OPEN PUBLIC RECORDS

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Hawaii Public Records

Use this page to find court records, arrest records, and other public records in Hawaii. Each section links to the official agency or online tool that holds the records.

⚡ At a Glance

  • State courts: 4 judicial circuits covering 5 counties
  • Federal courts: 1 U.S. District Court (District of Hawaii)
  • Background checks: Hawaii Criminal Justice Data Center
  • Records law: Hawaii Uniform Information Practices Act
How to use this page: Pick the type of record you need below. Court records and arrest records each have their own section with links to the agencies that hold them. Official links go to government websites — not third-party services.

Start here: Choose the type of record you need below, then follow the link to the official source.

What You Can Find Here

⚖️ State and federal court case records
🔍 Arrest records and jail bookings by county
📋 Criminal background checks through Hawaii CJDC
🏛️ Property, vital, and other public records
What you will need:
  • Full name of the person or business
  • Case number, if you have one
  • Approximate date or location of the record

Court Records

Hawaii has four judicial circuits. You can search court cases using eCourt Kokua, the official online case search run by the Hawaii State Judiciary. Enter a name or case number to find civil, criminal, and family case records.

Hawaii's trial courts include circuit courts and district courts across the four circuits (First through Fourth). Online case search is available for most case types through eCourt Kokua.

Federal Courts

Federal cases in Hawaii are handled by one U.S. District Court:

  • District of Hawaii — Honolulu

Federal court records are available through the PACER system. Some records can be viewed at no cost at federal courthouse public terminals.

⚖️ eCourt Kokua — Hawaii Court Records Search 🏛️ Hawaii State Judiciary Website

Use the official link above to access records or contact the office directly.

Arrest Records

Arrest records in Hawaii are created and held by the agency that made the arrest — either a county police department or state agency. To get a copy of an arrest report, contact the arresting agency directly.

For statewide criminal history, the Hawaii Criminal Justice Data Center (CJDC) maintains criminal records. You can request a Hawaii criminal history check through the CJDC.

🔍 Hawaii Criminal Justice Data Center (CJDC) 📋 Hawaii Attorney General Website

Use the official link above to access records or contact the office directly.

Other Public Records

Hawaii operates under the Uniform Information Practices Act (HRS Chapter 92F). Any person can request government records. Agencies must respond within 10 business days.

How to file a request: Write to the government body that holds the records. Include your name, contact information, and a clear description of what records you want. Requests can be sent by mail, email, fax, or hand-delivered. No special form is required.

How Records Work in Hawaii

Court records are maintained by the Hawaii State Judiciary across four judicial circuits. Criminal history is centralized through the Criminal Justice Data Center. Arrest records stay with the arresting agency unless submitted to the state system.

Many records are available online for free. Certified copies, background checks, and some older records may require a fee or in-person visit.

Counties in Hawaii

Hawaii has 5 counties. Select one below to find local court, arrest, and public records.

Frequently Asked Questions

Based on publicly available information from Hawaii state agencies and federal courts.

How do I search court records in Hawaii for free?
Use eCourt Kokua, the official Hawaii court records search. It covers records across all four judicial circuits.
Are arrest records public in Hawaii?
Yes. Arrest records are public under the Hawaii Uniform Information Practices Act. Contact the arresting agency directly — city police, county sheriff, or state agency — to request a copy.
How do I run a background check in Hawaii?
The Hawaii Criminal Justice Data Center provides criminal history checks. Contact the CJDC for details and requirements.
What is the Hawaii Uniform Information Practices Act?
It is the state law that governs access to government records. Submit a request to the agency that holds the records. Agencies must respond within 10 business days. The Office of Information Practices oversees compliance.
How many court systems does Hawaii have?
Hawaii has a unified court system with four judicial circuits: district courts, circuit courts, the Intermediate Court of Appeals, and the Hawaii Supreme Court.
What this page does not show: Not all records are available online. Some require a written request, an in-person visit, or a fee. Court records and arrest data may be incomplete, delayed, or not yet entered into online systems.

This page is a guide to help you find official records — it is not the official database. All information comes from government sources. Verify details directly with the agency that holds the records.

Last updated: April 15, 2026