Do this today
- Write the date, time, who entered, and whether you were told in advance.
- Keep texts, emails, or posted notes about entry.
- If you felt unsafe, that is a safety issue as well as a tenancy issue — 911 if someone is in danger.
- Do not change locks without confirming Hawaii rules and the lease.
What usually depends on the reason?
Emergencies, agreed-upon repairs, and showings to buyers or new tenants are often treated differently in Hawaii Residential Landlord-Tenant Code. A national “24 hours” line is a rumor, not a rule we will print. The hour-count, if Hawaii has one, is in the chapter.
What if it keeps happening?
Repeated unannounced entry is worth a dated log. Whether Hawaii treats that as a breach, a privacy violation, or something a court can stop is a legal-aid question. The log is what you take them.
Is Honolulu the same as the neighbor islands for renters?
Hawaiʻi Revised Statutes are statewide. The City and County of Honolulu is a consolidated government with its own code shop. District Court hears many cases. Neighbor-island rules and courts are not Honolulu’s.
The Hawaii chapter
Hawaii Residential Landlord-Tenant Code (Haw. Rev. Stat. §§ 521-1 to 521-85) is the starting point. We name it. We do not paraphrase a day-count or a dollar cap out of it.
Hawaii state law is the floor. Cities may add rent boards, just-cause rules, or extra protected classes. Confirm locally.
Official sources
Common questions
Can my landlord in Hawaii enter without notice?
Sometimes, for emergencies. For other reasons, Hawaii Residential Landlord-Tenant Code usually requires notice of some kind. We do not print an hour-count. Write down what happened and confirm the chapter.
Can I refuse entry in Hawaii?
It depends on the reason, the notice, and the lease. Refusing a lawful entry can become a lease issue. Ask legal aid before you change locks or bar a posted repair visit.
Is Honolulu the same as the neighbor islands for renters?
Hawaiʻi Revised Statutes are statewide. The City and County of Honolulu is a consolidated government with its own code shop. District Court hears many cases. Neighbor-island rules and courts are not Honolulu’s.
The national landlord entry guide has the full sequence. Open the landlord entry guide
People also ask
Last reviewed 8 September 2026. Legal information, not legal advice. Not a law firm. hello@renterprotection.org
