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Hawaii · Big Island · Pacific Volcanoes · #242 Most Populous County in the US
Hawaii County, Hawaii
The Big Island - Kilauea volcano actively adding land to the island, Mauna Kea's summit observatories at 13,796 feet, Kona coffee on the volcanic slopes, and a landscape that encompasses 11 of the world's 13 climate zones. The most geologically dynamic county in the United States. Property tax, courts, public records, probate, and senior services for Hawaii County residents.
Affiliate disclosure: This page contains affiliate links. We may earn a commission if you use them, at no extra cost to you. Our editorial recommendations are independent of these relationships.
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Hawaii County's assessment ratio means effective tax rates are low — but incorrect appraisals still cost money. Ownwell manages the appeal with no upfront cost.
Office: Hawai’i Police Department – 349 Kapi’olani Street, Hilo, HI 96720 | Non-emergency (808) 935-3311 | Email: [email protected]; Chief Benjamin Moszkowicz, appointed by the Hawai’i County Police Commission in December 2022. Crime Stoppers island-wide (808) 961-8300. Hawaii County Civil Defense Agency – 25 Aupuni Street, Hilo, HI | (808) 961-8003; Email: [email protected].
Notes: For an active emergency, call 911 (TDD accessible). Hawaii County – the “Big Island” – is the largest county by land area in the United States at 4,028 square miles. The island includes two active volcanoes, Kilauea and Mauna Loa; the 2018 Kilauea eruption in the lower East Rift Zone destroyed more than 700 homes in the Leilani Estates and Lanipuna Gardens communities, a documented and significant local disaster. The island also carries elevated tsunami risk – the 1946 and 1960 tsunamis caused major damage in Hilo – along with earthquake activity, volcanic air-quality hazards (vog and laze), and periodic hurricane exposure.
Roads & Utilities
ROADS & TRANSPORTATION
Roads: Hawaii Belt Road (Highways 11 and 19) circles the island; Saddle Road (Daniel K. Inouye Highway, Route 200) crosses the island’s central plateau between Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa. Hele-On Bus provides limited county-wide public transit. Hilo International Airport (ITO) and Kona International Airport (KOA) serve the island.
Notes: Lava flows have permanently altered the island’s road network on multiple occasions, including the loss of a section of Highway 130 in the 2018 eruption.
Business & Permits
BUILDING & PERMITS
Office: Hawaii County Planning Department – (808) 961-8288.
Notes: Short-term vacation rental regulation is an active local policy issue, given tension between rental operators and residential neighborhoods in several districts.
Veterans Services
VETERANS SERVICES
Office: Hawaii County Office of Veterans Services – (808) 961-8466. Hilo VA Clinic – (808) 935-3781.
Libraries
LIBRARIES
System: Hawaii State Public Library System – island branches include Hilo (main), Kailua-Kona, Captain Cook, Honoka’a, Kealakehe, Laupahoehoe, Na’alehu, Ocean View, Pahoa, and Thelma Parker Memorial (Waimea).
Parks & Recreation
PARKS & RECREATION
Key Assets: Hawaii Volcanoes National Park (Kilauea caldera, Chain of Craters Road, Thurston Lava Tube); Mauna Kea, whose summit hosts a major astronomical observatory complex and is considered by many Native Hawaiians to be the most sacred site in Hawaii – the proposed Thirty Meter Telescope has been the subject of sustained protest and legal challenge, a genuine and ongoing conflict between astronomical development and Hawaiian cultural rights; Waipio Valley; Akaka Falls State Park; Hapuna Beach State Recreation Area; Green Sand Beach (Papakolea), one of a small number of green sand beaches in the world, formed from olivine mineral deposits; and the Kona coffee-growing region on the slopes of Hualalai and Mauna Loa.
Notes: Kailua-Kona hosts the annual Ironman World Championship Triathlon each October.
GIS & Maps
GIS & MAPS
Appraisal/Parcel Search: Hawaii County Real Property Tax Office – confirm current contact via hawaiicounty.gov.
