Hawaii County, Hawaii Public Records | PublicRecordCenter.com

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About Hawaii County

Population 203,684 residents

County Seat Hilo

Area 4,028 square miles

Established 1905

Hawaii County, officially known as the County of Hawaiʻi, is the largest county in the State of Hawaii by land area, including the entire Island of Hawaiʻi, commonly called the Big Island. Covering approximately 4,028 square miles of land and an additional 500 square miles of water, it is the youngest of the Hawaiian Islands geologically and continues to grow through volcanic activity from Kīlauea and Mauna Loa. Hawaii County seat is Hilo, located on the island's eastern coast, which is the administrative and commercial center. As of recent census estimates, Hawaii County has a population of approximately 200,000 residents. Major landmarks include Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, Mauna Kea observatories, Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park, and the Kona coffee-growing region. The island's diverse climate zones range from tropical rainforests in Hilo to arid desert conditions and snow-capped mountains at higher elevations. Hawaii County government operates from multiple locations, with the Office of the County Clerk located at 101 Pauahi Street, Suite 1 in Hilo, HI 96720. The Real Property Tax Division operates from 74-5044 Ane Keohokalole Highway in Honolulu. Hawaii County has no traditional County Recorder position; instead, the Bureau of Conveyances, a state agency, handles land document recording. Hawaii County is unique for its active volcanoes, astronomical research facilities, coffee and macadamia nut agriculture, and status as the youngest landmass in the United States that continues to expand with each lava flow.

Major landmarks include Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, Mauna Kea observatories, Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park, and the Kona coffee-growing region.

101 Pauahi Street, Suite 1 in Hilo, HI 96720

Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement

Sheriff & Law Enforcement

Hawaii County Sheriff's Office is responsible for maintaining law and order throughout the unincorporated areas of Hawaii County. This office handles a variety of duties, including patrolling rural regions, managing Hawaii County jail, processing arrests, and maintaining criminal records.

Police Departments

The main law enforcement agencies in Hawaii County include Hawaii County Police Department and the municipal police departments of cities like Hilo and Kailua-Kona. Hawaii County Police Department oversees law enforcement across the entire county, handling major crimes and coordinating with city departments for incidents within municipal boundaries. City police departments focus on local issues, providing community policing and addressing city-specific concerns. Coordination between these agencies is crucial for managing major crimes and making sure of full coverage across the island.

Law Enforcement & Arrests

Law enforcement in Hawaii County is provided by the Hawaii Police Department, which serves the entire island rather than having separate municipal police departments. The department headquarters is located at 349 Kapiolani Street in Hilo, HI 96720, with a main non-emergency phone number of. The Kona patrol district operates from 74-611 Hale Makai Place in Kailua-Kona.

Written requests should be submitted to the Records and Identification Section at police headquarters.
Processing times for arrest record requests vary, and fees may apply for copying and certification.
All public records requests should cite HRS §92F-12, which establishes the right to inspect and copy government records.

Hilo area does not have a traditional county sheriff system for general law enforcement; instead, the Department of Public Safety Sheriff Division provides court security, prisoner transport, and service of legal documents statewide. For arrest records and booking information, the Hilo area Police Department maintains records that can be requested under Hawaii County's Uniform Information Practices Act (UIPA), codified in Hilo area Revised Statutes Chapter 92F, which governs public access to government records. Hawaii County Community Correctional Center, located at 60 Punahele Street in Hilo, HI 96720, is the main detention facility for Hawaii County, housing pre-trial detainees and sentenced misdemeanants.

Inmate information can be obtained by calling or through the Department of Public Safety website. Mugshots and booking photos are generally considered public records in Hawaii but are not typically available through an online database; requests must be made through official channels with the police department's Records Section. Hawaii County has no tribal police jurisdictions, but special enforcement occurs in national parks through federal agencies.

Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records

Criminal Records

The criminal records system in Hawaii County includes a range of records, including felony, misdemeanor, traffic offenses, and the sex offender registry. Hawaii County Police Department and the Hawaii State Judiciary maintain these records, which are accessible for background checks through the Hawaii Criminal Justice Data Center. The center provides full background checks for residents, which include criminal history, pending charges, and conviction records.

Arrest Records

Arrest records in Hawaii County are maintained by Hawaii County Police Department, which is responsible for documenting all arrests made within Hawaii County. Residents and attorneys can request arrest records through the department's records division, typically requiring a formal request and applicable fees. An arrest record in Hawaii County includes the individual's personal information, details of the arrest, charges filed, and the arresting officer's information.

Jail & Inmate Records

The Hawaii Community Correctional Center, located in Hilo, is the primary detention facility for Hawaii County. The booking process at this facility involves fingerprinting, photographing, and documenting personal information of the arrested individuals. Inmate lookup is available through Hawaii Department of Public Safety's online portal, which provides information on current detainees. Visitation rules are specific to the facility, requiring appointments and adherence to strict guidelines regarding visitor conduct and permissible items.

The bond and bail process in Hawaii County allows for the release of inmates pending trial, with bail amounts set by the court based on the severity of the offense and the individual's criminal history.

Mugshots & Booking Photos

Mugshots in Hawaii County are taken and retained by Hawaii County Police Department during the booking process. These booking photos are part of the arrest records and can be accessed through formal requests to the department. The availability of mugshots online is limited, as Hawaii does not have a centralized public database for mugshots, and the state has laws that protect individuals from having their booking photos used for commercial purposes. Requests for mugshot removal are typically handled on a case-by-case basis, often requiring legal intervention.

Courts & Case Records

Hawaii County court matters are handled through the Third Circuit Court of the State of Hawaii, which has jurisdiction over the entire island. The Third Circuit Court is headquartered at the Hale Kaulike Courthouse, 777 Kilauea Avenue in Hilo, HI 96720 A West Hawaii branch operates at the Kona Judiciary Complex, 81-910 Halekii Street in Kealakekua, HI 96750.

Document copies can be obtained from the Circuit Court Clerk's office; fees are typically $1.00 per page for copies, with certification adding $2.00.

The Third Circuit includes Circuit Court (general civil and criminal cases, felonies, civil cases over $40,000), Family Court (divorce, custody, domestic violence, juvenile matters), and District Court (misdemeanors, traffic violations, civil cases under $40,000, landlord-tenant disputes, small claims). Hilo area has no separate probate court; probate matters are handled by Circuit Court. Court records are accessible under Hilo area Revised Statutes §92F-12 and court rules governing public access.

The Hilo area State Judiciary maintains an online case search system called eCourt Kokua at www.courts.state.hi.us, which provides access to case information, calendars, and certain documents for civil, criminal, family, and traffic cases statewide, including Third Circuit cases. Users can search by party name, case number, or attorney. Some sealed or confidential cases are restricted.

Many documents can be viewed for free online through eCourt Kokua, though downloading or printing may require payment. The Third Circuit Court also handles appeals from District Court. For marriage records and marriage license applications, the court's marriage license office can be reached at the Hilo courthouse.

All court sessions are generally open to the public unless specifically sealed by court order.

Property & Public Records

Property and land records in Hawaii County are maintained at both Hawaii County and state levels. The State of Hawaii Bureau of Conveyances, a division of the Department of Land and Natural Resources, is the official recorder of land documents for the entire state, including Hawaii County. The Bureau operates from 1151 Punchbowl Street in Honolulu, but serves all islands. Regular System land documents (deeds, mortgages, liens, easements, agreements, releases) are recorded here. Land Court System properties use a separate Torrens-based registration system through the Land Court.

The Bureau of Conveyances provides free online access to search and view recorded documents through the Hilo area Land Information System at www.hawaiilandrecords.org.
Digital images of recorded documents from 1976 forward are available online at no charge; older documents require in-person or mail requests.
Recording fees vary by document type but typically start at $46 for basic documents.
Their website provides a free online Tax Map Key search where users can look up property ownership, assessed values, exemptions, tax amounts, and payment status.
Certified copies of property tax documents can be requested from the Real Property Tax office.

