Statute of Limitations in Hawaii
State-specific overview · Contract Law
Hawaii generally allows 6 years for contract claims and 2 years for personal injury lawsuits.
How Hawaii treats Statute of Limitations
Hawaii's statute of limitations varies by claim type: contract disputes typically have a 6-year window under Hawaii Revised Statutes § 657-1, while personal injury and negligence claims must be filed within 2 years. Medical malpractice claims also follow the 2-year rule but may have discovery rule exceptions if the injury was not immediately apparent. The clock typically starts when the injury occurs, not when the plaintiff discovers it.
The general definition of Statute of Limitations
A law setting the maximum time period within which a lawsuit can be filed after an injury or breach occurs.
Every type of legal claim has a deadline. Once that deadline passes, you lose the right to sue, even if you have a valid claim. The statute of limitations varies depending on the type of case—contract disputes might have a different deadline than personal injury claims, for example. These time limits exist to protect defendants from being sued years or decades after an event, when evidence may be lost and memories fade. Once the deadline expires, the claim is essentially dead, and courts will dismiss any lawsuit filed after that point.
Read the full Statute of Limitations entry →This page is a plain-English reference and is not legal advice. State laws change frequently. For specific situations consult a licensed attorney in Hawaii.