Animal Services
ANIMAL SERVICES
Hawaii Island Humane Society provides animal control services under contract with Hawaii County – confirm current contact via hawaiicounty.gov.
Environmental & Waste
ENVIRONMENTAL / WASTE MANAGEMENT
Office: Hawaii County Department of Environmental Management – confirm current contact via hawaiizerowaste.org. Ongoing environmental concerns include active lava-flow monitoring by the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory, coral reef stress from warming ocean temperatures and runoff, and invasive species management affecting native island ecosystems.
NOTES: Hawaii County is the first county completed in Hawaii’s Round 3 v2 redo, under the A+ sourced standard established for this project. The genuine, ongoing cultural and environmental significance of Mauna Kea to Native Hawaiians, alongside the island’s documented volcanic hazard history, are presented factually here. All contact information above was sourced via web search as of early August 2026 and should be reconfirmed directly with the relevant office before a visit, deadline-sensitive filing, or emergency-adjacent decision.
About Hawaii County
Hawaii County is the Big Island of Hawaii – the youngest, largest, and most geologically dynamic island in the Hawaiian archipelago, where active volcanism is not a historical curiosity but an ongoing daily reality that literally expands the island’s land area.
Kilauea – one of the world’s most active volcanoes and the current site of the most sustained volcanic activity in recorded Hawaiian history – has been erupting more or less continuously since 1983 and has added hundreds of acres to the island’s southeastern shore through lava flows entering the ocean at what is called the lava delta. The Hawaii Volcanoes National Park protects both Kilauea and Mauna Loa (the world’s largest volcano by total volume) and is one of the most scientifically significant protected areas on earth.
Mauna Kea – at 13,796 feet above sea level the tallest mountain in Hawaii, and from its base on the ocean floor the tallest mountain on earth (approximately 33,500 feet from base to summit) – hosts the Mauna Kea Observatories, a collection of 13 research telescopes representing 11 countries that make Mauna Kea the premier site for astronomical observation in the Northern Hemisphere. The summit’s altitude, dry air, stable atmospheric conditions, and dark skies (protected by strict light pollution ordinances) produce extraordinary observing conditions. The construction of the proposed Thirty Meter Telescope (TMT) has been the subject of significant controversy between the astronomy community and Native Hawaiian cultural practitioners for whom Mauna Kea is a sacred site.
Kona coffee – grown on the volcanic slopes of Mauna Loa’s western flank in the North and South Kona districts – is one of the most prized coffee varietals in the world. The combination of volcanic soil, afternoon cloud cover, and the “Kona snow” (white coffee blossoms) produce a coffee of distinctive character. Kona coffee can legally bear that name only if grown in the Kona district – a legal protection similar to European appellation designations.
Hilo (the county seat, population ~45,000) on the rainy east coast is the county’s commercial and governmental center – a charming, affordable city with Hawaiian cultural institutions (Imiloa Astronomy Center, Palace Theater, Hilo Farmers Market) and easy access to the national park. Kailua-Kona on the sunny west coast is the resort and tourism hub – the Ironman World Championship Triathlon has been held here since 1978, making the Kona coast one of the most famous endurance sports venues in the world.
County government is a nine-member Council with a Mayor.
All Services
Browse every category and topic available for this county.
Hawaii County uses a class-based property tax system administered by the Hawaii County Real Property Tax Division (101 Pauahi Street, Suite 4, Hilo, 808-961-8201).
Key distinction: Hawaii County’s tax rates and exemptions differ from those of Honolulu and Maui counties – always verify with the Hawaii County Real Property Tax Division for current rates and home exemption amounts.
Lava zone classifications: Hawaii County properties are classified into Lava Zones 1-9 based on volcanic hazard risk. Zone 1 (highest risk, most active lava) to Zone 9 (lowest risk). Lava zone classification directly affects property insurability – many insurance companies will not insure structures in Lava Zones 1 and 2, and standard homeowner’s policies may exclude lava flow damage. Properties in active lava zones may have dramatically reduced market values that assessments should reflect.
