Notice provisions held unconstitutional
1981Highlights the critical importance of strict adherence to notice requirements to avoid sale invalidation.
HI
Hawaii
Tax Deed
Hawaii tax sales are in-person, public outcry auctions where the highest bidder receives a redeemable deed. The original owner retains a one-year right of redemption, during which they may reclaim the property by paying the purchase price, costs, and 12% annual interest. If unredeemed, the purchaser may pursue quiet title to gain full ownership.
| Upcoming auctions | 0 |
| Counties covered | 5 |
| Scored properties | 0 |
| Last updated | Apr 15, 2026 |
Quick facts
- Sale type
- Redeemable deed
- Redemption period
- 1 year
- Interest rate
- 12% per year
- Sale frequency
- Annual
- Minimum bid
- Taxes + penalties + costs
- Deed type
- Redeemable deed
Statutory framework
| Sale Type | Tax Lien |
| Redemption Period | The redemption period is one year from the date of the tax sale. If the tax deed is not recorded within 60 days after the sale, the redemption period is extended to one year from the date of the deed's recording. |
| Penalty / Interest | The original owner must pay the purchaser the purchase price, all costs and expenses, and interest at a rate of 12% per year. Interest does not accrue during any extended redemption period caused by a delay in recording the deed beyond 60 days. |
| Jurisdiction Type | County |
| Jurisdiction Count | 4 |
| Typical Sale Month | Varies by county |
| Assessor Portal | — |
| GIS Portal | — |
| Tax Portal | — |
Sale mechanics
Auctions are conducted as in-person, public outcry (oral bid) events. Bidders must pre-register and provide verification of funds via certified or cashier's check. The minimum bid is the upset price, which covers all delinquent taxes, penalties, interest, and costs. Full payment is required at the time of the sale.
Post-sale obligations
The purchaser receives a redeemable deed at the sale. The purchaser does not have the right to occupy or alter the property during the one-year redemption period. The purchaser is responsible for receiving redemption payments if the owner exercises their right to reclaim the property.
Quiet title cost estimator
Estimate attorney and court costs for clearing title after a Hawaii tax deed purchase.
Estimated cost$3,500
Timeline6 mo.
Notable counties
Key Hawaii counties for tax deed investors.
City and County of Honolulu
Highest volume of properties and most urbanized market.
Maui County
Frequently holds auctions with specific, publicized dates for delinquent accounts.
How to bid at a Hawaii tax deed auction
Step-by-step process for participating in Hawaii tax deed sales.
- 1
Research property list
Review the official delinquent tax list published by the county.
- 2
Perform due diligence
Conduct a title search and physical inspection to identify potential liens or defects.
- 3
Register for auction
Complete all county-required registration forms before the deadline.
- 4
Verify funds
Ensure you have the required certified or cashier's checks for the upset price and potential overbids.
- 5
Attend auction
Appear in person at the designated time and location to participate in the oral bidding.
- 6
Pay winning bid
Submit full payment immediately upon winning the bid.
Applicable statutes
Primary statute sections governing tax deed sales in Hawaii.
Haw. Rev. Stat. § 231-63
Governs the authority to sell property for delinquent taxes and notice requirements.
Haw. Rev. Stat. § 231-67
Defines the tax deed, redemption rights, and interest rates.
Haw. Rev. Stat. § 246-56
Details the foreclosure without suit process and public notice requirements.
Notable case law
Landmark court decisions affecting Hawaii tax deed investors.
Tyler v. Hennepin County
2023A U.S. Supreme Court case that impacts tax sale procedures nationwide regarding the retention of surplus equity.
Frequently asked questions
Common questions from Hawaii tax deed investors.
- The original owner has one year from the sale date to pay the purchaser the full bid amount plus 12% interest. If the deed is recorded late, the period extends to one year from the recording date.
- Yes, it is highly recommended to clear title defects, as tax deeds are sold as is and may not be immediately insurable by title companies.
- The primary risk is insufficient notice to interested parties, which can lead to the sale being overturned by a court.
- If a court finds that notice requirements were not met, the sale may be set aside, and the purchaser may lose the property.
- They are live, in-person, oral-bid auctions held by county finance departments.
- No, the county does not provide access, and properties are sold as is without physical condition warranties.
How does Hawaii's redemption period work?
Do I need a quiet title action?
What title risks should a buyer know?
What happens if the owner challenges the sale?
How are auctions conducted?
Can I inspect properties?
Title Risk Flags
Properties are sold as is without warranties. Title insurance is difficult to obtain because title companies require proof of actual notice to all interested parties. Potential issues include unreleased mortgages, child support liens, and unknown heirs.
Data sourced from public state statutes, county recorder offices, and AuctionSift's proprietary county monitoring network. Updated weekly.