Hawaii Small Claims

The Small Claims Court in Hawaii offers a forum for resolving lower-value civil disputes without the time and cost of full civil litigation. Every state sets its own rules, and learning Hawaii’s system helps consumers, tenants, landlords, contractors, and small businesses. They assist litigants in recovering money, enforce simple agreements, and resolve disputes efficiently, often without hiring a lawyer.

In Hawaii, small claims cases are heard in the District Courts’ Small Claims Division. They make it easier for individuals to pursue justice without the complexities of traditional litigation.

What Is a Small Claims Court in Hawaii?

The Small Claims Division of the District Court handles simple civil disputes for money claims, issues related to the return of certain leased property, and residential security deposit disagreements.

Typical cases include unpaid loans or invoices, workmanship/contract disputes, minor property damage, and landlord–tenant matters. Hawaii has a structured process for self-represented parties, and court clerks are required to assist individuals with preparing their paperwork, although this assistance does not extend to businesses.

In Hawaii, small claims cases are decided without a jury.

Small Claims Court Limits in Hawaii

Hawaii sets a general monetary limit of $5,000 (exclusive of interest and costs) for small claims cases. On the other hand, cases that involve no security deposits have no monetary limit (all tenant claims for the return of a residential security deposit are filed in small claims court).

The Small Claims Court in Hawaii has exclusive jurisdiction over these types of disputes. Cases involving the return of leased or rented personal property valued at less than $5,000 are decided in the court of small claims. This is often the case for properties worth less than $5,000 or when the amount owed on the lease/rental is less than $5,000.

One of the significances of Hawaii’s small claims procedure is its finality. Judgments do not pass through the appeal process, but the court may alter or set aside a judgment under court rules. Individuals are allowed to represent themselves. The court may approve a person who is not a legal practitioner to represent another without receiving compensation.

In cases involving residential security deposit cases, licensed attorneys are prohibited from representing a person in court.

How to File a Small Claims Case in Hawaii

To initiate a small claims case in Hawaii, individuals may consider following these steps:

1) Confirm eligibility & venue. Litigants are required to file their case in the judicial circuit where the defendant resides or where the dispute occurred. For cases involving security deposits, individuals may file them in the circuit where the rental property is located.

2) Use official forms. The District Court small-claims forms are available from the Hawaii State Judiciary’s portal. In addition, litigants may pick up hard copies at the District Court locations nearest to them.

3) File and pay fees. You may file your case at the District Court Clerk’s Office in your circuit (Oʻahu, Hawaii Island, Maui County, or Kauaʻi). Courts publish fee schedules locally, and fee waivers are available to those who qualify.

4) Serve the defendant. To properly serve the defendant a notice, Hawaii allows several methods, including registered or certified mail (mostly for security-deposit cases) or a limited personal service by a party if the recipient signs for service or a neutral witness confirms delivery.

Service is typically completed before the court date, but if you are unable to serve the defendant, you may attend your court date and request a short continuance.

5) Evidence. To prove your case in court, you are required to come along with relevant documents such as contracts, invoices, photos, texts, emails, repair estimates, and witnesses. Organize and label each piece of evidence as the judge focuses on concise facts and admissible proof.

Small Claims Courts in Major Hawaii Locations

The Hawaii State Judiciary provides circuit-specific addresses and contacts. The following are some of the District Court locations in Hawaii where residents may file a small claims case:

• Honolulu (First Circuit, Oʻahu): The address of the District Court is Kauikeaouli Hale, 1111 Alakea Street, Honolulu, HI 96813.
• Hilo (Third Circuit, Hawaiʻi Island): The official address of the District Court is at Hale Kaulike, 777 Kīlauea Avenue, Hilo, HI 96720.
• Wailuku/Maui (Second Circuit): The District Court address may be found at Hoapili Hale, 2145 Main Street, Wailuku, HI 96793.
• Līhuʻe/Kauaʻi (Fifth Circuit): Residents may visit this court’s addressat Puʻuhonua Kaulike, 3970 Kaʻana Street, Līhuʻe, HI 96766.

The public may visit the judiciary’s website and navigate to the page for their specific circuit to confirm visitation hours, counters, and self-help resources.

What to Expect at a Small Claims Hearing in Hawaii

Once your case is filed and the proper service process has been carried out, the clerk schedules a prompt trial date. Small claims proceedings are informal and led by a judge, and the court may encourage settlement, but cases may proceed to trial if needed. Both sides may be required to present a brief summary, submit exhibits, and call witnesses.

Furthermore, cases typically do not proceed to appeal; therefore, parties are required to present all relevant evidence at the first hearing. Decisions are announced at the hearing or shortly thereafter; the court’s brochure provides information on deadlines and service requirements.

If you win a case and the other party refuses to make payments, you may pursue remedies provided by the District Court (garnishment). Note that court staff may provide guidance on court procedures but are not permitted to give legal advice.

How to Search Small Claims Records in Hawaii

Most small claims case information are public unless they are sealed by court order. Record seekers may find information such as case number, names of parties, filings, hearing dates, and judgments.

• eCourt Kokua (official). The Judiciary’s eCourt Kokua Portalprovides online access to District Court civil case information across all circuits. Interested parties may search using the names of parties involved or case number to view registers of actions and upcoming hearings.
• Clerk’s Office. For certified copies or documents that are not available online, contact the District Court Clerk in the circuit where your case is being filed (addresses are listed on each circuit contact page).

Some information in non-confidential records may be redacted due to their sensitive nature, and this may include personal identifiers. Certain documents may only be retrieved at the courthouse or via formal requests. Requesters may need to verify records provided by third parties, as official case information is available through the eCourt Kokua portal.