Appeal process: File an appeal with the Hawaii County Board of Review by April 9 of the assessment year (Hawaii County’s deadline differs from other counties – confirm current year deadline). If unsatisfied, appeal to the Hawaii Tax Appeal Court within 30 days.
Hawaii estate tax: Above $5.49 million (2025) at rates up to 20%. No Hawaii inheritance tax.
OWNWELL CTA: Hawaii County Board of Review deadline April 9 (differs from other HI counties). Verify lava zone classification and whether your assessed value reflects the reduced insurability and marketability of high-risk lava zone properties. Hawaii estate tax above $5.49M. Ownwell manages the appeal with no upfront cost.
Recommended
Hawaii County Board of Review deadline April 9 (differs from other HI counties). Verify lava zone classification and whether your assessed value reflects the reduced insurability and marketability of high-risk lava zone properties. Hawaii estate tax above $5.49M. Ownwell manages the appeal with no upfront cost.
Courts & Legal
Courts & Legal
The Hawaii Third Circuit Court at 777 Kilauea Avenue, Hilo (808-961-7470) handles all civil, criminal, family, and probate matters for Hawaii County. Land records – deeds, mortgages, and liens – are recorded statewide with the Hawaii Bureau of Conveyances in Honolulu (bureauofconveyances.hawaii.gov).
Hawaii probate: Circuit Court handles all estate administration. Hawaii recognizes Transfer on Death deeds.
Lava flow estate complications: Properties in active lava zones present specific estate planning challenges. A home that existed at the time an estate plan was written may be covered by lava by the time the estate is administered – estate plans for Big Island properties in high-risk zones should address the possibility of total loss of improvement value and include contingency provisions.
Kona coffee estate planning: Kona coffee farms are agricultural businesses with specific succession challenges – coffee trees take 3-5 years to mature, roasting and processing equipment, established buyer relationships, and the “Kona coffee” appellation rights (which attach to the land’s location) must all be addressed in farm succession plans.
Mauna Kea observatory leases: The observatory complex sits on land leased from the State of Hawaii through the University of Hawaii – this is institutional rather than private estate planning, but researchers at Mauna Kea facilities may hold employment benefits and housing arrangements that interact with estate plans.
Senior Services: The Hawaii County Office on Aging (808-961-8600) at 1055 Kinoole Street, Suite 101, Hilo coordinates senior centers, home-delivered meals, transportation, SAGE PLUS Medicare counseling, caregiver support, Adult Protective Services, and connections to Hawaii Medicaid (QUEST Integration) long-term care programs.
Marriage & Vital Records
Marriage licenses, divorce records, and birth & death certificates are handled by the following office(s):
COUNTY CLERK (Records, Marriage Licenses)
25 Aupuni St., Suite 2603, Hilo, HI 96720
(808) 961-8255
Genealogy
County-level record sources
Circuit Court of the Third Circuit (probate/estate case files – see Probate section above).
Hawaii County was one of Hawaii’s four original counties organized at territorial status in 1900, covering the Big Island.
Local societies
No dedicated Hawaii-County-only genealogical society was confirmed in available directories beyond the statewide resources.
Probate & Estate
Losing someone and having to deal with courts and paperwork at the same time is hard. This section won’t make that easier, but it should tell you what to expect, what it costs, and where to go – so at least you’re not walking in blind.
Where to go
Circuit Court of the Third Circuit – Hale Kaulike 777 Kilauea Avenue, Hilo, HI 96720 (808) 961-7440
Hours: Monday–Friday, 7:45 a.m.–4:30 p.m. (counter hours 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.). The Third Circuit also has locations in Kailua-Kona (Keahuolu Courthouse, 74-5451 Kamakaeha Avenue) and Waimea. Hawaii County covers the entire Big Island – the largest of the Hawaiian Islands by land area, though not the most populous county.
