As a business and real estate attorney who has drafted and reviewed hundreds of Hawaii quit claim deeds over the past 12 years, I created this comprehensive guide and free downloadable Hawaii quit claim deed form to help individuals and investors transfer property interests quickly and correctly in the Aloha State. A properly executed quit claim deed can save you thousands in legal fees while ensuring the transfer complies with Hawaii Revised Statutes (HRS) Chapter 502.
Important Disclaimer: This article and the attached Hawaii quit claim deed template are for informational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. Always consult a licensed Hawaii attorney or title professional before recording any real estate document.
A Hawaii quit claim deed (also called a quitclaim deed) is a legal instrument that transfers whatever interest the grantor currently has in real property to the grantee without any warranties of title. Unlike warranty deeds common in traditional home sales, a quit claim deed offers no guarantee that the grantor actually owns the property or that the title is free of liens.
In my experience practicing in Honolulu and throughout the islands, the most frequent uses of a Hawaii quit claim deed include:
Hawaii has specific statutory requirements under HRS §502-11 through §502-25 that every quit claim deed must satisfy to be recordable at the Bureau of Conveyances. Missing even one element can cause rejection and delay your transfer.
| Requirement | Details | Statutory Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Proper Form | Must contain words of conveyance such as "quitclaims" or "remise, release, and quitclaim" | HRS §502-41 |
| Legal Description | Full legal description (not just street address) – usually from prior deed or tax map key (TMK) | HRS §502-25 |
| Consideration Statement | Must state consideration (even if "love and affection" or "$10 and other good consideration") | HRS §502-83 |
| Conveyance Tax (P-64A/B) | Form P-64A or P-64B required unless exempt (most family transfers qualify for exemption) | HRS Chapter 247 |
| Notarization | Grantor(s) must sign before Hawaii notary with proper acknowledgment | HRS §456-1 et seq. |
| Recording | Must be recorded in Regular System or Land Court (depending on property registration) | HRS §502-31 |
Download Free Hawaii Quit Claim Deed Template (PDF) – Updated November 2025
This attorney-drafted Hawaii quit claim deed form includes:
Follow these exact steps I give clients in my office:
According to the Hawaii Department of Taxation (tax.hawaii.gov), most quit claim deed transfers between family members qualify for full exemption from conveyance tax, which would otherwise be:
Common exemptions I help clients claim:
Source: Hawaii Department of Taxation – Conveyance Tax
As of 2025, Bureau of Conveyances recording fees are:
| First page (Regular System) | $41.00 |
| Each additional page | $2.00 |
| Land Court documents | $46.00 + $5 per new certificate |
You have two recording options:
In reviewing thousands of deeds at the Bureau, these are the top rejection reasons I see:
| Feature | Quit Claim Deed | General Warranty Deed |
|---|---|---|
| Title Guarantees | None – "as-is" | Full warranties against defects |
| Typical Use | Family transfers, trusts | Traditional home sales |
| Buyer Protection | Minimal | Maximum |
| Title Insurance | Rarely insurable | Standard requirement |
Do I need an attorney to prepare a Hawaii quit claim deed?
While not legally required, I strongly recommend it when significant value is involved or complex title issues exist.
How long does recording take in Hawaii?
eRecording: same day to 3 business days. Paper recording: 4-8 weeks currently.
Can I prepare a quit claim deed for Land Court property?
Yes, but you must use the specific Land Court format and a new Certificate of Title will be issued.
Is a Hawaii quit claim deed reversible?
Generally no – once recorded, it permanently transfers the grantor's interest unless fraud or duress is proven.
In my decade-plus of practice, I've seen properly executed Hawaii quit claim deeds save families thousands in unnecessary legal fees and taxes while providing peace of mind. When used in the right situations – especially family transfers and estate planning – they remain one of the most efficient tools in Hawaii real estate.
Download the free Hawaii quit claim deed form above, follow the instructions carefully, and always double-check your work against the Bureau of Conveyances requirements. When in doubt, a quick consultation with a local professional can prevent costly mistakes.
Click Here to Download Your Free Hawaii Quit Claim Deed Form (2025)
Remember: This template is provided as a courtesy and is not a substitute for professional legal advice specific to your situation.
Sources:
• Hawaii Revised Statutes Chapter 502 – Bureau of Conveyances
• Hawaii Department of Taxation – Conveyance Tax Information
• IRS.gov – Gift Tax Rules (for transfers exceeding annual exclusion)