Hawaii County Property Records
What Is Hawaii County Property Records
Hawaii County property records are official documents that record ownership, transfers, and encumbrances of real property (land and buildings) within Hawaii County. These records serve as the authoritative documentation of property ownership and interests throughout the island of Hawaii. Property records establish legal ownership through a chain of title, provide public notice of property interests, protect property rights, and facilitate real estate transactions.
Pursuant to Hawaii Revised Statutes § 502-31, all instruments and documents affecting real property in Hawaii must be recorded to provide constructive notice to the public. The recording system ensures transparency in property ownership and protects the interests of property owners, potential buyers, lenders, and other stakeholders.
Hawaii County property records include:
- Deeds (warranty, quitclaim, grant)
- Mortgages and mortgage releases
- Liens and lien satisfactions
- Easements and covenants
- Tax assessments and payments
- Plat maps and surveys
- Property tax information
The Hawaii County Real Property Tax Office maintains the primary database of property records for the county, working in conjunction with the state Bureau of Conveyances, which serves as the central recordation authority for all real property transactions in Hawaii.
Hawaii County Real Property Tax Office
101 Pauahi Street, Suite 4
Hilo, HI 96720
(808) 961-8201
Hawaii County Real Property Tax Office
Are Property Records Public Information In Hawaii County?
Property records in Hawaii County are public information and accessible to all citizens under Hawaii's public records laws. The Uniform Information Practices Act, codified in Hawaii Revised Statutes § 92F, establishes that government records are open to public inspection unless specifically exempted by law. Property records fall within the category of public records that must be made available.
The public nature of property records serves several important functions:
- Establishes transparency in land ownership
- Provides notice of property interests to potential buyers and creditors
- Protects property rights by creating an official record of ownership
- Facilitates real estate transactions by providing reliable ownership information
- Supports property tax assessment and collection
Any member of the public may access property records without demonstrating a specific interest in the property or providing a reason for the request. This open access policy reflects the fundamental principle that property ownership is a matter of public record in Hawaii County and throughout the state.
The Hawaii Bureau of Conveyances, operating under the Department of Land and Natural Resources, maintains the centralized recording system for all real property transactions in the state, including those in Hawaii County. This dual system of county and state recordkeeping ensures comprehensive public access to property information.
How To Search Property Records in Hawaii County in 2026
Hawaii County offers multiple methods for searching property records. Members of the public may utilize the following procedures to access property information:
Online Search Method:
- Visit the Hawaii County Property Tax Office website
- Select "Property Search" from the main navigation menu
- Search by one of the following criteria:
- TMK (Tax Map Key) number
- Property address
- Owner name
- Subdivision name
- Review the property information displayed, including ownership details, assessed value, and tax information
- Access available documents related to the property
In-Person Search Method:
- Visit the Hawaii County Real Property Tax Office during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 7:45 AM to 4:30 PM, excluding holidays)
- Complete a property record request form at the public terminal
- Provide identifying information for the property (address, TMK, or owner name)
- Staff will assist in retrieving the requested records
- Review documents on-site or request copies (fees may apply)
Mail or Email Request Method:
- Download and complete the Property Record Request Form from the county website
- Include specific property information (TMK, address, or owner name)
- Specify which records are being requested
- Include payment for any applicable fees
- Mail the completed form to:
Hawaii County Real Property Tax Office
101 Pauahi Street, Suite 4
Hilo, HI 96720
(808) 961-8201
Hawaii County Real Property Tax Office
For historical property records that may not be available online, requestors should contact the Bureau of Conveyances, which maintains records dating back to the Kingdom of Hawaii.
How To Find Property Records in Hawaii County Online?
Hawaii County provides comprehensive online access to property records through several digital platforms. The primary methods for finding property records online include:
Hawaii County Real Property Tax Website:
- Navigate to the Hawaii County Real Property Tax website
- Click on "Property Search" in the main menu
- Enter search criteria (TMK number, property address, owner name)
- Review property details including:
- Ownership information
- Property characteristics
- Assessment values
- Tax information
- Recent sales data
- Access available property maps and documents
Hawaii State Bureau of Conveyances Online Services:
For recorded documents such as deeds, mortgages, and liens:
- Visit the Bureau of Conveyances Online Services portal
- Create a user account if you don't already have one
- Select "Regular System Search" or "Land Court Search" depending on the property type
- Enter search criteria (document number, TMK, grantor/grantee name)
- Review and purchase document copies as needed (fees apply)
Hawaii Information Portal (HIP):
- Access the Hawaii Information Portal
- Navigate to "Property Information"
- Select Hawaii County from the jurisdiction options
- Enter property information in the search fields
- Review available property data and access links to related services
For property tax payment information, the Online Real Property Tax Payments system allows users to view tax balances and payment history by entering the TMK number.
