Makawao Public Records Directory
All links go directly to official Makawao, Hawaii government websites.
About Makawao City Government
Government Type
City Council
Makawao is a city in Maui County, Hawaii. Use the official town and county resources on this page to reach the clerk, court, assessment, public records, and Freedom of Information request pages serving residents and researchers.
About Makawao, Hawaii
Law enforcement in Makawao is primarily managed by the Maui Police Department, which maintains a station in the community to ensure public safety and maintain order. The Hawaii Sheriff also is key to supporting law enforcement efforts across the islands. If you need information about arrests and criminal activities, the process for obtaining arrest records and criminal records is streamlined within Hawaii’s legal framework. Residents can access these documents for background checks and other legal inquiries through the police department's records division. An inmate search can be conducted via the Hawaii Department of Public Safety’s online resources, allowing individuals to find information on current inmates and their respective charges. Public records in Makawao are governed by the Hawaii Uniform Information Practices Act, which promotes transparency and grants citizens access to various public documents. For vital records such as birth, death, and marriage certificates, individuals can contact the Hawaii Clerk's office, ensuring that important life events are recorded accurately. Property records, which provide insight into real estate ownership and valuations, can be accessed through the Maui County Assessor’s office. Court records about civil and criminal cases are maintained by the Hawaii Superior Court, allowing residents to stay informed about legal proceedings within their community.
Makawao, Hawaii Public Records & Government Resources
Hawaii Courts, Makawao Records
Hawaii State Judiciary court records for Makawao.
Makawao Hawaii USA.gov Public Records Guide
USA.gov guide to government public records and information for Makawao.
Makawao Hawaii US Bankruptcy Court Case Locator
PACER bankruptcy case locator - find bankruptcy filings from Makawao.
Makawao Hawaii Unclaimed Property Search
Search for unclaimed property and money belonging to Makawao residents.
Makawao Hawaii Social Security Death Records
Social Security Administration death records and survivor benefits for Makawao.
Makawao Hawaii National Sex Offender Registry
National Sex Offender Public Website - search sex offenders near Makawao.
Makawao Hawaii FBI Most Wanted Criminals
FBI national most wanted criminals - search for Makawao area subjects.
Makawao Hawaii Voter Registration Records
Find voter registration information and public records for Makawao residents.
Makawao Hawaii PACER Federal Court Records
Public Access to Court Electronic Records - search federal court cases for Makawao.
Center for Missing & Exploited Children, Hawaii
Quick search for missing children near Makawao Hawaii.
Makawao Hawaii Archives and Genealogy
Hawaii State Archives genealogy and historical records for Makawao.
Makawao Hawaii Bankruptcy Court
US Bankruptcy Court District of Hawaii for Makawao.
Makawao Hawaii Inmate Search
Hawaii Department of Public Safety corrections inmate lookup for Makawao.
Makawao Hawaii Missing Persons
Hawaii Police Department missing persons database for Makawao.
Makawao Hawaii Sex Offender Registry
Hawaii sex offender public registry for Makawao.
Makawao Hawaii Criminal History Records
Hawaii Criminal Justice Data Center records for Makawao residents.
Makawao Hawaii Census and Vital Statistics
U.S. Census Bureau quick facts, demographics, and population statistics for Makawao.
Makawao Town Center
Community and event information for Makawao
Makawao School Information
Find out about Makawao elementary school
Makawao Public Library
Obtain catalog and services information for the Makawao library
Makawao U.S. Census Information
Access Makawao population and housing information
Makawao Births, Deaths, Marriages, and Divorces
How to order official certificates and contact links
Makawao Hawaii Sex Offenders Search
Child safety, internet safety and missing children
Makawao Hawaii Criminal Justice Data Center
Search for an individual's conviction information
Law Enforcement
Law enforcement for Makawao comes through the Maui Police Department, which covers not just Maui but also Lanai and Molokai. The department runs its headquarters out of Wailuku, with precincts scattered across communities like Lahaina, Kihei, and Hana. Local policing coordinates closely with the Maui County Sheriff's Office to handle everything from routine calls to major crimes and emergencies. While individual communities throughout the county maintain their own police presence, the approach to law enforcement remains unified across all three islands under the department's jurisdiction.
Jail & Inmate Records
Anyone booked into custody in the area ends up at the Maui Community Correctional Center in Wailuku, which serves as Maui County's primary detention facility. The booking process follows standard protocol: fingerprinting, photographs, and recording personal details of those taken into custody. Families and attorneys looking for information on current detainees can use the Hawaii Department of Public Safety's online portal for inmate lookup services. Visitation requires advance scheduling, with strict guidelines governing how long and how often visits can occur.
Arrest Records
Both the Maui County Sheriff's Office and the Maui Police Department maintain arrest records for Maui County. These records document the circumstances of each arrest, the charges filed, and identifying information about the individual. Residents and legal representatives seeking arrest records must submit formal applications to the appropriate law enforcement agency, following procedures set forth in the Hawaii Uniform Information Practices Act.
