Last Updated: February 2026
Hawaii requires charitable organizations to register before soliciting contributions in the state. While administratively manageable compared to some large jurisdictions, Hawaii includes annual financial reporting, renewal obligations, and professional fundraiser oversight that make it an important compliance state for nationally active nonprofits.
For broader multi-state planning context, see:
When Registration Is Required in Hawaii
A nonprofit must register with the Hawaii Department of the Attorney General before soliciting contributions in the state.
Registration is required if an organization:
- Solicits donations from Hawaii residents
- Conducts online fundraising accessible to Hawaii donors
- Uses third-party fundraisers or solicitors
- Conducts mail, email, or advertising campaigns directed into Hawaii
Out-of-state nonprofits must register if they solicit in Hawaii, even without a physical presence.
For digital fundraising considerations:
- Online Fundraising & Charleston Principles
- Where Nonprofits Must Register Based on Online Fundraising
Initial Registration Overview
Hawaii registration is valid for one year.
Initial filings generally include:
- Charitable registration application
- IRS determination letter
- Governing documents
- IRS Form 990 or equivalent financial information
- Officer and director information
- Disclosure of professional fundraising relationships
- Filing fee
Registration must be completed before solicitation begins.
For timing considerations:
Exemptions
Hawaii provides limited exemptions, and most mid-sized and large nonprofits will still be required to register.
Common exempt categories include:
- Religious organizations
- Educational institutions
- Governmental entities
- Organizations soliciting only from members
- Very small organizations below defined contribution thresholds
Because exemption thresholds are low and narrowly applied, most national nonprofits do not qualify.
For broader exemption analysis:
Annual Renewal and Financial Reporting
Hawaii requires annual renewal filings.
Due Date:
Within four months after the close of the organization’s fiscal year.
Renewal typically requires:
- Updated registration information
- IRS Form 990
- Financial reporting documentation
- Filing fee
Late renewals may result in penalties and loss of compliance status.
For coordinated renewal planning:
Disclosure Requirements
Hawaii does not impose a universal statewide charitable solicitation disclosure statement comparable to certain other jurisdictions. However, disclosure and reporting obligations apply in connection with professional fundraising arrangements.
For a 50-state disclosure overview:
Professional Fundraisers and Commercial Co-Ventures
Organizations that engage:
- Professional solicitors
- Fundraising counsel
- Commercial co-venturers
must comply with additional registration and reporting requirements.
See:
Governance and Risk Considerations
Hawaii maintains publicly searchable registration records. For national nonprofits, noncompliance may:
- Affect grant due diligence
- Raise governance and audit concerns
- Create inconsistencies in IRS Form 990 reporting
- Impact vendor or platform compliance certifications
For broader risk context:
- What Happens If a Nonprofit Fails to Register?
- Charitable Solicitation Registration Mistakes That Put Nonprofits at Risk
Hawaii in a National Compliance Strategy
Hawaii is a standard annual registration jurisdiction. Its fiscal-year-based renewal cycle and reporting requirements make centralized tracking essential for organizations fundraising across multiple states.
For structured planning:
- Multi-State Charitable Registration Complexity
- Charitable Solicitation Registration Checklist for National Nonprofits
If your organization is fundraising in Hawaii as part of a broader national strategy, coordinated multi-state oversight can reduce administrative risk and ensure consistent compliance.