How To File Bankruptcy for Free in Hawaii
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If you're dealing with debt that feels impossible to get out from under, Chapter 7 bankruptcy may be the fresh start you need. It can erase eligible debts like credit cards, medical bills, and payday loans — and many people in Hawaii file without a lawyer or any filing costs. This guide covers everything you need to know to file in Hawaii.
Written by Attorney Andrea Wimmer.
Updated June 4, 2026
5 Steps To File Chapter 7 in Hawaii
If you're feeling overwhelmed by bills, collection calls, or the stress of making ends meet, you're not alone. Many people turn to bankruptcy when they've tried everything else and still can't get ahead.
Filing Chapter 7 in Hawaii involves a few steps — gathering your financial documents, completing two short courses, filing your paperwork, and attending a brief meeting with a trustee — and many people do it successfully without a lawyer. This guide walks you through each step so you know exactly what to expect.
Step 1: See If You Qualify
Chapter 7 has income limits, but most people who need it meet them. You'll answer a few questions about your household size and income. If you use Upsolve's free tool, it just takes two minutes to see if you qualify.
If your income is below Hawaii’s median for a household your size, you'll likely pass the means test and qualify to file with Upsolve.
Hawaii Median Income Standards for Means Test for Cases Filed In 2026 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Household Size | Monthly Income | Annual Income |
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Step 2: Gather Your Documents
Before you file, you'll need to pull together a few key documents. One of those is a certificate from a short credit counseling course, which you'll complete online. It takes 1–2 hours and costs $10–$50 (fee waivers available).
See the full document checklist →
Step 3: Complete Your Forms and File
The forms you'll fill out are federal, so they're the same across the country. You can find them as free fillable PDFs at uscourts.gov. Some courts also require local forms.
If you use Upsolve, your forms are generated for you based on your answers and organized so they’re ready to print and sign.
How filing works with Upsolve →
Hawaii has one U.S. Bankruptcy Court district, and all bankruptcy forms are submitted to the courthouse in Honolulu, either in person or by mail.
U.S. Bankruptcy Court — District of Hawaii 1132 Bishop Street, Suite 250 Honolulu, HI 96813
Filing Fee Information & Fee Waiver Eligibility
There’s a $338 filing fee for Chapter 7. If you can’t afford it, you can ask the court to waive the fee when you file your paperwork.
People whose income falls below 150% of the federal poverty level may be eligible. A bankruptcy judge will review your income and expenses and decide whether to grant the fee waiver.
Hawaii Fee Waiver Eligibility for Cases Filed In 2026Eligible for fee waiver when under 150% the poverty level. | ||
|---|---|---|
| Household Size | State Poverty Level | Fee Waiver Limit (150% PL) |
| 1 | $1,530.00 | $2,295.00 |
| 2 | $2,074.17 | $3,111.25 |
| 3 | $2,618.33 | $3,927.50 |
| 4 | $3,162.50 | $4,743.75 |
| 5 | $3,706.67 | $5,560.00 |
| 6 | $4,250.83 | $6,376.25 |
| 7 | $4,795.00 | $7,192.50 |
| 8 | $5,339.17 | $8,008.75 |
| 9 | $5,883.33 | $8,825.00 |
| 10 | $6,427.50 | $9,641.25 |
If you don’t qualify for a fee waiver, you’ll need to pay the full filing fee or an installment payment (if approved) when you file your forms.
You can pay the $338 filing fee:
Online via Pay.gov using a debit card, bank account (ACH), or PayPal
By mail or in person using a cashier’s check or money order made out to Clerk, U.S. Bankruptcy Court
🚫 Personal checks, credit cards, and cash aren’t accepted.
Step 4: Attend Your 341 Meeting
About a month after you file, you'll have a short meeting with your bankruptcy trustee on Zoom. It typically takes about five minutes. The trustee will verify your identity and ask a few basic questions about your paperwork.
Upsolve can help you prep for your 341 meeting →
Step 5: Get Your Discharge
After your 341 meeting, you'll need to take one more short course — a debtor education course on budgeting and managing credit. Once that's done and any follow-up is resolved, the court erases your eligible debts. That's your fresh start, usually within 3–4 months of filing.
What debts does Chapter 7 discharge? →
Local Forms/Requirements for Hawaii
In Hawaii, everyone who files for bankruptcy needs to submit their list of creditors in both paper and electronic format. This list is often called a creditor matrix. It’s a specially formatted document that includes the names and addresses of everyone you owe money to.
You can create this file yourself as a .txt document and submit it on a USB drive or CD along with your printed forms. Another option is to use the court’s online creditor list tool to enter your information and send it directly to the court. After you complete the list online, you’ll print a copy to include with your forms.
To make sure your list is formatted correctly, you can review a sample creditor matrix. You’ll also need to file a form called the Verification of Creditor List, which confirms that the information you provided is accurate.
Free Legal Aid in Hawaii
If your case is more complex — or you'd just feel better having an attorney review it — free and low-cost legal help is available across Hawaii.
Legal Aid Society of Hawaii (808) 536-4302 924 Bethel Street Honolulu, HI 96813
