Honolulu County Eviction Court — Landlord Filing Guide (2025)
Everything Hawaii landlords need to file a Summary Possession in Honolulu County — fees, courthouse info, timeline, and step-by-step process.
🏛️ Honolulu County Courthouse Information
- Courthouse: Oahu District Court
- Address: 1111 Alakea St., Honolulu, HI 96813
- Phone: (808) 538-5100
- Hours: Mon–Fri, 7:45 AM – 4:30 PM
- Case type: Summary Possession
⚠️ Honolulu County — What Landlords Should Know
Honolulu County uses District Court for summary possession. Hawaii has strong tenant protections.
Need an Eviction Attorney in Honolulu County?
Procedural mistakes can get your case dismissed. Get matched with a local Honolulu County eviction attorney — free consultation.
Step-by-Step: How to File an Eviction in Honolulu County
Serve the Required Notice
Before filing, you must serve a written notice. For non-payment of rent, a 5-day Pay or Quit notice is required. For lease violations, serve a 10-day Cure or Quit notice. Make sure the notice is properly formatted and personally served or posted per Hawaii law.
File Your Summary Possession at Oahu District Court
After the notice period expires without compliance, file your eviction complaint at the Oahu District Court (1111 Alakea St., Honolulu, HI 96813). The filing fee is $155. Bring: your lease agreement, the notice, and proof of service.
Serve the Summons on the Tenant
After filing, the court issues a summons. In Honolulu County, service is typically handled by the Sheriff's office or a licensed process server for a fee of $35. You must NOT serve the summons yourself — improper service can get your case dismissed.
Attend the Court Hearing
Hearings in Honolulu County are typically scheduled 4–6 weeks after filing. Attend with all documentation: lease, notices, payment records, and proof of service. If the tenant doesn't appear, you may receive a default judgment. Come prepared to present your case clearly.
Obtain and Enforce the Writ of Possession
After a judgment in your favor, request a Writ of Possession from the clerk. The Hawaii Sheriff's office will serve the writ and oversee removal if the tenant refuses to leave voluntarily. Do NOT change locks or remove property yourself — this constitutes illegal self-help eviction in Hawaii.
Honolulu County Eviction Filing Cost Breakdown
| Cost | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Court Filing Fee | $155 | Paid to Honolulu County Clerk of Court |
| Summons Service | $35 | Sheriff or process server fee |
| Writ of Possession | ~$30–$35 | Sheriff enforcement after judgment |
| Attorney (optional) | $750–$3000 | Strongly recommended — strong tenant protections |
Frequently Asked Questions — Honolulu County Evictions
How long does an eviction take in Honolulu County?
The typical Honolulu County eviction takes 6–10 weeks from serving the initial notice to enforcement — assuming the tenant does not contest. A contested eviction can take significantly longer. Honolulu County has stronger tenant protections that can extend the timeline.
How much does it cost to file an eviction in Honolulu County?
The court filing fee in Honolulu County is $155. Additional costs typically include: process service or sheriff fee ($35), Writ of Possession enforcement (~$30–$35), and attorney fees if represented ($750–$3000). Total out-of-pocket without an attorney is typically $220–$225.
What court handles evictions in Honolulu County?
Evictions in Honolulu County are filed at the Oahu District Court, located at 1111 Alakea St., Honolulu, HI 96813. The case type is filed as a Summary Possession.
Can I file an eviction online in Honolulu County?
Honolulu County does not currently offer online filing for eviction cases. You must file in person at the Oahu District Court.
Do I need a lawyer to evict a tenant in Honolulu County?
Hawaii law allows landlords to represent themselves in eviction court. However, Honolulu County has strong tenant protections, making procedural errors costly — an attorney is strongly recommended.
What happens if the tenant doesn't leave after the eviction judgment in Honolulu County?
After a judgment in your favor, request a Writ of Possession from the court. The Honolulu County Sheriff's office will then execute the writ — notifying the tenant to vacate, and physically removing them if they refuse. Do NOT attempt to remove the tenant yourself; self-help eviction is illegal in Hawaii.
See full Hawaii eviction laws and notice requirements.
Hawaii Eviction Guide for Landlords →Download the eviction notice you must serve before filing in Hawaii.
Hawaii Eviction Notice Templates →Is your tenant facing eviction in Honolulu County? See their rights.
Tenant Rights in Honolulu County →Relevant Hawaii Statutes
- Primary eviction statute: HRS § 521-68
- This guide is for informational purposes only. Laws change — verify with current Hawaii statutes or a licensed Honolulu County attorney.