Last Updated: February 2026
Most charitable organizations that solicit contributions in Hawaii must register with the Hawaii Department of the Attorney General before beginning fundraising activity in the state.
Hawaii provides several specific exemptions from registration. However, these exemptions are narrower than many organizations assume and do not apply automatically in all circumstances.
This page explains who qualifies for exemption from Hawaii charitable solicitation registration and when registration is still required.
For an overview of how charitable registration works nationally, see:
How Charitable Registration Works
When Registration Is Required in Hawaii
A charitable organization must register if it:
- Solicits contributions in Hawaii, or
- Has contributions solicited on its behalf in Hawaii.
Registration is required before solicitation begins and must be renewed annually.
Out-of-state nonprofits are not exempt simply because they are incorporated elsewhere. Foreign nonprofits must also evaluate whether corporate qualification is required.
For broader context, see:
National Charitable Solicitation Registration Requirements
Hawaii Charitable Registration Exemptions
Hawaii law provides several categories of exemption. Organizations that qualify do not need to register but should maintain documentation supporting their eligibility.
1. Religious Organizations
Religious organizations are exempt from registration.
This generally includes churches and related religious entities.
However, if a religious organization operates separate charitable programs or engages in substantial public fundraising beyond core religious functions, further review may be appropriate.
2. Educational Institutions
Educational institutions are exempt from registration.
This includes schools and institutions with structured curricula and regular instructional activity.
Affiliated foundations may require separate analysis.
3. Hospitals and Healthcare Institutions
Nonprofit hospitals and certain healthcare-related institutions are exempt.
Organizations should confirm nonprofit and licensing status aligns with exemption criteria.
4. Governmental Entities
Federal, state, and local governmental units are exempt from Hawaii charitable registration requirements.
5. Political Organizations
Political parties, candidates, and political committees that file required election disclosures are exempt.
This does not extend to general charitable advocacy organizations.
6. Small Organization Exemption ($25,000 Threshold)
Hawaii provides a limited exemption for organizations that:
- Raise less than $25,000 in contributions during a fiscal year, and
- Do not compensate anyone for fundraising activities.
Important considerations:
- The revenue threshold applies to total contributions, not solely Hawaii-based donations.
- If the organization exceeds the threshold, registration becomes required.
- Use of paid fundraisers eliminates eligibility.
Growth-stage nonprofits and organizations operating nationally often exceed this threshold quickly.
For strategic guidance, see:
How Many States Must Nonprofits Register In?
Online Fundraising and Hawaii
Hawaii’s registration requirement may apply if an organization:
- Directly solicits Hawaii residents, or
- Conducts digital campaigns that result in sustained or targeted fundraising activity in the state.
National nonprofits operating online donation platforms should evaluate Hawaii as part of a broader multi-state compliance review.
Related resources:
Online Fundraising & Charleston Principles
Where Nonprofits Must Register Based on Online Fundraising
What Hawaii Does Not Exempt
Hawaii does not provide:
- A blanket exemption for all 501(c)(3) organizations
- An exemption for organizations simply because they are small but compensate fundraising staff
- A general exemption for out-of-state nonprofits
Exemption eligibility must be evaluated carefully.
Governance and Compliance Considerations
Boards and finance leaders should:
- Monitor annual contribution levels relative to the $25,000 threshold
- Evaluate compensation structures for fundraising staff
- Review online fundraising exposure
- Confirm eligibility for exemption annually
Failure to register when required can result in enforcement action and reputational risk.
For additional context, see:
What Happens If a Nonprofit Fails to Register?
Multi-State Planning Context
Exemption in Hawaii does not eliminate registration obligations in other states.
National nonprofits frequently qualify for exemption in one state while triggering registration requirements elsewhere.
For broader exemption analysis, see:
Charitable Solicitation Registration Exemptions (Overview)
If your organization is evaluating Hawaii registration or exemption status as part of a multi-state compliance strategy: