Divorce records in Honolulu, Hawaii, can be accessed through several channels, including online tools, the court that granted the decree, and the state vital records office. HonoluluCourt.us can help locate publicly available divorce record information for Honolulu. You can also request records directly from the Family Court of the First Circuit, which handles divorce cases on Oʻahu, or obtain a divorce certificate from the Hawaii Department of Health, Vital Records Section.
Honolulu Divorce Records Search
In Honolulu, divorce records are maintained by two separate offices, each holding a different type of document. The Family Court of the First Circuit — part of the Hawaii State Judiciary — keeps the complete case file, including the divorce decree, settlement agreements, custody orders, and all related filings. The Hawaii Department of Health, Vital Records Section, maintains an abstract divorce certificate that confirms the divorce occurred but does not include the full terms of the settlement or decree.
For most people who need a copy of their actual divorce decree or want to review filings from the case, the court is the right starting point. If you only need proof that a divorce took place — for example, to update a name or apply for benefits — the state vital records office issues that certificate. The primary court office for Oʻahu divorce records is currently located at the Kapolei Judiciary Complex.
Kapolei Judiciary Complex — Legal Documents Branch (Divorce Records)
Where Divorce Records Are Filed in Honolulu
Hawaii's Family Court has exclusive jurisdiction over divorce cases. On Oʻahu, this is the Family Court of the First Circuit. When a divorce is granted, the decree is entered and filed with the court clerk's office at the First Circuit. The Hawaii Department of Health also receives notification and maintains a divorce certificate in its vital records system.
Which office you contact depends on what you need:
- Full divorce decree, settlement agreement, custody orders, or other case filings — Contact the Family Court, First Circuit, Legal Documents Branch at the Kapolei Judiciary Complex. You can request court records for Oʻahu online or visit in person.
- Divorce certificate (abstract record confirming the divorce) — Contact the Hawaii Department of Health, Vital Records Section. Certificates can be requested in person, by mail, or through the Vital Records online request portal.
- Online case information lookup — The eCourt Kokua system allows public searches of court case information, including Family Court (Adult) cases. This can help you locate a case number, confirm filing dates, or check case status before requesting copies.
Family Court of the First Circuit — Kapolei Judiciary Complex
Hawaii Department of Health — Vital Records Section
Note: The Department of Health directs requesters to the court that granted the divorce for copies of the actual divorce decree. The Health Department issues only the abstract certificate. For self-represented individuals who need help understanding the process, the Hawaii Courts Self-Help Center offers free guidance.
Divorce Record Search Fees, Copy Costs, and Processing Times in Honolulu
| Service | Fee | Typical Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Court record copy (non-certified), per page | $0.25 | Same day to several business days (in person); 1–2 weeks (by mail) |
| Certified copy of divorce decree (court) | $2.00 per document plus $0.25 per page | Several business days (in person); 1–3 weeks (by mail) |
| Divorce certificate — Hawaii Department of Health (in person) | $10.00 | Same day if records are located |
| Divorce certificate — Hawaii Department of Health (by mail) | $10.00 | 4–6 weeks |
| eCourt Kokua online case search | Free | Immediate |