The Hawaii State Bar Association has been a part of Hawaii since 1899, when the Association was founded by a handful of volunteer lawyer members. The organization was incorporated in 1985 and in 1989 became the professional trade association for all lawyers licensed to practice law in Hawaii.

The mission of the Hawaii State Bar Association is "to unite and inspire Hawaii's lawyers to promote justice, serve the public, and improve the legal profession."

The over 8000 members of the Hawaii State Bar Association are located all over the world are involved in every aspect of community, business, government and nonprofit sectors of society. Volunteer attorneys spend thousands of hours annually in pro bono and community activities.