Honolulu County

Honolulu County, officially known as the City and County of Honolulu, is a consolidated city-county government including the entire island of Oʻahu and extending throughout the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands, making it one of the largest counties in the United States by total area. Honolulu County seat is Honolulu area, the state capital of Hawaii, located on the southeastern coast of Oʻahu. As of the 2020 Census, Honolulu County has a population of approximately 1,016,508 residents, representing roughly 70% of Hawaii's total population. Honolulu County covers a land area of 600.7 square miles, with total area including water exceeding 2,127 square miles. Major landmarks include Waikīkī Beach, Diamond Head State Monument, Pearl Harbor National Memorial, ʻIolani Palace, and the North Shore's world-famous surf breaks. Historically, Honolulu has served as the center of Hawaiian government since the kingdom era and became the territorial capital in 1898. Honolulu County operates under a unique consolidated city-county charter adopted in 1959. The Department of Budget and Fiscal Services, Division of Land Information, manages property records and is located at 842 Bethel Street, Honolulu, HI 96813. The Office of the City Clerk, located at 530 South King Street, Room 100, Honolulu County, HI 96813, maintains official city-county documents, business registrations, and council proceedings. The Real Property Assessment Division is the County Assessor and operates from the same municipal complex. What makes Honolulu County unique is its status as the only incorporated city in Hawaii, its combination of dense urban development alongside pristine natural areas, and its position as the economic and cultural hub of the Pacific.

The First Circuit Court serves Honolulu County and is located at 777 Punchbowl Street. The court handles civil, criminal, family, and probate cases for Honolulu County, Hawaii. Court records and case filings can be requested in person or through the Hawaii online court portal.

In terms of public records access, Honolulu County operates a court system that addresses civil, criminal, family, and probate cases, all under the jurisdiction of the Hawaii State Judiciary.

Law Enforcement & Arrests

• To request arrest records, individuals must submit written requests to HPD's Records and Identification Division at 801 South Beretania Street.
• Honolulu Police Department processes fingerprint-based background checks and maintains full criminal history information.
• Processing fees typically apply for certified copies of arrest reports and related documentation, with turnaround times varying from several days to weeks depending on the complexity of the request.

Jail & Inmate Records

• The bond and bail process in Hawaii requires posting bail through a bail bondsman or directly with the court, depending on the charges.

• Most searches are free, though certified copies require fees: $1.00 per page plus a $5.00 certification fee.

• Older records require in-person research or written requests.
• Their full online portal at qPublic.net/hi/Honolulu provides free access to property tax records, assessment histories, ownership data, parcel maps, and sales history.
• Certified copies of recorded documents from the Bureau of Conveyances cost $1.00 per page plus a $5.00 certification fee.

Vital records for this county include birth, death, marriage, and divorce certificates issued under state vital statistics law.

• Death certificates follow the same fee structure and eligibility requirements, governed by Hawaii Revised Statutes Chapter 338.
• Marriage certificates (proof of marriage) cost $10.00.
• Online ordering is available through VitalChek at vitalchek.com for an additional service fee of approximately $13.95 plus shipping, with credit card processing available.

Business records, licenses, and permits for this county are processed by the County Clerk and local government offices.

• The Business Registration Division charges $50.00 for domestic LLC formation and $50.00 for domestic corporation formation, with annual reporting requirements.
• The Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii, located at 1132 Bishop Street, Suite 402, Honolulu, HI 96813, website cochawaii.org, provides business resources and advocacy.