Breach of Contract Statute of Limitations in Hawaii
Last verified 2026-07 · Source: Haw. Rev. Stat. § 657-1(1) ✓ verified · 3 sources
The deadline
6 years
from Date the cause of action accrues (typically date of breach), under Haw. Rev. Stat. § 657-1(1).
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If you're researching breach of contract claims in Hawaii, the single most important number is 6 years. That's how long Haw. Rev. Stat. § 657-1(1) gives you to file a breach of contract lawsuit, counted from Date the cause of action accrues (typically date of breach). File even one day late and the court will almost certainly dismiss the case, no matter how strong it is.
Hawaii Deadlines for Related Claims
| Claim type | Deadline | Statute |
|---|---|---|
| Breach of Contract | 6 years | Haw. Rev. Stat. § 657-1(1) |
| Car Accident | 2 yrs | Haw. Rev. Stat. § 431:10C-315(b) |
| Credit Card Debt | 6 yrs | Haw. Rev. Stat. § 657-1 |
| Medical Malpractice | 2 yrs | Haw. Rev. Stat. § 657-7.3 |
| Wrongful Death | 2 yrs | HRS § 663-3 |
| Personal Injury | 2 yrs | Haw. Rev. Stat. § 657-7 |
| Dog Bite | 2 yrs | H.R.S. § 663-9 (strict liability); SOL: H.R.S. § 657-7 |
| Slip and Fall | 2 yrs | Haw. Rev. Stat. § 657-7 |
| Defamation | 2 yrs | Haw. Rev. Stat. § 657-4 |
| Medical Debt | 6 yrs | Haw. Rev. Stat. § 657-1 |
When the Clock Starts
In Hawaii, the limitations period for breach of contract claims generally begins on Date the cause of action accrues (typically date of breach). Hawaii recognizes a discovery rule for this claim type: Hawaii courts apply the discovery rule where a breach is inherently unknowable; SOL may begin when plaintiff discovered or should have discovered the breach.
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Exceptions That Can Extend the Deadline
- Minors: the clock is generally paused while the injured person is under 18.
- Fraudulent concealment: if the defendant actively hid the wrongdoing, the deadline may be extended until it was or should have been uncovered.
- Defendant leaves the state: absence can pause the clock in many circumstances.
No distinction between written and oral contracts — both subject to 6 years under HRS § 657-1(1). Statute text: 'Actions for the recovery of any debt founded upon any contract, obligation, or liability' must be commenced 'within six years next after the cause of action accrued.'
Source: Haw. Rev. Stat. § 657-1(1), official Hawaii statute · verified 2026-07
What to Do Before the Deadline Runs
- Pin down your accrual date — the day the clock started — and calendar the deadline conservatively.
- Preserve evidence now: photos, records, witness contacts, bills. Evidence decays faster than deadlines.
- Send preservation/notice letters where required (especially for Hawaii government defendants).
- If the deadline is inside 6 months, treat it as urgent — filing suit is the only reliable way to stop the clock.
How Hawaii Compares to Nearby States
| State | Deadline | Statute |
|---|---|---|
| Hawaii | 6 years | Haw. Rev. Stat. § 657-1(1) |
| California | 4 yrs | Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 337 |
| Washington | 6 yrs | RCW 4.16.040 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I have to file a breach of contract lawsuit in Hawaii?
You have 6 years from Date the cause of action accrues (typically date of breach), under Haw. Rev. Stat. § 657-1(1).
Can I still sue after 6 years in Hawaii?
Usually no — courts dismiss claims filed after the statute of limitations expires. Narrow exceptions (the discovery rule, tolling for minors, fraudulent concealment) can extend the deadline; whether one applies depends on your facts.
Does the discovery rule apply to breach of contract claims in Hawaii?
Yes. Hawaii courts apply the discovery rule where a breach is inherently unknowable; SOL may begin when plaintiff discovered or should have discovered the breach.
What if the victim was a minor?
Hawaii generally pauses ("tolls") the deadline while the injured person is under 18, giving them time to file after reaching adulthood. Special limits can still apply, so check the statute.
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Sources
- Official Hawaii Revised Statutes § 657-1 - Six years limitation (data.capitol.hawaii.gov)
- Corroborating Hawaii Revised Statutes § 657-1 - Six years (Justia)
- Corroborating Hawaii Revised Statutes § 657-1 (FindLaw)
- Verified 2026-07 under our 4-step process — every line checked against the sources above. How we verify
This page is legal information, not legal advice. Deadlines have exceptions that depend on your facts — confirm with a licensed Hawaii attorney.