Hawaii Eviction Notice for Nonpayment of Rent: The 10-Day Notice and Mediation
Since February 5, 2026 a Hawaii landlord gives at least 10 calendar days to pay overdue rent and copies a mediation center. Here is what the notice says, when it is received and how mediation changes the filing date.
What is the Hawaii notice for unpaid rent?
A landlord may, any time after rent is due, demand payment and notify the tenant in writing that unless payment is made within the time in the notice, not less than ten calendar days after receipt, the rental agreement will be terminated (HRS 521-68(a)). This version took effect on February 5, 2026; until February 4, 2026 the notice period was five business days. The Hawaii eviction notice calculator counts the days.
When is the notice received?
A notice may be given by posting it in a conspicuous place on the dwelling unit, and it is deemed received on the date of the posting. A notice mailed by the U.S. Postal Service, properly addressed with postage, is deemed received two business days after the postmark unless it comes back undeliverable (521-68(a)).
What must the notice say?
The landlord’s contact information; the address of the unit; the names and contact information of all tenants on the rental agreement; the current rent due after applying all payments; that a copy is being sent to a state-funded mediation center to contact both sides about mediation; that the landlord may file for summary possession if the rent is not paid and mediation is not scheduled within ten calendar days; a bold-type warning in substantially the statutory form; and that the landlord will take part in mediation if it is scheduled (521-68(b)). The judiciary prepares a notice form.
How does mediation change the timing?
If the tenant schedules mediation within the ten days, regardless of whether the session happens in that period, and takes part, the landlord may file only after twenty calendar days from the date of receipt, unless the tenant fails to attend or cancels. Mediation takes place within thirty days after the center contacts both sides, each side bears its own costs, and if it does not produce an agreement the landlord may file without another mediation (521-68(c), (h), (i)).
What must the complaint show?
A summary possession complaint for nonpayment must include documents from the mediation center showing the landlord sent it the notice, or an affirmation of how it was sent, and, if mediation was scheduled but has not occurred, the date. If the notice has a defect the court finds unintentional or immaterial, it may let the landlord cure it instead of dismissing the case (521-68(d), (e)).
What if the tenant pays?
If the full rent due is paid within the notice period, the ground for the case is gone. Pay in a way that leaves a record, and keep a copy of the notice. A federal 30-day notice may apply to a covered dwelling (15 U.S.C. 9058(c)). See the Hawaii eviction timeline calculator.
A worked example of the 10 days
A notice posted on Wednesday, October 14, 2026 is received that day. The 10 days run to Saturday, October 24, and the landlord can file on Monday, October 26 if no mediation was scheduled. If the tenant schedules mediation and takes part, the landlord can file only after 20 calendar days from receipt, on Wednesday, November 4. A mailed notice postmarked October 14 is received two business days later, on Friday, October 16. The eviction notice calculator does the count for your dates.
What to keep
Keep a copy of the notice, a photograph of the posting or the mailing receipt, proof that a copy went to the mediation center, a ledger of the rent claimed and any proof of payment.
Frequently asked questions
How long is an eviction notice for nonpayment in Hawaii?
At least 10 calendar days after receipt, since February 5, 2026.
Is a copy sent to a mediation center?
Yes. The landlord must send the notice to a state-funded mediation center.
When is a mailed notice received?
Two business days after the postmark.
Does mediation delay the case?
If the tenant schedules and attends mediation, the landlord can file only after 20 calendar days.
Is mediation free?
The state-funded mediation centers offer free mediation for residential landlord-tenant matters; each side bears its own other costs.
Official sources
A local landlord-tenant attorney can review your situation — many offer a free consultation.
This is general information, not legal advice. It is based on the cited Hawaii statutes, rules and court opinions, and every case turns on its own facts. Confirm how the law applies to your situation with a licensed Hawaii attorney.