Honolulu County Property Records
What Is Honolulu County Property Records
Property records in Honolulu County, officially known as the City and County of Honolulu, are official documents that contain detailed information about real property within the jurisdiction. These records are maintained by multiple government agencies and serve as the authoritative source of information regarding property ownership, valuation, and taxation.
The primary agencies responsible for maintaining property records in Honolulu County include:
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Department of Budget and Fiscal Services Real Property Assessment Division
530 South King Street, Room 101
Honolulu, HI 96813
(808) 768-3799
Honolulu Property Assessment Division -
Bureau of Conveyances
1151 Punchbowl Street
Honolulu, HI 96813
(808) 587-0147
Bureau of Conveyances
Property records typically include documentation of ownership transfers, tax assessments, liens, easements, and other encumbrances affecting real property. Pursuant to Hawaii Revised Statutes §502-31, the Bureau of Conveyances is responsible for recording and maintaining documents related to real property transactions, while the Real Property Assessment Division handles property valuation and tax assessment records.
These records serve multiple purposes, including establishing clear chains of title, facilitating property transactions, enabling proper tax assessment, and providing transparency in property ownership within Honolulu County.
Are Property Records Public Information In Honolulu County?
Property records in Honolulu County are public information and are accessible to all members of the public pursuant to Hawaii's Uniform Information Practices Act (UIPA), codified in Hawaii Revised Statutes Chapter 92F. This law establishes the public's right to access government records, including property records, with certain limited exceptions.
The following property records are available for public inspection:
- Deeds and other ownership documents
- Property tax assessment information
- Property maps and boundaries
- Building permits and certificates of occupancy
- Property liens and encumbrances
- Historical property ownership information
While these records are public, certain personal information may be redacted in accordance with privacy protections under Hawaii Revised Statutes §92F-13, which exempts certain categories of information from disclosure. Additionally, access to some records may require payment of reasonable fees as authorized by Hawaii Administrative Rules §2-71-19.
Members of the public seeking property records may access them through:
- In-person visits to the appropriate government office
- Online databases maintained by Honolulu County
- Written requests submitted to the custodian of records
The Department of Budget and Fiscal Services maintains public terminals at their office location where citizens may access property records during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, excluding holidays.
How To Search Property Records in Honolulu County in 2025
Searching property records in Honolulu County in 2025 can be accomplished through several methods established by the relevant government agencies. The process has been streamlined to accommodate various user needs while maintaining compliance with Hawaii Revised Statutes §92F-11 regarding public access to government records.
To conduct a property records search, individuals may utilize the following methods:
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Online Property Search Portal: The Real Property Assessment Division provides a comprehensive online database accessible through their official website. Users may search by property address, Tax Map Key (TMK) number, owner name, or property type.
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In-Person Research: Citizens may visit the Real Property Assessment Division office located at 530 South King Street, Room 101, Honolulu, HI 96813. Public terminals are available Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.
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Bureau of Conveyances Records: For title and ownership documents, individuals may access the Bureau of Conveyances online services or visit their office at 1151 Punchbowl Street, Honolulu, HI 96813.
When conducting a search, the following information is helpful to have available:
- Property address
- Tax Map Key (TMK) number
- Current or previous owner's name
- Approximate date of property transaction
- Document type (deed, mortgage, lien, etc.)
Pursuant to Hawaii Administrative Rules §13-16-22, certain search fees may apply, particularly for certified copies or extensive research assistance. The current fee schedule is available at each agency's office and on their respective websites.
How To Find Property Records in Honolulu County Online?
Honolulu County offers comprehensive online access to property records through several official digital platforms. These services are provided in accordance with Hawaii Revised Statutes §92F-11(b), which requires government agencies to make records available in electronic format when feasible.
The primary online resources for accessing Honolulu County property records include:
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Real Property Assessment Division Website: The official property assessment portal allows users to search for property information by address, Tax Map Key (TMK), or owner name. This database provides access to property values, tax information, ownership details, and property characteristics.
