The small claims limit in Hawaii
The limit is the most the court can award on one claim. It depends on who is claiming, and in some states on which court hears it.
| Claiming as | Most you can claim | Rule |
|---|---|---|
| An individual | $5,000 | HRS §633-27(a) |
| A business | $5,000 | HRS §633-27(a) |
| A public agency | $5,000 | HRS §633-27(a) |
If the amount is over the limit
A tenant's claim against a landlord about a residential security deposit is heard in the small claims division with no dollar limit. Other claims above $5,000 go to the district court's regular civil calendar.
HRS §633-27(a) · The small claims division of the district court hears money claims of up to $5,000, not counting interest and costs. A dispute between a tenant and landlord about a residential security deposit is heard there with no dollar limit.
More about Hawaii
Common questions
- How much can you claim in small claims court in Hawaii?
- An individual can claim up to $5,000. A business can claim up to $5,000. A public agency can claim up to $5,000. That comes from HRS §633-27(a).
- What if the amount is over the small claims limit in Hawaii?
- A tenant's claim against a landlord about a residential security deposit is heard in the small claims division with no dollar limit. Other claims above $5,000 go to the district court's regular civil calendar. That comes from HRS §633-27(a).
- Which court handles small claims in Hawaii?
- District Court, Small Claims Division. The small claims division of the district court for the circuit where the other side lives or where the dispute happened.
- How long do you have to bring a small claims claim in Hawaii?
- The shortest window is 2 years, counted from the day the damage happened, under HRS §657-7. Other kinds of claim run longer; the time-limit page lists each one.
Verify with your court
Numbers change, and a court can post its own variation. Open Hawaii's small claims page and confirm anything you are about to rely on.
Open the court's small claims pageVerified on 2026-09-05, sources:
Verified on 2026-09-05, sources: Rules effective from 2022-06-17.
- HRS §633-27(a) · effective 2011-07-01 · The small claims division of the district court hears money claims of up to $5,000, not counting interest and costs. A dispute between a tenant and landlord about a residential security deposit is heard there with no dollar limit.
FairSquare assembles documents and explains your court's rules. It is not a substitute for advice about your situation.