Court Records
Court records for Makawao, Maui County, Hawaii flow through the Hawaii State Judiciary's First Circuit Court, which handles matters for both Oahu and Maui County. Public court records including civil and criminal case files can be accessed through the Hawaii Courts website. Locally, the Wailuku District Court serves the community, hearing traffic violations, small claims, and misdemeanor cases. Those needing federal court records can turn to the U.S. District Court for the District of Hawaii, which provides online access through the PACER system.
Criminal Records
Criminal records in Maui County cover felony, misdemeanor, traffic offenses, and sex offender registry information. The Maui County Sheriff's Office and the Maui Police Department maintain these records, providing essential data for background checks and legal proceedings. Residents can request criminal records through the Hawaii Criminal Justice Data Center, which offers background checks statewide. The Hawaii Bureau of Investigation supports these efforts by providing additional resources and information to ensure accurate and up-to-date criminal records for Maui County residents.
Public Records Access
Property records and deeds for Makawao are handled by the Maui County Department of Finance, Real Property Tax Division. Homeowners and prospective buyers can pull up property assessments, tax bills, and ownership history through Maui County's online Real Property Tax Records portal. The Makawao Public Library maintains a collection of historical land surveys, plat maps, and other local records available by appointment. Anyone digging deeper into a property's ownership history will find the Maui County Archives particularly valuable, with deed records stretching back to the 19th century.
Vital Records
Vital records for Makawao, such as birth certificates, death certificates, and marriage licenses, are maintained by the Hawaii Department of Health's Office of Health Status Monitoring. Residents can order certified copies of these documents online or by mail. The Makawao Public Library also keeps a collection of historical vital records on microfilm that can be accessed by researchers. The Social Security Administration's online Death Master File allows users to search for death records of Makawao residents who had a Social Security number.
Business & Licensing Records
The County of Maui Department of Planning handles business licenses, zoning, and permitting for commercial activities in Makawao. Entrepreneurs launching new ventures can apply for necessary permits and licenses through Maui County's online Citizen Access Portal. The Makawao Business Association offers guidance and resources to local business owners navigating the process. Anyone researching a property's commercial history can dig through Maui County's archive of building permits and zoning records to trace how the space has been used over time.
Economy & Demographics
Makawao's economy is primarily driven by tourism, agriculture, and small businesses. The town is home to numerous art galleries, boutiques, and restaurants that cater to visitors exploring Maui's upcountry region. Agriculture also matters, with nearby cattle ranches, pineapple plantations, and flower farms supplying local and export markets. Major employers in Makawao include the Haleakala Ranch, Maui Pineapple Company, and various small businesses along the town's historic main street.
Elections & Voter Records
Voters in Makawao, Maui County, Hawaii work with the Maui County Clerk's Office, Elections Division, located at 200 South High Street, 7th Floor, Wailuku, HI 96793, phone (808) 270-7749, website www.mauicounty.gov/elections. Registration happens online at https://olvr.hawaii.gov or through mail-in forms, with a 30-day deadline before any election. Voters must provide their Hawaii driver's license or state ID number or the last four digits of their Social Security number. Party registration isn't required for primary elections in Hawaii.
As an unincorporated community, the town has no municipal government or city elections. Residents cast ballots in Maui County, State of Hawaii, and federal contests. County voters elect a nine-member County Council - Makawao falls within the Makawao-Haiku-Paia residency area - along with the Mayor and Prosecuting Attorney in even-numbered years. The next Maui County elections arrive November 4, 2025, if any special elections are called, with the next general election on November 3, 2026. Polling place assignments can be found using the online lookup tool at https://olvr.hawaii.gov or by contacting the Maui County Clerk's Elections Division. Hawaii switched to all-mail voting starting in 2020. Registered voters automatically receive mail ballots approximately 18 days before each election, which can be returned by mail if postmarked by Election Day or deposited at official ballot drop boxes including locations at the Makawao Public Library, 1159 Makawao Avenue, and other sites throughout Maui County. Voter Service Centers offer in-person voting during early voting and on Election Day for those needing accessibility accommodations or replacement ballots. Public election records in the state include voter registration lists available to candidates and political parties with restrictions, campaign finance reports searchable at http://ags.hawaii.gov/campaign/, candidate filings and statements available through the Maui County Clerk, and precinct-level election results published at https://elections.hawaii.gov. In the November 2024 presidential election, Maui County reported approximately 64% voter turnout with 68,428 ballots cast from 106,843 registered voters, favoring Democratic candidates consistent with statewide patterns. On November 3, 2026, local voters will decide the full nine-member Maui County Council, with all seats elected every two years, State House of Representatives seats in Districts 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, and 14 covering parts of Maui, State Senate seats in Districts 5, 6, and 7 covering the county, the Hawaii Governor and Lieutenant Governor since 2026 is a gubernatorial election year, and one U.S. House seat representing Hawaii's 2nd Congressional District covering Maui and rural Oahu. The U.S. Senate seats for Hawaii are not up in 2026, as both senators were elected in 2022 and 2024. County charter amendments and state constitutional amendments may also appear on the ballot if proposed.
