How Much Does Probate Cost in Hawaii?
Probate on a $500,000 estate in Hawaii costs an estimated $28,206HRS § 560:3-721 (court reviews attorney compensation for reasonableness; no statutory fee schedule)Verified Sep 8, 2026View source. Attorney fees run 2.3%Modeled estimate under HRS § 560:3-721 (court reviews attorney compensation for reasonableness; no statutory fee schedule): the hours the statutory fee schedules imply, at the state's surveyed hourly rateVerified Sep 8, 2026View source to 3.6%Modeled estimate under HRS § 560:3-721 (court reviews attorney compensation for reasonableness; no statutory fee schedule): the hours the statutory fee schedules imply, at the state's surveyed hourly rateVerified Sep 8, 2026View source of the estate under a reasonable-compensation standard.
Probate costs in Hawaii typically include attorney fees of typically 2.3%Modeled estimate under HRS § 560:3-721 (court reviews attorney compensation for reasonableness; no statutory fee schedule): the hours the statutory fee schedules imply, at the state's surveyed hourly rateVerified Sep 8, 2026View source to 3.6%Modeled estimate under HRS § 560:3-721 (court reviews attorney compensation for reasonableness; no statutory fee schedule): the hours the statutory fee schedules imply, at the state's surveyed hourly rateVerified Sep 8, 2026View source of the estate, executor fees, court filing fees, and publication costs. On a $500,000 estate, total costs run about $28,206HRS § 560:3-721 (court reviews attorney compensation for reasonableness; no statutory fee schedule)Verified Sep 8, 2026View source, roughly 6% of estate value, varying with complexity. Estimate executor compensation separately with the Hawaii executor fee calculator.
Hawaii allows estates valued at $100,000HRS § 560:3-1201Verified Sep 8, 2026View source or less to use the Affidavit for Collection of Personal PropertyHRS § 560:3-1201Verified Sep 8, 2026View source, which avoids full probate administration. The Affidavit for Collection of Personal Property is presented directly to the bank, employer, or other holder of the property — it is not filed with a court. There is no statutory waiting period. Check eligibility with the Hawaii probate need checker.
In Hawaii, simple estates typically take 6 months to 9 months, and average estates 9 months to 15 months. Complex estates with disputes, tax issues, or unusual assets take longer. The creditor claim period of 4 monthsHRS §§ 560:3-801, 560:3-803, 560:3-805, 560:3-806 (am L 2023, c 158; § 3-801 am L 2024, c 7)Verified Oct 18, 2026View source runs from the first publication of the creditor notice, which follows the executor's appointment.
Yes. The probate calculator on this page estimates Hawaii probate attorney fees from the estate value, with attorney fees of typically 2.3%Modeled estimate under HRS § 560:3-721 (court reviews attorney compensation for reasonableness; no statutory fee schedule): the hours the statutory fee schedules imply, at the state's surveyed hourly rateVerified Sep 8, 2026View source to 3.6%Modeled estimate under HRS § 560:3-721 (court reviews attorney compensation for reasonableness; no statutory fee schedule): the hours the statutory fee schedules imply, at the state's surveyed hourly rateVerified Sep 8, 2026View source of the estate. On a $500,000 estate, typical fees run 2.3%Modeled estimate under HRS § 560:3-721 (court reviews attorney compensation for reasonableness; no statutory fee schedule): the hours the statutory fee schedules imply, at the state's surveyed hourly rateVerified Sep 8, 2026View source to 3.6%Modeled estimate under HRS § 560:3-721 (court reviews attorney compensation for reasonableness; no statutory fee schedule): the hours the statutory fee schedules imply, at the state's surveyed hourly rateVerified Sep 8, 2026View source of its value; the percentage runs higher on smaller estates and lower on larger ones. It shows the attorney fee alongside executor fees, court filing fees, and the total probate cost.
Hawaii allows executors 'reasonable compensation' — around 2.2%–3.8% of a $500,000 estate, judging by what the states with statutory schedules payHRS § 560:3-719 (reasonable compensation; no statutory percentage; the § 607-18 percentage schedule applies to trustees, not personal representatives)Verified Sep 8, 2026View source. Executors can waive their fee entirely or accept a reduced amount. See a detailed breakdown with the Hawaii executor fee calculator.
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Learn moreForms for Planning and Settling an Estate in Hawaii
Free Hawaii forms for planning an estate or settling one: a will, trust, powers of attorney, TOD deed, and the probate forms an executor files.
Petition for Probate and Letters
In Hawaii, the petition asks the Circuit Court to appoint the personal representative, whose authority is proved by Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration; an informal (registrar) track is availableHRS § 560:3-301Verified Sep 8, 2026View source.
Notice to Creditors
In Hawaii, creditors have 4 monthsHRS § 560:3-803(a)(1)(A)Verified Sep 8, 2026View source from first publication to present claims.
