Maui County Property Records
What Is Maui County Property Records
Maui County property records are official documents that record ownership, transfers, and encumbrances of real property (land and buildings) within the County of Maui, Hawaii. These records serve as the authoritative documentation of property ownership and interests throughout the islands of Maui, Molokai, Lanai, and the uninhabited island of Kahoolawe that comprise Maui County.
The primary purpose of maintaining property records is to:
- Establish legal ownership and chain of title
- Provide public notice of property interests
- Protect property rights of owners and lienholders
- Facilitate real estate transactions
- Support property tax assessment and collection
Pursuant to Hawaii Revised Statutes § 502-31, all instruments and documents affecting real property in Hawaii must be recorded to provide constructive notice to the public. The Real Property Assessment Division of Maui County maintains comprehensive records of all real property within the county's jurisdiction.
Property records in Maui County include deeds, mortgages, liens, easements, covenants, restrictions, and other documents that affect the title or use of real property. These records are maintained in a systematic manner to ensure accuracy, accessibility, and preservation of the county's land ownership history.
Are Property Records Public Information In Maui County?
Property records in Maui County are public information and accessible to all citizens under Hawaii state law. The Uniform Information Practices Act, codified as Hawaii Revised Statutes § 92F, establishes that government records are open to public inspection unless specifically exempted by law.
The legal basis for public access to property records includes:
- Property ownership is fundamentally a matter of public record
- Recording statutes require public access to provide constructive notice
- Transparency in land ownership serves the public interest
- Public access facilitates real estate transactions and property research
Any member of the public may access property records without demonstrating a specific interest in the property or providing a reason for their request. This open access policy ensures transparency in property ownership and facilitates due diligence in real estate transactions.
The Maui County Real Property Assessment Division maintains a publicly accessible database of property information that includes ownership details, property characteristics, assessed values, and tax information. While certain personal information may be redacted for privacy concerns, the fundamental property ownership and assessment data remain available to the public.
How To Search Property Records in Maui County in 2026
Maui County offers multiple methods for searching property records. Members of the public may utilize the following procedures to access property information:
Online Search:
- Visit the Maui County Real Property Assessment website
- Select the desired search method (parcel number, owner name, address, etc.)
- Enter the search criteria in the appropriate fields
- Review the search results and select the property of interest
- Access available property information including ownership, assessment, and tax details
In-Person Search:
- Visit the Real Property Assessment Division office during regular business hours
- Complete a property record request form
- Provide specific information about the property (address, TMK number, owner name)
- Staff will assist with accessing the requested records
- Pay applicable fees for copies if needed
Mail or Email Request:
- Download and complete the Public Records Request Form
- Include specific details about the property records being requested
- Submit the form via mail or email to the appropriate county department
- Allow processing time as specified by the department
- Arrange payment for any applicable fees
Real Property Assessment Division
70 E. Kaahumanu Avenue, Suite A-16
Kahului, HI 96732
(808) 270-7297
Real Property Assessment Division
How To Find Property Records in Maui County Online?
Maui County provides comprehensive online access to property records through several digital platforms. The following steps outline how to effectively search for property records using these online resources:
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Access the Maui County Real Property Tax website, which serves as the primary portal for property information.
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Choose from multiple search options:
- Property address
- Owner name
- Tax Map Key (TMK) number
- Parcel number
- Subdivision name
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For permit and planning records, utilize the MAPPS Customer Self Service Portal which provides access to:
- Building permits
- Planning applications
- Inspection records
- Code enforcement cases
- Contractor licenses
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For historical property documents, access the Bureau of Conveyances records through the Hawaii State Department of Land and Natural Resources website.
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Utilize the County of Maui Online Services portal to access additional property-related information including:
- GIS mapping tools
- Zoning information
- Flood zone data
- Property tax payment history
When searching online, users should have specific property information ready, such as the exact address or TMK number, to ensure accurate results. The online systems are updated regularly to reflect current property information, though some recent transactions may have a processing delay before appearing in the system.
How To Look Up Maui County Property Records for Free?
Maui County provides several free options for accessing property records without incurring fees. Members of the public may utilize these resources to obtain property information at no cost:
Free Online Resources:
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The Maui County Real Property Assessment website offers free access to basic property information including:
- Owner information
- Property characteristics
- Assessment values
- Tax information
- Sales history
- Land classification
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The MAPPS Customer Self Service Portal provides free access to permit and planning records.
