Want it written for you? Hawaii courts issue their own version of the claim form, so we do not produce the form itself. Answer a few plain-English questions and get a Statement of Claim written so you can copy each field onto your court’s form, plus a script for the hearing and an evidence checklist. Checking is free; $19 for the completed documents.
Check if your Hawaii claim qualifiesThe Hawaii Small Claims Form
📄 Per-circuit Statement of Claim
Hawaii courts issue their own version of this form, so get the one for the court you file in. Download it free from courts.state.hi.us.
Hawaii Limit, Fee and Filing Rules
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Court | District Court, Small Claims Division |
| Claim limit | $5,000 |
| Claim form | Per-circuit Statement of Claim |
| Filing fee | $35 + service — confirm the current fee with the clerk before filing |
| Serving the defendant | Personal or certified mail (plaintiff) (confirm the current service rules with the clerk) |
In Hawaii, the exact court, local paperwork and fees can differ by county or court. The court finder below shows yours.
Filing Deadlines in Hawaii
How long the law gives you to file. When the clock starts depends on the claim, so do not leave it late: a claim filed after the deadline can be dismissed however strong it is.
| Type of claim | Time to file | Law |
|---|---|---|
| Written contract | 6 years | Haw. Rev. Stat. § 657-1(1) |
| Oral / verbal agreement | 6 years | Haw. Rev. Stat. § 657-1(1) |
| Damage to property | 2 years | Haw. Rev. Stat. § 657-7 |
| Personal injury | 2 years | Haw. Rev. Stat. § 657-7 |
| Unpaid debt or account | 6 years | Haw. Rev. Stat. § 657-1(1) |
Not sure which type yours is? The statute of limitations lookup covers more claim types.
Being Sued in Hawaii Instead?
Do you file an answer? No written answer is required. You must attend at the time and place on the notice, or a default judgment will be rendered. (Haw. R. Small Claims Div. 3(a))
If they owe you money: To bring a counterclaim, file a formal, concise plea; it may be in the form of a statement of claim. The rule sets no deadline. (Haw. R. Small Claims Div. 6(b))
The been-sued deadline lookup covers what happens if you do nothing.
Where to Get the Official Hawaii Forms
Court forms are free from the official sources below. Use the current version from your court.
- Official claim form — courts.state.hi.us
- Official source — courts.state.hi.us
- Official source — courts.state.hi.us
- The clerk of the District Court, Small Claims Division — can give you the current form and tell you whether your court adds any local paperwork.
How does Hawaii compare? See the small claims limits and filing fees for every state.
Hawaii Small Claims Forms: FAQ
❓ What form do I file to start a small claims case in Hawaii?
The claim is filed on your court’s own version of the claim form. The official source is courts.state.hi.us. Court-issued forms are free; you pay only the filing fee.
❓ How much can you sue for in Hawaii small claims court?
In Hawaii you can claim up to $5,000 in the District Court, Small Claims Division. If your claim is larger, you can usually reduce it to the limit or file in a higher court instead.
❓ How much does it cost to file small claims in Hawaii?
The filing fee is $35 + service — confirm the current fee with the clerk before filing. Serving the defendant usually costs extra.
❓ Can you fill in the Hawaii small claims form for me?
Hawaii courts issue their own version of the claim form, so we do not produce the form itself. We write a Statement of Claim from your answers, laid out so you can copy each field onto your court’s official form, plus a script for the hearing and an evidence checklist.
Want it written for you?
A few plain-English questions about your Hawaii case, then review and file. Checking is free; $19 for the completed documents.
Check if your Hawaii claim qualifiesGeneral information, not legal advice. SmallClaimsHelper prepares documents; it is not a law firm.