Eviction notices in Hawaii

Since February 5, 2026, before filing for unpaid rent the landlord must give a written notice that the rental agreement will end unless the rent is paid within at least 10 calendar days after receipt (it was 5 business days before). The landlord must also send a copy of the notice to a state-funded mediation center. If mediation is scheduled within the 10 days, the landlord may file only after 20 calendar days from the tenant's receipt of the notice, unless the tenant skips or cancels mediation; the landlord must take part if the tenant schedules it (HRS § 521-68(a)–(c), (i)).

Can the tenant pay to stop it? The tenant can stop the eviction by paying the rent due within 10 calendar days after receiving the notice.

Type:

Pay or move out

Notice period:

10 days

Law:

HRS § 521-68(a)–(c)

For breaking a house rule, the written notice must give at least 10 days to fix it; if the breach continues or recurs after that date the landlord may file within 30 days (HRS § 521-72). For waste, failure to maintain or unlawful use under § 521-51, the notice must allow at least 10 days after receipt to fix it (§ 521-69(a)). No time to fix is required when the breach causes or threatens damage to a person (or irremediable damage to a person or property); the statute sets no minimum notice period for those cases (§§ 521-69(a), 521-72(a)).

Chance to fix it: The tenant has at least 10 days after the notice to fix the violation.

Type:

Fix it or move out

Notice period:

10 days

Law:

HRS § 521-72; § 521-69(a)

The 10 calendar days run from receipt. A posted notice is received on the date of posting; a notice mailed by USPS is received 2 business days after the postmark unless returned undeliverable (HRS § 521-68(a)). Under Hawaii's general rule, exclude the first day and include the last unless the last day is a Sunday or holiday (HRS § 1-29).

The 10-day rent notice may be posted in a conspicuous place on the unit or mailed by USPS (HRS § 521-68(a)). For a § 521-69 notice, if the tenant cannot be served, it may be posted in a conspicuous place on the unit.

The landlord files a summary possession action in the district court of the circuit where the unit is located (HRS § 666-6). In a nonpayment case the complaint must include proof the notice was sent to the mediation center and any scheduled mediation date (§ 521-68(d)). If the landlord wins, a writ of possession goes to the sheriff, police or an approved civil process server to remove the occupants (§ 666-11). In a nonpayment case the writ is stayed if, before it issues, the tenant pays the rent due plus 8% yearly interest, costs and the landlord's attorney fees (§ 666-14). A landlord who removes or excludes a tenant overnight without cause or court order owes 2 months' rent (or 2 months' free occupancy) plus costs and attorney fees (§ 521-63(c)).

• The mediation requirements are a pilot: Act 278 is repealed on February 4, 2028, but the 10-calendar-day notice in § 521-68(a) stays (Act 278, SLH 2025, § 7).
• The Judiciary must publish a notice form landlords may use for the 10-day notice (HRS § 521-68(b)).

• Hawaii notice to end a month-to-month tenancy (no-cause notice by tenant or landlord)
• Hawaii security deposit law: deadlines after move-out
• Federal 30-day notice for covered properties (CARES Act)

• HRS § 521-68 Retrieved October 13, 2026.
• Act 278, SLH 2025 Retrieved October 13, 2026.
• HRS § 521-69 Retrieved October 13, 2026.
• HRS § 521-72 Retrieved October 13, 2026.
• HRS § 521-63 Retrieved October 13, 2026.
• HRS § 666-6 Retrieved October 13, 2026.
• HRS § 666-11 Retrieved October 13, 2026.
• HRS § 666-14 Retrieved October 13, 2026.
• HRS § 1-29 Retrieved October 13, 2026.

Laws change. This page was checked against the sources above on October 13, 2026. It is legal information, not legal advice; if you have an eviction case, contact your state's legal aid. See our methodology.