How to search Hawaii business entities online
Updated August 2026
Quick Answer
Hawaii's business search is at hbe.dcca.hawaii.gov/search-and-buy, part of Hawaii Business Express, run by the Business Registration Division. Search by name (Begins With or Contains) or charter/file number — no account needed — to see the entity's status and filed documents. BREG operates within the Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA), which also handles professional licensing and consumer protection statewide.
- Go to Hawaii Business Express at hbe.dcca.hawaii.gov/search-and-buy.
- Search by business name (Begins With or Contains) or charter/file number.
- Review the result for the entity's status and available documents.
Portal moved to a new address
BREG has completed its migration to a new Hawaii Business Express portal at hbe.dcca.hawaii.gov. The former hbe.ehawaii.gov address now redirects automatically after a short delay — update any saved bookmarks or links to the new domain.
What the search covers
The database includes all entity types registered with BREG: domestic and foreign profit corporations, nonprofit corporations, LLCs, limited partnerships, limited liability partnerships, general partnerships, trade names, trademarks, and service marks. Name reservations are searchable as well.
How to search
The search form offers two name-matching modes — Begins With and Contains. "Contains" is the broader option and useful when you're unsure how the entity name starts. A charter/file number can be entered separately to go directly to a specific entity record. The search form requires no account and is publicly accessible.
One important caveat stated on the portal: search results should not be treated as a definitive determination of name availability. A name appearing in results may or may not be available for registration — the BREG makes the formal availability call when a filing is submitted.
Accessing certificates and copies
Certificates of Good Standing (called Certificates of Compliance in Hawaii) are purchased directly through the HBE search portal without a user account. The standard certificate costs $5.00; expedited processing adds $10.00. Document copies cost $0.25 per page; a $10.00 certification surcharge applies to certified copies. Previously purchased documents can be authenticated at no charge at hbe.dcca.hawaii.gov/authenticate.
Annual reports
Annual reports for all entity types can be filed online through the Manage section of Hawaii Business Express at hbe.dcca.hawaii.gov. The annual report fee is $15 for profit corporations and LLCs, $5 for nonprofits — among the lowest annual report fees of any state.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does hbe.ehawaii.gov redirect me somewhere else now?
BREG has completed its move to a new Hawaii Business Express portal at hbe.dcca.hawaii.gov. The old hbe.ehawaii.gov address now redirects automatically after a short delay, so update any saved bookmarks or links to the new domain.
How much does a Hawaii Certificate of Good Standing cost?
Hawaii calls it a Certificate of Compliance. It's purchased directly through the HBE search portal with no account needed: $5.00 for standard processing, or $10.00 with expedited processing.
What's the difference between 'Begins With' and 'Contains' when searching Hawaii businesses?
The search form offers two name-matching modes. 'Begins With' matches the start of the entity name, while 'Contains' is the broader option, useful when you're unsure exactly how the name starts. A charter/file number can also be entered to jump straight to one entity.