Step 1: figure out which path applies
Hawaii probate is governed by the Hawaii Uniform Probate Code (Hawaii Revised Statutes Chapters 560–565). There’s no separate “probate court” – the Circuit Court handles it. Three main paths:
Small Estate Affidavit (Affidavit for Collection of Personal Property, HRS § 560:3-1201) – if the decedent’s gross estate (excluding motor vehicles) is $100,000 or less and no real property requires a court-ordered title transfer. Available 30 days after death. No court filing needed – the signed, notarized affidavit is presented directly to whoever is holding the property. Motor vehicles can often be transferred separately through motor vehicle registration.
Summary Administration (HRS § 560:3-1205) – a simplified court process for estates within the same $100,000 threshold; faster and cheaper than full probate but still goes through the court.
Informal Probate – the most common track for uncontested estates. Handled by the court registrar without a hearing; appointment typically granted within 5-7 business days.
Formal Probate – required when the estate is contested, the will is disputed, or complexities demand judicial oversight.
Step 2: which formal/informal path
For informal probate with a will: file Form 4-2 (Application for Informal Probate of Will and Appointment of Personal Representative). Review Form 4-1 (Informal Probate Information Sheet) first. Filing fee: $100.
For formal probate: file a Petition for Probate. Filing fee: $100.
Both are filed with the Circuit Court in the circuit where the decedent was domiciled – for Hawaii County (Big Island) residents, that’s the Third Circuit.
If formal or informal probate is needed
Determine domicile and file with the Third Circuit Court (Hilo, or the Kona/Waimea locations depending on where the case is assigned).
File the appropriate application or petition (Form 4-2 for informal with a will; a Petition for Probate for formal proceedings or intestate estates).
Under informal proceedings, the registrar reviews and issues a Statement of Informal Probate and Letters without a hearing. Under formal proceedings, a judge holds a hearing.
The personal representative must formally accept the appointment and may need to post a bond.
Once appointed, the court issues Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration. Obtain several certified copies.
Publish notice to creditors in a newspaper of general circulation on Hawaii Island; Hawaii requires a 4-month creditor claim period from the date of first publication (HRS § 560:3-801).
Mail notice to all heirs, beneficiaries, and interested parties.
Marshal assets, obtain an EIN, open an estate account, pay valid debts and expenses, and file any required inventory.
Distribute remaining assets per the will or Hawaii’s intestacy statutes, then close the estate.
What it costs
Hawaii imposes its own state estate tax on estates exceeding approximately $5.49 million (2025/2026 threshold), with rates from 10% to 20%.
Filing fees for informal or formal probate petitions are $100.
Publication costs for creditor notice are separate.
Personal representatives are entitled to “reasonable compensation” under HRS § 560:3-719 – no fixed statutory percentage; courts assess reasonableness based on estate complexity, time, skill, and results.
Attorney fees are also reviewed for reasonableness and typically billed hourly.
Probate filings, estate administration, and guardianship matters are handled by the following office(s):
Elections & Voting
Voter registration, polling locations, and elections information are handled by the following office(s):
ELECTIONS / VOTER REGISTRATION
802 Lehua Ave., Pearl City, HI 96782 (state office)
(808) 453-8683
Health & Human Services
Offices & Contacts
Health services, social services, and assistance programs are handled by the following office(s):
HI Dept of Health — Hawaii District
(808) 933-0912
HI Dept of Human Services — Hilo
(808) 933-0339
Medicaid (Med-QUEST)
(808) 524-3370
Hilo Medical Center
hilomedicalcenter.org (Hilo — main hospital; public)
Kona Community Hospital
konacommunityhospital.org (Kealakekua — west side)
North Hawaii Community Hospital
northhawaiicommunityhospital.org (Waimea)
Public Health Information
PUBLIC HEALTH
Hospitals: Hilo Medical Center (Hilo) – (808) 932-3000, operated by Hawaii Health Systems Corporation; Kona Community Hospital (Kealakekua) – (808) 322-9311; North Hawaii Community Hospital (Waimea) – (808) 885-4444; Ka’u Hospital (Pahala), a critical access facility serving the remote Ka’u district.
Editorial independence: CountyOffices maintains strict editorial independence from our affiliate partners. Our content is researched from official government sources. Affiliate relationships do not influence our recommendations or the information we publish.
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