Hawaii Tax Sale Laws — Investor Guide

The government transfers the deed directly to the winning bidder at auction.

Redemption Period

No redemption period

Max Interest Rate

N/A

IRS Lien Survives

Yes — verify before bidding

Foreclosure Required

Quiet Title Required

Yes

Counties Covered

4 counties

Quiet Title Required in Hawaii

Before a title insurer will issue a policy on a tax deed property in Hawaii, you'll need to complete a quiet title action.

$1,500–$5,000

Legal Fees

6–18 mo

Timeline

How Tax Sales Work in Hawaii

Hawaii has 4 counties (Honolulu, Maui, Hawaii, Kauai) each of which conducts annual tax deed auctions. After a delinquency period, the county may sell the property at public auction. The winning bidder receives a county quitclaim deed. Quiet title is recommended. IRS liens survive if the IRS was not properly notified.

Quick Due Diligence Checklist for Hawaii

Verify property is still on the auction list within 48 hours of sale (redemptions happen until the last minute)

Check for federal IRS liens — they survive the tax sale in Hawaii

Search for HOA liens and municipal code violations — these may survive in some counties

Budget for foreclosure costs — required in Hawaii to convert a lien to deed

Budget for quiet title action — required in Hawaii before title insurance will issue

Drive the property or use street view to confirm structure exists and is accessible

Verify assessed value vs. back taxes owed — if taxes exceed assessed value, it may be a junk property

Source: HRS §246-55 et seq. · Verified: January 2025 · Always verify current laws directly with the Hawaii state statutes and your county treasurer. This is not legal or investment advice.

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