How To Find Court Records In Hawaii

When you search for Hawaii court records, CourtCaseFinder can help you by gathering information from publicly available sources across the state.

You can look up case information from different courts, and results may feature details such as party names, case numbers, docket entries, filing dates, or dispositions, when available. This approach is meant to give you a convenient way to explore court cases without visiting multiple court offices individually.

For those unfamiliar, court records are official documents maintained by Hawaii's courts, and they are generally accessible to the public for informational purposes. By reviewing them, you may learn about criminal proceedings, civil lawsuits, financial disputes, driving violations, or bankruptcy filings.

These records are typically compiled from various judicial levels such as district courts, municipal courts, state courts, and federal courts. Availability often depends on case type and jurisdiction, so results may be incomplete or limited to what is made public.

How To Access Hawaii Public Court Records

To search court records in Hawaii, you can either use official government sources or access them through CourtCaseFinder. CourtCaseFinder can help you quickly explore publicly available case information across Hawaii courts without navigating multiple portals.

However, the Hawaii State Judiciary also provides its own access points, such as eCourt Kokua, where records may be reviewed depending on case type. Your choice depends on whether you prefer a centralized search experience or direct access through the government website, though CourtCaseFinder is often the more efficient search method.

Online Access via eCourt Kokua

The eCourt Kokua system provides public access to case information from Hawaii's District Courts, Circuit Court civil cases, Land Court, Tax Appeal Court, Family (Adult) Court civil and criminal cases, traffic cases, and appellate courts. Before, Family Court civil cases were accessible through Ho`ohiki, but the platform is no longer available.

Searches can be performed by party name, vehicle details, or case ID. While basic searches are free, downloading documents typically comes with fees.

In-Person Requests

You may visit the courthouse where the case was filed to request inspection or copies of records, provided they are not confidential.

To locate the appropriate courthouse, you can use the Hawaii State Judiciary Directory, which provides contact details for courts across the state. Contacting the clerk's office ahead of time is recommended for information on availability, fees, and procedures.

Mail Requests

Some Hawaii courts allow record requests by mail. You will generally need to provide identifying case information (names, case number, or docket number) and payment for copy fees. It's best to check with the courthouse handling the case before submitting a mailed request.

Hawaii Court Records: What is Public and What is Not?

In Hawaii, most court records are generally accessible to the public under the Hawaii Uniform Information Practices Act (UIPA). This law states that records created and maintained by government agencies, including the courts, are typically open for public inspection.

You do not need to disclose a reason when making a request. Court records can exist in written, electronic, audio, or visual form, and they are meant to support transparency in the judicial process.

Information you may typically find in Hawaii public court records includes:

• Case dockets and minutes
• Filings and legal motions
• Exhibits and correspondence related to cases
• Orders, judgments, and dispositions
• Civil and criminal case details, when available
• Party names and case numbers

However, certain records are exempt from public access to protect privacy or confidentiality. These may include:

• Ongoing criminal investigation files
• Medical, psychological, or psychiatric information
• Personal files or welfare/social service records
• Budget worksheets and unfiled committee reports
• Confidential government records
• Records of a judicial proceeding where the requested agency is a party

Requests for Hawaii public records typically receive a response within ten days. If more time is needed, agencies may extend the deadline by another ten days. The Office of Information Practices (OIP) oversees public access to government records statewide.

Who Oversees the Courts in Hawaii?

In Hawaii, the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court is responsible for the administration of all courts. You should know that the Chief Justice appoints the Administrative Director of the Courts, who manages judicial operations statewide, and a Deputy Administrative Director, who oversees the Judiciary's four main departments.

• Intergovernmental and Community Relations Division: Handles public affairs, legislative matters, access to justice programs, law libraries, Children's Justice Centers, and related services.
• Support Services Division: Manages fiscal services, personnel, records, and telecommunications.
• Policy and Planning Division: Works on budgets, capital projects, audits, statistics, and judicial education.
• Information Technology and Systems Division: Oversees technology, digital records, and statewide system support.

