Small claims court in Hawaii County, Hawaii
In Hawaii County, small claims cases up to $5,000 are heard by the District Court of the Third Circuit (Hilo, Hale Kaulike). Here is where it is, how to reach it and how to file.
Where to file in Hawaii County
District Court of the Third Circuit (Hilo, Hale Kaulike)
Address: 777 Kilauea Avenue, Hilo, HI 96720 · Map
Phone: 808-961-7515
Third Circuit small claims phone lines: Hilo 808-961-7515, Kona 808-322-8703 (Keahuolu Courthouse, 74-5451 Kamakaeha Avenue, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740), South Kohala 808-443-2030. File in the division for the area where the defendant lives or the dispute happened.
Court addresses, phones and hours change. Call the clerk before you go, and ask whether small claims are filed at this location.
Is this the right county?
Usually the district court division where the defendant lives. If they live on another island, you can file where the claim arose or where the defendant can be found. Deposit cases can be filed where the rental is if the landlord lives out of state.
If the person or business you are suing is in another county, use that county's court instead. See all Hawaii counties.
How to file in Hawaii County
Ask for payment in writing
Hawaii doesn't require a demand before filing, but asking in writing first is good evidence and may settle the matter. Make a free demand letter.
Fill in the claim (1DC06)
Statement of Claim (General Form); use 1DC05 for security deposits Get the form.
File it with the District Court of the Third Circuit (Hilo, Hale Kaulike) and pay the fee
$35 to file. A counterclaim costs $10. Service by certified mail costs postage; a process server charges a fee plus mileage. Fee waiver: Ask the judge to waive the filing fee for financial hardship; the clerk has the form..
Have the papers served
Use certified or registered mail (restricted delivery, return receipt), a civil process server, or an adult who isn't part of the case. You can deliver the papers yourself only if the defendant signs an acknowledgment or an unrelated witness comes with you.
Go to the hearing
The trial date is set 5 to 30 days after you file. Contested cases are often sent to mediation first, and to trial the same day if it fails. Bring receipts, photos, messages, the contract and your demand letter, with copies.
Want every detail? The full Hawaii filing guide covers each stage with a checklist.
Open the filing guideCommon questions
Where is small claims court in Hawaii County?
Small claims in Hawaii County are filed with the District Court of the Third Circuit (Hilo, Hale Kaulike), 777 Kilauea Avenue, Hilo, HI 96720. Phone: 808-961-7515.
How much can I sue for in Hawaii County small claims court?
Up to $5,000. You can sue for up to $5,000, not counting interest and costs. Residential security deposit cases have no dollar limit. A defendant's counterclaim can be up to $40,000.
How much does it cost to file in Hawaii County?
$35 to file. A counterclaim costs $10. Service by certified mail costs postage; a process server charges a fee plus mileage. Fee waiver: Ask the judge to waive the filing fee for financial hardship; the clerk has the form..