Vital Records

Vital records for Hawaii County residents are maintained by the Hawaii State Department of Health, Office of Health Status Monitoring, Vital Records Section, located at 1250 Punchbowl Street in Honolulu, HI 96813. Birth and death certificates can also be requested in person at the Hilo area District Health Office at 1582 Kamehameha Avenue, Building B, Suite 101 in Hilo, HI 96720 Birth certificates cost $10 for the first copy and $4 for each additional copy ordered simultaneously; death certificates are $10 each.

Processing time is typically 2-4 weeks for mail requests, with same-day or next-day service available in person depending on volume.
Online ordering is available through VitalChek at www.vitalchek.com, though additional service fees apply (typically $10-20 plus shipping).
The license costs $65 and is valid for 30 days.

Applicants must provide valid government-issued photo identification and proof of relationship or legal entitlement under Hawaii County Revised Statutes §338-18, which restricts access to immediate family members, legal representatives, or those with a direct and tangible interest. Marriage licenses are issued by Hawaii County State Department of Health, not Hawaii County; couples must apply online at the Health Department's marriage license portal or in person at any Marriage License Office, including the Hilo office at the District Health Office location. No waiting period or residency requirement exists, but both parties must appear together with valid photo ID.

Divorce records (divorce decrees) are court records maintained by the Family Court of the Third Circuit, not vital records offices, and must be requested from the court clerk's office at 777 Kilauea Avenue in Hilo or 81-910 Halekii Street in Kealakekua. Certified copies of vital records are required for legal purposes including passport applications, benefits claims, and property transfers.

Business & Licensing

Business registration and licensing in Hawaii County involves both state and county agencies. The Hawaii Business Express portal at businessexpress.Hawaii County.gov is the primary system for registering new businesses, filing trade names (DBAs), and managing state business licenses. The State of Hawaii County Business Registration Division, Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, maintains the official business entity database searchable at hbe.ehawaii.gov/documents/search.html, where users can look up corporations, LLCs, partnerships, and trade names registered statewide.

Hawaii County Clerk's Office at 101 Pauahi Street, Suite 1, Hilo, HI 96720, provides assistance with certain local business matters and notary services.
General Excise Tax (Hawaii County's equivalent to sales tax) licenses are obtained through the State Department of Taxation, and most businesses must register and file monthly or quarterly.

75-5737 Kuakini Highway #208, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740

Professional and vocational licenses are issued by the State Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs Professional and Vocational Licensing Division at pvl.ehawaii.gov. County-level business licenses and permits vary by business type and location. Hawaii County Planning Department at 101 Pauahi Street, Suite 3, Hilo, HI 96720, handles building permits, zoning applications, and land use permits.

Building permit applications can be submitted online through Hawaii County's ePermitting system. The Research and Development office handles film permits and special event permits. The Island of Hilo area Visitors Bureau and the Kona-Kohala Chamber of Commerce at 75-5737 Kuakini Highway #208, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740, and Hawaii County Island Chamber of Commerce in Hilo at 106 Kamehameha Avenue #201A provide business resources and networking opportunities for entrepreneurs and established businesses throughout Hawaii County.

Official Government Resources

Hawaii Business & Corporation SearchFind active and inactive corporations by name from the HI Dept. of Commerce and Consumer Affairs.

Hawaii Criminal History RecordsSearch state repository for criminal records in Hawaii.

Hawaii Death RecordsOnline resource for finding death records with the HI Dept. of Health.

Hawaii Fictitious Business Names RegistrationsFind general info and check name availability with the HI Dept. of Commerce and Consumer Affairs.

Hawaii Federal CasesSearch the Hawaii District Court system to find information and public records on federal case filings.

Hawaii LicensesInfo and applications for obtaining business licenses in HI.

