Introduction to Hawaii Public Records

Hawaii, the Aloha State, may be known for its stunning beaches and volcanic landscapes, but beneath the paradise exterior lies a robust framework of public records laws designed to ensure government transparency and accountability. Whether you’re a resident of Honolulu, Hilo, Pearl City, or Kailua — or simply someone with a need to research a person or property in the islands — understanding how Hawaii’s public records system works is essential in 2026.

Hawaii’s open records framework is governed by the Hawaii Uniform Information Practices Act (UIPA), codified under Hawaii Revised Statutes (HRS) § 92F. Enacted in 1988, the UIPA grants Hawaii residents — and in many cases the general public — the right to inspect and copy government records maintained by state and county agencies. The law places the burden on agencies to justify withholding records rather than on the requester to justify access, making Hawaii one of the more transparency-friendly states in the nation.

This 2026 guide covers everything you need to know about accessing public records in Hawaii, including criminal records, court records, arrest records, vital records, property records, and how to search online. Whether you’re conducting a background check, researching a potential business partner, reconnecting with a family member, or just exercising your right to public information, this guide provides the most up-to-date information available.

What Is Considered a Public Record in Hawaii?

Under the Hawaii Uniform Information Practices Act (HRS § 92F), a “government record” is broadly defined as any information maintained by a government agency in any form — paper, electronic, audio, video, or otherwise. The default position under Hawaii law is that government records are open to the public unless a specific exemption applies.

The following types of records are generally considered public in Hawaii:

• Criminal history records – Felony and misdemeanor convictions maintained by the Hawaii Criminal Justice Data Center (HCJDC)
• Court records – Civil, criminal, family, and traffic case filings maintained by the Hawaii State Judiciary
• Arrest records – Booking and arrest information maintained by county police departments
• Property records – Real property tax records, deeds, and assessments maintained by county offices
• Vital records – Birth, death, marriage, and divorce records (with some restrictions) maintained by the Hawaii Department of Health
• Business entity records – Corporate and LLC filings maintained by the Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA)
• Sex offender registry – Maintained by the Hawaii Criminal Justice Data Center and publicly searchable
• Government contracts and financial records – Public spending and procurement data
• Elected official and government employee records – Salary data, public financial disclosures

Records that are typically not available to the public under Hawaii law include juvenile records, certain medical records, social security numbers, records that could compromise ongoing investigations, and information whose disclosure would constitute an unreasonable invasion of personal privacy. The Office of Information Practices (OIP) at oip.hawaii.gov oversees UIPA compliance and provides guidance on public records requests.

How to File a Public Records Request in Hawaii

To request a government record in Hawaii, you submit a written request to the agency holding the record. The agency has 10 business days to respond — either granting access, denying the request with a legal justification, or requesting a time extension. Fees may be charged for search, review, and duplication. If a request is denied, you may appeal to the agency head and then file a complaint with the Office of Information Practices (OIP) or pursue judicial review.

Hawaii Criminal Records

Criminal records in Hawaii are maintained and disseminated primarily by the Hawaii Criminal Justice Data Center (HCJDC), which operates under the Hawaii Attorney General’s office. The HCJDC is the official state repository for criminal history information, collecting records from law enforcement agencies, courts, and correctional institutions across all four Hawaii counties.

Hawaii Criminal Justice Data Center (HCJDC)

The HCJDC compiles Hawaii’s master criminal history records, which include arrests, charges, convictions, sentences, and incarceration information. You can contact the HCJDC at:

• Website: ag.hawaii.gov/hcjdc/
• Address: 465 S. King Street, Room 101, Honolulu, HI 96813
• Phone: (808) 587-3100

Types of Criminal Record Checks Available

The HCJDC offers two primary types of criminal history checks:

• Name-Based Check: A search of criminal history records using a person’s name and date of birth. Available to the general public for a fee. Results may include both conviction and non-conviction data depending on the purpose of the request.
• Fingerprint-Based Check: A more comprehensive and accurate check that uses fingerprints to match records. Required for certain professional licenses, employment in sensitive positions, and adoptions. Conducted through the FBI’s national system via the HCJDC.

