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What Is the Statute of Limitations for Breach Of An Oral Contract in Hawaii?

In Hawaii, the statute of limitations for breach of an oral contract is generally 6 years under Haw. Rev. Stat. § 657-1(1).

6 YEARS
Breach of Oral Contract · Hawaii
✓ Verified Checked Sep 2026

Breach of an oral contract Deadlines in Hawaii

How long do you have to file a breach of an oral contract claim in Hawaii?

In Hawaii, the statute of limitations for breach of an oral contract is generally 6 years under Haw. Rev. Stat. § 657-1(1).

When does the clock start for breach of an oral contract in Hawaii?

Six years — the same as a written contract.

Can the Hawaii deadline for breach of an oral contract be extended?

The statute of frauds may bar certain oral agreements outright regardless of timing.

Is the deadline different if the claim is against the government in Hawaii?

Often, yes. Generally 2 years; six-month county notice may apply under Haw. Rev. Stat. §§ 662-4, 46-72. The State Tort Liability Act sets a two-year period in § 662-4. Section 46-72 requires written notice to a county within a short window — commonly reported as six months — for claims arising from county negligence, and § 657-1.5 provides that limitations of ac…

How does Hawaii compare to other states for breach of an oral contract?

Hawaii's 6 years is in the middle of the range nationally. Across the 44 jurisdictions with a verified figure, the deadline for breach of an oral contract ranges from 2 years to 10 years, and 3 years is the most common. Compare all states →

What Does Breach of Oral Contract Cover?

Situations that typically fall under the breach of an oral contract deadline in Hawaii:

01 Verbal service or handshake agreements
02 Informal lending or repayment promises
03 Unwritten partnership or business arrangements
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Other Filing Deadlines in Hawaii

Statutes of limitations have exceptions, and courts apply them to specific facts. This page states the general rule. A licensed Hawaii attorney can tell you the deadline that applies to your situation.
See every filing deadline in Hawaii, or compare breach of an oral contract across all states.
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