About Maui County

Maui County is one of Hawaii's four counties and stands apart as the only county in the United States made up entirely of islands, none of which are connected by bridges or roads. The county encompasses the islands of Maui, Moloka'i, Lāna'i, and the uninhabited island of Kaho'olawe, spanning a total land area of approximately 1,161 square miles across the Central Pacific Ocean. Maui itself is the second-largest of the Hawaiian Islands and is characterized by dramatic contrasts in landscape — from the arid, sun-drenched beaches of Kihei and Wailea on the leeward side to the lush, rain-soaked valleys of Hāna on the windward coast. At the island's heart rises Haleakalā, a dormant volcano whose summit reaches over 10,000 feet and forms one of the most iconic natural landmarks in the Pacific. The county seat is located in Wailuku, a historic town nestled at the foot of the West Maui Mountains near the isthmus that connects the island's two volcanic masses. Wailuku has long served as the administrative and civic center of the county and retains much of its old Hawaii character, with plantation-era buildings and a tight-knit community feel that distinguishes it from the resort corridors found elsewhere on the island. The county is home to a population of approximately 164,754 residents, a figure that swells considerably during peak tourist seasons when visitor counts can nearly double the number of people on the island at any given time. Maui County's economy is deeply intertwined with tourism, which generates billions of dollars annually and supports a vast network of hotels, restaurants, retail businesses, and activity providers. The 2023 wildfires that devastated the historic town of Lāhainā exposed the vulnerabilities of this tourism-dependent economy, prompting significant discussions about rebuilding, land use, and community resilience. Beyond tourism, agriculture — including cattle ranching, coffee cultivation, and small-scale farming — plays a meaningful role in the county's identity, as does a growing remote-work and technology sector that has attracted mainland transplants in recent years.

Practice Areas in Maui 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 Maui County

Maui County is served by the Hawaii State Judiciary's Second Circuit, which encompasses Maui, Moloka'i, and Lāna'i. The Second Circuit Court, located at 2145 Main Street in Wailuku, is the county's principal trial court of general jurisdiction and handles felony criminal cases, major civil disputes, family court matters including divorce and custody, and probate proceedings. The Maui District Court, also situated in the Hale Kaulike courthouse complex at 2145 Main Street in Wailuku, handles misdemeanor criminal matters, traffic violations, small claims cases (up to $5,000), and civil cases involving smaller amounts in dispute. A District Court division also operates on Moloka'i to serve residents of that island. Hawaii does not have a separate superior court or magistrate court system; instead, the circuit and district courts together form the two tiers of the state trial court structure. The Family Court division of the Second Circuit Court manages all proceedings involving domestic relations, child custody, juvenile matters, and adoption. Appeals from the Second Circuit are heard by the Hawaii Intermediate Court of Appeals and, ultimately, the Hawaii Supreme Court.

Federal vs State Jurisdiction in Maui County

Federal jurisdiction in Maui County falls under the United States District Court for the District of Hawaii, which is a single-district federal court with its main courthouse located in Honolulu on the island of O'ahu. Because Hawaii is a single federal district, Maui County residents who have federal legal matters — including cases involving federal crimes, immigration issues, bankruptcy proceedings, civil rights claims under federal law, disputes between citizens of different states exceeding $75,000, and lawsuits against federal agencies — must generally appear or have their attorneys appear in Honolulu rather than on Maui itself. State courts in Maui County retain jurisdiction over the vast majority of matters that affect everyday life, including traffic offenses, family law disputes, most criminal prosecutions under Hawaii state law, landlord-tenant disputes, contract disputes, and personal injury claims. Understanding which court system applies to a given legal issue is an important first step, and the distinction can significantly affect strategy, procedure, and timelines for Maui County residents navigating the legal system.

