Hawaii public records
Hawaii separates county property assessments from statewide recorded land instruments, while eCourt Kokua provides court access. Vital certificates have eligibility rules, and eCrim provides public conviction information rather than every arrest. Choose the record type before selecting a search or request.
By DeepSearch · Updated
Official record sources
Choose the document you need before searching. A case index, parcel assessment, recorded deed and certified certificate are different records. The links below lead to the responsible government service or its official directory.
| Record / custodian | How to access | Costs and coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Court recordsHawaii State Judiciary | Use eCourt Kokua and the judiciary's record-request instructions. | Online document downloads and certified copies may incur charges. Case coverage and document availability vary; confidential and sealed material is not public. |
| Property and land recordsHawaii county-government directory | Choose the county real-property assessment office; use the Bureau of Conveyances for recorded instruments. | Assessment lookup and deed-copy services have different fees. The state public-land inventory is not a complete privately owned property or deed search. |
| Business recordsHawaii DCCA Business Registration Division | Follow BREG's current business portal links for entity filings, copies and certificates; the service migrated in July 2026. | Search and certificate services have separate charges. Registration history and professional licensing are maintained by different DCCA services. |
| Birth, death, marriage and divorceHawaii Department of Health | Order birth, death, marriage or civil-union records using the eligibility instructions. | Certificate and ordering charges apply. Vital records are restricted to qualified applicants; divorce decrees come from the judiciary. |
| Criminal-history checksHawaii Criminal Justice Data Center | Use eCrim for public conviction information or the appropriate fingerprint service. | Online reports and fingerprint checks have separate fees. eCrim is conviction information, not every arrest or a comprehensive nationwide history. |
A criminal charge is not a conviction. A name match does not establish identity. Use the official case disposition and the appropriate authorized record-check process when those distinctions matter.
Requesting agency records in Hawaii
Use this process for existing government agency records. Court case copies, vital certificates and criminal-history reports use the separate procedures in the table.
- Who can request
- Any person can request government records under UIPA. Access to a person's own records and access to public records are distinct processes.
- How to submit
- Identify the Hawaii agency, municipality or county that maintains the record, then use its published records-custodian contact or accepted request channel. Describe existing documents, identifiers and dates. Keep the submitted request and acknowledgement; court copies and vital certificates use the separate services above.
- Response and delivery
- For ordinary record requests, the agency normally responds within 10 business days; unusual circumstances can allow a longer response process.
- Fees and estimates
- UIPA rules distinguish search and review fees from duplication costs and provide fee allowances or waivers in specified circumstances. Ask for a written estimate.
- If access is denied
- Request the reason for denial and seek assistance or an appeal through Hawaii's Office of Information Practices. Judicial remedies are also available.
Hawaii records-request example
Replace the brackets, narrow the dates and send this to the agency that holds the records. Use its required form or portal when applicable. This example requests agency documents; it is not a certificate application or court filing.
To: [the agency's designated records custodian] Subject: Hawaii public-records request — [record or project identifier] Under the Uniform Information Practices Act (Haw. Rev. Stat. ch. 92F), I request electronic copies of the county's approved development permit and final decision for [project or parcel number]. Please use existing records in their available electronic format. If any material is withheld, identify the legal basis and provide the non-exempt portions. Before incurring charges above [your limit], please send an itemized estimate. Please confirm receipt and the expected response date. [Name and contact details required by the receiving agency] [Requester eligibility or residency information, where required]
Before sending, check requester eligibility above. Keep the submission confirmation, cost estimate, response and any exemption cited so a follow-up or appeal can refer to the same request.
Hawaii public records FAQ
Where can I find Hawaii court records?
Use eCourt Kokua and the judiciary's record-request instructions. Case coverage and document availability vary; confidential and sealed material is not public.
Sources: Hawaii State JudiciaryAre Hawaii public records free?
UIPA rules distinguish search and review fees from duplication costs and provide fee allowances or waivers in specified circumstances. Ask for a written estimate. Certificate and court-document services follow the separate charges listed above.
Sources: Hawaii official public-records guidance; Hawaii State Judiciary; Hawaii Department of HealthHow do I get birth, death, marriage or divorce records in Hawaii?
Order birth, death, marriage or civil-union records using the eligibility instructions. Vital records are restricted to qualified applicants; divorce decrees come from the judiciary.
Sources: Hawaii Department of Health; Hawaii State JudiciaryIs a Hawaii court search a complete criminal-history check?
No. eCrim is conviction information, not every arrest or a comprehensive nationwide history. Use eCrim for public conviction information or the appropriate fingerprint service.
Sources: Hawaii Criminal Justice Data Center; Hawaii State JudiciarySources and review
Each link identifies the official custodian or its published directory. Portal coverage and fees can change; confirm the current order details before paying. The date below records the source review, not the date a government record was created.
- Hawaii official public-records guidance — checked
- Hawaii State Judiciary — checked
- Hawaii county-government directory — checked
- Hawaii DCCA Business Registration Division — checked
- Hawaii Department of Health — checked
- Hawaii Criminal Justice Data Center — checked
Browse other jurisdictions
Public-records access rules vary by jurisdiction. Continue through the directory or return to the full list to choose the agency location you need.
All public-records jurisdictions