Hawaii Marriage SearchRequest a copy of a marriage certificates from the Hawaii Department of Health.

Hawaii Property Records SearchOnline access to Hawaii recorded documents, including property records, grantors and grantees.

Hawaii Unclaimed PropertySearch property and claim status by individual name or business through the HI state Budget and Finance website.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I search for someone recently arrested in Hawaii County, Hawaii?

To search for someone recently arrested in Hawaii County, Hawaii, you can contact the Hawaii Community Correctional Center. The facility provides an inmate lookup process through their administrative office. For more detailed information, you may also visit Hilo State Judiciary's Ho'ohiki database online, which provides access to case information for people processed through the court system.

Where can I find mugshots or booking photos in Hawaii County, Hawaii?

Mugshots or booking photos in Hawaii County, Hawaii, can be obtained from the Hawaii Police Department. While the department does not provide an online portal for public access to mugshots, you can request them directly from the department's Records and Identification Section. You should contact them for the specific procedure and any applicable fees.

How do I get a criminal background check in Hawaii County, Hawaii?

To obtain a criminal background check in Hawaii County, Hawaii, you need to contact Hilo Criminal Justice Data Center. The center provides background checks through their eCrim online service. You will need to create an account and pay a fee to access the records, which include arrest and conviction information statewide.

How can I look up sex offenders in Hawaii County, Hawaii?

You can look up sex offenders in Hawaii County, Hawaii, by accessing Hilo Sex Offender Registry. The registry is maintained by the Hawaii Criminal Justice Data Center and provides an online search tool. You can search by name, location, or zip code to find registered sex offenders in the area.

How do I register to vote in Hawaii County, Hawaii?

Register to vote online at elections.hawaii.gov or submit a paper application to the Hawaii County Clerk's Elections Division at 25 Aupuni Street, Suite 1401, Hilo, HI 96720. You must be a U.S. Citizen, Hawaii resident, and at least 18 years old by Election Day; the registration deadline is 30 days before the election, though same-day registration is available at voter service centers during early voting and on Election Day. Hilo automatically mails ballots to all registered voters, and absentee/mail voting is the primary method, with secure drop boxes and voter service centers available for ballot return.

How do I look up property records in Hawaii County, Hawaii?

Access property records through two systems: the State of Hawaii Bureau of Conveyances at www.hawaiilandrecords.org for free searches and viewing of recorded deeds, mortgages, and liens dating back to 1976, and the Hawaii County Real Property Tax Division website for free Tax Map Key (TMK) searches showing ownership, assessed values, and tax information. For in-person assistance or certified copies, contact the Real Property Tax Division at 74-5044 Ane Keohokalole Highway in Honolulu at (808) 961-8201 or the state Bureau of Conveyances at (808) 587-0134. Both systems provide access to land records and property tax data at no cost for online searches.

How do I get a birth or death certificate in Hawaii County, Hawaii?

Birth and death certificates are obtained through the Hawaii State Department of Health, either by visiting the Hawaii District Health Office at 1582 Kamehameha Avenue, Building B, Suite 101 in Hilo (phone 808-933-0912), by mailing requests to the Vital Records Section at 1250 Punchbowl Street in Honolulu, or online through VitalChek at www.vitalchek.com. Birth certificates cost $10 for the first copy and death certificates cost $10 each; applicants must provide valid photo ID and proof of eligibility (immediate family or legal interest) under HRS §338-18. Processing takes 2-4 weeks by mail, same-day or next-day service may be available in person, and online orders through VitalChek include additional service fees but expedited delivery options.

How do I find business license records in Hawaii County, Hawaii?

Search business entities and trade names statewide at the Hawaii Business Express portal (hbe.ehawaii.gov/documents/search.html) maintained by the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, where you can find corporations, LLCs, partnerships, and DBAs registered in Hawaii. The State of Hawaii also maintains professional license lookups at pvl.ehawaii.gov for regulated occupations. For county-specific business permits, building permits, or zoning information, contact the Hawaii County Planning Department at 101 Pauahi Street, Suite 3, Hilo, HI 96720, phone (808) 961-8288, or the County Clerk's Office at (808) 961-8255 for assistance with local business matters and notarizations.

