Hawaii, Public Records Directory

Hawaii Public Records

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Official Hawaii sources for criminal, court, vital, business and property records.

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Wage Theft Records

Every U.S. Labor Department wage and hour case in Hawaii by employer, with the back wages agreed and where to file a wage claim.

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State overview

About Hawaii public records

Hawaii's trial courts, the circuit, family and district courts, sit in four judicial circuits, with appeals to the Intermediate Court of Appeals and the Supreme Court. Government records are open under the Uniform Information Practices Act, explained below.

When a Hawaiʻi contact inquiry begins with a telephone number or email address, use the Reverse Phone Lookup and Email Search guide for sources and removal procedures. Check a business connection against its BREG filing and any relevant professional license, retaining the entity or credential identifier.

State snapshot

Quick tip: Hawaii's jails are run by the state: the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation oversees the Hawaii, Kauai, Maui and Oahu Community Correctional Centers, one on each major island.

Bonus tip: since July 1, 2025, HCJDC sends each expungement order to the Judiciary, so the court record no longer has to be sealed by a separate request (HRS § 831-3.2(f), Act 3 of 2025).

Open the dedicated background page for a deeper history, civic overview, and statewide public records context beyond the agency directory. Open the about page.

Find your county

Hawaii counties, click yours

Every county on the map opens its own records page, with the courts, clerk, sheriff and offices for that county.

The Hawaii State Capitol in Honolulu, in a 2007 Historic American Buildings Survey photograph
The Hawaii State Capitol in Honolulu, in a 2007 Historic American Buildings Survey photograph. The building opened in 1969; before that the Legislature met in Iolani Palace.Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division. No known restrictions on images made by the U.S. Government; images copied from other sources may be restricted. See the catalog record.
Hawaii CountyHawaiiHonolulu CountyKalawao CountyKauai CountyMaui County

The names are written where they fit. Hover or tap any county for its name, and click it to open its page.

The Hawaii county directory lists every county page of the state in one place.

Official source group

General Records

Government sites for Hawaii records, licenses and public services.

Research guide

Find Hawaiʻi court documents, statewide land recordings and agency files

Hawaiʻi research uses a statewide land-recording office, separate county property-tax offices, and court and business portals that changed in 2026. Keep the record's jurisdiction and identifying number with each result. The practical distinctions below help locate an underlying document when a search screen provides only part of the information.

Look for the document icon and the filing-date boundary

The judiciary's eCourt Kōkua guide identifies a refreshed interface effective May 3, 2026, with core functions unchanged. A PDF icon beside a docket entry indicates an available online document; an entry without that icon requires another retrieval route.

Online court documents begin on different dates by court: October 7, 2019 for District Court civil filings, October 28, 2019 for Circuit Court civil filings, November 18, 2019 for the Land Court and the Tax Appeal Court, and April 25, 2022 for Family Court civil filings. Older cases exist; their documents are simply not online.

The judiciary's online-access instructions separately identify case-information gaps, including traffic cases before November 1995, District Court criminal cases before August 2012 and appellate cases before September 2010. They also explain that some newly filed documents may take up to three business days to appear.

Use the Hawaiʻi court directory to identify the relevant courthouse. Carry the case number, document title and filing date into a copy request. A missing image and a missing case are different problems and should be described separately.

Choose public viewing, a copy or access to your own case

The Kōkua access guide directs parties to JEFS for access to their own eligible case documents instead of buying a public subscription. Public courthouse terminals provide another viewing route. Check which option serves the actual need before purchasing.

The courthouse instructions warn that off-site files, microfilm and requests involving several files may take additional time. Ask the filing courthouse about the particular record and whether a regular or certified copy is needed. Retain the document citation even if the office must retrieve the original from storage.

The Kōkua FAQ distinguishes an online traffic-case result from an official traffic abstract. If the recipient asks for an abstract, follow the courthouse abstract process rather than supplying a screenshot of a case summary.

Identify Regular System, Land Court or double-system recording

The Bureau of Conveyances maintains the statewide recording system and handles both Regular System and Land Court records. This differs from researching a property's tax assessment through its county office.

The Bureau's recording FAQ explains that Regular System recording gives notice, while Land Court registration provides state certification of ownership. Document labels identify the system: Regular System labels appear at the top right, Land Court labels at the top left, and labels in both corners identify a double-system document.

