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What Is the Statute of Limitations for Breach Of A Written Contract in Hawaii?

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

6 YEARS
Written Contract · Hawaii
✓ Verified Checked Sep 2026

Breach of a written contract Deadlines in Hawaii

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

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

When does the clock start for breach of a written contract in Hawaii?

Six years from accrual.

Can the Hawaii deadline for breach of a written contract be extended?

A claim based on express warranty is in contract and governed by clause (1) (63 H. 210). Claims under ch. 577A are governed by that chapter instead. Breach of implied warranty of merchantability for personal injury runs under the UCC at § 490:2-725, not under ch. 657 (74 H. 1).

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 a written contract?

Hawaii's 6 years is in the middle of the range nationally. Across the 49 jurisdictions with a verified figure, the deadline for breach of a written contract ranges from 3 years to 10 years, and 6 years is the most common. Compare all states →

What Does Written Contract Cover?

Situations that typically fall under the breach of a written contract deadline in Hawaii:

01 Breach of a signed business agreement
02 Non-payment under a service contract
03 Broken lease or purchase agreements
04 Failure to deliver goods as contracted
05 Breach of a settlement agreement
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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 a written contract across all states.
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