About Hawaii County

Hawaii County, commonly known as the Big Island, encompasses the entire island of Hawaii and stands as the largest county by land area in the entire United States, covering approximately 4,028 square miles. The island is a study in dramatic contrasts, featuring eleven of the world's thirteen climate zones, from the snow-capped summits of Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa to the lush rainforests of the Hamakua Coast, the volcanic black sand beaches of Puna, and the arid lava fields of the Kona coast. Home to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, one of the most visited national parks in the country, the Big Island is defined by its ongoing volcanic activity, with Kilauea being one of the most continuously active volcanoes on Earth. This geological dynamism shapes not only the landscape but also the daily lives and long-term planning of its residents. The county seat of Hilo sits on the eastern, windward side of the island and serves as the governmental, educational, and commercial hub of Hawaii County. With a population of approximately 200,629 residents, Hawaii County is a diverse community blending Native Hawaiian, Japanese, Filipino, Portuguese, and mainland American cultures into a rich multicultural fabric. Hilo is home to the University of Hawaii at Hilo and serves as a gateway to the island's agricultural heartland, while the western Kona-Kohala coast draws tourists, retirees, and remote workers seeking sunshine and scenic beauty. The economy of Hawaii County is multifaceted, drawing from tourism, agriculture, scientific research, and a growing technology sector. Kona coffee is world-renowned, and macadamia nuts, tropical flowers, and diversified farming contribute significantly to local livelihoods. The Mauna Kea Observatory complex on the island's summit supports an internationally significant astronomy research community. However, the economy also faces challenges, including high costs of living, housing shortages exacerbated by vacation rental demand, and the ongoing impacts of volcanic activity on communities in the lower Puna district. These economic and environmental realities create a unique backdrop for the legal needs of Big Island residents.

Practice Areas in Hawaii County

Criminal Law
Criminal Law
Charges, arrests, bail and criminal trials.
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DUI
DUI
DUI charges, licence suspension and reinstatement.
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Family Law
Family Law
Divorce, custody, property and support.
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Immigration Law
Immigration
Visas, green cards, deportation and citizenship.
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Traffic Law
Traffic Law
Traffic violations, licence matters and offences.
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Employment Law
Employment Law
Wrongful termination, discrimination, disputes.
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Courts in Hawaii County

Hawaii County is served by the Third Circuit Court, located at 777 Kilauea Avenue in Hilo, which handles felony criminal cases, major civil disputes, jury trials, and family court matters including divorce, custody, and child support. The District Court of the Third Circuit, also based in Hilo at the same judicial complex, manages misdemeanor criminal cases, traffic violations, small claims disputes up to $10,000, and civil cases involving amounts under $40,000. A West Hawaii District Court facility is located in Kailua-Kona at 75-138 Hualalai Road, providing access to district-level proceedings for residents on the Kona side of the island without requiring a long drive to Hilo. The Third Circuit Family Court handles juvenile matters, adoptions, guardianships, and domestic abuse protective orders, while the Office of the Clerk of Court facilitates filings and record access across both locations.

Federal vs State Jurisdiction in Hawaii County

Hawaii County residents are subject to both Hawaii state law and federal law, with the federal District of Hawaii — headquartered at the Prince Jonah Kuhio Kalanianaole Federal Building and U.S. Courthouse in Honolulu — serving as the sole federal district court for the entire state. Federal jurisdiction in Hawaii County applies to matters involving federal crimes such as drug trafficking across state or international lines, immigration offenses, federal civil rights violations, bankruptcy proceedings, and cases involving federal agencies such as the National Park Service, which has significant land management authority on the Big Island through Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. The vast majority of legal matters faced by Big Island residents, including traffic offenses, family law, property disputes, and most criminal charges, are handled within the Hawaii state court system through the Third Circuit Court and District Court in Hilo and Kona, with appeals proceeding to the Hawaii Intermediate Court of Appeals and ultimately the Hawaii Supreme Court in Honolulu.

Common Legal Situations in Hawaii County

Residents of Hawaii County encounter a wide range of legal situations shaped by the island's unique character and economy. Traffic matters, including speeding citations, DUI charges on the winding roads of the island's highway system, and license issues, are among the most frequent reasons residents seek legal assistance. The booming short-term rental market and ongoing housing pressures give rise to landlord-tenant disputes, evictions, and zoning-related conflicts, while volcanic activity has generated complex property damage claims and insurance disputes, particularly affecting lower Puna communities impacted by the 2018 Kilauea eruption. Family law matters including divorce, child custody, and domestic violence protection orders are consistently common, as are employment disputes involving hospitality and tourism workers, agricultural laborers, and county or state government employees. Criminal defense needs range from drug-related charges to assault, and estate planning and probate matters are increasingly relevant as the island attracts retirees and property owners with significant assets.

Why Go To Court for Hawaii County Legal Matters

Go To Court Lawyers is an excellent choice for Hawaii County residents seeking reliable, accessible legal representation across the Big Island. With a free 24/7 legal hotline, residents in Hilo, Kona, Pahoa, Waimea, or anywhere across the island can get immediate answers to urgent legal questions without waiting for business hours. The team brings experience across a broad range of practice areas relevant to Big Island life, from criminal defense and family law to property disputes and employment matters, ensuring clients are matched with lawyers who understand Hawaii's unique legal landscape. With fixed fee arrangements coming soon, Go To Court is committed to making quality legal services transparent, predictable, and accessible to all Hawaii County residents regardless of their budget.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fight a traffic ticket in Hawaii County without hiring a lawyer?

Yes, you have the right to contest a traffic citation yourself at the District Court of the Third Circuit in Hilo or the West Hawaii courthouse in Kona. However, an experienced traffic attorney can often negotiate reduced charges, dismissals, or outcomes that protect your driving record and insurance rates, making legal representation a worthwhile consideration even for minor violations.

What should I do if my landlord is trying to evict me in Hawaii County?

Hawaii law requires landlords to follow a specific eviction process, including providing written notice and filing a summary possession action in District Court if you do not vacate. You have the right to respond to the eviction filing and appear in court to present your case, so contacting a lawyer as soon as you receive any eviction notice gives you the best chance of protecting your housing rights.

How does lava zone designation affect my property rights and legal options in Hawaii County?

Properties in Hawaii County are assigned lava hazard zone designations by the U.S. Geological Survey, which can significantly affect insurance availability, mortgage financing, and disclosure obligations when buying or selling real estate. If your property has been damaged or rendered uninhabitable by volcanic activity, legal options may include insurance claims, disputes with insurers over coverage, and in some cases, challenges related to county land use regulations or emergency declarations.

How is child custody determined in Hawaii County if I separate from my partner?

Child custody in Hawaii is determined based on the best interests of the child standard, taking into account each parent's ability to provide a stable home, the child's relationship with each parent, and other relevant factors evaluated by the Third Circuit Family Court in Hilo. Hawaii courts generally favor arrangements that allow the child to maintain a meaningful relationship with both parents, and mediation is often encouraged before contested custody matters go to a full hearing.

What are my rights if I am arrested in Hawaii County?

If you are arrested in Hawaii County, you have the right to remain silent, the right to be informed of the charges against you, and the right to have an attorney present during questioning. You should invoke your right to remain silent and request an attorney immediately, as anything you say to law enforcement can be used against you in court proceedings before the Third Circuit Court or District Court.

Neighbouring Counties

Hawaii County, as the Big Island, is an island county and does not share land borders with other counties; the nearest counties are Maui County to the northwest and Kalawao County and Honolulu County further across the Hawaiian island chain.