How to make a will in Hawaii

Hawaii will requirements at a glance

How to sign a will in Hawaii

1. Print your will and read every word. Fill in any blanks in ink, but don't sign yet.
2. Choose two adult witnesses who receive nothing under your will and aren't married to anyone who does.
3. Sign and date your will in front of both witnesses, at the same time. Then each witness signs while you and the other witness watch. (HRS § 560:2-502(a))
4. Make it self-proving. You and your witnesses sign a short self-proving affidavit in front of a notary, so the court won't need to find your witnesses later. (HRS § 560:2-504)
5. Store the original safely and tell your executor where it is.

Who can make a will

Anyone 18 or older and of sound mind. (HRS § 560:2-501)

Witness rules

Each witness signs within a reasonable time after witnessing the testator sign, or after the testator acknowledges the signature or the will. No requirement that witnesses sign in the testator's or each other's presence. Someone else may sign for the testator in the testator's conscious presence and at the testator's direction. (HRS § 560:2-502(a))

If a witness inherits: No effect: signing by an interested witness does not invalidate the will or any provision of it, including a gift to the witness (HRS § 560:2-505(b)).

Handwritten wills

Valid whether or not witnessed if the signature and material portions of the document are in the testator's handwriting (HRS § 560:2-502(b)).

Self-proving affidavit

Testator acknowledgment and witness affidavits before an officer authorized to administer oaths, at signing or later. (HRS § 560:2-504)

Can I sign my will online in Hawaii?

No. No electronic-will or remote-witnessing statute found in HRS ch. 560; Hawaii is not on 2026 lists of electronic-will states.

Print your will and sign it on paper with your witnesses in the same room.

Online notarization: A remote online notary commissioned by the Attorney General and located in Hawaii may act for a remotely located individual, and that appearance satisfies any law requiring personal appearance before a notary. The statute does not mention wills; it covers the notary's part only and does not make remote will witnessing valid. (HRS § 456-23 (L 2020, c 54); rules at HAR ch. 5-11)

Good to know in Hawaii

Hawaii did not adopt the Uniform Probate Code's lifetime will-deposit section (HRS § 560:2-515 is 'Reserved'). After a death, whoever holds the will must deliver it to someone able to probate it, or deposit it with the court, or may owe treble damages (§ 560:2-516).

Estate and inheritance taxes

Hawaii has a state estate tax on estates worth more than about $5,490,000 (2026). The federal estate tax applies only to estates over $15,000,000 per person in 2026, and gifts to charity are deductible.

Hawaii will questions

Does a will need to be notarized in Hawaii?

No. Two witnesses make a Hawaii will valid. A notary is needed only for the optional self-proving affidavit, which lets the court accept your will without contacting your witnesses.

Are handwritten wills legal in Hawaii?

Valid whether or not witnessed if the signature and material portions of the document are in the testator's handwriting (HRS § 560:2-502(b)).

Can a beneficiary witness a will in Hawaii?

No effect: signing by an interested witness does not invalidate the will or any provision of it, including a gift to the witness (HRS § 560:2-505(b)).

Can I make a will online in Hawaii?

You can write your will online for free with MyLastWill, then print it and sign it with your witnesses. Hawaii doesn't allow electronic wills, so the will must be signed on paper.

Does Hawaii have an estate or inheritance tax?

Hawaii has a state estate tax on estates worth more than about $5,490,000 (2026). The federal estate tax applies only to estates over $15,000,000 per person in 2026, and gifts to charity are deductible.

Last reviewed October 24, 2026 against Hawaii statutes. Laws change, and this is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your situation, talk with a Hawaii attorney.