Document numbers changed too: Regular System documents recorded from August 1, 2024 carry ten digit numbers, and Land Court documents carry a T followed by a running number. Copy the whole reference from the document; the two systems do not number alike.

When tracing a mortgage release, preserve the mortgage's own recording reference and compare it with the release. Similar names or the same neighborhood are insufficient to connect two instruments. Keep the system and document number together in any request.

Use the pre-1976 route for older recorded documents

The Bureau's public access guide directs records from 1976 onward to online document access and earlier research to the Public Reference Room or a written request. For an older copy, supply the book and page or other document reference, grantor/grantee names and document type when known.

The online-service notice says users must create an account and that searching is free after registration. Preview documents are blurred and marked invalid until purchase or download. A preview watermark therefore does not indicate that the recorded instrument itself was rejected.

Before requesting a historical instrument, distinguish the recording date from the date on which it was signed. Keep the original names and Hawaiian place names, including ʻokina and kahakō where shown, while testing practical spelling variants in an index. Quote the document's wording accurately in the final citation.

Use the July 2026 business-system instructions

The BREG transition FAQ dates the new portal's launch to July 6, 2026. It says existing usernames and passwords remain valid, pending filings remain in processing order, and expedited processing is not currently offered. Recheck the notice before relying on an older service description.

The Business Registration Division page supplies the current search and document-copy entry points. Open the selected entity record and preserve its name, number and filing date. A current entity profile and an earlier annual report can describe different officers or addresses.

The Division's business FAQ distinguishes a trade name from a trademark or service mark and explains that available officer, director, partner, member or manager information depends on what was filed. A registered agent is the service-of-process contact; do not automatically identify that person as the owner.

Connect prior business names to the appropriate licensing record

DCCA's consumer resources link professional-license verification, business registration and RICO complaint history as separate checks. The agency recommends examining the establishment date, people associated with a business and its earlier names when searching complaint information.

Use the credential number to distinguish professionals with similar names, then preserve the actual status and date checked. Read any complaint result according to the type and outcome displayed; the existence of a complaint is different from a final disciplinary finding.

Identify the site before requesting its environmental file

The HEER Office's records instructions ask researchers to find a site name or case number in iHEER first. Older files may lack a complete address or tax map key. If the site cannot be identified, provide available former operating names, address, TMK, EPA identifier and other location clues.

The instructions distinguish HEER records from storage-tank, landfill and hazardous-waste records handled by other branches. A clean search in one program cannot be presented as a complete environmental history for a property.

The department's 2026 legislative report describes iHEER's map-based site information and downloadable documents, with restrictions for some security-sensitive or investigative material. Retain the site identifier and report date, and ask for the missing public documents rather than assuming that the map displays the complete file.

Use a land index as a reference to the original record

The Archives' digital-collections notice explains its consolidation with Digital Archives and keeps links to collections including the Māhele Book and genealogy indexes. Use the collection's current entry point when an older bookmark fails.

The Land Indexes catalog entry identifies a subseries covering 1830 to 1918. Retain the collection reference and the index citation, then identify the underlying document. An index entry and a modern recorded conveyance belong to different stages of a land-history inquiry.

The law

The Hawaii public records law

Five short notes on the statute, each with the code sections it rests on.

How the Hawaii Uniform Information Practices Act works

Hawaii's public records law is the Uniform Information Practices Act (Modified), HRS chapter 92F. All government records are open to public inspection unless a law restricts or closes them, and each agency must make records available to any person for inspection and copying during business hours (HRS § 92F-11).

Deadline: the statute sets no number of days. The Office of Information Practices rules (HAR chapter 2-71) give an agency 10 business days to disclose a public record, or to send a notice when parts will be withheld, with public parts due 5 business days after the notice or prepayment. In extenuating circumstances the agency must acknowledge the request within 10 business days and send its notice within 20 (OIP guide to its rules).

Fees: searching costs $2.50 and review and segregation $5 for each 15 minutes. The agency must waive the first $30 of those fees, or the first $60 for a request in the public interest. Copies cost at least 5 cents a page (HRS § 92-21).

