HRS §560:3-102
When a will must be approved by probate
Read the official text at capitol.hawaii.gov ↗This section says that, with one exception, a will only works to pass property or name an executor if a probate official or court officially approves it. It does not explain the exception or the approval process.
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The statute, as written — Necessity of order of probate for will
A copy, taken August 20, 2026. The version published by the Legislature is the one that governs, and it may have changed since. Check it before relying on anything here.
Except as provided in section 560:3-1201, to be effective to prove the transfer of any property or to nominate an executor, a will must be declared to be valid by an order of informal probate by the registrar, or an adjudication of probate by the court.
Sections this one refers to
§560:3-1201 Getting a Deceased Person's Property Without a Court Case
LawTrove is not legal advice. The summary above is a computer-generated restatement — the authoritative text is the official version linked above.