Short answer. In Hawaii, small claims (Small Claims Division of the District Court) cover claims up to $5,000. Where to file: Generally the division where the defendant resides; if the defendant lives outside the circuit, where the claim arose. The fee to start a case is $35, depending on the claim.
Can I file my claim in Hawaii small claims?
Enter an amount to compare it with the Hawaii limit of $5,000.
Hawaii small claims at a glance
- Limit
- $5,000. Up to $5,000, not counting interest and costs. Also residential security deposit disputes, return of leased or rented personal property worth $5,000 or less, and removal of shopping carts. Counterclaims up to $40,000.
- Also
- counterclaims: $40,000
- Court
- Small Claims Division of the District Court
- Lawyers
- Allowed with limits
- Where to file
- Generally the division where the defendant resides; if the defendant lives outside the circuit, where the claim arose. Security deposit disputes: the defendant's division, or where the property is if the defendant lives out of state.
- Serving the other side
- The plaintiff arranges service: certified or registered mail (restricted delivery, return receipt), a civil process server, a non-party adult who files a return of service, or personal service with a signed acknowledgment. The defendant must be notified at least 48 hours before trial.
- Appeal
- No right to appeal a Small Claims Division judgment. A party may ask the court to alter or set aside the judgment within 10 days after it is filed.
Hawaii filing fees
| Fee | Amount | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Statement of Claim | $35 | may be waived by a judge for financial hardship |
| counterclaim | $10 |
From the Judiciary's small claims brochure; a jury trial demand needs a $200 deposit. Check current fees with the District Court.
Not confirmed for Hawaii: who can file, online filing. The official Hawaii page we checked didn't state these, so we left them out. Ask the clerk or see the official page.
Filing a small claim in Hawaii, step by step
- Check that your claim fitsUse the checker above: the Hawaii limit is $5,000, and the official wording is in the summary. Count only what you can show with papers or photos.
- Pick the right courtGenerally the division where the defendant resides; if the defendant lives outside the circuit, where the claim arose. Security deposit disputes: the defendant's division, or where the property is if the defendant lives out of state.
- Fill out the claim and pay the feeThe filing fee in Hawaii is $35, depending on the claim. From the Judiciary's small claims brochure; a jury trial demand needs a $200 deposit. Check current fees with the District Court.
- Have the other side servedThe plaintiff arranges service: certified or registered mail (restricted delivery, return receipt), a civil process server, a non-party adult who files a return of service, or personal service with a signed acknowledgment. The defendant must be notified at least 48 hours before trial.
- Get ready for the hearingLawyers: allowed with limits. Bring the contract, receipts, photos, messages and a short timeline, with copies for the judge and the other side.
- After the decisionNo right to appeal a Small Claims Division judgment. A party may ask the court to alter or set aside the judgment within 10 days after it is filed.
Official Hawaii links
- Hawaii small claims self-help page
- Hawaii State Judiciary: Your Guide to Small Claims Court (brochure)
Last checked November 2026.
General information checked against the official Hawaii pages above, not legal advice. MCC Solutions isn't a law firm and isn't affiliated with any court. Rules and fees change: the official page and the clerk have the final word. The checker runs in your browser, and nothing you enter is sent or saved.
Hawaii small claims questions
What is the small claims limit in Hawaii?
$5,000. Up to $5,000, not counting interest and costs. Also residential security deposit disputes, return of leased or rented personal property worth $5,000 or less, and removal of shopping carts. Counterclaims up to $40,000.
How much does it cost to file a small claim in Hawaii?
Statement of Claim: $35 (may be waived by a judge for financial hardship); counterclaim: $10. From the Judiciary's small claims brochure; a jury trial demand needs a $200 deposit. Check current fees with the District Court.
Can a lawyer represent me in Hawaii small claims?
Allowed with limits in Hawaii, per the official page.
Where do I file a small claim in Hawaii?
Generally the division where the defendant resides; if the defendant lives outside the circuit, where the claim arose. Security deposit disputes: the defendant's division, or where the property is if the defendant lives out of state.
Can I appeal a small claims decision in Hawaii?
No right to appeal a Small Claims Division judgment. A party may ask the court to alter or set aside the judgment within 10 days after it is filed.
How is the other side served in a Hawaii small claims case?
The plaintiff arranges service: certified or registered mail (restricted delivery, return receipt), a civil process server, a non-party adult who files a return of service, or personal service with a signed acknowledgment. The defendant must be notified at least 48 hours before trial.
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