Fees for Hawaii Criminal Record Checks

As of 2026, the HCJDC charges approximately $15–$30 for a name-based criminal history check, depending on the scope of the request. Fingerprint-based checks typically cost more and require appointment scheduling. Fees are subject to change — always confirm current fees on the official HCJDC website before submitting a request.

Hawaii Sex Offender Registry

Hawaii maintains a publicly searchable Sex Offender Registry through the HCJDC. Residents can search by name, ZIP code, or geographic area at sexoffenders.ehawaii.gov. Hawaii law (HRS § 846E) requires convicted sex offenders to register with local law enforcement and update their information periodically.

Hawaii Expungement Laws

Hawaii law allows for the expungement of certain criminal records, particularly for first-time offenders and those arrested but not convicted. Under HRS § 831-3.2, individuals may petition for expungement of arrest records. Expunged records are generally sealed from public view, though they may still be accessible to law enforcement. An experienced Hawaii attorney can advise on eligibility.

Hawaii Court Records

Hawaii’s court system is unified under the Hawaii State Judiciary, making it somewhat unique among U.S. states. There is a single state court system with no separate county courts — meaning all trial courts, intermediate courts, and the Hawaii Supreme Court are administered by the state. This centralization makes searching for court records more straightforward than in states with complex multi-tiered systems.

Hawaii Court Structure

• Hawaii Supreme Court – The highest court, hears appeals from the Intermediate Court of Appeals
• Intermediate Court of Appeals (ICA) – Reviews decisions from circuit and family courts
• Circuit Courts – General jurisdiction trial courts handling felony criminal cases and major civil matters. Located in each of Hawaii’s four counties.
• District Courts – Handle misdemeanors, traffic offenses, small claims, and civil cases under $40,000
• Family Courts – Handle divorce, custody, juvenile, and domestic matters

Searching Hawaii Court Records Online

The Hawaii State Judiciary offers public access to court records through the eCourt Kokua system, available at courts.state.hi.us. eCourt Kokua allows users to search for case information by party name, case number, or attorney name. This free tool provides access to:

• Civil case filings and judgments
• Criminal case dockets
• Traffic violations and citations
• Family court case information (limited public access)
• Scheduled hearing dates

In-Person Court Record Access

For records not available online — including sealed cases, older case files, and certified copies — you must visit the respective circuit or district court clerk’s office in person. Each county has its own courthouse:

• Honolulu (Oahu): First Circuit Court, 777 Punchbowl Street, Honolulu, HI 96813
• Maui County: Second Circuit Court, 2145 Main Street, Wailuku, HI 96793
• Hawaii County: Third Circuit Court, 777 Kilauea Avenue, Hilo, HI 96720
• Kauai County: Fifth Circuit Court, 3970 Ka Haku Road, Lihue, HI 96766

Federal Court Records in Hawaii

Federal court cases involving Hawaii residents are handled by the U.S. District Court for the District of Hawaii, located in Honolulu. Federal court records are searchable through the PACER (Public Access to Court Electronic Records) system at pacer.uscourts.gov. A small per-page fee applies.

Hawaii Arrest Records

Arrest records in Hawaii are initially generated by the county police departments when an individual is booked into custody. Hawaii has four county police departments corresponding to its four counties:

• Honolulu Police Department (HPD) – Serves the City and County of Honolulu (Oahu). Website: honolulupd.org
• Maui Police Department (MPD) – Serves Maui County (Maui, Molokai, Lanai). Website: mauicounty.gov/mpd
• Hawaii Police Department – Serves Hawaii County (the Big Island). Website: hawaiipolice.com
• Kauai Police Department (KPD) – Serves Kauai County. Website: kauai.gov/police

Accessing Arrest Records

Hawaii arrest records are forwarded to the