Kauai County Property Records
What Is Kauai County Property Records
Kauai County property records are official government documents that record ownership, transfers, and encumbrances of real property (land and buildings) within the jurisdiction of Kauai County, Hawaii. These records serve as the authoritative documentation of property ownership and interests throughout the county. Property records establish legal ownership through a documented chain of title, provide public notice of property interests, protect property rights, and facilitate real estate transactions.
The maintenance and accessibility of property records in Kauai County are governed by Hawaii Revised Statutes § 502-31, which mandates the recording of instruments affecting real property. Unlike most mainland states where property records are maintained at the county level, Hawaii utilizes a statewide recording system administered by the Bureau of Conveyances, a division of the Department of Land and Natural Resources.
Property records typically include:
- Deeds (warranty, quitclaim, grant)
- Mortgages and mortgage releases
- Liens and lien satisfactions
- Easements
- Covenants, conditions, and restrictions (CC&Rs)
- Plat maps and surveys
- Tax assessment information
These documents collectively create a comprehensive history of ownership and encumbrances for each parcel of land in Kauai County, providing essential information for property owners, potential buyers, real estate professionals, and government agencies.
Are Property Records Public Information In Kauai County?
Property records in Kauai County are public information accessible to all citizens pursuant to both Hawaii's Uniform Information Practices Act (Hawaii Revised Statutes § 92F-11) and specific property recording statutes. The legal basis for this public access rests on several foundational principles:
- Property ownership is fundamentally a matter of public record
- Recording statutes require public access to ensure transparency in land ownership
- Public access serves the broader public interest by facilitating real estate transactions
- Any member of the public may access property records without demonstrating a specific interest or reason
The Hawaii Bureau of Conveyances maintains these records and makes them available for public inspection in accordance with state law. This transparency ensures that all parties involved in real estate transactions have access to accurate information about property ownership, encumbrances, and history.
Bureau of Conveyances
1151 Punchbowl Street
Honolulu, HI 96813
(808) 587-0147
Bureau of Conveyances
For Kauai County specifically, property tax records and related information are maintained by the Real Property Assessment Division, which also provides public access to assessment data, tax maps, and other property-related information.
County of Kauai Real Property Assessment Division
4444 Rice Street, Suite A-454
Lihue, HI 96766
(808) 241-4224
Real Property Assessment Division
How To Search Property Records in Kauai County in 2026
Members of the public seeking to search property records in Kauai County may utilize several methods to access this information. The process involves identifying the specific property of interest and then accessing the appropriate records through available resources.
For comprehensive title and ownership records:
- Identify the property by Tax Map Key (TMK) number, address, or owner name
- Access the Hawaii Bureau of Conveyances records through their online portal
- Request certified copies of specific documents if needed for legal purposes
- Pay applicable fees for searches and document copies
For property tax and assessment records specific to Kauai County:
- Visit the Kauai County Real Property Tax website
- Enter the property address, TMK number, or owner name in the search field
- Review the property information, including assessed value, tax history, and basic ownership details
- Request additional information or certified copies if needed
In-person searches may be conducted at:
Kauai County Real Property Assessment Division
4444 Rice Street, Suite A-454
Lihue, HI 96766
Hours: Monday-Friday, 7:45 AM to 4:30 PM (except holidays)
(808) 241-4224
When conducting property record searches, requestors should be prepared to provide specific identifying information about the property and pay any applicable fees for document reproduction or certification.
How To Find Property Records in Kauai County Online?
Kauai County property records are accessible through several online platforms maintained by state and county agencies. These digital resources provide convenient access to property information without requiring in-person visits to government offices.
The primary online resources for accessing Kauai County property records include:
-
Hawaii Bureau of Conveyances Online Records System
- Visit the Bureau of Conveyances website
- Select "Search Records" from the available options
- Create a user account if conducting multiple searches
- Enter search criteria (TMK number, owner name, document number)
- Review document index information and order copies as needed
-
Kauai County Real Property Assessment Website
- Navigate to the Kauai County Real Property Tax Portal
- Enter property address, TMK number, or owner name
- Access property assessment information, tax history, and basic ownership details
- View property characteristics, improvements, and land information
-
Hawaii Information Portal
- Access the Hawaii Information Portal
- Navigate to the property records section
- Search using available criteria
- Access publicly available property information
For property tax payment information, the county maintains a dedicated Property Tax Payments portal where property owners can view and pay their bi-annual property tax bills online.
When using these online systems, users should note that while basic property information is generally available at no cost, fees may apply for accessing certain documents or obtaining certified copies of records.
How To Look Up Kauai County Property Records for Free?
Kauai County residents and interested parties can access certain property records at no cost through several publicly available resources. These free options provide basic property information without requiring payment of search or document fees.
Free property record access options include:
-
Kauai County Real Property Tax Website
- Visit the Kauai County Real Property Assessment website
- Search by address, owner name, or TMK number
- Access basic property information including:
- Owner of record
- Property address and TMK number
- Land area and zoning
- Building characteristics
- Assessment values
- Recent sales information
- Property tax information
-
Public Access Terminals
- Visit the Kauai County Real Property Assessment Division office
- Use the public access computer terminals available during regular business hours
- Access more detailed property information than available online
- Print documents for a nominal fee
-
Hawaii State Public Library System
- Visit local public libraries with internet access
- Use public computers to access the county's online property information
- Obtain assistance from library staff if needed
While these resources provide free access to basic property information, users should be aware that certain limitations apply:
- Complete historical title information may not be available
- Document images may require payment to view or download
- Certified copies of documents will incur fees
- Complex title searches may require professional assistance
For the most comprehensive free access, visiting the public terminals at the county offices provides the greatest level of detail without incurring search fees.