Through these departments, court administration supports Hawaii's courts with planning, resources, and services that keep judicial operations running smoothly.

What Types of Courts Exist in Hawaii?

Hawaii's judicial system has several court levels, each with specific responsibilities and jurisdiction. When you access court services, it helps to understand which court may handle your type of case. Below is an overview of Hawaii's courts, their jurisdictions, and common case types.

Court Type	Jurisdiction	Common Case Types
Supreme Court of Hawaii	Court of last resort; reviews appeals from the Intermediate Court of Appeals, agency decisions, and certified questions of law	Appeals, election complaints, attorney discipline, judge discipline, rulemaking
Intermediate Court of Appeals	Reviews appeals from trial courts and some agencies; may transfer or certify cases to the Supreme Court	Civil and criminal appeals, agency appeals
Circuit Courts	General jurisdiction; exclusive authority in probate, guardianship, felonies, civil cases > $40,000	Felonies, large civil cases, probate, guardianship, jury trials
Family Courts	Jurisdiction over family and children matters	Divorce, child custody, support, adoption, domestic violence, juvenile delinquency
District Courts	Limited jurisdiction in smaller civil and criminal cases	Misdemeanors, traffic, landlord-tenant disputes, small claims, Temporary Restraining Orders (TROs), civil cases ≤ $40,000
Land Court	Statewide jurisdiction over land title registration	Land title disputes, property rights
Tax Appeal Court	Statewide jurisdiction over property tax appeals	Real property tax disputes, assessments
Environmental Court	Statewide jurisdiction over environmental laws and regulations, with judges designated in both district and circuit courts	Cases involving water, forests, beaches, air, mountains, marine and terrestrial life, conservation violations, and other environmental issues

What Federal Courts Are In Hawaii?

In Hawaii, the federal courts are distinct from the state courts.

State courts handle cases involving Hawaii law, such as traffic violations, family matters, and most criminal cases.

Federal courts handle issues tied to U.S. law, including constitutional rights, federal crimes, lawsuits against federal agencies, and disputes between parties in different states.

Hawaii has two key federal courts under the U.S. system: the U.S. District Court for the District of Hawaii and the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Hawaii.

Federal Court	Jurisdiction	Location & Contact Information
U.S. District Court for the District of Hawaii	Handles federal civil and criminal cases, constitutional issues, disputes involving federal law, and appeals from certain administrative agencies	300 Ala Moana Blvd, C-338 Honolulu, HI, 96850 Phone: (808) 541-1300
U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Hawaii	Oversees all bankruptcy filings and proceedings under federal bankruptcy laws	1132 Bishop Street, Suite 250 Honolulu, HI 96813 Phone: (808) 522-8100

If you want to appeal a federal case decided in Hawaii, it goes to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, based in San Francisco, California. This appellate court reviews decisions from Hawaii's federal courts and has jurisdiction over several western states and Pacific territories.

How Many Cases Are Handled Annually in Hawaii Courts?

The Hawaii Judiciary's Annual Report Statistical Supplement highlights significant court activity across the state's judicial system. However, these figures represent only a portion of the total caseload, as trial court statistics may still be being compiled.

The available data shows thousands of cases flowing through Hawaii's appellate courts, probation system, and family courts annually. The Courts of Appeal handled over 3,000 new filings, while the probation system supervised nearly 18,000 individuals and processed almost 6,000 investigations. Family courts across all circuits managed thousands of children's cases.

