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Free Hawaii Power of Attorney Template

A Hawaii power of attorney (POA) lets you name someone you trust to make financial, legal, or medical decisions for you. Whether you're planning for travel, illness, or the future, this document helps ensure your wishes are followed under Hawaii law.

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  • Duration 2 min
  • Download as PDF and Word
  • E-sign included

Written by Josh Sainsbury | Attorney-Reviewed by Harvey Barbee, J.D.

How It works?

1

Answer a Few Questions

Add your name, your agent’s details, and what powers you want to grant.

2

Customize Your Form

Our guided builder helps you meet Hawaii’s legal requirements.

3

Download and Sign

Print your completed form and sign before a notary or witnesses as required.

Table of Contents

  1. What Is a Hawaii Power of Attorney?
  2. Types of Power of Attorney in Hawaii
  3. How to Write a Power of Attorney in Hawaii
  4. Hawaii Power of Attorney Requirements and Legal Considerations

What Is a Hawaii Power of Attorney?

A Hawaii power of attorney (POA) is a legal document that allows you (the principal) to authorize another person (the agent or attorney-in-fact) to act on your behalf in financial, medical, or legal matters.

The principal must be at least 18 years old and mentally competent when signing. Under HI Rev Stat § 551E-3, all POAs are considered durable unless otherwise stated.

You can use a POA to:

  • Manage bank accounts or property
  • Handle medical decisions if you’re incapacitated
  • Authorize someone to sign legal or tax documents on your behalf

Types of Power of Attorney in Hawaii

Each POA type has a different purpose, depending on how much authority you want to grant and for how long.

TypeWhat It DoesSigning/Notarization Requirements
Durable (Financial)Authorizes an agent to manage financial, business, and property affairs; remains effective if you become incapacitated.Notary acknowledgment (HI Rev Stat § 551E-3)
Non-Durable (General)Grants broad authority but ends when the principal becomes incapacitated.Notary acknowledgment (§ 551E-3)
Medical (Health Care)Allows your agent to make healthcare decisions when you can’t communicate your wishes.Two witnesses or notary acknowledgment (HI Rev Stat § 327E-3)
Limited (Special)Restricts your agent’s authority to a specific act, such as signing a contract or managing one transaction.Notary acknowledgment (§ 551E-3)
Real EstateGrants authority to buy, sell, or manage property on your behalf.Notary acknowledgment (§ 551E-3)
Motor Vehicle (Form DMVL596-7-14)Authorizes another person to handle vehicle registration or title transfers.Notary acknowledgment per Hawaii DMV form instructions
Tax (Form N-848)Appoints a representative to handle tax matters before the Hawaii Department of Taxation.Taxpayer and representative signatures (Form N-848 instructions)
Minor (Child)Allows a designated adult to make decisions for a child’s care, education, and health.Notary acknowledgment (§ 551E-3)
RevocationCancels a previously granted power of attorney.Notary acknowledgment (HI Rev Stat § 551E-6)

How to Write a Power of Attorney in Hawaii

Follow these steps to create a valid Hawaii POA:

  1. Name the principal and agent: Include full legal names and contact information. You can also list co-agents or successor agents under HI Rev Stat § 551E-7.
  2. Grant general authority: Select the general powers you want to assign, such as handling property, finances, or healthcare decisions.
  3. Add specific authority: Specify special powers, such as managing trusts, beneficiaries, or gifts.
  4. Set an effective date: Under HI Rev Stat § 551E-5, a POA takes effect when signed unless you specify another date or event.
  5. Review and sign: The principal must sign the document before a notary public to make it valid. Some types, like medical POAs, may require two witnesses instead.

Hawaii Power of Attorney Requirements and Legal Considerations

Signing

According to HI Rev Stat § 551E-3, all POAs must be notarized and signed by the principal. Acknowledgment before a notary confirms the document’s authenticity and protects against disputes.

Agent Certification

While not required, you can complete a Hawaii agent certification to verify your agent understands their responsibilities. HI Rev Stat § 551E-52 provides an example certification form.

Revocation

HI Rev Stat § 551E-6 outlines how to revoke a power of attorney. The principal may terminate the POA by:

  • Signing a written revocation notice and delivering it to the agent.
  • Stating that the POA ends upon a specific event, such as incapacitation.
  • Allowing the agent to resign by written notice under HI Rev Stat § 551E-14.
  • Automatically revoking authority if the agent is the principal’s spouse and they divorce.

Any actions taken in good faith before the agent receives notice of revocation remain valid.