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HRS §560:3-201

Where to file estate cases and where property is located

This section says where to start an estate case after someone dies. It also explains how to move the case to a different court if needed, and how to figure out where certain types of property are considered to be located.

beneficiariescourtscreditorsdebtorsheirspersonal representativestrustees

The statute, as written — Venue for first and subsequent estate proceedings; location of property

(a) Venue for the first informal or formal testacy or appointment proceedings after a decedent's death is: (1) In the judicial circuit where the decedent had the decedent's domicile at the time of the decedent's death; or (2) If the decedent was not domiciled in this State, in any judicial circuit where property of the decedent was located at the time of the decedent's death. (b) Venue for all subsequent proceedings within the exclusive jurisdiction of the court is in the place where the initial proceeding occurred, unless the initial proceeding has been transferred as provided in section 560:1-303 or subsection (c). (c) If the first proceeding was informal, on application of an interested person and after notice to the proponent in the first proceeding, the court, upon finding that venue is elsewhere, may transfer the proceeding and the file to the other court. (d) For the purpose of aiding determinations concerning location of assets which may be relevant in cases involving non-domiciliaries, a debt, other than one evidenced by investment or commercial paper or other instrument in favor of a non-domiciliary is located where the debtor resides or, if the debtor is a person other than an individual, at the place where it has its principal office. Commercial paper, investment paper, and other instruments are located where the instrument is. An interest in property held in trust is located where the trustee may be sued.
Read the official text at capitol.hawaii.gov ↗as published Jan 6, 2026our copy taken Aug 20, 2026

Sections this one refers to

§560:1-303 Which court handles a case when more than one could

LawTrove is not legal advice. The summary above is a computer-generated restatement — the authoritative text is the official version linked above.