Cities & Towns in Hawaii County

Explore public records for 31 cities and communities in Hawaii County, Hawaii.

Neighboring Counties

Economy & Demographics

Hawaii County's economy is diverse, driven by tourism, agriculture, astronomy research, military operations, government services, and renewable energy development. Tourism remains the dominant sector, with major resort developments along the Kohala Coast including properties operated by Hilton, Marriott, and Four Seasons, generating thousands of hospitality jobs. Hawaii County is world-renowned for Kona coffee, with hundreds of small farms producing premium beans, and macadamia nut cultivation remains significant.

The median household income in Hawaii County is approximately $64,000, below the state average but reflective of Hawaii County's rural character and lower cost of living compared to Oahu.
Challenges include geographic isolation, high shipping costs, limited air connectivity, and periodic volcanic disruptions to tourism and infrastructure.

The cattle ranching industry continues through operations like Parker Ranch, one of the largest ranches in the United States. Astronomical research at the Mauna Kea Observatories represents a unique high-tech sector with facilities operated by international consortiums including the W.M. Keck Observatory and Subaru Telescope.

Major employers include the County of Hawaii government (approximately 2,500 employees), Hawaii Health Systems Corporation hospitals, resort hotels, Hawaii Department of Education, and the University of Hawaii at Hilo. The U.S. Military maintains training areas including the Pohakuloa Training Area in the island's interior.

Unemployment rates typically range between 3-5%, varying seasonally with tourism. Economic development focuses on diversified agriculture, aquaculture, sustainable energy projects including geothermal at Puna Geothermal Venture, and technology sectors. Hawaii Island Economic Development Board promotes business expansion and workforce development.

Recent major projects include expansion of renewable energy capacity, broadband infrastructure improvements, and redevelopment of former sugar plantation lands for diversified agriculture and residential use.

Elections & Voter Records

Elections in Hawaii County are administered by the Office of the County Clerk, Elections Division, located at 25 Aupuni Street, Suite 1401 in Hilo, HI 96720 Hawaii County Clerk is the Chief Election Officer for county elections. Voter registration is handled through the State of Hawaii Office of Elections at elections.Hawaii County.gov, where residents can register online, check registration status, and find polling place information. To register, applicants must be U.S. Citizens, Hawaii residents, and at least 16 years old (though only those 18+ can vote).

Hawaii County uses a mail-in voting system as the primary method; all registered voters automatically receive a ballot by mail approximately 18 days before each election.
Citizens can request voter lists and detailed election records from the County Clerk's office, though fees apply for data compilation.

25 Aupuni Street, Suite 1401 in Hilo, HI 96720

The registration deadline is typically 30 days before any election, though same-day registration is available at voter service centers during the early voting period and on Election Day at designated locations. Voters can return ballots by mail (postmarked by Election Day), at secure drop boxes located throughout Hawaii County, or in person at voter service centers. In-person voting is available at voter service centers during an early voting period and on Election Day.

For the November 2024 general election, Hawaii County U.S. House races for Hilo area's two congressional districts, potential U.S.

Senate seats if up for election, Hawaii County Governor (if 2026), state legislature seats, county council seats, and mayor. Election results are publicly available by precinct through the State Office of Elections website at elections.Hilo area.gov. Campaign finance records for county candidates are filed with the Hilo area Campaign Spending Commission and searchable at ags.Hawaii County.gov/campaign.

Candidate filing information and ballot measures are available through the County Clerk's website. All voter registration records (excluding confidential voters such as domestic violence survivors and certain judges), precinct-level results, and campaign contributions are public records under Hawaii's Uniform Information Practices Act (HRS Chapter 92F). Hilo area's elections are considered highly transparent with strong audit procedures and public observation opportunities during ballot counting.

Hawaii County