What notice does a landlord have to give before evicting for unpaid rent in Hawaii?
10 calendar days' written notice for nonpayment (effective February 5, 2026; previously 5 business days). This version is scheduled for repeal and reenactment on February 4, 2028.
Hawaii requires at least 10 calendar days' written notice for nonpayment, measured from the tenant's receipt of the notice. This version took effect on February 5, 2026 (previously 5 business days) and is scheduled for repeal and reenactment on February 4, 2028.
Worked example for Hawaii
Example: The tenant receives the written nonpayment notice on May 1, 2026. The notice may terminate the rental agreement on a date not less than 10 calendar days after that receipt, so the earliest date in this example is May 11, 2026. The 10 calendar day period applies because this version of HRS § 521-68(a) took effect on February 5, 2026. It is scheduled for repeal and reenactment on February 4, 2028.
Hawaii timelines and limits
Current notice period
10 calendar days after the tenant receives the written notice
Effective date
February 5, 2026 (previously 5 business days)
Scheduled repeal and reenactment
February 4, 2028
Hawaii FAQ
How much notice does a Hawaii landlord have to give for nonpayment?
10 calendar days' written notice, under HRS § 521-68(a), with the period running from the tenant's receipt of the notice.
When did the 10 calendar day period take effect?
On February 5, 2026. The prior period was 5 business days.
Does this version of the statute stay in effect indefinitely?
This version is scheduled for repeal and reenactment on February 4, 2028.
Sources for this section: HRS § 521-68(a) (checked 2026-10-23)
This is general information, not legal advice. The verified rule and official sources above control. Check the source or a local attorney for your situation.
Related Hawaii rules
Eviction court process & timeline
Evictions are summary possession actions in the district court of the circuit where the property sits (HRS § 666-6). The landlord may join claims for back rent and damages (§ 666-7). If the landlord wins, the court enters judgment and issues a writ of possession (§ 666-11); in nonpayment cases the writ is stayed if the tenant pays the rent due, interest, costs and fees before the writ issues (§ 666-14).
The district court filing fee to start an action, including a summary possession (eviction) case, is $100, which covers most charges. Service, posting and mileage costs are extra.
A landlord who removes or excludes a tenant overnight without cause or a court order owes two months' rent (or two months' free occupancy) plus attorney's fees (§ 521-63(c)). Willfully cutting water, electricity, gas or other essential services to regain possession is an unfair or deceptive practice. Minimum damages are three months' rent or $1,000, whichever is greater (§ 521-74.5).
While the tenant keeps paying rent, the landlord may not evict, force the tenant out, raise rent or cut services after the tenant makes a good-faith complaint to a government agency or the landlord about health-law or chapter violations, or after an agency files a violation notice.
A tenant who stays after the tenancy ends without the landlord's consent may owe up to twice the monthly rent, prorated by the day, for each day they remain.
In any court case where payment of rent is disputed, either side can ask the court to order the tenant to deposit the disputed rent into court as it comes due (the rent trust fund).
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