Hawaii divorce records are official papers that show the end of a marriage in the state. These records usually include the full names of both people, the date the divorce was finalized, and the court where the case was handled. They are kept by the Family Court to document important legal details. People often refer to these records for personal reasons, such as updating legal status or confirming past relationships. Each record helps keep a clear history of divorce events across Hawaii.
These records are made after a divorce is legally completed and are stored by the court for future reference. In some cases, access to the full record may be limited to protect personal or private information. If children or finances are involved, extra care is taken to keep those details secure. Still, basic information is often kept available for personal use. The way records are stored might be a little different in each area of the state.
Are Divorce Records Public in Hawaii?
In Hawaii, divorce records are generally considered public records and may be accessible through official government channels, depending on the nature of the documents and the circumstances surrounding the case. These records are maintained by both the Hawaii Family Courts Records and the Department of Health, with each holding different types of documentation.
Under the Uniform Information Practices Act (UIPA)—Hawaii’s version of public records law—members of the public may request access to certain court records, including many divorce case files. However, accessibility is not absolute. Specific case details or personal information may be restricted to protect privacy and comply with legal safeguards.
What Information Is Publicly Accessible
When allowed by law, some of the following types of information may be available through public divorce records in Hawaii:
- Names of parties involved in the case
- Date and location of divorce filing
- Case number and court details
- General docket activity or procedural status
- Final judgment or decree (if not sealed)
This kind of information is typically available for personal use, such as verifying marital status, referencing family history, or confirming public case activity.
What Information May Be Sealed or Restricted
While some divorce records are publicly viewable, others may be sealed by court order or classified as confidential by law. The following content is often not accessible without specific authorization:
- Child custody and visitation details
- Financial statements or support agreements
- Allegations of domestic violence or abuse
- Records involving minors or sensitive family circumstances
Courts may also seal records entirely in cases involving high-profile individuals, protection orders, or privacy-related concerns. Individuals directly involved in the case may still be able to request access by submitting proper identification or legal justification.
When Access May Be Denied or Limited
Requests for Hawaii divorce records may be denied under the following conditions:
- The record is sealed by court order.
- The information involves minors or protected parties.
- The requester does not provide sufficient information to identify the record.
- The purpose of the request violates laws protecting personal use only.
Types of Divorce Records Available
When researching or requesting divorce-related records in Hawaii, it is important to understand the distinct types of documentation that may be available through official public channels. Each type serves a different legal or informational purpose, and access may vary depending on the agency that holds the records. The following are the primary types of divorce records commonly maintained in Hawaii:
Divorce Decree (Final Judgment)
A divorce decree is the official court-issued document that finalizes the divorce proceedings. It is typically issued by the Hawaii Family Court and includes important details such as:
- The date the marriage legally ended
- Terms regarding property division, child custody, visitation, and spousal support
- Case number and the names of both parties involved
Divorce decrees are often used when proof of specific court orders is needed, such as during legal name changes or resolving post-divorce issues. These records are maintained by the Family Court that handled the case and are generally accessible through court request procedures unless sealed.
Divorce Certificate (Vital Record)
A divorce certificate is a summary document issued by the Hawaii Department of Health (DOH). Unlike a decree, it does not include detailed terms of the divorce but only confirms the following:
- Names of the individuals divorced
- Date of the divorce
- Location where the divorce was finalized
This certificate is often used for administrative purposes like updating marital status on government records, applying for a new marriage license, or passport updates. The DOH typically maintains these records from July 1951 to the present, although older records may be available through other state archives. To request this type of record, applicants must meet eligibility requirements and provide valid identification.
Case File Documents (Supporting Legal Filings)
In addition to the decree and certificate, Hawaii Family Courts may maintain divorce case files, which contain detailed filings associated with the divorce. These documents may include:
- Divorce petitions or responses
- Custody agreements or parenting plans
- Motions regarding property, financial disclosures, or spousal support
- Hearing transcripts or court orders
These files provide an in-depth view of the divorce process and may be useful for personal reference or legal review. Access to case files may vary based on court policies, and certain documents (especially those involving children or sensitive financial details) may be sealed or redacted to protect privacy.
Where to Find Divorce Records in Hawaii
Residents and individuals with a personal interest can access divorce records in Hawaii through official government channels. Understanding where these records are stored and how to request them ensures a more efficient and informed process. In Hawaii, divorce records are available from County Family Courts, the Department of Health, and two primary judiciary portals: eCourt Kokua and Hoʻohiki.
County Family Courts
The Hawaii Family Courts, which operate under the jurisdiction of the state’s Circuit Courts, are responsible for processing and maintaining official divorce case files. These records may include case filings, court orders, custody arrangements, and final divorce decrees.
To obtain divorce documents from the Family Court:
- Visit or contact the Circuit Court in the county where the divorce was filed.
