Court records in Honolulu, Hawaii can be searched through several channels. HonoluluCourt.us can help find publicly available information about court cases filed in the county. The Hawaii State Judiciary also provides online search tools, and records can be accessed through court clerks' offices and public terminals at courthouse locations on Oʻahu.
Honolulu Court System & Jurisdictions
Honolulu is part of Hawaii's First Circuit, which covers the island of Oʻahu. Unlike most mainland counties, Hawaii operates a unified state court system — there are no separate municipal or county courts. All courts fall under the Hawaii State Judiciary.
- Circuit Court — Handles felony criminal cases, civil matters over $40,000, jury trials, probate, guardianship, and appeals from District Court. Located at Kaʻahumanu Hale, 777 Punchbowl Street, Honolulu.
- District Court — Covers misdemeanors, petty misdemeanors, traffic violations, civil claims up to $40,000, and small claims up to $5,000. The Honolulu District Court sits at 1111 Alakea Street.
- Family Court — Manages divorce, child custody, adoption, paternity, domestic violence protective orders, and juvenile matters. Family Court for the First Circuit operates at the Kapolei Judiciary Complex.
- Small Claims — A division within District Court for disputes of $5,000 or less. No attorneys are required.
- Land Court — A specialized statewide court headquartered in Honolulu that handles registered land title matters.
Federal cases filed on Oʻahu are heard by the U.S. District Court for the District of Hawaii, and federal bankruptcy cases go through the U.S. Bankruptcy Court, both located in downtown Honolulu. Federal court records are available through PACER.
Honolulu Court Calendar & Upcoming Hearings
The Hawaii State Judiciary publishes court calendars through its eCourt Kokua system. To find today's or upcoming hearings in Honolulu:
- Visit eCourt Kokua through the Hawaii Judiciary website.
- Search by case number, party name, or citation number.
- Select the First Circuit (Oʻahu) to narrow results.
- Case details will show scheduled hearing dates, courtroom assignments, and case status.
eCourt Kokua covers traffic, District Court, Circuit Court, and Family Court (adult criminal) calendars. The system is generally available during business hours (7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. HST), though access may extend beyond those hours.
For questions about a specific hearing date or courtroom, contact the First Circuit clerks' offices directly. The Hawaii Courts Self-Help Center can also assist self-represented litigants with calendar questions.
How to Get a Copy of a Honolulu Court Document
Court documents from First Circuit cases can be obtained online, in person, or by mail. The process depends on the case type and whether you need a certified or uncertified copy.
Online
Use eCourt Kokua to view and print basic case information for traffic, District Court, and Circuit Court cases at no charge. Full document copies typically require an in-person or mail request.
In Person
Visit the Legal Documents Branch at the courthouse where your case was filed:
Circuit Court — Legal Documents BranchBy Mail
Submit a written request to the appropriate Oʻahu court records office. Include:
- Full case number
- Names of parties involved
- Specific documents requested
- Whether you need certified or uncertified copies
- Payment (check or money order payable to "Judiciary, State of Hawaii")
- A self-addressed stamped envelope
Certified vs. Uncertified
- Uncertified copies — Suitable for personal reference. Lower cost.
- Certified copies — Required for legal proceedings, government submissions, and official use. Carry the court seal and clerk's attestation. An additional certification fee applies per document.
Restricted records: Sealed cases, juvenile records, certain Family Court matters, adoption files, and records expunged under HRS § 831-3.2 are not available to the general public. Mental health and guardianship records may also have restricted access.
Honolulu Court Records Fees & Payment
Fees for court records in the First Circuit are set by the Hawaii State Judiciary. The following schedule reflects commonly requested services. Confirm current amounts with the clerk's office, as fees may change.
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Copy of court document (per page) | $0.25 |
| Certification of document (per document) | $5.00 |
| Search of court records (per name, per type of case) | $5.00 |
| eCourt Kokua online search | Free |
| Exemplified copy (for out-of-state use) | $10.00 |
| Retrieval of archived/stored records | Varies — contact clerk |
Payment methods:
- In person: Cash, check, or money order payable to "Judiciary, State of Hawaii." Some locations accept credit/debit cards — confirm before visiting.
- By mail: Check or money order only. Do not send cash.
Fee authority is established under Hawaii Revised Statutes § 607-5 and the Judiciary's administrative orders. For the most current fee schedule, contact the First Circuit clerk's office or check the Hawaii Judiciary website. Criminal history record checks through the Hawaii Criminal Justice Data Center carry separate fees and follow a different request process.