Hilo District Court
Filing information for Hilo District Court in Hilo, HI. Part of the Hawaii County small claims court system.
Small claims in Hawaii — the numbers that apply at this court
$5,000
maximum claim
$35
filing fee (published)
2–6 yrs
filing deadline by claim type
No
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.
Courthouse Details
Hilo District Court
777 Kīlauea Avenue
Hilo, HI 96720
Hours: 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.
Area Served
North and South Hilo, Puna
How to File at Hilo District Court
File in person
Bring your completed forms to the courthouse during business hours.
File by mail
Most small claims courts accept filing by mail — check with this court first. Typically you mail your completed forms with the filing fee plus a self-addressed stamped envelope for your returned copies.
Ready to take action?
A demand letter often settles disputes before a case is ever filed — and it only takes a few minutes.
Read the demand letter guideWrong court? Hawaii County has 3 courts.
See all 3 courts in Hawaii County →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
Common questions
How much does it cost to file a small claims case at Hilo District Court?
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 at Hilo District Court?
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.
Where is Hilo District Court, and when is it open?
Hilo District Court is at 777 Kīlauea Avenue, Hilo, HI 96720. Posted hours: 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.. Phone: (808) 961-7515. Hours change around holidays and court closures — call ahead before you travel.
Do I have to have a lawyer to file in Hilo?
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.