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Hawaii Statewide Rule

Hawaii Eviction Notice Requirements

Some RestrictionsApplies statewide across Hawaii (2026)

Key Facts

Nonpayment notice
Not less than 5 business days to pay (HRS § 521-68)
Curable breach notice
Not less than 10 days to cure (HRS § 521-72)
No-cure breaches
Damage to a person or § 521-51(1)/(6) violations
Court required
Eviction via summary possession; no self-help lockouts
Last verified: September 5, 2026

Summary

Hawaii requires written notice before eviction. For nonpayment of rent, HRS § 521-68 requires a written demand giving the tenant not less than five business days to pay before the rental agreement may be terminated. For other tenant breaches, HRS § 521-72 generally requires at least ten days to cure before termination.

(a) A landlord or the landlord's agent, any time after rent is due, may demand payment thereof and notify the tenant in writing that unless payment is made within a time mentioned in the notice, not less than ten calendar days after receipt thereof, the rental agreement will be terminated. Notice may be given to the tenant by posting the same in a conspicuous place on the dwelling unit, and the notice shall be deemed received on the date of the posting.

Full Breakdown

Under HRS § 521-68, after rent is due the landlord may notify the tenant in writing that 'unless payment is made within a time mentioned in the notice, not less than five business days after receipt thereof, the rental agreement will be terminated.' If the tenant stays in default, the landlord may bring summary possession. For non-rent breaches, HRS § 521-72 requires written notice warning that if the violation continues or recurs 'after (a date not less than ten days after this notice), the landlord may terminate the rental agreement.' No cure period applies where the breach threatens damage to a person or violates HRS § 521-51(1) or (6). Only a court may order eviction; self-help lockouts are barred.

Violations & Penalties

No specific penalty for serving notice, but eviction requires a court summary-possession judgment. A landlord who uses self-help (lockout, utility shutoff) instead of the § 521-68/§ 521-72 process faces tenant remedies under HRS § 521-63 and § 521-74.5.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many days does a Hawaii tenant have to pay before eviction for nonpayment?
Not less than five business days after receiving the written demand, under HRS § 521-68. If the tenant pays within that time the tenancy continues; if not, the landlord may file for summary possession.
How much notice is required to evict for a lease violation other than rent?
Generally at least ten days to cure under HRS § 521-72, unless the breach threatens damage to a person or violates HRS § 521-51(1) or (6), in which case no cure period is required.

Sources

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