Hawaii Small Claims Court Locations — Island Courthouses and Filing Details

How to Pick the Right Court

Hawaii small claims cases are filed in the judicial circuit where the defendant lives, where the defendant works or does business, or where the cause of action arose (the location of the damaged property, the rental unit, or where the contract was performed). Filing in the wrong circuit can get your case dismissed or transferred, costing you time and potentially the $35 filing fee.

Hawaii has four judicial circuits spread across six major islands. Each handles small claims through the Small Claims Division of the District Court.

First Circuit — Oahu

The First Circuit covers the entire island of Oahu and handles the largest volume of small claims filings in the state.

Honolulu District Court (Kauikeaouli Hale) 1111 Alakea Street, Honolulu, HI 96813 This is the main filing location for Honolulu proper, Waikiki, and surrounding neighborhoods. The Legal Documents Branch accepts filings in person. The Access to Justice Room on the third floor offers in-person service the first Wednesday of each month and phone consultations on other listed Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays; check the Judiciary's current schedule before going.

Waiʻanae Division (in Kapolei) 4675 Kapolei Parkway, Kapolei, HI 96707 Serves West Oahu including Ewa Beach, Makakilo, and Kapolei. If the defendant lives in Kapolei but the contract was performed in downtown Honolulu, you can file at either location.

The First Circuit also has rural divisions in Kaneohe (Ko'olaupoko/Ko'olauloa), Wahiawa/Waialua, and Waianae. Check the Judiciary website for current hours — rural divisions sometimes operate on limited schedules.

Oahu forms use the "1DC" prefix: Form 1DC06 for general claims, Form 1DC05 for security deposit disputes, and Form 1DC35 for fee waiver applications.

Second Circuit — Maui, Molokai, and Lanai

Hoapili Hale (Wailuku District Court) 2145 Main Street, Wailuku, HI 96793 Handles small claims for Maui island, including Lahaina, Kihei, and upcountry Pukalani. The Second Circuit also lists District Court locations in Hana, Lahaina, Lanai City, and Kaunakakai on Molokai. Contact the circuit to confirm which location accepts your filing and where your hearing will be held.

If both parties are on Molokai or Lanai, ask the court clerk whether the hearing can be scheduled at a local District Court location. Remote appearance is available only if the court permits it.

Third Circuit — Hawaii Island (Big Island)

The Big Island's Third Circuit splits into multiple divisions given the island's size.

Hilo District Court 777 Kilauea Street, Hilo, HI 96720 Serves East Hawaii including Hilo, Pahoa, Keaau, and Volcano.

Kona District Court (Keahuolu Courthouse) 74-5451 Kamakaeha Avenue, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740 Serves West Hawaii including Kailua-Kona, Captain Cook, and Waikoloa.

South Kohala District Court (Kamuela) Waimea Civic Center Park at Kamuela 67-5187 Kamamalu Street, Kamuela, HI 96743 Residents in the Waimea/Kamuela area and the Hamakua Coast should confirm with the Third Circuit clerk which division handles their address. The drive between Hilo and Kona is roughly two hours, so filing in the correct division matters.

If you live in Hilo but the defendant's business is in Kona, you file in the division where the defendant works — that would be Kona.

Fifth Circuit — Kauai and Niihau

Lihue District Court (Pu'uhonua Kaulike) 3970 Ka'ana Street, Lihue, HI 96766 Handles all small claims for Kauai. Kauai forms use the "5DC" prefix: Form 5DC06 for general claims, Form 5DC05 for security deposit disputes.

Kauai's court has its own fee waiver form (5DC13), which differs slightly from Oahu's 1DC35 but serves the same purpose.

Filing Logistics Across All Courts

The filing fee is $35 at every court statewide under HRS § 633-29. Payment methods vary by location — some accept only cash or money orders, others take credit cards. Call ahead.

Since TurboCourt shut down, self-represented small claims filings after June 30, 2025 must be made in person at the District Court Legal Documents Branch. Bring the filing fee and the required copies.

Bring the original Statement of Claim plus one copy for each defendant and one copy for your records. The clerk stamps and files the original, keeps the defendant copies for service, and returns your copy.

The Hawaii Small Claims Filing Guide includes a circuit-by-circuit form map showing exactly which forms to use at your specific court, along with a filing checklist to make sure nothing is missing when you walk in.

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