- Requests may be submitted in person, by mail, or through designated court services.
- Identification and a small fee may be required for certified copies or document searches.
Department of Health (Vital Records)
The Hawaii Department of Health (DOH) issues divorce certificates, which serve as brief summaries confirming a divorce occurred. These documents are part of Hawaii’s vital records collection and are generally used for personal purposes such as name changes or documentation in legal or immigration matters.
Key details:
- Divorce certificates are available for events occurring from July 1951 to the present.
- Only authorized individuals (e.g., one of the divorced parties or a legal representative) can request these records.
- Requests may be submitted online, by mail, or in person at DOH offices.
- A valid photo ID and applicable fees are required.
The divorce certificate does not contain detailed case information. For full case records, contact the Family Court in the appropriate county.
eCourt Kokua
The eCourt Kokua system is Hawaii’s official online access portal for civil and family court records. Users may search publicly available information on divorce cases, including docket entries, court dates, and related filings.
Features:
- Available 24/7 for personal research purposes.
- Users can search by case number, party name, or other identifiers.
- Downloadable court documents may be available for a per-document fee.
- Subscription options are also offered for extended access.
This platform does not guarantee availability of all documents due to privacy restrictions or sealed records. Any information accessed should be used only for personal reference in accordance with state laws and platform policies.
Hoʻohiki Case Search
The Hoʻohiki portal is a free online service providing basic civil and family court case data. While it does not include downloadable court files, it is useful for:
- Verifying case numbers and filing dates.
- Viewing general docket activity.
- Identifying involved parties in divorce proceedings.
Breakdown of Divorce Record Fees in Hawaii
Understanding the fees associated with accessing divorce records in Hawaii can help individuals make informed decisions when requesting documents for personal reasons. Costs may vary based on the type of record, the source agency, and the method of retrieval. Below is a general overview of potential charges.
Court Record Access Fees
When requesting divorce records through Hawaii’s Family Court system, individuals may encounter several types of fees:
- Copy Fees: Courts may charge $0.50 to $1.00 per page for standard photocopies of divorce-related documents.
- Certified Copy Fees: If a certified version of a document is needed (commonly required for official personal use), additional charges may apply—typically ranging from $2 to $5 per document.
- Search or Retrieval Fees: In some cases, especially for archived or older records, the court may assess a search fee. This is often applied if a request is submitted without a specific case number.
These fees are typically payable by cash, money order, or credit card, depending on the court location. Individuals should contact the appropriate Family Court Clerk’s Office in their judicial circuit for exact pricing and procedures.
Hawaii Department of Health (DOH) Fees
The Hawaii Department of Health provides access to divorce certificates, which are summary documents that confirm the occurrence of a divorce. These differ from full court decrees and are available for personal reference in certain cases.
- Certified Copy of Divorce Certificate: The DOH currently charges $10.00 for the first copy, with an additional $4.00 for each copy of the same record requested at the same time.
- Mail & Processing Fees: Requests submitted by mail may also involve postage and handling costs. In-person requests may reduce turnaround time.
It is important to note that divorce certificates from the DOH are available for divorces finalized from July 1951 onward, and these documents are for personal use only.
Online Access Fees via Judiciary Portals
Hawaii Judiciary offers two online platforms where individuals can view or search court records related to divorce cases:
- eCourt Kokua
This official Judiciary platform allows users to access publicly available divorce case records, including docket information and downloadable court filings.- Single Document Fee: $3.00 per document download
- Per-Page Charges: An additional $0.10 per page applies for documents exceeding 30 pages.
- Subscription Options: For individuals who expect to conduct multiple searches over time, subscription plans are available:
- $125.00 per quarter
- $500.00 annually
These subscriptions provide access to a broader range of court documents, useful for those tracking their own case or performing lawful research.
- Hoʻohiki Case Search
This is a free-to-use system that offers basic information about civil and family law cases, such as names of parties involved, filing dates, and case statuses. Unlike eCourt Kokua, it does not allow document downloads.
Sealed and Confidential Divorce Records in Hawaii
In Hawaii, while many divorce records are considered public under the Uniform Information Practices Act (UIPA), specific details may be sealed or designated confidential to protect the privacy of individuals—especially when children or sensitive matters are involved. Understanding how confidentiality works, and when and how records can be sealed or unsealed, helps individuals navigate the process appropriately and lawfully.
What Information Is Automatically Sealed?
Not all details within a divorce record are open to the public. Hawaii law provides for the automatic sealing of certain information, especially when it relates to:
- Child custody and visitation arrangements
- Child support orders
- Domestic violence protection orders
- Financial records involving minor children
- Sensitive personal data, such as Social Security Numbers and health details
These protections are in place to prioritize the welfare and safety of children, victims of abuse, and individuals whose privacy could be compromised if such information were disclosed.
