Hawaii 3-Day Eviction Notice Overview
Hawaii Does Not Use 3-Day Notices
Hawaii requires a 5 Days notice under HRS 521-68. A 3-day notice is not valid in Hawaii.
Hawaii's landlord-tenant law is codified in HRS Chapter 521, the Residential Landlord-Tenant Code. The state requires a 5-business-day written notice for non-payment of rent. Hawaii counts only business days, excluding weekends and state holidays. Hawaii also has unique considerations due to its high cost of living and limited housing supply, which has led to strong tenant protections.
5 Days
Notice period
$100-$155
Filing fee
HRS
Governing law
4-6 Wks
Court process
Hawaii's Actual Notice Period
Hawaii requires a 5 Days notice under HRS 521-68. Understanding the correct notice period is critical because using the wrong period is grounds for dismissal in District Court.
5 Days Notice Under HRS 521-68
The landlord must deliver a written notice giving the tenant 5 days to pay rent or vacate. The notice must state the exact amount of past-due rent. If the tenant pays in full within the notice period, the notice is void and the tenancy continues.
Hawaii Legal Requirements
- Written Notice: Must be in writing under Hawaii law
- Rent Amount: State the exact amount of past-due rent owed
- Notice Period: Allow 5 days for the tenant to pay or vacate
- Property Address: Include the full property address
- Tenant Names: Include all tenants on the lease
- Proper Service: Use an approved service method under Hawaii law
How to Serve an Eviction Notice in Hawaii
Personal Delivery
Hand the notice directly to the tenant. Use a witness or process server to document delivery
Posting and Mailing
Post on the door and mail a copy if personal delivery is not possible
Wait the Full Period
Allow the full 5 days to pass before filing in District Court
File in Court
File the eviction complaint in District Court with proof of notice service
Hawaii Eviction Timeline
After the notice period expires, the landlord files in District Court. The court issues a summons, and a hearing is typically scheduled within 7 to 21 days of filing. If the landlord prevails, a judgment for possession is entered, and the sheriff or constable executes the writ of possession.
Total timeline from notice to physical removal is typically 4-6 wks for uncontested cases. Contested cases or those with appeals can extend the process by several additional weeks.
Hawaii Court Fees & Costs
| Fee / Cost | Typical Amount |
|---|---|
| District Court Filing Fee | $100-$155 |
| Service of Process | $25 - $75 |
| Writ of Possession | $30 - $75 |
| Attorney Fees (if hired) | $500 - $2,500 |
Sample Hawaii Eviction Notice
Below is a preview of a Hawaii-compliant eviction notice under HRS 521-68.
5 DAYS NOTICE TO PAY RENT OR VACATE
STATE OF HAWAII
Pursuant to HRS 521-68
TO TENANT(S):
Name: [Tenant Full Name]
PREMISES:
Address: [Address, City, HI ZIP]
RENT DUE:
Amount: $[Amount]
HAWAII COMPLIANCE
This notice complies with HRS 521-68 requiring a 5 Days notice period. Hawaii does not use 3-day notices.