Common Legal Situations in Maui County

Maui County residents encounter a distinctive range of legal issues shaped by the island's geography, tourism economy, and evolving social landscape. Traffic violations and driving under the influence charges are among the most frequently handled matters in the district court, particularly given the heavy mix of unfamiliar tourist drivers, locals, and limited roadway infrastructure on the island. The county's robust short-term rental and real estate market generates a significant volume of landlord-tenant disputes, property boundary conflicts, and vacation rental licensing issues, especially in the wake of post-wildfire housing pressures that have intensified competition for long-term rentals. Employment law matters — including wage and hour claims, wrongful termination, and workplace discrimination — are common in a hospitality-heavy workforce where workers are sometimes vulnerable to exploitation. Family law proceedings including divorce, child custody, and child support modifications are a steady area of legal need, as are personal injury claims arising from traffic accidents, water activities, and premises liability on resort properties. Following the Lāhainā wildfires of August 2023, insurance claim disputes, wrongful death lawsuits, and land use matters have also become prominent legal issues for a significant portion of the county's population.

Why Go To Court for Maui County Legal Matters

Go To Court Lawyers offers Maui County residents reliable, accessible legal representation from an experienced team that understands the unique challenges of navigating Hawaii's court system across multiple islands. Whether you are facing a traffic matter in Wailuku's district court, a family law dispute, or a complex civil claim, the Go To Court team is available around the clock via a free 24/7 hotline, ensuring you can get guidance when you need it most — not just during business hours. Fixed-fee arrangements are coming soon, which will give Maui County clients the financial clarity and peace of mind to pursue their legal matters without uncertainty about escalating costs. With a commitment to transparent, client-focused service, Go To Court is a trusted choice for individuals and families across Maui, Moloka'i, and Lāna'i.

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Frequently Asked Questions

I received a traffic ticket on Maui — do I have to appear in court in person?

Whether you must appear in person depends on the nature of the violation. For minor infractions, you may be able to pay the fine or contest it in writing through the Maui District Court without a personal appearance, but more serious violations such as reckless driving or DUI typically require your physical presence. An attorney can often appear on your behalf for certain hearings, which is especially helpful if you are a visitor or have already left the island.

My landlord in Maui is refusing to return my security deposit after the wildfire displaced me — what are my rights?

Under Hawaii law, landlords are required to return a security deposit within 14 days of the tenant vacating the premises, along with an itemized statement of any deductions for damages beyond normal wear and tear. If your landlord fails to comply, you may be entitled to a refund of the full deposit plus up to three times the wrongfully withheld amount as a penalty. Given the complex circumstances created by the Lāhainā wildfires, including emergency housing orders and lease termination disputes, consulting with a local attorney promptly is strongly advisable.

How does child custody work in Maui County if one parent wants to move to the mainland?

Custody matters in Maui County are handled by the Family Court division of the Second Circuit Court in Wailuku, and relocation by a custodial parent is treated as a significant modification to existing custody arrangements. Hawaii courts apply a best-interests-of-the-child standard and will consider factors such as the child's ties to the community, the relocating parent's reasons for moving, and the impact on the non-relocating parent's visitation rights. A parent wishing to relocate with a child generally must provide advance notice and, if the other parent objects, seek court approval before moving.

I was injured in a snorkeling or water activity accident on Maui — can I sue the tour operator?

Yes, you may have a personal injury claim against a tour operator or activity provider if their negligence contributed to your injury, even if you signed a liability waiver before the activity. Hawaii courts scrutinize liability waivers carefully, and a waiver does not necessarily bar all claims, particularly where gross negligence or willful misconduct is involved. These cases can be time-sensitive due to Hawaii's two-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims, so it is important to speak with an attorney as soon as possible after the incident.

What should I do if I am charged with a DUI on Maui?

A DUI charge in Hawaii carries serious consequences including license suspension, fines, possible jail time, and a mandatory substance abuse assessment, even for a first offense. You should contact an attorney as soon as possible, as there are strict deadlines — including an administrative license revocation hearing that must be requested within 30 days of your arrest — that can affect your ability to drive while the case is pending. An experienced attorney can review the circumstances of your traffic stop and arrest, challenge the admissibility of breathalyzer or field sobriety test results, and work to minimize the impact on your record and daily life.

Neighbouring Counties

Maui County is a group of islands in the Central Pacific and does not share land borders with other counties; however, it is situated in close proximity to Honolulu County (O'ahu) to the northwest, Kalawao County on the Kalaupapa Peninsula of Moloka'i (which is an enclave entirely surrounded by Maui County), and Hawaiʻi County (the Big Island) to the southeast across the Alenuihāhā Channel.