Renunciation of Executor
In Hawaii, a person named as personal representative may renounce the right to serveHRS § 560:3-203(c)Verified Sep 23, 2026View source before anyone is appointed.
Small Estate Affidavit
In Hawaii, the Affidavit for Collection of Personal PropertyHRS § 560:3-1201Verified Sep 8, 2026View source covers estates valued at $100,000HRS § 560:3-1201Verified Sep 8, 2026View source or less, presented directly to the bank or other holder, not filed with a court.
Estate Inventory
In Hawaii, the personal representative files the estate inventory within 90 daysHRS § 560:3-706Verified Sep 15, 2026View source of appointment.
Estate Closing
In Hawaii, the personal representative is discharged automatically once the statutory period runsHRS §§ 560:3-1003(b), 560:3-1005Verified Sep 15, 2026View source, and a final accounting is required.
Tools for Planning and Settling an Estate in Hawaii
Free calculators and checklists for planning or settling an estate in Hawaii: will and trust costs, probate, executor pay, and inheritance taxes.
Who Inherits Without a Will?
Without a will in Hawaii, a surviving spouse takes the entire estateHRS § 560:2-102Verified Oct 21, 2026View source when every child of either spouse is a child of both, and descendants divide what passes to them per capita at each generationHRS § 560:2-106Verified Oct 21, 2026View source.
What Are the Burial and Cremation Laws in My State?
Hawaii allows you to name your own agent in advanceHRS § 531B-3; HRS § 531B-5Verified Oct 17, 2026View source, and that designation takes priority over the order of next of kin who otherwise control disposition of the remains.
How Much Are Estate & Inheritance Taxes?
Hawaii levies an estate taxHRS § 236E-6, § 236E-8Verified Sep 15, 2026View source above $5,490,000HRS § 236E-6, § 236E-8Verified Sep 15, 2026View source (top rate 20%HRS § 236E-6, § 236E-8Verified Sep 15, 2026View source) and no inheritance tax; the federal estate tax applies above $15,000,00026 USC 2001(c), 2010; P.L. 119-21 §70106Verified Sep 15, 2026View source.
What Taxes Apply to My Inheritance?
In Hawaii, beneficiaries owe no inheritance tax and the estate pays any estate taxHRS § 236E-6, § 236E-8Verified Sep 15, 2026View source above $5,490,000HRS § 236E-6, § 236E-8Verified Sep 15, 2026View source; probate assets arrive when the estate closes, 6 months to 9 months for a simple estate.
How Does Step-Up in Basis Work?
Inherited assets in Hawaii take a basis reset to fair market value on the date of death26 USC § 1014Verified Sep 15, 2026View source, and the gain on a later sale faces the state's preferential capital gains rates, capped at whichever computation produces the lower taxHRS § 235-51(f) (alternative tax on net capital gain, 7.25%) with § 235-51(c) rate table for taxable years beginning after Dec. 31, 2024 (Act 46, SLH 2024)Verified Sep 15, 2026View source.
What Are the Estate Laws in My State?
Probate on a $500,000 estate in Hawaii costs an estimated $28,206HRS § 560:3-721 (court reviews attorney compensation for reasonableness; no statutory fee schedule)Verified Sep 8, 2026View source and takes 6 months to 9 months for a simple estate, with attorney fees of typically 2.3%Modeled estimate under HRS § 560:3-721 (court reviews attorney compensation for reasonableness; no statutory fee schedule): the hours the statutory fee schedules imply, at the state's surveyed hourly rateVerified Sep 8, 2026View source to 3.6%Modeled estimate under HRS § 560:3-721 (court reviews attorney compensation for reasonableness; no statutory fee schedule): the hours the statutory fee schedules imply, at the state's surveyed hourly rateVerified Sep 8, 2026View source of the estate. Estates under $100,000HRS § 560:3-1201Verified Sep 8, 2026View source can use a small-estate procedure instead.
When Do I Have to Withdraw an Inherited IRA?
See which federal withdrawal rules apply to an inherited IRA, Roth IRA, or employer plan, the deadline year, and the missed-withdrawal tax.
How Much Can an Executor Charge?
Hawaii pays executors reasonable compensationHRS § 560:3-719 (reasonable compensation; no statutory percentage; the § 607-18 percentage schedule applies to trustees, not personal representatives)Verified Sep 8, 2026View source, typically 2.2%Estimated from the 16 state statutes that set an executor fee schedule (median and interquartile range at this estate value)Verified Sep 8, 2026View source to 3.8%Estimated from the 16 state statutes that set an executor fee schedule (median and interquartile range at this estate value)Verified Sep 8, 2026View source of the estate.
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Hawaii Estate Planning Resources
In-depth guides covering Hawaii probate laws, trust requirements, and estate planning strategies.