Hawaii at a glance
Hawaii allows two years to sue for damage or injury to persons.[1] A plaintiff whose negligence is greater than the defendant’s cannot recover.[2] Hawaii is a no-fault state, with $10,000 per person in required PIP benefits.[3][4]
Filing deadlines
Haw. Rev. Stat. § 657-7
Actions for the recovery of compensation for damage or injury to persons or property shall be instituted within two years after the cause of action accrued, and not after, except as provided in section 657-13.
Source: [1]
In plain English, most injury lawsuits in Hawaii must be filed within two years.[1]
Shared fault
Haw. Rev. Stat. § 663-31(a)
Contributory negligence shall not bar recovery in any action by any person or the person’s legal representative to recover damages for negligence resulting in death or in injury to person or property, if such negligence was not greater than the negligence of the person
Source: [2]
This is modified comparative fault, often called the 51% bar. An injured person who is 50% or less at fault can recover damages reduced by their share; one who is more at fault than the parties the statute compares them to cannot recover.
Auto insurance requirements
The Hawaii Insurance Division explains: “Your minimum motor vehicle insurance policy must have protection for you and your passengers of $10,000 per person personal injury protection benefits. This is for paying medical and rehabilitative costs. Your mandatory coverages also include a $20,000 per person/$40,000 per accident bodily injury liability and a $10,000 per occurrence property damage liability.”[3] III lists Hawaii among the no-fault states, where a lawsuit for pain and suffering generally requires meeting a threshold.[4]
What this page does not cover
This page covers the main deadlines, fault rule, damage limits and auto insurance requirements. Statutes also contain exceptions, such as rules for minors, people who are incapacitated and claims discovered later, and special rules apply to medical malpractice and workers’ compensation. Always read the full statute at the official source linked below.
Frequently asked questions
How long do I have to file a head injury lawsuit in Hawaii?
In plain English, most injury lawsuits in Hawaii must be filed within two years.[1]
This page provides general information about the law from the sources listed below. It is not legal advice, and reading it does not create an attorney-client relationship. Laws vary by state and change over time. See our legal disclaimer.
Sources
- Haw. Rev. Stat. § 657-7. Hawaii State Legislature. https://data.capitol.hawaii.gov/sessions/session2025/bills/HB1502_.HTM
- Haw. Rev. Stat. § 663-31, as quoted in a Hawaii Supreme Court opinion. Hawaii State Judiciary. https://www.courts.state.hi.us/docs/opin_ord/sct/2011/dec/SCWC-28473ada.pdf
- Hawaii Insurance Division. “Motor Vehicle Insurance Information.” https://www.cca.hawaii.gov/ins/consumers-mvi/
- Insurance Information Institute. “Background on: No-fault auto insurance.” https://www.iii.org/article/background-on-no-fault-auto-insurance
Sources last checked: October 11, 2026
