Hawaii criminal records come from two main sources: the state criminal history repository (maintained by the state police or equivalent agency) and individual county court systems. These are separate databases that may show different information.
What this page covers: Hawaii state-level criminal history searches, county court criminal case lookups, and sex offender registry searches. What it does not cover: Federal criminal cases (those require PACER) or arrest records that did not result in charges.
Where to start: For a broad criminal history check, start with the state repository. For specific case details (charges, dispositions, documents), go to the Clerk of the Circuit Court (state-run) in the county where the case was filed. For sex offenders, use the state sex offender registry.
Common mistake: A state criminal history search and a county court search are not the same thing. The state repository compiles conviction data from across the state. County courts have the actual case files with full detail. You may need both.
Hawaii Criminal Records — Key Numbers (2026)
What Changed in 2026 — Hawaii Criminal Records
The 4-Step Hawaii Criminal Records Pathway
Five Things People Get Wrong About Hawaii Criminal Records
Primary Sources (All .gov / Official)
- ecrim.ehawaii.gov — Hawaii Criminal Justice Data Center (HCJDC) — Official Hawaii criminal history portal
- fbi.gov — Identity History Summary — FBI fingerprint-based federal check ($18)
- fbi.gov — State ID Bureau listing — FBI listing of every state's repository
- ftc.gov — FCRA basics — Federal Fair Credit Reporting Act rules
- ftc.gov — Background Checks employer guide — FTC + EEOC employer guidance
- bjs.ojp.gov — Bureau of Justice Statistics — Federal stats on state criminal record systems
Related Criminal Records Resources
- Hawaii Court Records →
- Hawaii Property Records →
- Hawaii Vital Records →
- Hawaii Voter Records →
- Hawaii Wants & Warrants →
- Hawaii Licenses →
- Hawaii Recorded Documents →
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Criminal Records Databases
5 official Hawaii criminal records sources.
Criminal Records
Hawaii Counties
All 5 Hawaii counties. Click any county for local court, sheriff, recorder and assessor links.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I run an official Hawaii background check?▼
Hawaii's official statewide criminal-history check is administered by the Hawaii Criminal Justice Data Center (HCJDC). Begin the request at ecrim.ehawaii.gov. Most state-level checks require submitting fingerprints (live-scan or ink) plus a processing fee, and the response covers convictions and certain non-conviction data permitted by Hawaii statute.
Are Hawaii criminal records public?▼
Most adult criminal-history information in Hawaii is considered public record, but access is restricted depending on the requester (self, employer, government agency) and the data type (arrest, conviction, sealed, juvenile). The Hawaii Criminal Justice Data Center (HCJDC) explains who can request what at ecrim.ehawaii.gov. County-court records are also public and searchable through the trial-court system.
What's the difference between a state and an FBI background check in Hawaii?▼
A state check from the Hawaii Criminal Justice Data Center (HCJDC) (ecrim.ehawaii.gov) covers only criminal activity within Hawaii. An FBI Identity History Summary (fbi.gov) is the nationwide check covering federal records and contributing states. Employers and licensing boards often require both.
Can I get someone else's Hawaii criminal record?▼
Generally, no — only the record subject (with their own ID and signature) or a specifically authorized requester (such as a credentialed employer under the Fair Credit Reporting Act, a licensing board, or law enforcement) can pull a third-party criminal history from the Hawaii Criminal Justice Data Center (HCJDC). The Hawaii Criminal Justice Data Center (HCJDC) documentation at ecrim.ehawaii.gov lists each authorized requester category.
How do I challenge or correct a Hawaii criminal record?▼
If you find an error on your Hawaii criminal history, the Hawaii Criminal Justice Data Center (HCJDC) offers a record-review and challenge process. Begin at ecrim.ehawaii.gov — typical steps include fingerprint verification, a written dispute, and supporting court documents (such as a dismissal or expungement order) for each contested entry.