Users should note that while basic property information is available at no cost, fees may apply for document copies, certified records, or subscription-based access to comprehensive databases.
How To Look Up Hawaii County Property Records for Free?
Hawaii County residents and interested parties can access basic property records at no cost through several free resources:
Free Online Resources:
-
Hawaii County Property Tax Website - The county's property search function provides free access to:
- Current ownership information
- Property characteristics (land area, building size, etc.)
- Assessment values
- Property class
- Tax rates and annual amounts
- Recent sales information
-
Hawaii County GIS Web App - The Geographic Information System portal offers:
- Property boundary maps
- Zoning information
- Flood zones
- Conservation districts
- Other geographic data layers
-
Public Library Access - All Hawaii County public libraries provide:
- Free computer access to online property databases
- Assistance from library staff in navigating digital resources
- Access to historical property information in some locations
Free In-Person Options:
Individuals may visit the following locations to access property records at no charge:
Hawaii County Real Property Tax Office - Hilo
101 Pauahi Street, Suite 4
Hilo, HI 96720
(808) 961-8201
Hours: Monday-Friday, 7:45 AM to 4:30 PM
Hawaii County Real Property Tax Office - Kona
74-5044 Ane Keohokalole Highway
Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
(808) 323-4880
Hours: Monday-Friday, 7:45 AM to 4:30 PM
While basic record access is free, fees may apply for:
- Printed copies ($1.00 per page)
- Certified documents ($5.00 per certification)
- Research assistance ($20.00 per hour after first 30 minutes)
- Large format maps and plats (variable fees)
Under the Hawaii Department of Taxation guidelines, certain property tax information is also available through state resources at no cost to taxpayers.
What's Included in a Hawaii County Property Record?
Hawaii County property records contain comprehensive information about real property within the county boundaries. These records distinguish between real property (land and permanently attached structures) and personal property (movable items not attached to land). Multiple county offices maintain different aspects of property records, creating a complete picture of each parcel.
According to Hawaii Revised Statutes § 501-171, property records must include specific elements to establish legal ownership and provide public notice. A complete Hawaii County property record typically contains:
Ownership Information:
- Current owner name(s) and contact information
- Previous owners (chain of title)
- Deed type and recording information
- Purchase date and price
- Ownership type (fee simple, leasehold, etc.)
Property Characteristics:
- Tax Map Key (TMK) number - Hawaii's unique property identifier
- Legal description of the property boundaries
- Lot size and dimensions
- Building information (square footage, year built, construction type)
- Number of rooms, bedrooms, and bathrooms
- Building permits and improvements
- Zoning classification
Financial Information:
- Assessed value (land and improvements separately)
- Market value estimates
- Property tax classification
- Annual tax amounts and payment history
- Exemptions applied (homeowner, disability, etc.)
- Special assessments or fees
Encumbrances and Restrictions:
- Mortgages and trust deeds
- Liens (tax, mechanic's, judgment)
- Easements and rights-of-way
- Covenants, conditions, and restrictions (CC&Rs)
- Conservation easements
- Historic designations
Maps and Visual Records:
- Plat maps showing subdivision layouts
- Survey documents
- Flood zone designations
- Lava zone classifications (unique to Hawaii County)
- Aerial photographs
These comprehensive records provide a complete history of each property, serving both governmental functions and public information needs.
How Long Does Hawaii County Keep Property Records?
Hawaii County maintains property records according to retention schedules established by state law and county ordinance. The retention periods vary based on the type of document and its legal significance. Pursuant to Hawaii Revised Statutes § 94-3, government records must be preserved according to established schedules.
Permanent Retention Records:
- Deeds and conveyance documents
- Original property maps and surveys
- Subdivision plats
- Easement agreements
- Historic property designations
- Land court documents
- Original tax maps
Long-Term Retention Records (25+ years):
- Property tax assessment rolls
- Building permits for significant structures
- Zoning changes and variances
- Environmental impact statements
- Conservation easements
- Special district designations
Medium-Term Retention Records (7-25 years):
- Property tax payment records
- Standard building permits
- Temporary easements
- Conditional use permits
- Minor variance approvals
- Routine inspection reports
Short-Term Retention Records (1-7 years):
- Routine correspondence
- Temporary permits
- Application materials once processed
- Working files and drafts
- Duplicate copies
The Hawaii State Archives and the Bureau of Conveyances maintain permanent records of land transactions dating back to the Kingdom of Hawaii period (pre-1893). These historical records provide an unbroken chain of title for all properties in Hawaii County.
Digital conversion efforts are currently underway to preserve older paper records and improve public access. The county has implemented a digital preservation strategy to ensure long-term access to electronic records in accordance with state archival standards.
How To Find Liens on Property In Hawaii County?
Identifying liens on property in Hawaii County requires searching multiple official records systems. Liens represent legal claims against property for unpaid debts or obligations and may be placed by government agencies, contractors, lenders, or judgment creditors. To conduct a comprehensive lien search:
County-Level Lien Search:
-
Tax Liens - Check for property tax liens through:
- Hawaii County Real Property Tax Office online portal
- Search by TMK number or property address
- Review the "Tax History" section for delinquencies
- Contact the Real Property Tax Office directly for confirmation
-
Mechanic's Liens - Search for contractor claims at:
- Hawaii County Clerk's Office
- Circuit Court records (Third Circuit)
- Online court records database
State-Level Lien Search:
-
State Tax Liens - Check for state tax obligations through:
- Hawaii Department of Taxation records
- State tax lien registry
-
Judgment Liens - Search for court judgments at:
- Hawaii State Judiciary records
- Third Circuit Court (Hawaii County)
- District Court records
-
UCC Filings - Check for Uniform Commercial Code liens:
- Hawaii Bureau of Conveyances
- Business Registration Division
Most Comprehensive Method:
For the most thorough lien search, visit or contact:
Hawaii Bureau of Conveyances
1151 Punchbowl Street
Honolulu, HI 96813
(808) 587-0147
Bureau of Conveyances
The Bureau maintains the official records of all recorded documents affecting real property in Hawaii, including liens. Their online services provide access to:
- Regular System documents
- Land Court documents
- Pending documents
- Historical records
Professional title companies also offer lien search services for a fee, which may be advisable for complex properties or when complete assurance is required, such as before purchasing property.
What Is Property Owner Rule In Hawaii County?
Hawaii County property ownership is governed by a combination of state laws, county ordinances, and traditional Hawaiian land concepts. The "Property Owner Rule" refers to the collection of regulations that define ownership rights, responsibilities, and limitations within the county.
Key elements of property ownership rules in Hawaii County include:
Fee Simple vs. Leasehold Ownership:
Hawaii is unique in its widespread use of leasehold property arrangements. Under Hawaii Revised Statutes § 516-1, property ownership is classified as:
- Fee Simple - Complete ownership of land and improvements with no time limit
- Leasehold - Right to use property for a specified period, typically 55-99 years, with annual lease rent payments to the fee owner
Kuleana Rights:
Traditional Hawaiian land rights, known as kuleana rights, are protected under state law and may affect property ownership. These include:
- Access rights to landlocked parcels
- Water rights for traditional agricultural practices
- Gathering rights for cultural purposes
- Native tenant rights established during the Great Mahele land division of 1848
Special Management Areas:
Properties within designated coastal zones are subject to additional regulations under the Special Management Area (SMA) rules, which may:
- Restrict development activities
- Require special permits for construction
- Impose setbacks from shorelines
- Mandate environmental assessments
Lava Zone Restrictions:
Hawaii County's volcanic activity has led to the establishment of lava zone designations that affect property ownership through:
- Insurance availability limitations
- Mortgage lending restrictions
- Disclosure requirements during property transfers
- Building code variations based on risk level
Agricultural Land Restrictions:
Properties zoned for agricultural use must comply with:
- Farm dwelling requirements (proof of agricultural income)
- Limitations on subdivision
- Restrictions on non-agricultural uses
- Special tax considerations
Property owners in Hawaii County must navigate these complex regulations, which reflect the unique geographical, cultural, and historical context of the island. The County Planning Department provides guidance on these rules and their application to specific properties.
Lookup Property Records in Hawaii County
Online Real Property Tax Payments for Hawaii County
Property Tax Payments through Hawaii.gov portal