Will Requirements in Hawaii
A Hawaii will needs the testator's signature and two witnesses, can be made self-proved, and a holographic will is valid if the signature and material portions are in the testator's handwriting.
Last checked . General information, not legal advice.
Hawaii at a glance
- Witnesses
- 2 witnesses
- Self-proving affidavit
- Allowed
- Handwritten (holographic) wills
- Recognized
The rules in Hawaii
How many witnesses does a will need in Hawaii?
A will in Hawaii must be signed in front of two witnesses, who sign it too.
Can a will be self-proved in Hawaii?
Yes. Hawaii allows a self-proving affidavit, which lets a court accept the will without calling the witnesses to testify.
Is a handwritten will valid in Hawaii?
Yes. Hawaii recognizes handwritten (holographic) wills that meet its requirements.
Where do the Hawaii rules for wills come from?
They come from HRS 560:2-502 (Execution; witnessed wills; holographic wills) and HRS 560:2-504 (Self-proved will). We last checked them in October 2026. Laws change, so check the current statute before you rely on it.
How Hawaii compares
Hawaii is one of 27 jurisdictions that recognize handwritten wills.
What this means in practice
Sign the will in front of all the witnesses at the same time and have them sign right after you. Many people choose adult witnesses who receive nothing under the will, which avoids questions later.
Keep the signed original somewhere safe and tell your executor where it is. A copy is usually not enough to probate a will.
Changing a will later takes the same formalities: sign a codicil or a new will with witnesses, rather than writing changes on the original.
General information, not legal advice. Laws change, and cities can add their own rules, so check the current statute before you rely on it.