Maui County Public Records offers one of the most comprehensive digital collections of government documents in Hawaii. Since 1965, every building, plumbing, electrical, grading, and driveway permit issued across Maui, Lanai, and Molokai has been preserved as high-resolution JPEG and PDF images. The archive also includes scanned final subdivision plats, civil as-built construction plans, and real-property assessment field books dating back to 1900 with full coverage through 1987. Users can search by permit number, applicant name, or project address. Each record displays the issuing department code—such as B-001 for Building or P-023 for Plumbing—alongside the original inspector’s signature. The system links directly to the Maui County Code, allowing instant reference to the governing regulations at the time of issuance.
How to Search Maui County Public Records Online
The County of Maui Public Records Information portal provides free online access to over 1.2 million documents. To begin a search, visit the official county website and use the Public Search tool. Enter a Tax Map Key (TMK), permit number, applicant name, or street address. For partial matches, use an asterisk (*) as a wildcard. For example, searching “123-4*” returns all parcels starting with those digits. Results show document type, issue date, department code, and status. Click any entry to view the full-resolution image with official seals and timestamps. All records are indexed nightly to ensure up-to-date information.
For property-related searches, the TMK is the most reliable identifier. This nine-digit code follows the format “XXX-XXX-XX” and uniquely identifies each parcel. If you don’t have the TMK, use the address lookup tool or contact the Bureau of Conveyances. Once located, the TMK enables access to deeds, liens, mortgages, and tax assessments tied to that property.
Bureau of Conveyances: Property and Land Records
The Bureau of Conveyances in Kahului serves as the central hub for all property-related documents in Maui County. Located at 171 W. Kaahumanu Ave., this office maintains certified copies of deeds, lien filings, subdivision plats, mortgage agreements, easements, and boundary surveys. Requests must include the parcel’s Tax Map Key, legal description, and names of involved parties. Standard processing takes ten business days; complex requests may require up to fifteen days.
Fees are based on a per-page schedule set by the County Finance Department. As of 2024, standard rates are $0.15 per printed page and $0.20 per digital file, with a maximum charge of $75 per request. A $5 surcharge applies for expedited service. Nonprofit organizations may qualify for fee waivers with a notarized financial hardship statement. Payments must be prepaid via check, money order, or online credit card portal.
For assistance, call the Bureau at (808) 242-4615 during business hours (Monday–Friday, 8 am–5 pm). Staff can help verify TMK numbers, explain legal descriptions, or clarify document requirements.
Police, Court, and Criminal Records Access
Arrest reports, incident narratives, and criminal dispositions are available through the Maui Police Department Records Section at the Wailuku Courthouse (215 Ka‘ahumanu Ave.). For electronic access, use the State of Hawaii Adult Criminal Information Site (ACIS) with the county access code “MAUI2024”. ACIS contains records dating back to 1990, including traffic violations, misdemeanor and felony charges, and court outcomes.
Certified court records—such as judgments, dockets, and transcripts—are maintained by the Hawaii State Judiciary. The eCourt Kokua portal allows users to search case information online and request certified copies. Submit a PDF request form specifying the case number, party names, and document type. Processing takes three to seven business days. Fees are $3 per page for printed copies and $5 for electronic PDFs. Same-day service costs an additional $25.
Restricted records—including juvenile cases, paternity filings, and sealed documents—are not publicly accessible. For eligibility questions or identity verification, contact the MPD Records Section at (808) 244-6355.
Public Record Request Process and Fees
All non-online public record requests must be submitted in writing to the Office of Communications Services (OCS). Include your name, contact information, description of the records sought, and preferred delivery method. For status updates, call OCS at (808) 270-7838 or email the protected address listed on the county website. The Office of Information Practices (OIP) provides guidance on exemptions, privacy laws, and appeals at (808) 586-1400.
Processing fees apply when requests require extensive compilation, copying, or redaction. Standard rates are $0.15 per printed page and $0.20 per digital file, capped at $75 per request. Fee waivers are available for nonprofits demonstrating financial need. All fees must be prepaid before retrieval begins.
Common exemptions include personal medical records, ongoing investigations, and attorney-client privileged communications. OIP reviews disputed denials and issues binding rulings within 30 days.
