Kapolei Divorce Decree Records
Kapolei has a significant advantage that no other Oahu city can claim: the First Circuit Family Court is located right here. The Ronald T.Y. Moon Kapolei Courthouse at 4675 Kapolei Parkway is where all Oahu divorce decree cases are filed, where divorce records are kept, and where copies are available to the public. If you live in Kapolei and need to search for a divorce decree, file for divorce, get a copy of a final order, or talk to someone who can help you through the process, you can walk into the courthouse and do all of that in one trip. This page covers how to use that courthouse, what services are available, and what Hawaii law says about divorce decree records.
Kapolei Overview
The Kapolei Family Court is Right Here
Kapolei residents do not have to drive across the island to access family court services. The Ronald T.Y. Moon Kapolei Courthouse sits at 4675 Kapolei Parkway, Kapolei, HI 96707. This is where the First Circuit Family Court handles all Oahu divorce cases. It is also where the clerk's office keeps court records and where you can get certified copies of divorce decrees.
The family court line at the Kapolei Courthouse is (808) 954-8000. The courthouse also houses the District Court for the Waianae/Kapolei area at (808) 954-8575. Both courts operate from the same complex, so many legal matters for western Oahu residents can be handled at one location. Mail requests for records go to 777 Punchbowl Street, Honolulu, HI 96813, but in-person requests at Kapolei are often faster and more efficient.
| Court | First Circuit Family Court |
|---|---|
| Address | Ronald T.Y. Moon Kapolei Courthouse 4675 Kapolei Parkway Kapolei, HI 96707 |
| Family Court Phone | (808) 954-8000 |
| District Court Phone | (808) 954-8575 |
| Mail Requests | 777 Punchbowl Street, Honolulu, HI 96813 |
| Ho'okele (Self-Help) | First floor, Kapolei Courthouse (808) 954-8290 |
The Legal Navigator Hawaii page for the First Circuit Family Court has additional detail on what the court handles and what services are available to Kapolei residents. The image below links to that resource.
The Legal Navigator Hawaii page for the First Circuit Family Court gives Kapolei residents a full overview of the court's divorce decree services and how to access them.
Legal Navigator Hawaii is a free resource that helps Oahu residents understand court services, find legal help, and navigate family law matters including divorce decree cases at the Kapolei Courthouse.
Ho'okele and KAJR: Walk-In Help at the Kapolei Courthouse
Kapolei residents have two walk-in help resources right inside the courthouse. Ho'okele is the family court service center on the first floor. Staff there provide self-help packets, brochures, and all the court forms you need for a divorce case. They also offer one-on-one help filling out forms. If you are not sure which form to use or how to complete it, Ho'okele is the place to start. Call (808) 954-8290 or just walk in during courthouse hours.
The KAJR, or Kapolei Access to Justice Room, goes one step further. Volunteer family law attorneys from the Hawaii Bar Association staff the room every first and third Thursday of the month from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. You can sit down with a lawyer, ask questions about your divorce case, learn about your rights, and get guidance on how to proceed. This is free. It is not ongoing legal representation, but for many people a single session answers the most important questions. Contact Ho'okele at (808) 954-8290 to inquire about scheduling.
The court also holds a free Divorce Law in Hawaii Seminar monthly at the Kapolei Courthouse. It covers the law and process of divorce in Hawaii, settlement options, and strategies for resolving things with minimum conflict and expense. These seminars are open to anyone and do not require registration. Attending one before you file can save you time, confusion, and cost down the road.
The main advantage Kapolei residents have is simple: everything is in one place. You can attend a seminar, stop by Ho'okele, meet with a KAJR attorney, pick up your forms, file your papers, and request a copy of your decree all in one trip to 4675 Kapolei Parkway.
Searching Kapolei Divorce Decree Records Online
You can search divorce decree cases from Kapolei online through the Hawaii Judiciary's eCourt Kokua system. The system is free and open to the public. Search by party name or case number and you can find basic case information including filing date, case type, and status. It is a good starting point when you want to confirm a case exists before making a trip to the courthouse.