Case Type	Approx. Annual Volume
Appellate Cases
Civil Appeals	300+
Criminal Appeals	140+
Family Court Appeals	70+
Applications for Transfer	25+
Original Proceedings	90+
Appellate Motions	2,400+
Probation Cases
New Probation Placements	4,100+
Active Probation Supervision	18,000+
Pre-Sentence Investigations	5,600+
Post-Sentence Investigations	Small number
Family Court - Juveniles
Children's Referrals	3,800+
Law Violations (Juvenile)	1,500+
Status Offenses	1,500+
Abuse and Neglect Cases	500+
Traffic Violations (Juvenile)	130+

Important Note: This data is based solely on the published abbreviated statistical supplement from the Hawaii State Judiciary's 2024 Annual Report. Trial court statistics are currently being updated and are not included in these figures. The actual total annual caseload for Hawaii's court system would be significantly higher when including all trial court cases, such as civil litigation, criminal prosecutions, traffic violations, and other matters handled at the circuit and district court levels.

For complete court statistics and the full annual report, including trial court data, contact the Hawaii State Judiciary Administrative Office.

How Do I File a Case in the Hawaii Courts?

Filing a case in the Hawaii state courts begins with an in-person submission and then moves online through the Judiciary Electronic Filing System (JEFS). Knowing the right court, required forms, and fees ensures the process goes smoothly.

Pick the Right Court and Venue

Confirm which court has jurisdiction (District, Circuit, Family, Land/Tax, etc.) and where to file. Use the court overview and the " Court Locations & Addresses" list to find the correct courthouse.

Prepare the Required Court Forms

Download and complete the required forms. Start at the Court Forms hub. Examples: Small Claims: Statement of Claim (General Form), Complaint for Divorce, and Statewide Court Forms. Fee-waiver forms are available if you qualify. If you are a Self-Represented Litigant (SRL), you can also get help from Self-Help Centers.

File Your Initial Court Form In-Person

Your first filing , the complaint, petition, or other initial pleading , must be submitted "over the counter" at the courthouse clerk's office. The clerk will review your documents, collect filing fees, and then create your case in the JEFS platform. After this, you may continue filing electronically.

Submit Subsequent Filings Through JEFS

Once your case is initiated, you must file all additional documents electronically using JEFS. Attorneys are required to use JEFS (register/login), while SRLs may request permission to file electronically. Training guides are available on the JEFS Information page.

Pay Applicable Filing Fees

Typical examples (subject to change): Small Claims $35; District Court regular claim $155; Circuit Court civil initial filing $315; Divorce $215 (no children) or $265 (with children); District Court harassment TRO about $15; Family Court protective orders generally no filing fee. Check your circuit's cashier or fee schedule.

Serve, Track, and Attend Hearings

Arrange service of process per the case type, then monitor your case. Public case info is viewable on eCourt Kokua; registered JEFS users can view documents in their active cases without cost. Bring required copies/ID to hearings (remote options may be available).

How Is the Hawaii Court System Unique?

Hawaii's court system is unique because it operates under a unified, statewide structure. Unlike many states with separate county courts, Hawaii has one system managed by the Hawaii State Judiciary. This means you'll follow the same rules and procedures no matter where you file across the islands.

The system is divided into specialized courts, Environment, Land, and Tax, to handle different case types. You'll also notice the Judiciary's emphasis on electronic filing through JEFS, which streamlines access while still requiring initial filings in person.

Hawaii Courthouses, Sheriff's Offices, Police Departments, Jails, & Prisons

• Hawaii
• Honolulu
• Kauai
• Maui

Where to Find Additional Information About Hawaii Courts?

• Hawaii State Judiciary
• Judiciary | District Courts
• Family Courts
• Judiciary | Circuit Courts
• Judiciary | Land and Tax Appeal Courts
• Judiciary | The Intermediate Court of Appeals
• Judiciary | Supreme Court of the State of Hawaii
• Hawaii State Judiciary - NIC Hawaii
• Hawaii County Court Information
• United States District Court - District of Hawaii
• Hawaii State Judiciary Ho'ohiki
• Hawai'i Judiciary
• Judiciary | Search Court Records
• Overview of the Hawai`i Judicial System
• United States District Court - District of Hawaii

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