Property Tax and Assessment Records
The Real Property Assessment Division, part of the Department of Finance, manages tax bills and property valuations. Located at 110 ‘Ala‘ihi Street, Suite 108, Kahului, HI 96732, this office accepts payments in person (Monday–Friday, 8 am–4 pm) or by mail. Checks should be payable to “County of Maui – Real Property Tax”.
For online payments, use the qpublic.net portal. It supports credit cards, ACH bank transfers, and phone payments at (808) 242-6211. The portal also provides downloadable PDFs of current tax bills, showing assessed value, tax rate, exemptions, and total due. Property owners can appeal assessments annually between January 15 and March 31.
Historical tax records date back to 1900 and are searchable by TMK. Each entry lists past owners, lien amounts, mortgage dates, and reassessment values. These records help buyers evaluate encumbrances before purchase.
Third-Party Aggregators and Commercial Databases
Several private platforms aggregate Maui County Public Records for easier searching. One such site, maui-county-public-records-search.recordslookuphj.com, indexes over 1.2 million entries as of August 2022. It includes arrest records, land deeds, tax assessments, marriage licenses, and court summaries. Users can query by name, date of birth, or TMK and filter by record type or jurisdiction.
The platform offers a free preview of the first three pages of any record. Additional pages cost $4.95 each. All data complies with the Hawaii Public Records Act and updates nightly. While convenient, these services are not official sources and may contain errors. Always verify critical information with county offices.
Other directories, like OnlineSearches.com and BRB Publications, catalog links to land records, vital statistics, business licenses, and environmental reports. As of early 2024, these sites list 47 distinct repositories with over 2 million documents combined.
Historical Archives and Special Collections
Maui County’s digital archive preserves rare historical documents, including real-property assessment field books from 1900 to 1987. These books contain hand-written notes from early surveyors, land use classifications, and ownership chains predating modern recordkeeping. They are invaluable for genealogists, historians, and property researchers.
Final subdivision plats show original lot layouts, road alignments, and utility easements. Civil as-built plans detail construction modifications made after permit approval. Both are essential for verifying property boundaries and resolving disputes.
All historical records are scanned at high resolution and stored in PDF format. Metadata includes the date of last amendment, ensuring users see the most current version.
Court Records and Judicial Access
The Hawaii State Judiciary’s eCourt Kokua system provides electronic access to civil, criminal, family, and land court cases. Users can search by case number, party name, or attorney. Certified copies require a formal request via the portal. Processing takes three to seven business days.
District and Circuit Court records cover felony convictions, misdemeanor offenses, civil actions over $10,000, and probate filings. Land Court decisions and tax-appeal rulings are also included. Juvenile and paternity records are restricted by law.
For in-person requests, visit the Maui District Court at 123 Ka‘ahumanu Ave., Wailuku. Staff can assist with form completion and identity verification.
Directory of Public Record Sources
Multiple online directories compile links to Maui County Public Records. OnlineSearches.com lists 47 repositories, including land records, vital statistics, and zoning amendments. Each entry shows the source URL, responsible agency, last update date, and data types available.
BRB Publications’ portal aggregates records from the Judiciary, Treasurer, and Health Department. It covers felony convictions, civil actions, probate, and neighboring island records (Lanai and Molokai). Users must provide a toll-free number to receive fee estimates, ranging from $10 to $45.
These directories simplify research but should supplement—not replace—official county sources.
Frequently Asked Questions About Maui County Public Records
Many people have questions about accessing, understanding, and using Maui County Public Records. Below are detailed answers to the most common inquiries, based on current county policies, state laws, and practical experience. These responses reflect the latest procedures as of 2024 and are designed to help residents, researchers, attorneys, and real estate professionals navigate the system efficiently and accurately.
How do I find my Tax Map Key (TMK) number?
