How to Find Hawaii Birth Records

Statewide registration of births began in 1842 in Hawaii, but most records begin in 1896, with general compliance by 1929.

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Next Step: When did the birth occur?

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 * Choose a time period to search for your ancestor's birth record:


 * Births before 1842
 * Births after 1842
 * Birth date unknown


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Births before 1842
Before 1842, no births were recorded by the county or state. You must search substitute records to locate your ancestor’s birth date and place.

Return to top: Choose another birth year

Births after 1842
Statewide registration of births began in 1842 in Hawaii, but most records begin in 1896, with general compliance by 1929. Delayed birth records also exist. If you cannot locate your ancestor in the databases below, try searching for birth information in other records.

STEP ONE: Find Birth Information
For births that exist during the time period, try the following database:

STEP TWO: Obtain the Record
PART A: You know the exact date of birth

With full names, dates and places of an event, you can order a copy of the birth certificate for a fee from the Hawaii Department of Health or VitalChek. Restrictions for persons born within the last 100 years: To obtain a copy of the birth certificate for those born within the last 100 years, you must be:


 * The person on the certificate
 * The parent or grandparent of the person on the certificate
 * The spouse of the person on the certificate
 * The child or grandchild of the person on the certificate
 * The sibling of the person on the certificate
 * The aunt, uncle, or cousin of the person on the certificate
 * The legal guardian of the person on the certificate
 * Anyone who has legal interest in the certificate
 * NOTE: A copy of the birth certificate cannot be obtained by anyone except those listed above until 100 years have passed from the date of the birth.

PART B: You don't know the exact date of birth

Pre-1860 Births Local government authorities and clergymen recorded some pre-1860 birth records. You will find these at the Hawaii State Archives, the Department of Health, and the Daughters of the American Revolution Library in Honolulu.

Birth Records on Microfilm Some birth records may be available on microfilm at your local Family Search Center. If you know the approximate date when the birth took place, use the FamilySearch Catalog to see what is available.


 * Search Hawaii in the place search box.
 * Select the topic Vital Records. Look for records that fit your time frame.
 * Some microfilms may be available to view at a local Family Search Center.

Delayed Birth Records on Microfilm Delayed birth records are also available on microfilm through the Family History Library and.

Restrictions for persons born within the last 100 years: To obtain a copy of the birth certificate for those born within the last 100 years, you must be:


 * The person on the certificate
 * The parent or grandparent of the person on the certificate
 * The spouse of the person on the certificate
 * The child or grandchild of the person on the certificate
 * The sibling of the person on the certificate
 * The aunt, uncle, or cousin of the person on the certificate
 * The legal guardian of the person on the certificate
 * Anyone who has legal interest in the certificate
 * NOTE: A copy of the birth certificate cannot be obtained by anyone except those listed above until 100 years have passed from the date of the birth.

'''If you do not want to order the birth record, there are other records with birth information you can search. ''' Return to top: Choose another birth year

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