Appeals: a person denied access may appeal to the Office of Information Practices within one year of the written denial (HAR § 2-73-12), or sue in circuit court within two years. In court the agency must justify the denial, and a requester who prevails recovers reasonable attorney's fees and costs (HRS § 92F-15).

What you cannot get in Hawaii

  • Arrests without a conviction: nonconviction data goes only to criminal justice agencies and others listed in the statute; conviction data is not limited (HRS § 846-9). Pending and non-conviction arrests are not available to the public.
  • Juvenile records: family court records in juvenile proceedings are withheld from public inspection, and police records of those proceedings are confidential (HRS § 571-84).
  • Expunged arrests: arrest records under an expungement order sit in a confidential file, and other inquiries get the same answer as for a person with no arrest record (HRS § 831-3.2(d)).
  • Birth, death and marriage records: the Department of Health issues certified copies only to people with a direct and tangible interest, such as the registrant, spouse, parent or descendant (HRS § 338-18).
  • Other exceptions: records whose release would be a clearly unwarranted invasion of personal privacy, would frustrate a legitimate government function, or are closed by state or federal law (HRS § 92F-13).

Expungement in Hawaii

Arrests without a conviction (HRS § 831-3.2): a person arrested for, or charged with but not convicted of, a crime may apply to the Attorney General for an expungement order. It is not issued in the cases the statute lists, such as a felony or misdemeanor that ended by bail forfeiture, a case the person made impossible to prosecute by leaving the jurisdiction, or, for 5 years, a petty misdemeanor or violation that ended by bail forfeiture. After a deferred acceptance of a guilty or no contest plea, the person may apply one year after discharge (HRS § 853-1).

Convictions: only a court can order a conviction expunged, and only for listed cases: underage drinking and driving under § 291E-64(e), and first-time drug or property offender sentencing under § 706-622.5, 706-622.8 and 706-622.9. That expunges the conviction from the state repository only; courts and arresting agencies may keep their records.

How to apply: send the application from the HCJDC expungement page with a cashier's check or money order to the "State of Hawaii": $35 for a first expungement, $50 otherwise, including a $10 processing fee that is not refunded. The process takes 120 days. Since July 1, 2025, HCJDC sends the order to the Judiciary, which seals the case from its public databases (§ 831-3.2(f)).

The expungement certificate lets the person say they have no record of that arrest (§ 831-3.2(e)).

How to get your own Hawaii criminal record

The Hawaii Criminal Justice Data Center (HCJDC), in the Department of the Attorney General, keeps the state criminal history. A public check shows only adult convictions; your full arrest record needs fingerprints.

  1. For your full Hawaii arrest record, ask for an Access and Review: in person by appointment at 465 S. King Street, Room 102, Honolulu, for $55, or by mail for $35 with fingerprints taken by your local law enforcement agency. Call (808) 587-3279 for the packet or an appointment.
  2. Bring or send form HCJDC-073 and a cashier's check or money order payable to "State of Hawaii". In the office HCJDC also takes credit, debit and Apple Pay, with a 3% fee. Cash is not accepted.
  3. HCJDC states a turnaround of 3 to 5 business days. The record is for personal use and may not be given to a third party.
  4. For a conviction check by name, use eCrim ($5 per search, $12 per certified record) or the in-office or mail check ($30, $20 more to certify).

A national record comes from the FBI through its Identity History Summary request site.

Hawaii record laws to know

  • HRS chapter 92F: the Uniform Information Practices Act (Modified), access to government records.
  • HRS § 846-9: limits on releasing nonconviction criminal history data.
  • HRS § 831-3.2: expungement orders for arrests that did not end in a conviction.
  • HRS § 338-18: who may get certified copies of vital records.

Questions

Frequently asked questions

Answers to common questions about Hawaii public records.