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Bureau of Conveyances Online Services: The Bureau's digital platform provides access to recorded documents including deeds, mortgages, and liens. Users can search by document number, date range, or party names.
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Hawaii.gov Portal: The state's official website offers integrated access to multiple property-related services, including building permits and property tax payments.
To effectively use these online resources, users should:
- Determine the specific property information needed
- Select the appropriate database based on the type of record sought
- Enter accurate search criteria (TMK, address, owner name)
- Review search results carefully
- Download or print relevant documents as needed
Online access is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, though system maintenance may occasionally limit availability. Technical support for online services is available through each agency's customer service department during regular business hours.
Can You Look Up Honolulu County Property Records for Free?
Honolulu County provides several options for accessing property records at no cost, though certain specialized services may incur fees. Pursuant to Hawaii Revised Statutes §92-21, government agencies may charge reasonable fees for search, review, and segregation of records, but basic access is available without charge.
Free property record access options include:
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Basic Online Property Search: The Real Property Assessment Division's website offers free access to property assessment information, including ownership details, property characteristics, and assessed values.
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Public Access Terminals: Computer terminals at the Real Property Assessment Division office (530 South King Street, Room 101, Honolulu, HI 96813) provide free on-site access to property records during business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM-4:30 PM).
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General Property Information: Basic property information can be accessed through the Department of Budget and Fiscal Services website at no charge.
Services that may incur fees include:
- Certified copies of documents ($10 per document as established by Hawaii Administrative Rules §13-16-22)
- Extensive research assistance ($25 per hour after the first hour)
- Bulk data downloads or specialized reports
- Subscription services for title companies and frequent users
The Bureau of Conveyances maintains a separate fee schedule for document recording and retrieval services, with basic search capabilities available at no cost but document copies typically requiring payment.
All fees collected are used to maintain and improve record-keeping systems as authorized by Honolulu County Ordinance Sec. 8-3.4.
What's Included in a Honolulu County Property Record?
Honolulu County property records contain comprehensive information about real estate within the jurisdiction. These records are maintained in accordance with Hawaii Revised Statutes §246-10 and include detailed data points relevant to property ownership, valuation, and characteristics.
A standard Honolulu County property record typically includes:
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Ownership Information:
- Current property owner's name
- Previous ownership history
- Date of acquisition
- Type of ownership (individual, joint, trust, corporate)
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Property Identification:
- Tax Map Key (TMK) number
- Legal description
- Property address
- Lot size and dimensions
- Zoning classification
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Valuation Data:
- Assessed value (land and improvements separately)
- Market value estimates
- Assessment history
- Tax exemptions applied
- Annual property tax amounts
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Structural Information:
- Building size and square footage
- Year built
- Construction type
- Number of bedrooms and bathrooms
- Building permits and improvements
- Special features or amenities
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Legal Encumbrances:
- Mortgages and trust deeds
- Tax liens
- Easements
- Covenants, conditions, and restrictions (CC&Rs)
- Judgments affecting the property
The Real Property Assessment Division maintains assessment and tax-related records, while the Bureau of Conveyances maintains title documents and recorded instruments affecting property ownership. Together, these records provide a comprehensive profile of each property within Honolulu County.
How Long Does Honolulu County Keep Property Records?
Honolulu County maintains property records in perpetuity for most document types, in accordance with Hawaii Revised Statutes §502-91 and county record retention policies. The permanent preservation of these records ensures continuity in property ownership documentation and provides historical data for legal and research purposes.
The retention schedule for specific types of property records is as follows:
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Deeds and Ownership Documents: Maintained permanently by the Bureau of Conveyances. These records date back to the establishment of the recording system in 1845.
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Tax Assessment Records: Current and historical assessment data is preserved indefinitely by the Real Property Assessment Division, with digital records available back to 1980 and paper records for earlier periods.
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Building Permits and Certificates of Occupancy: Retained permanently as part of the property's official record. These documents are particularly important for establishing legal non-conforming uses.
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Property Maps and Surveys: Preserved permanently, with historical maps maintained in both digital and physical archives.
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Tax Payment Records: Maintained for a minimum of seven years in accordance with Hawaii Administrative Rules §18-235-13.
The Bureau of Conveyances has undertaken extensive digitization efforts to preserve historical records, with many documents now available in electronic format. Physical records are stored in climate-controlled environments to ensure their long-term preservation.
For research involving historical property records predating digital systems, individuals may request assistance from the Archives Division at:
Hawaii State Archives
Kekāuluohi Building
364 S. King Street
Honolulu, HI 96813
(808) 586-0329
How To Find Liens on Property In Honolulu County?
Liens on property in Honolulu County are matters of public record and can be researched through several official channels. Pursuant to Hawaii Revised Statutes §507-43, liens must be properly recorded to be enforceable against subsequent purchasers or creditors.
To locate liens on Honolulu County property, interested parties may utilize the following methods:
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Bureau of Conveyances Search: The primary repository for recorded liens is the Bureau of Conveyances. Their online database allows searches by property address, Tax Map Key (TMK), or property owner name. Their office is located at 1151 Punchbowl Street, Honolulu, HI 96813, and can be reached at (808) 587-0147.
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Tax Lien Search: For tax liens specifically, the Department of Taxation maintains records of state tax liens. Their office is located at 830 Punchbowl Street, Honolulu, HI 96813, with a contact number of (808) 587-4242.
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Judiciary Records: Court-ordered liens and judgments can be found through the Hawaii State Judiciary's records system. These include mechanics' liens, judgment liens, and other court-ordered encumbrances.
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City and County Tax Office: For property tax liens, contact the Treasury Division at 530 S. King Street, Room 115, Honolulu, HI 96813, or call (808) 768-3980.
Common types of liens that may appear in Honolulu County property records include:
- Tax liens (property, state, or federal)
- Mechanics' liens filed by contractors
- Judgment liens resulting from court cases
- Homeowners Association (HOA) liens
- Mortgage liens
- Child support liens
When conducting a lien search, it is advisable to check records under all variations of the property owner's name and to verify the Tax Map Key (TMK) number for accuracy. Liens are typically indexed by both the property identifier and the property owner's name.
What Is Property Owner Rule In Honolulu County?
The Property Owner Rule in Honolulu County refers to a set of regulations governing property ownership rights, responsibilities, and limitations as established by Hawaii state law and county ordinances. These rules are codified primarily in Hawaii Revised Statutes Chapter 514B for condominiums and in various sections of the Revised Ordinances of Honolulu.
Key components of the Property Owner Rule include:
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Disclosure Requirements: Property owners must disclose certain conditions when selling property, including material defects, presence in flood zones, and other factors that could affect value or desirability, as required by Hawaii Revised Statutes §508D-15.
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Property Tax Obligations: Owners must pay annual property taxes based on assessed values determined by the Real Property Assessment Division. Homeowner exemptions may apply to owner-occupied properties pursuant to Revised Ordinances of Honolulu §8-10.4.
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Land Use Restrictions: Property use is governed by zoning regulations found in the Land Use Ordinance (Chapter 21, Revised Ordinances of Honolulu), which establishes permitted uses, setbacks, height limitations, and other development standards.
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Maintenance Responsibilities: Property owners are required to maintain their properties in compliance with health and safety codes, including vegetation management to prevent fire hazards and vector control as specified in Hawaii Administrative Rules §11-26.
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Access Rights: The rule establishes guidelines for property access, including provisions for utility easements and emergency access. These are typically recorded with property deeds and enforced through Hawaii Revised Statutes §669-1.
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Condominium and HOA Governance: For properties within associations, owners must adhere to bylaws and covenants, conditions, and restrictions (CC&Rs) as established under Hawaii Revised Statutes Chapter 514B.
Property owners seeking clarification on specific rules may contact:
Department of Planning and Permitting
650 South King Street
Honolulu, HI 96813
(808) 768-8000
Department of Planning and Permitting
Lookup Property Records in Honolulu County
Honolulu Property Assessment Records
Bureau of Conveyances Property Documents