, saving valuable time.
Is a Registered Agent Legally Required in Hawaii?
While it may not be explicitly stated in Hawaii’s laws, having a registered agent is still necessary for any business operating within the state.
This person or company acts as the central point of contact for all official correspondence, including service of process and critical legal documents. Without a registered agent, a business risks missing important notifications and potentially facing fines or penalties.
Additionally, state agencies may refuse to recognize the legitimacy of the business without a registered agent on record. Though some may view it as an unnecessary expense, selecting a reliable registered agent is essential in ensuring compliance with Hawaii’s legal regulations and protecting the future of your business.
Hawaii Registered Agent Q&A
How Much Does a Hawaii Registered Agent Cost?
Regarding registered agents in Hawaii, several fees may be applicable. For businesses that need to appoint or terminate a registered agent listing, the fee is $100 or $25, respectively.
Any other statements or reports required by the state have a fee of $25, while a certificate of compliance (or good standing certificate) can be obtained for only $5. It’s important to note that these fees are set by the state and are subject to change at any time. In addition, some registered agent services may charge additional fees for their services.
Can I Be My Own Registered Agent In Hawaii?
Yes! Any individual or business entity may act as a registered agent for another business so long as they maintain a physical address within the state of Hawaii and are available during regular business hours.
It’s important to note that being a registered agent requires more than simply providing an address. The registered agent must be prepared to receive, manage, and forward any documents or notices received on behalf of the business. This includes everything from legal paperwork to tax documents.
Can a Company in Hawaii Change Its Registered Agent?
Yes! Any business may appoint or terminate a registered agent at any time by filing the appropriate paperwork with the state.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Hawaii Registered Agent?
It can take 3-4 weeks for the state of Hawaii to process and update the registered agent listing for a business. However, some registered agent services may be able to expedite this process for an additional fee.
N.W. Registered Agent
Northwest Registered Agent is the best overall due to its numerous pros and a minimal number of cons. Perfect for all sorts of registered agent work.
ZenBusiness
ZenBusiness is the ideal choice if you're interested in starting and growing your business with all sorts of registered agent services right at your fingertips.
Harbor Compliance
Harbor Compliance is the best registered agent in Hawaii for monitoring compliance. All documents are processed the same day; perfect if you're in a rush.
BetterLegal
BetterLegal has some of the best and most affordable registered agent services for all kinds of businesses in Hawaii. They also have years of experience.
LegalZoom
LegalZoom is an excellent choice for entrepreneurs who want to do all of their legal correspondence themselves with certain helpful features.