Your Tax Map Key (TMK) is a nine-digit code that uniquely identifies your property in Maui County. You can find it on your property tax bill, deed, or mortgage documents. If you don’t have these, visit the County of Maui Public Documents portal and use the address lookup tool. Enter the full street address, and the system will return the matching TMK. Alternatively, call the Bureau of Conveyances at (808) 242-4615 with your property’s legal description. Staff can verify the TMK over the phone. Once you have it, use it to search permits, deeds, liens, and tax records online. The TMK format is “XXX-XXX-XX”, such as “123-456-78”. Always double-check the number before submitting requests, as errors delay processing.
Are juvenile records available in Maui County Public Records?
No, juvenile records are not part of Maui County Public Records. Hawaii state law strictly protects the privacy of minors involved in criminal or civil proceedings. These records are sealed and accessible only to authorized agencies, attorneys, or family members with court approval. Even third-party aggregators cannot legally publish juvenile data. If you need information about a minor’s case, you must file a motion with the Family Court and obtain a judge’s order. The Office of Information Practices enforces this rule and can deny requests that violate privacy protections. Always consult an attorney before pursuing restricted records.
Can I get a certified copy of a deed online?
No, certified copies of deeds must be requested in writing from the Bureau of Conveyances. While you can view and download unofficial digital copies online, only the Bureau can issue documents with an official seal and signature. To request a certified deed, mail or deliver a written application with the TMK, legal description, party names, and payment. Processing takes ten business days. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope for mail delivery. Certified copies cost more than standard prints due to authentication requirements. They are required for legal transactions, such as refinancing or transferring ownership.
What fees apply when requesting public records?
Fees vary by request type and complexity. Standard rates are $0.15 per printed page and $0.20 per digital file, with a $75 maximum per request. Expedited service adds a $5 surcharge. Nonprofits may qualify for fee waivers with a notarized financial hardship statement. All fees must be prepaid via check, money order, or online credit card. The Office of Communications Services provides receipts and tracks payments. If your request is denied due to exemptions, you still pay for search and review time. Contact OCS at (808) 270-7838 for a cost estimate before submitting.
How long does it take to receive records?
Standard requests take ten business days for property records and three to seven days for court documents. Complex cases requiring extensive verification may take up to fifteen days. Expedited service delivers results within 24 hours for an extra $25. Processing begins only after full payment and complete documentation. Delays occur if the TMK is incorrect, the legal description is vague, or the record is archived offsite. To speed up delivery, provide as much detail as possible and follow up with the relevant office. Online searches are instant, but certified copies require manual handling.
Can I access Maui County Public Records from another state?
Yes, most Maui County Public Records are available online from anywhere. The County of Maui Public Documents portal, eCourt Kokua, and qpublic.net are accessible 24/7. For certified copies, you can mail or email your request to the Bureau of Conveyances or Judiciary. Include a U.S. phone number and valid ID. International users may need to use a U.S.-based agent or attorney. Third-party sites like recordslookuphj.com also allow remote access, though fees apply. Always verify information with official sources before making decisions based on out-of-state research.
What if my record request is denied?
If your request is denied, you will receive a written explanation citing the specific exemption under Hawaii law. Common reasons include privacy concerns, ongoing investigations, or attorney-client privilege. You have the right to appeal to the Office of Information Practices (OIP) within 30 days. OIP will review the case and issue a binding decision. If OIP rules in your favor, the county must release the records. If denied again, you may file a lawsuit in Circuit Court. Keep all correspondence and receipts. OIP’s phone number is (808) 586-1400.
Contact Information for Maui County Public Records
For official inquiries, use the following contacts:
Bureau of Conveyances
171 W. Kaahumanu Ave., Kahului, HI 96732
Phone: (808) 242-4615 | Hours: Mon–Fri, 8 am–5 pm
Office of Communications Services
Phone: (808) 270-7838 | Email: [protected address on mauicounty.gov]
Real Property Assessment Division
110 ‘Ala‘ihi Street, Suite 108, Kahului, HI 96732
Phone: (808) 242-6211 | Hours: Mon–Fri, 8 am–4 pm
Maui Police Department Records Section
215 Ka‘ahumanu Ave., Wailuku, HI 96793
Phone: (808) 244-6355
Hawaii State Judiciary (eCourt Kokua)
Phone: (808) 237-4670 | Hours: Mon–Fri, 8 am–4 pm
Official website: https://www.mauicounty.gov