Requesting the Sealing or Unsealing of a Divorce Record
A party involved in a divorce case may petition the court to seal all or part of the divorce record, especially if releasing that information could result in harm, harassment, or undue publicity. Common reasons include:
- Threats to personal safety or family well-being
- Exposure of private financial data
- Protection of children or vulnerable family members
To request sealing, an individual typically files a motion to seal records with the Family Court where the case was heard. This motion must present a valid legal reason and be approved by a judge.
Conversely, someone seeking to unseal a record must file a request with the court and demonstrate a legitimate interest in the record. The court then weighs this interest against the privacy and safety concerns of those involved.
Legal Framework Governing Confidentiality
Divorce records in Hawaii are regulated by both state law and judicial rules. The following legal references apply:
- Hawaii Uniform Information Practices Act (UIPA): Provides public access to records while allowing exemptions to protect privacy and safety.
- Hawaii Rules of Court, Rule 9: Governs access to Family Court documents and outlines procedures for sealing or limiting access.
- Judiciary Standards for Sealing Court Records: Establish conditions under which the court may seal documents in civil or family proceedings.
These regulations ensure a balanced approach between the public’s right to access records and the individual’s right to personal privacy.
Important Contact Information
To access Hawaii divorce records, contact the appropriate official agency below. All use must be for personal purposes only, not for employment, credit, tenant, or other FCRA-restricted uses.
Hawaii Department of Health (DOH) – Vital Records
Provides certified divorce certificates (1951–present).
- Address: 1250 Punchbowl St, Honolulu, HI 96813
- Phone: (808) 586-4533
- Website: health.hawaii.gov/vitalrecords
Hawaii Circuit Courts – Divorce Case Records
For divorce decrees and court filings, contact the Family Court clerk in the county where the divorce was filed.
- Oʻahu (1st Circuit): (808) 539-4767
- Maui (2nd Circuit): (808) 244-2929
- Big Island (3rd Circuit): Hilo (808) 961-7440 | Kona (808) 322-8750
- Kauaʻi (5th Circuit): (808) 482-2300
- Website: courts.state.hi.us
Hawaii Judiciary Help Desk
Get help using eCourt Kokua or Hoʻohiki court record systems.
- Phone: (808) 539-4333
- Email: info@courts.state.hi.us
- Website: courts.state.hi.us
FAQ’s
If you’re looking to access Hawaii Divorce Records quickly or have any questions about the process, you’re in the right place! Here’s everything you need to know about searching for divorce case files, judgments, and other related court records in Hawaii.
What are Hawaii divorce records used for?
Hawaii divorce records are used for personal, legal, and administrative purposes. Individuals often need them to update Social Security information, verify marital status, apply for name changes, or finalize property divisions. These documents are also valuable for background checks, immigration filings, and future legal claims. In some cases, people use divorce records for family history or personal documentation of life events. They serve as official proof that a marriage was legally dissolved in the state.
How can I find Hawaii divorce records for personal use?
To find Hawaii divorce records for personal use:
- Contact the Family Court in the same circuit where the divorce was filed (e.g., Oahu, Maui, Hawaii Island, or Kauai).
- Provide names of both parties, the year of divorce, and the case number if available.
- Submit a formal request, either by mail or in person, according to court procedures.
- Valid government-issued identification may be required.
- Some records may be stored in physical archives, especially if the divorce occurred before digital records were kept.
Access is typically granted based on the requester’s relationship to the case and the sensitivity of the documents.
Are Hawaii divorce records public or confidential?
Hawaii divorce records are partially public and partially confidential. The public can access basic information like the parties’ names, the filing date, and the final decree date. However, documents that involve sensitive data—such as financial disclosures, custody evaluations, or restraining orders—are restricted and only available to involved parties or attorneys. The court limits access to ensure personal privacy while still allowing legal transparency for authorized users.
How far back do Hawaii divorce records go?
Hawaii divorce records generally go back several decades, depending on the county and record type. Many recent records (from the 1980s onward) are available in digital form at Family Court locations, while older records are often stored in courthouse archives. To locate them:
- Identify the county and court where the divorce was finalized.
- Request the case index or file search through the circuit court clerk.
- Be prepared for delays if the record is archived or off-site.
Providing full names and estimated dates helps court staff retrieve the record faster and more accurately.
Can I obtain a certified copy of a Hawaii divorce decree?
Yes, you can request a certified copy of a Hawaii divorce decree for official and personal purposes. Certified copies are often needed for Social Security updates, passport applications, or remarriage. To get one:
- Visit or contact the Family Court where the divorce was granted.
- Submit a completed request form with case details and identification.
- Pay any applicable fees for certification and copies.
- Certified copies are typically issued only to the individuals named in the case, legal representatives, or those with a valid court order.
Make sure to verify current court procedures before making your request to avoid processing delays.