What is included in a Hawaii background check?
A Hawaii Criminal Justice Data Center check by name shows only Hawaii adult criminal conviction information. Arrests that ended without a conviction, or are still pending, are confidential (HRS § 846-9). Anyone can search convictions on eCrim for $5 a name. Juvenile record checks go through the Family Court Juvenile Records Department, phone 808-954-8190. Registered sex offenders are on the covered offender search, and court cases on eCourt Kōkua.
Where can I find police reports in Hawaii?
Ask the police department of the island where the incident happened. The Honolulu Police Department takes requests by email, mail or in person with a copy of your ID, and releases reports under HRS chapter 92F once the investigation is complete and the case is closed. The Hawaiʻi Police Department takes requests at its district stations or by mail to the Records and Identification Section, 349 Kapiʻolani Street, Hilo, 96720.
What are the procedures to obtain Hawaii vital records, and what information is included?
The Department of Health issues certified birth, marriage, civil union and death certificates online, by mail to the Issuance/Vital Statistics Section, P.O. Box 3378, Honolulu, HI 96801, or in person at 201 Merchant St., Suite 100. Fees are $10 for the first copy and $4 for each extra copy, plus $2.50 for each group of up to 5 copies (birth and marriage, death). Only people with a direct and tangible interest get certified copies (HRS § 338-18). The Department keeps no divorce records; ask the court that granted the divorce (DOH notice).
Where is Hawaii school performance data published?
The Hawaii State Department of Education publishes School Reports under its Strive HI Performance System, which tracks student achievement, growth, outcomes for high-needs students, attendance and graduation rates. Its Accountability Resource Center Hawaii (ARCH) holds school, complex area and state accountability reports. Reports for schools with very small student populations are suppressed for privacy.
Where are Hawaii crime statistics published?
The Department of the Attorney General runs the state Uniform Crime Reporting program. Statistics from 2021 on are on the Hawaii Crime Dashboard, and the earlier Crime in Hawaii reports, from 1975 to 2021, are on the Attorney General's Uniform Crime Reports page.
Where is a person taken after an arrest in Hawaii?
After booking by the police, people held in Hawaii go to a jail run by the state: the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation oversees four jails, the Hawaii, Kauai, Maui and Oahu Community Correctional Centers, which hold people awaiting trial and those serving very short sentences. Cases are heard in the circuit, family and district courts of the four judicial circuits and can be followed on eCourt Kōkua.
Can I find public records at a Hawaii library?
Yes. The Hawaii State Archives collects and makes available Hawaii government records of permanent value, from the monarchy to the current legislative session, along with photographs and maps. The Hawaii State Library has a Hawaii and Pacific Section and a Federal Documents Section, a selective federal depository since 1929. Current records are requested from the agency that holds them under HRS chapter 92F.
Where is the Hawaii State Library located?
The Hawaiʻi State Library, flagship of the Hawaiʻi State Public Library System, is at 478 S. King St., Honolulu, HI 96813, phone 808-586-3500, in the capitol district next to ʻIolani Palace. Its building opened on February 1, 1913. The Hawaii State Archives is nearby in the Kekāuluohi Building on the palace grounds, 364 S. King Street, open Monday to Friday, 9 am to 4 pm.
Where can I get fingerprinted in Hawaii?
The Hawaii Criminal Justice Data Center takes fingerprints in its office at 465 S. King Street, Room 102, Honolulu, by appointment only; call (808) 587-3279. Its fingerprint background check costs $55 in office or $35 by mail. For a mailed request, your local law enforcement agency takes the prints, and any fee it charges is yours to pay.
What does a missing PDF icon mean in Hawaiʻi eCourt Kōkua?

The judiciary's guide says that document is not available online. Ask the relevant courthouse about a copy.

Is a Hawaiʻi Kōkua traffic result an official traffic abstract?

No. The Kōkua FAQ directs certified traffic abstracts to the district courthouse process.

Where should I research a Hawaiʻi deed recorded before 1976?

The Bureau's public guide identifies its Reference Room and written-request routes. Bring the book/page or document reference and party names if available.

Why is a Hawaiʻi land-document preview blurred?

The Bureau's online-service notice explains the preview watermark and blur, which are removed upon purchase or download.

Did Hawaiʻi's July 2026 business-portal migration require new credentials?

The transition FAQ says existing usernames and passwords remain valid. Use the current BREG entry point.

What information helps HEER locate an older Hawaiʻi environmental file?

The records guide prioritizes the site name or case number and asks for available former names, address, TMK and other identifiers if the site is not found.

City pages

6 Hawaii cities with standalone pages

These Hawaii cities have their own record pages. Each county page also links to city and town pages in that county.

Camp H M SmithFort ShafterHickam AfbLanai CityM C B H Kaneohe BayMarine Corps Base Hawaii
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