Probate in Hawaii · 5 counties

Hawaii Probate Courts

Estates here go through the Circuit Court (Probate Division). Pick a county on the map or search below — each record shows where to file and where every detail comes from.

Small-estate limit

$100,000

No statutory wait

Death taxes

Yes

Estate tax over $5.49 million

Executor fee

Reasonable

Reasonable fee set by the court

Handwritten wills

Valid

Unwitnessed, in testator’s hand

Plate · HI

Every Hawaii county, on one map

Population, low → high courthouse

§ I

Hawaii probate rules

Court: Circuit Court (Probate Division)In Hawaii, probate matters are handled by the Circuit Court of the four judicial circuits. Hawaii adheres to the Uniform Probate Code.
Small estates: $100,000 gross value of Hawaii estate; personal property only (motor vehicles transferable regardless of value); real property requires court summary administration under § 560:3-1205Haw. Rev. Stat. § 560:3-1201 (affidavit); § 560:3-1205 (summary administration)
Filing the will: Must be delivered to Circuit Court with reasonable promptness; 5-year probate bar
Creditor claims: 4 months after the date of first publication of notice to creditorsHaw. Rev. Stat. § 560:3-801
Executor fees: Reasonable compensation under Hawaii Uniform Probate CodeHaw. Rev. Stat. § 560:3-719 · calculator
Estate tax: Yes — exemption $5.49 millionHawaii imposes an estate tax on estates exceeding $5.49 million with graduated rates from 10% to 20%.
Inheritance tax: NoneNo state inheritance tax in Hawaii.
Typical duration: 7 to 14 months
Official courts site: courts.state.hi.usCase search: Hawaii State Judiciary eCourt Kokua

Re-checked Sept 2026 against: law.justia.com (statute)

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§ II · Register

All 5 counties

Sorted by population. office checked = probate office address/phone confirmed on the court's own website. courthouse mapped = located in OpenStreetMap.

#	County	Seat	Population	Record
1	Honolulu County	Honolulu	989,408	county site
2	Hawaii County	Hilo	207,615	courthouse mapped
3	Maui County	Wailuku	164,183	courthouse mapped
4	Kauai County	Līhuʻe	73,851	courthouse mapped
5	Kalawao County	Kalaupapa	81	county site

§ III

Hawaii probate questions

What is the small estate affidavit limit in Hawaii?

$100,000 gross value of Hawaii estate; personal property only (motor vehicles transferable regardless of value); real property requires court summary administration under § 560:3-1205 (Haw. Rev. Stat. § 560:3-1201 (affidavit); § 560:3-1205 (summary administration)). There is no statutory waiting period. Wait 30 days after death. Clerk of the Circuit Court can administer small estates between $20,000 and $100,000.

How are executor and administrator fees calculated in Hawaii?

Reasonable compensation under Hawaii Uniform Probate Code (Haw. Rev. Stat. § 560:3-719). Courts can award more for extraordinary services, such as running a business or litigation.

What is the creditor claim deadline for estates in Hawaii?

4 months after the date of first publication of notice to creditors (Haw. Rev. Stat. § 560:3-801). Claims filed after the deadline are generally barred.

Does Hawaii recognize handwritten (holographic) wills?

Yes. Hawaii recognizes holographic wills if signature and material provisions are in testator's handwriting (HRS § 560:2-502).

Does Hawaii have a state estate tax or inheritance tax?

Yes, Hawaii taxes estates above $5.49 million. Hawaii imposes an estate tax on estates exceeding $5.49 million with graduated rates from 10% to 20%. There is no inheritance tax.