Hawaii County Small Claims Court

How to file a small claims case in Hawaii County, HI. Courthouse locations, hours, fees, and filing options for the Hilo area.

SmallClaims.comData verified May 5, 2026How we verify

Small claims in Hawaii — the numbers for Hawaii County courts

$5,000

maximum claim

$35

filing fee (published)

2–6 yrs

filing deadline by claim type

e-filing — file in person or by mail

Published court information — verify before acting. See the full Hawaii small claims guide · The form that starts a case (1DC06): every field explained.

Main Courthouse

Hilo District Court

777 Kīlauea Avenue

Hilo, HI 96720

Phone: (808) 961-7515Hours: Counter hours: 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, except state holidays. Office hours: 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, except state holidays.

Other Courthouse Locations

Kona District Court

74-5451 Kamakaʻeha Avenue

Kailua-Kona, HI 96740

Phone: (808) 322-8703Hours: Counter hours: 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, except state holidays. Office hours: 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, except state holidays.

E-FILE

View Details →

South Kohala District Court

67-5187 Kamamalu Street

Kamuela, HI 96743

Serves: North and South Kohala, Hamakua

Phone: (808) 443-2030Hours: Counter hours: 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, except state holidays. Office hours: 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, except state holidays.

E-FILE

View Details →

How to File in Hawaii County

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File in person

Bring your completed forms to the courthouse clerk during business hours. Pay the filing fee by cash, check, or credit card.

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File by mail

Most small claims courts accept filing by mail — check with this courthouse first. Typically you mail your completed forms with the filing fee (check or money order) plus a self-addressed stamped envelope for your returned copies.

Ready to take action in Hawaii County?

A demand letter often settles disputes before a case is ever filed — and it only takes a few minutes.

Read the demand letter guide

Small claims rules in Hawaii

How much you can sue for

Individuals can sue for up to $5,000.

Counterclaims allowed up to $40,000 (heard in Regular Claims Division)

Deadline to file (statute of limitations)

6 yrs written contract · 6 yrs oral contract · 2 yrs property damage · 2 yrs personal injury

See the full Hawaii small claims court guide →

Common questions

How much does it cost to file a small claims case in Hawaii County?

Filing fees in Hawaii are set by the state and are $35. If you can't afford the fee, Hawaii offers a fee waiver — ask the clerk how to apply. Fees change, so confirm the current amount with the court clerk before you file.

What's the most I can sue for in Hawaii County?

Small claims cases in Hawaii County are limited to $5,000. If your claim is worth more than that, you either have to bring it in a different court or give up the amount above the limit to stay in small claims. The clerk can confirm which court fits your claim.

Can I file online in Hawaii County?

No — the record shows no electronic filing for small claims in Hawaii County. You'll file in person or by mail. Check with the clerk before you make the trip, in case that's changed.

Do I have to have a lawyer to file in Hawaii County?

Small claims court is built for people representing themselves, and most filers do exactly that. Whether an attorney may appear varies by state — the state guide linked on this page covers the rule where you are, and the clerk can confirm it.

Answers reflect published court data. Court rules and fees change — the clerk is always the authoritative source.