Hawaii Laws

This page summarizes ten Hawaii laws people ask about most, with a link to the full guide for each. Every guide cites the state statute or an official source. Laws change, so check the current statute or talk to a local attorney before you act.

Hawaii Personal Injury Statute of Limitations

In Hawaii, you generally have 2 years from the date of injury to file a personal injury lawsuit (Haw. Rev. Stat. § 657-7). If you miss the deadline, the court will usually dismiss the case. Different deadlines can apply to medical malpractice, wrongful death and claims against government agencies.

Read the full personal injury statute of limitations guide →

Hawaii Comparative Negligence Laws

Hawaii follows modified comparative negligence (51% bar). You can recover if your share of fault is 50% or less, with your award reduced by your percentage of fault. At 51% or more you recover nothing.

Read the full comparative negligence laws guide →

Hawaii Minimum Wage in 2026

The Hawaii minimum wage is $16.00 per hour, above the federal $7.25. When state and federal rates differ, employees are entitled to the higher rate. Overtime at one and a half times the regular rate generally applies after 40 hours in a workweek.

Read the full minimum wage guide →

Hawaii Final Paycheck Laws

In Hawaii, an employer must pay final wages to a fired employee: immediately, or next business day if conditions prevent immediate payment. If you quit, final pay is due: next regular payday, or immediately if one pay period's notice was given. If wages are late or missing, you can file a wage claim with the state labor department or go to court.

Read the full final paycheck laws guide →

Hawaii Small Claims Court Limits

In Hawaii, you can sue for up to $5,000 in small claims court, which is handled by the district court (small claims division). There is no dollar limit for residential security deposit cases. Small claims cases are faster and cheaper than regular lawsuits, and most people represent themselves. If your claim is larger, you must file in a higher court or give up the excess.

Read the full small claims court limits guide →

Hawaii Security Deposit Laws

Hawaii security deposit limit: 1 month's rent (plus a pet deposit of up to 1 month). The landlord must return the deposit, minus lawful deductions, within this deadline: 14 days. Landlords cannot deduct for normal wear and tear, and tenants can usually sue in small claims court if a deposit is wrongly withheld.

Read the full security deposit laws guide →

Hawaii Eviction Notice Requirements

If rent is unpaid in Hawaii, the landlord must generally give a written notice before filing an eviction case: 5 days to pay or move. Only a court can order an eviction; a landlord cannot change the locks, remove belongings or shut off utilities to force a tenant out.

Read the full eviction notice requirements guide →

Hawaii Small Estate Affidavit

Hawaii small estate limit: $100,000 (vehicles not counted). Waiting period after death: none set. Real estate cannot be transferred this way. A small estate process lets heirs collect property without a full probate case. The heir signs a sworn affidavit and presents it, with a death certificate, to whoever holds the property.

Read the full small estate affidavit guide →

Does Hawaii Recognize Common Law Marriage?

No. Hawaii does not recognize common law marriages formed in Hawaii. Most states generally recognize a marriage that was valid where it was formed, so a common law marriage created in a state that allows it may still be recognized.

Read the full common law marriage guide →

Hawaii Divorce Residency Requirements

To file for divorce in Hawaii: no minimum period since 2021; one spouse must be domiciled in Hawaii when filing. Waiting period: none set by statute. You must still be able to show domicile, for example with a driver's license, voter registration or lease.

Read the full divorce residency requirements guide →

This page summarizes state law for general information and is not legal advice. Laws change and courts interpret them; check the current statute or official source, or talk to a licensed attorney in your state about your situation.

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