Primary law and terminology
HRS § 571-46. In Hawaii, courts generally describe the schedule as a time-sharing schedule. The court's decision is based on the child's best interests, not simply a parent's preferred percentage of time.
Hawaii · HI
Hawaii Custody Laws: Parenting Time & Relocation
A plain-English reference to Hawaii custody terminology, joint custody, parenting time, relocation, child preferences, and order changes.
Informational only—not legal advice. Laws and guidelines change. Verify the current rule with the official court resource and a licensed Hawaii family-law attorney.
Joint custody and parenting time
Joint custody may be awarded when it is in the child's best interest; family violence creates a rebuttable presumption against it.
Child preference
Considered for a child of sufficient age and capacity.
Relocation and move-away cases
Notice to the other parent is required; courts apply the statutory best-interest factors.
Changing an existing order
A parent must show a substantial and continuing change in circumstances since the last order, and that a change serves the child's best interests.
Where to file
Under the UCCJEA the child generally must have lived in the state for the 6 months before filing (or since birth, if younger). Family Court in each judicial circuit handles custody filings.
Build a workable Hawaii parenting plan
Put regular time, holidays, exchanges, communication, and dispute steps in one written plan. Then keep the actual schedule and handoffs organized as circumstances change.
Hawaii custody questions
What are the custody laws in Hawaii?
Hawaii applies the statute or rule summarized above and decides parenting time by the child's best interests. Read the official court resource before filing.
Can a parent move with a child in Hawaii?
Notice to the other parent is required; courts apply the statutory best-interest factors.
How do I change a Hawaii custody order?
A parent must show a substantial and continuing change in circumstances since the last order, and that a change serves the child's best interests.
More Hawaii family-law resources
Compare the rule with your written plan, schedule, and records before you file or negotiate.
- Parenting plan guides by state
Filing venue, required classes, and the terminology each state's courts use.
- Custody schedule patterns explained
2-2-3, 2-2-5-5, week-on/week-off, and every other common rotation.
- Custody percentage calculator
Count overnights across a full cycle the way state worksheets do.
- Court-ready PDF legal exports
One-click evidence packets for your attorney or a hearing — unlimited and free.
- State-by-state child support estimator
Applies your state's own guideline model to your numbers.