Hawaii Bankruptcy & Debt Relief Guide
State-specific exemptions, filing fees, and local court information to help you understand your options in Hawaii.
Chapter 7 vs. Chapter 13 in Hawaii
Understanding the difference between these two paths is the first step in deciding which option fits your situation.
| Factor | Chapter 7 | Chapter 13 |
|---|---|---|
| Process Type | Liquidation - most unsecured debts discharged | Reorganization - repay over 3-5 years |
| Timeline | 3-6 months to discharge | 3-5 year repayment plan |
| Income Requirement | Must pass the means test (below median income) | Must have regular income to fund a plan |
| Filing Fee in Hawaii | $338 | $313 |
| Property | Non-exempt assets may be sold by trustee | Keep all property while repaying creditors |
| Best For | Lower income, limited assets, urgent discharge needed | Higher income, saving home from foreclosure, catching up on arrears |
Find Help by City in Hawaii
Browse city-specific guides for local bankruptcy court locations, median income figures, and debt relief resources.
Honolulu
Free Hawaii Bankruptcy Eligibility Checklist
Get a personalized checklist covering the Hawaii means test thresholds, exemptions that apply to your situation, and the documents you'll need to file. Sent to the email address you enter, at no cost.
Sources, accuracy and finding a lawyer
Income, homestead-exemption and population figures on this page are approximate, may be out of date and are not official figures; do not rely on them to decide whether to file. Current means-test median income by state and household size: U.S. Trustee Program. Court fees: U.S. Courts bankruptcy fee schedule (confirm the current amount). Exemptions: 11 U.S.C. 522 and your state statutes.
DebtFreeStart does not list, rate or recommend individual lawyers or firms. To find a bankruptcy attorney, contact your state or local bar association lawyer referral service (search for your state bar) or see ABA Find Legal Help; low-income filers can ask about free legal aid. Required credit counseling must come from an approved provider.
Frequently Asked Questions
To file for bankruptcy in Hawaii, you'll need to file a petition with the U.S. Bankruptcy Court. Hawaii has the following federal court districts that handle bankruptcy cases: District of Hawaii. You'll file in the district where you've lived for the majority of the past 180 days. Before filing, you must complete a credit counseling course from an approved provider.
The homestead exemption in Hawaii is $30,000–$100,000. This is the amount of equity in your primary residence that is protected from creditors during bankruptcy. Hawaii uses the choice exemption system.
The court filing fee for Chapter 7 bankruptcy in Hawaii is $338, and the filing fee for Chapter 13 is $313. Attorney fees vary widely by case and attorney, so ask for a written fee quote before hiring and ask whether you qualify for free or reduced-cost legal aid. If you cannot afford the filing fee, you may request to pay in installments.
Chapter 7 is a liquidation bankruptcy that typically takes 3-6 months and discharges most unsecured debts. Chapter 13 is a reorganization plan where you repay debts over 3-5 years. In Hawaii, you must pass the means test (income below the median for your state and household size, as published by the U.S. Trustee Program) to qualify for Chapter 7. If your income is above these thresholds, Chapter 13 may be your option.
To qualify for Chapter 7 in Hawaii, your income must generally be below the state median. Our approximate figures are $52,800 for a single filer and $114,200 for a family of four; check the U.S. Trustee Program table for the current official amounts. If your income is above these amounts, you may still qualify through a more detailed means test calculation that accounts for certain allowed expenses.
A Chapter 7 bankruptcy remains on your credit report for 10 years from the filing date, and a Chapter 13 stays for 7 years. This applies in Hawaii and all other states, as credit reporting is governed by federal law. Many people begin rebuilding their credit score within 1-2 years of discharge.
In many cases, yes. Hawaii's homestead exemption protects up to $30,000–$100,000 in equity in your primary residence. If your home equity is within this limit, you can keep your home in Chapter 7. In Chapter 13, you can keep your home while catching up on missed mortgage payments through your repayment plan.