Hawaii Estate Planning
Get your own affairs in order in Hawaii, for yourself or an aging parent. Compare the documents most adults need (a will, a power of attorney, and a healthcare directive), decide whether you need a trust, and see how to keep your estate out of probate.
Which document do I need?
The core documents at a glance. Each row links to its Hawaii guide.
- Will
- Hawaii will requirements under HRS 560:2-502: two witnesses, no notary, valid handwritten wills, a harmless-error rule and no electronic will statute. Read the guide
- Living trust
- Hawaii living trusts are revocable by default under HRS 554D-602, and a funded trust keeps its assets out of probate at death. Read the guide
- Power of attorney
- A Hawaii power of attorney is durable by default under HRS 551E-3 without a notary. Read the guide
- Healthcare directive
- Hawaii health care agents require two witnesses or notary, with a ranked surrogate list. Read the guide
Planning to prepare the will with an online service? See what Hawaii requires from an online will before you sign anything.
Hawaii estate planning guides
Hawaii Estate Planning Basics
Hawaii estate planning uses a will, power of attorney, healthcare directive and trust.
Hawaii Will Requirements
Hawaii will requirements under HRS 560:2-502: two witnesses, no notary, valid handwritten wills, a harmless-error rule and no electronic will statute.
Hawaii Power of Attorney
A Hawaii power of attorney is durable by default under HRS 551E-3 without a notary.
Hawaii Advance Directive
Hawaii health care agents require two witnesses or notary, with a ranked surrogate list.
Hawaii Guardianship Planning
Hawaii guardianship splits: family court for minors, circuit court for incapacitated adults.
Hawaii Revocable Living Trust
Hawaii living trusts are revocable by default under HRS 554D-602, and a funded trust keeps its assets out of probate at death.
Hawaii Trust Administration
Hawaii trusts under HRS 554D-813 require two 60-day notices before distribution.
Hawaii Transfer on Death Deed
A Hawaii transfer on death deed works only if it is recorded or filed before the owner dies. Land Court property also needs a petition after the death.
Hawaii Pet Trust
HRS 554D-408 validates Hawaii pet trusts for the life of your animals with nominal rules.
Hawaii Digital Assets After Death
Hawaii's HRS chapter 556A decides who can reach a decedent's online accounts, and an online tool's own directions outrank a will.
Not sure what you need in Hawaii?
Answer a few questions and we'll tell you which estate planning documents to set up first.
Information current as of 2026-06-18
Settled Estate is not a law firm, and this content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Probate laws and procedures in your state can change. Consult with a qualified attorney for advice specific to your situation. Full disclaimer.
More Hawaii Resources
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