What's Included in a Kauai County Property Record?
Kauai County property records encompass a comprehensive collection of documents and information related to real property within the county. Real property refers to land and anything permanently attached to it, while personal property (movable assets) is documented separately.
Property records in Kauai County are maintained by multiple offices, primarily the Hawaii Bureau of Conveyances for title documents and the Kauai County Real Property Assessment Division for tax and assessment records.
A complete property record typically includes:
-
Ownership Information
- Current owner's name and contact information
- Previous owners (chain of title)
- Deed information including recording date and document number
- Type of ownership (fee simple, leasehold, etc.)
-
Property Identification
- Tax Map Key (TMK) number
- Legal description of the property
- Property address
- Lot size and dimensions
-
Assessment Information
- Land value
- Building value
- Total assessed value
- Tax classification
- Exemptions applied
-
Physical Characteristics
- Land area and topography
- Building size and year built
- Number of rooms, bedrooms, and bathrooms
- Construction type and quality
- Improvements and amenities
-
Encumbrances
- Mortgages and trust deeds
- Liens (tax, mechanic's, judgment)
- Easements and rights-of-way
- Covenants, conditions, and restrictions
-
Transaction History
- Sale dates and prices
- Mortgage amounts and lenders
- Foreclosure information if applicable
The content and maintenance of these records are governed by Hawaii Revised Statutes § 502-7, which establishes requirements for recording and maintaining property documents.
How Long Does Kauai County Keep Property Records?
Kauai County, in conjunction with the Hawaii Bureau of Conveyances, maintains property records permanently for most essential documents related to property ownership and encumbrances. This permanent retention ensures the continuity of the chain of title and protects property rights in perpetuity.
The retention periods for various property-related documents are established by the Hawaii State Archives General Records Schedule and include:
- Deeds and Conveyances: Permanent retention
- Mortgages and Releases: Permanent retention
- Easements: Permanent retention
- Liens and Satisfactions: Permanent retention
- Plat Maps and Surveys: Permanent retention
- Tax Assessment Records: Minimum 7 years, with current and historical assessment data maintained indefinitely
- Property Tax Payment Records: 7 years after payment
- Building Permits: Life of the structure plus 3 years
- Zoning Decisions: Permanent retention
These retention requirements are mandated by state law, specifically Hawaii Revised Statutes § 94-3, which establishes the authority of the state archivist to determine retention periods for government records.
The permanent retention of property records serves several critical purposes:
- Establishes and maintains clear chains of title
- Protects property rights across generations
- Provides historical documentation of land use and ownership
- Ensures availability of information for future property transactions
Researchers seeking historical property records may need to consult both digital systems and archived physical documents, depending on the age of the records in question.
How To Find Liens on Property In Kauai County?
Liens on property in Kauai County are recorded as part of the public record and can be identified through several official channels. A lien is a legal claim against a property that must be paid when the property is sold, and identifying existing liens is a crucial step in property transactions.
To search for liens on Kauai County property:
-
Bureau of Conveyances Search
- Access the Bureau of Conveyances online records system
- Search by the property's Tax Map Key (TMK) number or owner name
- Review the document index for recorded liens
- Common lien types include:
- Tax liens (federal, state, county)
- Mechanic's liens
- Judgment liens
- Homeowners Association liens
- Child support liens
-
Kauai County Tax Office
- Check for property tax liens by visiting the Kauai Real Property Tax Payments portal
- Enter the TMK or property address
- Review for any delinquent tax amounts that constitute a lien on the property
-
Hawaii State Judiciary Records
- Search court records for judgment liens through the Hawaii State Judiciary
- Judgments against property owners may become liens on their real property
-
Professional Title Search
- Engage a title company to conduct a comprehensive lien search
- Title professionals have expertise in identifying all recorded liens
- This option provides the most thorough results but involves professional fees
When conducting lien searches, requestors should note that some liens may have been filed against previous owners and subsequently released, while others may remain active encumbrances on the property. A thorough search should include a review of the property's complete ownership history to identify all potential liens.
What Is Property Owner Rule In Kauai County?
The Property Owner Rule in Kauai County refers to the set of regulations and legal principles that govern property ownership rights and responsibilities within the county. These rules are established through a combination of state statutes, county ordinances, and common law principles.
Key aspects of the Property Owner Rule in Kauai County include:
-
Fee Simple Ownership
- Hawaii law recognizes fee simple absolute as the most complete form of property ownership
- Owners have the right to use, possess, and dispose of their property within legal limitations
- This right is protected under Hawaii Revised Statutes § 501-211
-
Recording Requirements
- All documents affecting real property interests must be recorded to provide constructive notice
- Unrecorded documents may be valid between parties but may not be enforceable against subsequent purchasers
- Recording establishes priority of interests based on the date of recording
-
Property Tax Obligations
- Property owners must pay semi-annual property taxes based on assessed value
- Tax rates vary by property classification (residential, agricultural, commercial)
- Failure to pay property taxes results in tax liens and potential foreclosure
-
Land Use Restrictions
- Property use is subject to zoning ordinances and land use regulations
- Special management area permits may be required for properties in coastal zones
- Historical properties may have additional use restrictions
-
Disclosure Requirements
- Sellers must disclose material facts about property condition
- Specific disclosures are required for properties in flood zones, special management areas, or with known defects
-
Adverse Possession
- Under Hawaii law, a person may claim ownership of property after open, notorious, and continuous possession for 20 years
- This principle is established in Hawaii Revised Statutes § 657-31.5
Property owners in Kauai County should familiarize themselves with these rules to ensure compliance with legal requirements and to protect their property rights.
Lookup Property Records in Kauai County
Kauai Real Property Tax Payments