Access the search portal through the Hawaii Judiciary records page at courts.state.hi.us. The eCourt Kokua tool covers all circuits, so First Circuit Family Court cases from Kapolei are included. Results show case-level information, not document text. If you need the actual divorce decree, you pick it up from the clerk's office at the courthouse or request it by mail.
The image below shows the Oahu family court forms page, which is part of the Hawaii Judiciary's self-help section and lists every document used in First Circuit divorce cases.
The Hawaii Judiciary Oahu family court forms page provides all forms used in Kapolei divorce decree cases filed with the First Circuit.
These forms cover every stage of a First Circuit divorce, from the initial petition through the final decree, and are available to download online or pick up in person at Ho'okele on the first floor of the Kapolei Courthouse.
Getting a Divorce Decree Copy in Kapolei
Because the Family Court is in Kapolei, getting a copy of a divorce decree is straightforward for local residents. Go to the clerk's office at the courthouse at 4675 Kapolei Parkway during business hours. Bring a valid photo ID and know the case number or the names of the parties and the approximate year of the case. Staff can look it up and make copies the same day. You can get a plain copy or a certified copy. Certified copies have the court seal and clerk's signature and are what most agencies require for legal purposes.
If you cannot visit in person, mail your request to 777 Punchbowl Street, Honolulu, HI 96813. Include the party names, case number if you have it, the approximate year, your return address, and payment for copy fees. Mail requests take longer to process than in-person visits, so if timing matters, the courthouse is the better option.
Note: The Hawaii Department of Health no longer maintains divorce records as of February 1, 2026. All requests must go to the First Circuit Family Court, not to DOH.
Legal Aid for Kapolei Divorce Cases
Kapolei residents who cannot afford a private attorney have access to free legal services through two Oahu organizations. Legal Aid Society of Hawaii (LASH) provides civil legal help to low-income residents, including family law cases. Their number is (808) 536-4302. Eligibility depends on income and the nature of the case. They do not take every case, but calling to find out is free.
Volunteer Legal Services Hawaii (VLSH) at (808) 528-7046 connects qualifying residents with volunteer attorneys. VLSH covers family law matters including divorce. Between LASH, VLSH, Ho'okele, the KAJR, and the monthly divorce seminar, Kapolei residents have more face-to-face legal support options than people in most other Oahu communities.
Kids First Hawaii at (808) 954-8280 serves families going through divorce when children are involved. Their site is kidsfirsthawaii.com. They provide programs that support children and help parents manage the process with less conflict.
Hawaii Law and Kapolei Divorce Decree Cases
All First Circuit divorce cases, including those filed by Kapolei residents, are governed by Chapter 580 of the Hawaii Revised Statutes. The jurisdiction rules are in HRS Section 580-1. One spouse must have been a Hawaii resident for at least six months before filing. Since Kapolei is in Honolulu County, the First Circuit Family Court right there in the city has jurisdiction over these cases.
The terms of a divorce decree, including how property is divided and whether alimony is ordered, are governed by HRS Section 580-41. Once the judge signs the decree and the clerk files it, it becomes a public court record. Public access to these records is controlled by the Uniform Information Practices Act at UIPA Chapter 92F, which generally makes court records open to anyone who asks. The court can seal specific data if there is a good reason, but in most cases the divorce decree is available.
Hawaii is a no-fault divorce state. Neither party has to prove wrongdoing to get a divorce. The most common ground is irretrievable breakdown of the marriage. Cases that both parties agree on move faster through the system. Contested cases, where the parties disagree on property, custody, or support, may take longer and may go to mediation or trial before the judge signs the decree.
Nearby Cities
These communities near Kapolei all use the First Circuit Family Court for divorce decree filings and record requests.
Honolulu County Divorce Records
Kapolei is part of Honolulu County, and the courthouse here serves as the First Circuit's main family court location for all of Oahu. For a county-level view of divorce decree records and resources across Honolulu County, visit the page below.