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The County's GIS mapping system allows free viewing of property boundaries, zoning, and other spatial data.
Free In-Person Access:
- Visit the Real Property Assessment Division during public counter hours to view property records at no charge.
- Public computer terminals are available for self-service searches.
- Staff assistance is provided for navigating the records system.
Free Public Library Access:
- Public libraries in Maui County offer free internet access to use the county's online property record systems.
- Library staff can provide basic assistance with accessing the county websites.
While basic property record searches are free, fees may apply for certified copies, extensive research assistance, or large document reproduction requests. The Real Property Tax Fee Collection department can provide current fee schedules for these additional services.
What's Included in a Maui County Property Record?
Maui County property records contain comprehensive information about real property within the county's jurisdiction. These records distinguish between real property (land and permanently attached structures) and personal property (movable items not attached to land).
Property records are maintained by multiple county offices, with the Real Property Assessment Division serving as the primary repository for property information. A complete Maui County property record typically includes:
Ownership Information:
- Current property owner(s) name and mailing address
- Previous owners (chain of title)
- Date of acquisition
- Type of ownership (individual, joint, trust, corporation)
Property Identification:
- Tax Map Key (TMK) number - Hawaii's unique property identifier
- Physical address
- Legal description
- Subdivision information
- Lot size and dimensions
Property Characteristics:
- Land area and topography
- Building size and year built
- Number of bedrooms and bathrooms
- Construction type and quality
- Building improvements and additions
- Special features (pool, lanai, etc.)
Valuation and Tax Information:
- Assessed value (land and improvements)
- Property tax classification
- Tax exemptions applied
- Annual tax amounts
- Tax payment history
Land Use Information:
- Zoning designation
- Land use classification
- Agricultural dedication status
- Special management area designation
- Flood zone information
Document References:
- Deed references
- Mortgage information
- Easements and encumbrances
- Covenants and restrictions
- Liens and judgments
Pursuant to Hawaii Revised Statutes § 246-10, the county assessor is required to maintain these detailed records for property tax assessment purposes.
How Long Does Maui County Keep Property Records?
Maui County maintains property records according to retention schedules established by Hawaii state law and county ordinances. The retention periods vary based on the type of document and its administrative, legal, fiscal, and historical value.
Permanent Records:
- Deeds and conveyances
- Property ownership history
- Tax maps and parcel information
- Subdivision plats and surveys
- Easements and rights-of-way
- Historic property designations
Long-Term Retention (25+ years):
- Property tax assessment rolls
- Building permits for significant structures
- Zoning changes and variances
- Special use permits
- Environmental impact statements
Medium-Term Retention (7-25 years):
- Building permits for minor structures
- Property tax payment records
- Code enforcement cases
- Temporary use permits
- Inspection reports
Short-Term Retention (1-7 years):
- Routine correspondence
- Permit applications (after completion)
- Temporary exemption requests
- Address verification requests
The Hawaii State Archives and the Maui County Clerk's Office collaborate to ensure the preservation of historically significant property records. Digital conversion efforts are currently underway to preserve older paper records in electronic format for permanent retention.
According to the Hawaii State Records Retention Schedule, certain property records must be retained permanently due to their ongoing legal and historical significance. The County of Maui follows these state mandates while also maintaining additional records based on local administrative needs.
How To Find Liens on Property In Maui County?
Liens on property in Maui County can be identified through several official channels. A property lien is a legal claim against a property that must be paid when the property is sold. Common types of liens include tax liens, mechanic's liens, judgment liens, and mortgage liens.
To search for liens on Maui County property, members of the public may follow these procedures:
County Tax Lien Search:
- Visit the Real Property Tax/Fee Collection website
- Search by TMK number or property address
- Review the tax status for any delinquencies or liens
- Contact the Real Property Tax Division for detailed information
State Bureau of Conveyances Search:
- Access the Hawaii Bureau of Conveyances records
- Search by property owner name or TMK number
- Review recorded documents for liens, judgments, or encumbrances
- Request certified copies of relevant documents if needed
Circuit Court Records Search:
- Visit the Second Circuit Court records office
- Search for judgment liens filed against the property owner
- Review civil case records for potential property claims
- Obtain copies of relevant court documents
In-Person Professional Search:
- Visit the Real Property Tax Division office
- Request assistance with a comprehensive lien search
- Provide the TMK number or property address
- