Kauai County Court Records Search
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Kauai County encompasses the islands of Kauai and Niihau and is the fourth-largest county in the State of Hawaii. Court operations for the county are centralized in the Puuhonua Kaulike Building in Lihue, where the Fifth Circuit Court, District Court, and Family Court all maintain offices. The Office of the Clerk handles filings, document requests, and record maintenance for criminal, civil, family, traffic, and probate matters. Because Hawaii's judiciary is a unified state court system rather than a county-by-county structure, Kauai County's courts operate under statewide rules, fee schedules, and record-access policies set by the Hawaii Supreme Court and the Administrative Director of the Courts.
Individuals looking for court case information in Hawaii can begin with official judiciary resources, clerk offices at the courthouse, public access terminals, or online tools. The Hawaii State Judiciary maintains a centralized case search portal covering all four circuits, and HawaiiCourts.us may also assist users in locating publicly available case data. Records can be searched in person during regular business hours at the Lihue courthouse or remotely through the Judiciary's electronic case-information system at no charge.
How to Look Up a Court Case in Kauai County?
All Kauai County court records originate from the Fifth Circuit, which houses Circuit, District, and Family divisions inside a single courthouse complex. Identifying the correct division is the first step in any search.
Court directory:
| Division | Phone | Typical Case Types |
|---|---|---|
| Circuit Court - Information | (808) 482-2300 | Felonies, civil actions over $40,000, equity, appeals |
| Circuit Court - Courtroom 4 (Criminal) | (808) 482-2322 | Felony criminal |
| Circuit Court - Courtroom 6 (Criminal) | (808) 482-2373 | Felony criminal |
| District Court - Courtroom 2 | (808) 482-2645 | Misdemeanors, DUI, DLNR citations |
| Civil Division | (808) 482-2303 | Regular and small claims, TROs (non-family), landlord/tenant |
| Family Court - Courtroom 1 | (808) 482-2611 | Divorce, adoption, child protective services, guardianship |
| Family Court - Courtroom 3 | (808) 482-2391 | Family criminal, paternity, juvenile |
| Estate and Guardianship | (808) 482-2343 | Probate, conservatorship, trust |
| Traffic Operations | (808) 482-2355 | Traffic tickets, abstracts, parking, license stoppers |
| Legal Documents | (808) 482-2330 | Document filing, civil case forms, notary authentication |
Address for all divisions:
Puuhonua Kaulike Building
3970 Kaana Street
Lihue, HI 96766
Hours of operation: Office hours are 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding state holidays. Counter hours for in-person service run from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Step-by-step process to find a case:
- Determine whether the matter falls within Circuit, District, or Family Court jurisdiction.
- Gather identifying details: at minimum, the full name of one party. A case number, case type, or filing-date range will narrow results significantly.
- Search online through the eCourt Kokua portal, which draws from the Judiciary Information Management System (JIMS). The portal provides free access to public docket entries from traffic, criminal, civil, family (adult), Land Court, Tax Appeal Court, and appellate cases statewide. Select the Fifth Circuit to limit results to Kauai County.
- For certified copies, in-person document review, or records not displayed online, contact the appropriate clerk division by phone or visit the Lihue courthouse. Requests can be made orally, in writing, or by submitting HCRR Form 3 (Request to Access Court Record).
- If records have been transferred to off-site storage, the clerk will advise on retrieval timelines and any additional charges.
Copy fees (per the Hawaii Court Records Rules and Rules of the Circuit Courts, Rule 2.2):
- Paper copies from the clerk's office: $1.00 for the first page of each document, $0.50 for each additional page
- Documents from off-site storage: $5.00 retrieval fee plus applicable copying charges
- Microfilm copies (clerk-provided): $5.00 plus $1.00 per page
- Microfilm self-service: $1.00 per page
- Fax within Hawaii: $2.00 first page, $1.00 each additional page
- Audio tape or electronic document copy: $10.00
- Certification under seal: $2.00
- Expedited/rush requests (copies provided within four hours if received before noon): $10.00 plus applicable charges
- Search of record by clerk: $5.00
- eCourt Kokua online document downloads: flat rate of $3.00 for documents 1-30 pages; $0.10 for each additional page beyond 30
Payment may be made by money order, cashier's check, or other methods accepted at the clerk's window. Prepayment of all fees is required before copies are released.
Are Court Records Public in Kauai County?
Court records in Kauai County are presumed accessible to the public under two overlapping legal frameworks. The Uniform Information Practices Act (UIPA), codified at HRS Chapter 92F, establishes a general right to inspect government records held by state and county agencies. The Hawaii Court Records Rules (HCRR), adopted by the Hawaii Supreme Court, govern access specifically to court and Administrative Driver's License Revocation Office (ADLRO) records. Under HCRR Rule 10.1, court records shall be accessible during regular business hours unless a statute, rule, or court order provides otherwise.
Categories of records that are not publicly accessible include:
- Records sealed by court order
- Juvenile case files (HRS § 571-54)
- Adoption records
- Documents submitted for in camera judicial review (HCRR Rule 10.5)
- Personal information as defined in HCRR Rule 2.19 - social security numbers, dates of birth (except on traffic citations), names of minor children, and bank or investment account numbers - which must be filed on a separate Confidential Information Form under HCRR Rule 9
- Information whose disclosure would constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy (HRS § 92F-13)
- Records exempt under HRS § 92F-19 or HRS § 92F-22, including active criminal investigation materials, records protected by federal or state law, and certain government deliberative materials
- Mental health records, guardianship investigation reports, and social service reports submitted as exhibits
Under HCRR Rule 10.4, access to confidential records is limited to the court and its staff, attorneys of record, parties to the case, and authorized service providers. A person denied access may file a motion within 10 days of the clerk's denial and, if unsuccessful, may petition the Hawaii Supreme Court under HRAP Rule 21.
Parties filing documents bear the responsibility of redacting personal information before submission. Complete personal identifiers required for adjudication must be placed on the Confidential Information Form (HCRR Form 2) and accompanied by a fly sheet (HCRR Form 1).
Kauai County Criminal Court Records
Felony cases in Kauai County are tried in the Fifth Circuit Court, while misdemeanors, petty misdemeanors, and criminal infractions are handled by the Fifth Circuit District Court. Family Court Courtroom 3 hears family-related criminal matters. Docket information for all criminal divisions is available through eCourt Kokua at no cost. Certified copies of court filings must be obtained from the clerk in person or by written request.
Law enforcement records from the Kauai Police Department:
The Kauai Police Department Records Section manages police reports, incident records, and arrest documentation. Services are available Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., excluding state and federal holidays. Requests for public police reports are submitted online through the department's request portal. Redacted copies - with names, home addresses, Social Security numbers, dates of birth, and phone numbers blacked out per HRS Chapter 92F-13 - are prepared within approximately 48 hours. Requesters must provide a valid photo ID, the police report number, the type of report, and the date of the incident. To check on the status of a request, call (808) 241-1929 or email kpdinsurance@kauai.gov.
Statewide criminal background checks through the HCJDC:
The Hawaii Criminal Justice Data Center (HCJDC), operating under the Attorney General's office, conducts criminal history record checks pursuant to HRS § 846-2.5. These checks cover Hawaii adult conviction information only and are restricted to the record subject and authorized parties under HRS §§ 846-2.7, 846-9, and 846-10.
| Method | Fee | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Online via eCrim - name-based | $5.00 per search; $12.00 per certified record | Instant results emailed upon payment |
| Public access terminal locations | $25.00 per printout/search | Available at approved sites; call for hours |
| In-office or by mail - name-based | $30.00 service fee (certify +$20.00) | Complete HCJDC-073 form; 3-5 business days |
| In-office - fingerprint-based | $55.00 service fee (certify +$20.00) | Appointment required; call (808) 587-3279 |
| By mail - fingerprint-based | $35.00 service fee (certify +$20.00) | Mail completed form and fingerprint card to HCJDC |
HCJDC mailing address:
Hawaii Criminal Justice Data Center
Attn: CHRC Unit
465 S. King Street, Room 102
Honolulu, HI 96813
Office hours: 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday (closed 12:00-1:00 p.m. and on state holidays). Cash is not accepted; payment must be by credit/debit card, Apple Pay, money order, or cashier's check payable to "State of Hawaii".
Kauai County Civil Court Records
Civil jurisdiction in Kauai County is shared between the Fifth Circuit Court and the District Court. The Circuit Court has original jurisdiction over civil actions where the amount in controversy exceeds $40,000, as well as equity and special proceedings. The District Court handles civil complaints up to $40,000, including regular claims, small claims, summary possession (eviction), and landlord/tenant disputes. In cases where the amount falls between $10,000 and $40,000, the two courts exercise concurrent jurisdiction.
Filing fees - Circuit Court:
- Civil complaint or special proceeding: $315.00
- Mechanic's/materialmen's lien: $345.00
- Foreign judgment: $415.00
- Demand for jury trial: $200.00
- Transfer from District Court: $240.00
Filing fees - District Court:
- Regular claim complaint: $155.00
- Small claims: $35.00
- Summary possession: $155.00
- Temporary restraining order (non-family): $15.00
- Demand for jury trial: $200.00
- Foreign judgment: $220.00
Civil case docket entries and some filings are searchable through eCourt Kokua. For document copies, contact the Civil Division at (808) 482-2303 or the Legal Documents section at (808) 482-2330. Circuit Court forms for the Fifth Circuit - including those for the Court Annexed Arbitration Program - are available on the Judiciary's website.
Property records in Kauai County are maintained outside the court system. The Kauai County Real Property Assessment Division (4444 Rice Street, Suite A-454, Lihue, HI 96766; Phone: (808) 241-4224) maintains tax assessment data searchable through the qPublic portal. The Bureau of Conveyances (1151 Punchbowl Street, #120, Honolulu, HI 96813; Phone: (808) 587-0147) records deeds, mortgages, liens, and other conveyance instruments for all Hawaii counties.
Kauai County Family Court Records
The Family Court of the Fifth Circuit handles divorce, child custody, child support, paternity, adoption, guardianship of minors, domestic violence protective orders, and child protective services. Courtroom 1 (Phone: (808) 482-2611) manages divorce, adoption, CPS, and guardianship matters, while Courtroom 3 (Phone: (808) 482-2391) handles family criminal cases, paternity, and juvenile proceedings.
Family Court filing fees (effective June 17, 2022):
| Case Type | Total Fee |
|---|---|
| Divorce or civil union dissolution (without minor children) | $215.00 |
| Divorce or civil union dissolution (with minor children) | $265.00 |
| Adoption | $215.00 |
| Guardianship | $130.00 |
| Paternity | $265.00 |
| Restraining order | $15.00 (petitioner exempt) |
| UCCJEA / Miscellaneous | $130.00 |
Kauai-specific divorce forms, including uncontested divorce packets with and without minor children, are published on the Judiciary website. Additional Family Court forms for the Fifth Circuit cover TRO petitions, parentage, adoption, and guardianship.
Marriage certificates: The Hawaii Department of Health is the official custodian of marriage records. Certified copies can be ordered by mail using the marriage/civil union request form sent to the Office of Health Status Monitoring, P.O. Box 3378, Honolulu, HI 96801. The fee is $10.00 for the first copy and $4.00 for each additional copy ordered simultaneously, plus a $2.50 administrative fee for up to five copies.
Divorce certificates: For divorces finalized between January 1951 and December 2002, the Department of Health maintains divorce certificates. Requests may be made by mail to the same address above or in person at 1250 Punchbowl Street, Room 103, Honolulu (open Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, 7:45 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.). The fee is $10.00. For all other divorce records, including the actual decree and court file, contact the Fifth Circuit Family Court clerk directly.
Birth and death certificates: The Department of Health, Office of Health Status Monitoring issues certified copies. Fees are $10.00 for the first copy and $4.00 for each additional copy, plus $2.50 administrative handling for up to five copies. Applications can be submitted by mail using the birth certificate form or the death certificate form, online through VitalChek, by phone at (808) 586-4539, or in person at the Honolulu office. Birth certificates may also be requested through the Kauai District Health Office.
Adoption records and juvenile case files are confidential under HRS § 571-54 and are not available for public inspection. For juvenile record inquiries, contact the Judiciary Family Court Juvenile Records Department at (808) 954-8190.
Kauai County Probate Court Records
Probate matters in Kauai County - including estate administration, will validation, trust proceedings, guardianship of incapacitated persons, and conservatorship - are heard by the Fifth Circuit Court and administered through the Estate and Guardianship section. The clerk for this division can be reached at (808) 482-2343.
Filing fees:
Probate, conservatorship, conservator-guardianship, trust, and equity filings in the Circuit Court carry fees determined by the Estate and Guardianship Branch; contact (808) 482-2343 for current amounts specific to each filing type. The general Circuit Court civil filing fee of $315.00 applies to many probate special proceedings.
How to access probate records:
- Search eCourt Kokua for partial probate case information, including docket entries and some filings. Select the Fifth Circuit and the appropriate case type (probate/guardianship/trust).
- For complete files, certified copies, or documents not displayed in the online system, visit the Estate and Guardianship section at the Lihue courthouse during counter hours (8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday).
- Mail requests should include the case number, the name of the decedent or ward, a description of the documents needed, and prepayment at the standard copy rates ($1.00 first page, $0.50 each additional page per document; $2.00 for certification).
- Requests can also be submitted on HCRR Form 3.
Probate records are generally accessible to the public, but certain associated documents carry restrictions. Guardianship investigation reports, social service reports submitted as exhibits, and mental health records connected to conservatorship proceedings may be designated confidential under HCRR Rule 10.4 or sealed by court order. Access to such records requires either party status in the case or a court order granting inspection. The Self-Help Center at the Lihue courthouse (open Monday and Thursday, 10:00 a.m. to noon; Phone: (808) 909-2836) can provide procedural guidance on probate filings, though staff cannot offer legal advice.