Public Records Transparency Score
Court Records: Yes: Online Statewide Portal | Property: Yes: Free Online Assessor+Recorder | Arrest Logs: Yes: Online Inmate Roster | Vital Records: Yes: Online Ordering | Business: Yes: Free State Database | Elections: Yes: Online Registration & Results | Overall: 9.2/10, Hawaii and Maui County provide exceptional public records access with statewide online portals for court records, property data through both county and state systems, vital records ordering, business entity searches, and voter services, representing one of the most digitally transparent records systems in the United States.
Frequently Asked Questions
1 What are the school district and education performance data for Makawao, Maui County, Hawaii?
Public schools in Makawao, Maui County, Hawaii are administered by the local school district. For information about school enrollment, academic performance, and school ratings, residents should contact the Maui County school administration or the Hawaii Department of Education. School district boundaries, student-teacher ratios, and test scores are available through the National Center for Education Statistics at nces.ed.gov.
2 What are the crime statistics for Makawao, Maui County, Hawaii?
Crime data for Makawao, Maui County, Hawaii is maintained by local law enforcement agencies. The Maui County Sheriff's Office and local police departments report crime statistics to the FBI's Uniform Crime Reporting Program. Residents can access crime data through the FBI Crime Data Explorer or by contacting local law enforcement directly. For specific crime reports or incident data, submit a public records request to the Makawao police department or the Maui County Sheriff's Office.
3 What publicly accessible records can be obtained from the Makawao, Maui County, Hawaii Library?
The Makawao Public Library provides access to various public records resources including online databases, historical archives, and government document collections. Library patrons can access property records, court records, and genealogy resources through the library's reference section. The Maui County library system may offer additional branches and digital resources. Contact the library directly for hours, available databases, and research assistance.
4 Where is the Makawao, Maui County, Hawaii Public Library located?
The Makawao Public Library serves residents of Makawao and the surrounding Maui County area in Hawaii. Contact the library directly or visit the Maui County library system website for the current address, phone number, hours of operation, and available services.
5 Where is the nearest fingerprinting office located in Makawao, Maui County, Hawaii?
Fingerprinting services for Makawao, Hawaii residents are available through the local police department and authorized third-party providers in Maui County. Fingerprinting is commonly required for background checks, professional licensing, employment screening, and immigration applications. Contact the Makawao Police Department or the Maui County Sheriff's Office for scheduling, fees, and required documentation. The Hawaii Department of Justice or state police may also process fingerprint-based background checks.
6 What are the requirements for obtaining vital records from Makawao, Maui County, Hawaii, and what information is provided in the records?
Vital records for Makawao, Maui County, Hawaii including birth certificates, death certificates, and marriage licenses are available through the Hawaii Department of Health. Requests can be made online, by mail, or in person. Locally, the Maui County Clerk's office may also process vital record requests. You will need valid photo identification and proof of eligibility. Processing times and fees vary by office and request method.
7 How do I register to vote in Makawao, Hawaii?
To register to vote in Makawao, Hawaii, residents can register online through the Hawaii Office of Elections's website, by mail, or in person at the Maui County elections office. Hawaii requires voters to be U. Citizens, at least 18 years old by Election Day, and residents of the state. The registration deadline is typically 30 days before an election. Voters can verify their registration status and find polling locations through the Hawaii Office of Elections's voter lookup tool. For local municipal elections in Makawao, contact the Maui County Clerk's office for schedules and ballot information.
8 How do I look up property records in Makawao, Hawaii?
Property records for Makawao, Hawaii are maintained by the County Assessor's Office and the County Clerk and Recorder. The Assessor's Office is responsible for discovering, listing, and valuing all taxable property within County, including parcels in Makawao. Records available include property ownership, assessed values, legal descriptions, parcel maps, and tax history. The County Clerk and Recorder maintains recorded documents including deeds, mortgages, liens, and easements. Many Hawaii counties provide online property record searches through their county websites. For in-person requests, visit the County offices at the county courthouse. The County Treasurer handles property tax payments and tax sale information.
9 How do I get a birth or death certificate in Makawao, Hawaii?
Birth, death, and marriage records for Makawao, Hawaii residents are available through both county and state offices. The Hawaii Department of Health, Office of Health Status Monitoring, located in Honolulu, maintains statewide vital records and can issue certified copies of birth and death certificates for events occurring anywhere in Hawaii. Orders can be placed online, by mail, or in person. Locally, the County Clerk's office issues marriage licenses and maintains marriage records for County. Birth and death certificates may also be available through local vital records offices. Requestors typically need to provide valid photo identification and proof of their relationship to the person named on the record. Processing times and fees vary by office and record type.
10 How do I find business license records in Makawao, Hawaii?
Business licensing for Makawao, Hawaii operates at municipal, county, and state levels. The Makawao town or city clerk's office handles local business permits, zoning approvals, and any municipal license requirements for businesses operating within Makawao limits. County may require additional registrations for businesses in unincorporated areas or county-level sales tax licensing. At the state level, all Hawaii businesses must register with the Hawaii Secretary of State and obtain applicable state tax identification numbers from the Hawaii Department of Revenue. Professional licenses for regulated occupations are issued by the relevant Hawaii licensing boards. For a complete list of requirements for starting a business in Makawao, contact the Makawao clerk's office and the County economic development office.