Honolulu County Probate Records

Honolulu County probate records document the legal process of administering estates after a person's death. These records detail how assets are distributed to heirs, beneficiaries, and creditors under court supervision, ensuring proper settlement of the deceased person's affairs.

The probate collection includes legal documents such as original wills, testamentary letters, probate petitions, estate inventories, financial accountings, distribution orders, and court determinations. These materials, along with other Honolulu county court records serve purposes like supporting family history research, resolving inheritance, and verifying property ownership claims.

In Honolulu County, estates require probate if the deceased was a Hawaii resident at death and owned property exceeding $100,000 unless the assets were held in a living trust or had designated beneficiaries. The court maintains records in multiple formats, including original paper documents, microfilm copies, and, more recently, digital files.

For informal probate proceedings in Hawaii, estates must be valued at $100,000 or less, excluding the value of any motor vehicles. Estates exceeding this amount typically require formal probate administration through the court. However, real property of any value must go through a probate process to transfer title, even if the estate otherwise qualifies for informal proceedings.

Are Probate Records Public?

Yes. Probate records in Honolulu County are generally open to public inspection as part of Hawaii's court records system, governed by the Hawaii Court Records Rules (HCRR). The First Circuit Court provides access to probate records through its Records Management Department, though certain documents are restricted to protect privacy and sensitive information.

The following types of probate documents are typically restricted from public access under Hawaii court rules and state statutes:

• Confidential financial information forms
• Medical and mental health evaluations
• Guardian ad litem reports
• Records involving adoption matters
• Sealed settlement agreements
• Protected personal information (such as Social Security numbers)
• Documents related to minors
• Records sealed by judicial order.

What is Probate Court in Honolulu County?

In Honolulu County, probate matters are handled by the First Circuit Court of Hawaii, which has jurisdiction over cases involving decedents' estates, guardianships, conservatorships, and trust proceedings. The court oversees formal and informal probate administration, ensuring the proper distribution of assets and the protection of vulnerable individuals.

The Uniform Probate Code (Hawaii Revised Statutes Chapter 560) governs all probate proceedings in Honolulu County. The court also handles trust administration, adult guardianships, and conservatorships for incapacitated individuals. Mental health guardianships, however, are processed through the Family Court.

The First Circuit Court of Hawaii — Kaahumanu Hale
777 Punchbowl Street
Honolulu, HI 96813
Phone: (808) 539-4300

The court provides services Monday through Friday, excluding state holidays. Staff members assist with filing procedures and maintain probate records, though they cannot provide legal advice. The court also offers some remote services through its judiciary electronic filing system (JEFS) for registered users.

Probate court judges conduct hearings and issue orders regarding estate administration, appointment of personal representatives, and other matters falling under the court's probate jurisdiction.

Probate Court Case Lookup

The First Circuit Court of Hawaii provides several methods to access probate case information in Honolulu County.

• Visit the court during business hours (7:45 AM - 4:30 PM) to view or request copies of probate records.
• Submit a written request for copies by mail to the court at the address listed in the previous section. Mail requests must include a self-addressed stamped envelope, payment for copy fees, and clear identification of the requested records by case number or party name.
• Access case information through the Hawaii State Judiciary's eCourt Kokua system online. This public portal allows users to search cases by party name, case number, or attorney. Basic case information is available at no cost, though document downloads may require fees.
• Contact the Court Office at (808) 539-4300 for questions about record availability or to schedule viewing appointments.

For all search methods, requesters should provide the case number, the full name of the party involved, and the date of filing (if available) in the probate matter. Current fees include $1.00 per page for regular copies, $2.00 per page for certified copies, and $5 per case.

The court requires proper identification for in-person record requests, and certain documents may have restricted access due to confidentiality rules. Some older records may be stored off-site and require additional time for retrieval.

How to Find Probate Records Online Free

The Hawaii State Judiciary's eCourt Kokua system provides free initial access to basic probate case information for Honolulu County. While searching and viewing basic case details is free, downloading documents or accessing detailed records requires payment of statutory fees established by Hawaii Court Rules. The most cost-effective way to view complete probate records without charge is to visit the First Circuit Court's Records Management Department in person during business hours.

An alternative option is the Hawaii State Archives, which maintains historical probate records and offers free public access to their collections. The Hawaii State Library system also provides access to various genealogical databases and resources that may contain probate record information, available at no cost to library cardholders.

The Hawaii State Bar Association's website offers guidance on accessing court records and can direct researchers to appropriate resources, though the association does not maintain the records themselves. Various genealogical websites and third-party record aggregators may also provide access to Honolulu probate records, but these typically require paid subscriptions.

While initial searches are generally free through these various channels, fees apply for document certification, printing, records requiring extensive research, express processing requests, and shipping of mailed documents. Current fees are set by the Hawaii Judiciary and are subject to periodic updates. Verify current rates before requesting copies or certified documents.

How Long Does Probate Take in Hawaii

The probate process in Hawaii typically takes six months to over a year, depending on factors such as estate complexity, disputes, creditor claims, and court processing times. Simple, uncontested cases with minimal assets may close faster, while complex estates or legal challenges can extend the process. For more details, contact the Court Services Division at (808) 954-8310.

Are Wills Public Record?

Yes. In Honolulu County, wills that have been admitted to probate become part of the public record and are accessible through the First Circuit Court's Records Management Department. These probated wills can be viewed by any member of the public, subject to applicable Hawaii state laws and court rules.

However, wills deposited with the court for safekeeping under Hawaii Revised Statutes § 560:2-901 remain confidential during the testator's lifetime. These deposited wills can only be released to the testator personally, to someone with the testator's written authorization, or after death with proper documentation.

How to Find Out If Someone Has a Will

During a person's lifetime, their will remains a private document. The existence and contents of a will cannot be verified without the testator's permission while they are living. Attorneys and financial advisors involved in estate planning are bound by confidentiality obligations.

After someone passes away, there are several ways to locate their will in Honolulu:

• Check with the First Circuit Court's Probate Department
• Contact the deceased person's known attorney
• Search the deceased's personal records and belongings
• Inquire with the personal representative named in obituary notices
• Check safe deposit boxes (requires a court order).

Honolulu County Family Court Case Search

The First Circuit Family Court records can be accessed through Hawaii's eCourt Kokua system or in person at the Kapolei Judiciary Complex. Searches require either a case number or party name, and fees apply for document copies and certifications.

Certain family court records have restricted access under Hawaii law, including:

• Adoption proceedings
• Paternity cases
• Juvenile matters
• Child custody evaluations
• Domestic violence protective orders
• Guardian ad litem reports
• Financial information statements
• Records sealed by judicial order.

For assistance with family court records, contact:

Court Services Division
Kapolei Judiciary Complex
4675 Kapolei Parkway
Kapolei, HI 96707
Phone: (808) 954-8100