How much can an executor charge in Hawaii?

Hawaii allows executors to receive "reasonable compensation" as determined by the court (HRS § 560:3-719 (reasonable compensation; no statutory percentage; the § 607-18 percentage schedule applies to trustees, not personal representatives)). Courts consider the size and complexity of the estate, the time spent, and the executor's skill and experience. On a $500,000 estate, the states that do set a statutory schedule pay 2.23% to 3.82% — a useful reference point where Hawaii gives none.

What are the duties of an executor in Hawaii?

An executor in Hawaii is responsible for filing the will with the probate court, inventorying assets, notifying creditors, paying debts and taxes, and distributing remaining assets to beneficiaries. The process typically takes 6-9 months for simple estates and 9-15 months on average (HRS § 560:1-101 (UPC short title), § 560:3-1201 (small estate affidavit, $100K gross), § 560:3-1203 (PR summary administration), § 560:3-1205 ($100K clerk summary administration), § 560:3-301 (informal probate; applications directed to the registrar), § 560:3-603 (bond), § 560:3-706 (inventory and appraisement by the PR), § 560:3-715 (PR transactions / independent admin), § 560:3-719 (PR compensation — reasonable), § 560:3-721 (review of attorney/PR compensation), § 607-18 (percentage compensation of TRUSTEES; cross-references PRs to §§ 560:3-719 to 3-721), § 560:3-801(a) (permissive estate notice to creditors, two successive weeks, amended L 2023, c 158, §41), § 560:3-801(f) (trustee notice to creditors, two successive weeks, amended L 2024, c 7, §2), § 560:3-803 (claim limitations), § 607-5(b)(14) ($100 circuit court probate filing fee)). The 4-month creditor claim period sets a minimum timeline.

How do executor fees compare to attorney fees in Hawaii?

Executor fees and attorney fees are separate costs in Hawaii probate. Attorney fees are based on reasonable compensation (HRS § 560:3-721 (reasonable compensation; no statutory percentage)). Executor compensation is calculated separately from attorney fees. Both fees are paid from the estate before distribution to beneficiaries.

How Much Does an Executor Get Paid in Hawaii?

Calculate how much an executor (personal representative) can charge for administering an estate. Fees vary by state law.

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State

Estate Value

Total value of estate assets before debts. Executor fees are calculated on gross value.

Number of Executors

Calculate executor compensation

Select your state and enter the estate value to see what an executor can charge.

Examples:

Executor fees (also called personal representative compensation) are calculated on gross estate value. This calculator provides educational estimates only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Executors may waive their fee. Family members serving as executor often do so without compensation. Consult a licensed attorney for guidance specific to your situation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Hawaii allows executors to receive "reasonable compensation" as determined by the court. Courts consider the size and complexity of the estate, the time spent, and the executor's skill and experience. On a $500,000 estate, the states that do set a statutory schedule pay 2.23% to 3.82% — a useful reference point where Hawaii gives none.

Hawaii law says only that compensation must be reasonable — it names no percentage, so no exact figure exists to look up. The estimate is built from the 17 states whose legislatures DO set an executor fee schedule: each schedule is applied to an estate of the same size, and the midpoint of those results is shown ($14,050 on a $500,000 estate), with the middle half of them as the range. It is an estimate anchored in what other legislatures decided the same work is worth, not a figure from Hawaii law. The probate court has the final say.

Yes. Executors in Hawaii can waive their fee entirely or accept a reduced amount. Family members serving as executor often waive compensation, particularly when they are also beneficiaries of the estate. Waiving the fee reduces the overall cost of probate and increases the amount available for distribution to beneficiaries.

Hawaii statute does not address how co-executors share compensation. The court sets one reasonable amount for the estate and allocates it among the executors serving.

An executor in Hawaii is responsible for filing the will with the probate court, inventorying assets, notifying creditors, paying debts and taxes, and distributing remaining assets to beneficiaries. The process typically takes 6-9 months for simple estates and 9-15 months on average. The 4-month creditor claim period sets a minimum timeline. The Hawaii estate settlement plan outlines each step.

Executor fees and attorney fees are separate costs in Hawaii probate. Attorney fees are based on reasonable compensation. Executor compensation is calculated separately from attorney fees. Both fees are paid from the estate before distribution to beneficiaries. To estimate the attorney fee, use the Hawaii probate attorney fee calculator.

Total probate costs in Hawaii include executor fees, attorney fees, court filing fees, publication costs, and potentially bond premiums. Executor compensation is one component of the overall expense. On a $500,000 estate, the total runs about $28,731 — roughly 6% of estate value — depending on complexity. Use the Hawaii probate calculator for a complete cost estimate.

Executor Fees in Hawaii

Hawaii uses a "reasonable compensation" standard for executor fees, typically 2.23% to 3.82% of the estate value. Courts consider estate complexity, time spent, and the executor's responsibilities when evaluating fees. The probate calculator provides a complete cost estimate.

When two or more executors serve together: Hawaii statute does not address how co-executors share compensation. The court sets one reasonable amount for the estate and allocates it among the executors serving. (HRS § 560:3-719.)

In addition to executor fees, Hawaii may require a surety bond (No). Bond premiums run approximately 0.5% of the estate value per year. The requirement is waivable (Yes), which reduces overall costs.

Attorney fees are a separate probate cost in Hawaii. The attorney fee type is reasonable compensation. Together, executor and attorney fees account for the largest share of probate expenses. The Hawaii estate settlement plan details each responsibility and the typical timeline.

The probate timeline in Hawaii starts at 6 months for straightforward estates and can extend to 9 months or longer with complications. Executor fees are typically disbursed at final distribution.