How Much Does a Trustee Get Paid in Hawaii?
In Hawaii, trustee compensation follows a statutory fee scheduleHRS §§ 554D-708, 607-18Verified Sep 18, 2026View source unless the trust instrument sets a different amount. The schedule is an annual commission on principal.
Unlike most states, Hawaii sets trustee commissions by statuteHRS §§ 554D-708, 607-18Verified Sep 18, 2026View source. It allows an annual commission on principalHRS §§ 554D-708, 607-18Verified Sep 18, 2026View source, plus a 5%HRS §§ 554D-708, 607-18Verified Sep 18, 2026View source commission on income the trust receives. The rate is fixed by law rather than negotiated, so the commission turns on the trust's size. A family, professional or corporate trustee is entitled to the statutory commission unless the trust document provides otherwise.
Yes. Trustee compensation is taxable income to the trustee. In Hawaii, that means federal income tax and state income taxHRS § 235-51(c), § 235-2.4(a)(2)(F); Act 46 SLH 2024 (H.B. 2404)Verified Sep 20, 2026View source at up to 11%HRS § 235-51(c), § 235-2.4(a)(2)(F); Act 46 SLH 2024 (H.B. 2404)Verified Sep 20, 2026View source. A professional trustee also owes self-employment tax on it; a family trustee who is not in the business of serving reports it as other income. The trust deducts the payment as an administration expense.
Yes. A family member serving as trustee in Hawaii is entitled to the same compensation as a professional. Many family trustees waive or reduce the fee, especially when they are also beneficiaries, since the fee is taxable income to the trustee while a distribution usually is not. A record of time and duties is what supports any fee taken if a beneficiary or a court asks.
A one-time fee fits a trust that distributes everything and closes, the way an executor is paid once for a probate. An annual fee fits a trust that continues for years, such as one holding assets for a minor child or a beneficiary with special needs. Which model applies follows the trust's purpose, not Hawaii law. The Hawaii executor fee calculator is the comparison for a one-time distribution.
The two roles differ in length: an executor handles a probate that runs 6 months to 15 months, while a trustee may manage assets for years. In Hawaii, executor compensation is reasonable compensation set by the courtHRS § 560:3-719 (reasonable compensation; no statutory percentage; the § 607-18 percentage schedule applies to trustees, not personal representatives)Verified Sep 8, 2026View source, and trustee commissions are set by statute as wellHRS §§ 554D-708, 607-18Verified Sep 18, 2026View source. A one-time trustee fee on a trust that distributes at once is often comparable to the executor fee on an estate of the same size.
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Forms for Settling an Estate in Hawaii
Free forms for settling an estate in Hawaii: the probate petition, small estate affidavit, notice to creditors, inventory, and closing forms.
Affidavit of Death
In Hawaii, a surviving joint owner records the “Affidavit to note the death of a spouseHawaii Bureau of Conveyances, FAQs (Ownership Status and/or Tenancy)Verified Oct 26, 2026View source”.
Tools for Settling an Estate in Hawaii
Free tools for settling an estate in Hawaii: whether probate is needed, executor and trustee pay, creditor deadlines, and inheritance taxes.
How Do I Settle a Trust?
Settling a trust in Hawaii happens outside court: the trustee acts under the state's Uniform Trust CodeHRS Ch. 554D (Uniform Trust Code)Verified Oct 17, 2026View source, notifies the beneficiaries within 60 daysHRS §§ 554D-813, 554D-1005Verified Sep 15, 2026View source, then pays the debts and distributes under the trust's terms.
How Many Death Certificates Do I Need?
In Hawaii, certified death certificates come from the Hawaii Department of Health - Vital Records Issuance SectionHawaii Department of Health - Vital Records Issuance SectionVerified Oct 15, 2026View source; the first copy costs $10Hawaii Department of Health - Vital Records Issuance SectionVerified Oct 15, 2026View source, additional copies $4Hawaii Department of Health - Vital Records Issuance SectionVerified Oct 15, 2026View source each.
Do I Need Probate?
In Hawaii, estates valued at $100,000HRS § 560:3-1201Verified Sep 8, 2026View source or less skip probate with the Affidavit for Collection of Personal PropertyHRS § 560:3-1201Verified Sep 8, 2026View source.
What Happens to Jointly Owned Property When an Owner Dies?
When a joint owner dies in Hawaii, what the survivor records is the “Affidavit to note the death of a spouseHawaii Bureau of Conveyances, FAQs (Ownership Status and/or Tenancy)Verified Oct 26, 2026View source”.
How Do I Open a Trust Account at My Bank?
Compare trust-account requirements bank by bank: how a revocable trust account is opened or retitled, and what proves the trust.
Do I Have to File Tax Returns for Someone Who Died?
Hawaii requires a final state income tax return for the decedent alongside the federal Form 1040HRS § 235-51(c), § 235-2.4(a)(2)(F); Act 46 SLH 2024 (H.B. 2404)Verified Sep 20, 2026View source; a federal estate tax return (Form 706) is required only for estates above $15,000,00026 USC 2001(c), 2010; P.L. 119-21 §70106Verified Sep 15, 2026View source.
How Do I Settle an Estate?
Settling an estate in Hawaii: the personal representative files the estate inventory within 90 daysHRS § 560:3-706Verified Sep 15, 2026View source of appointment; creditors have 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 to present claims; a simple estate closes in 6 months to 9 months.
Hire a Hawaii Trust Administration Attorney
Browse 56 trust administration firms in Hawaii with addresses, contact info, and practice details.
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Hawaii Estate Settlement Resources
In-depth guides covering Hawaii probate, estate administration, and settling an estate.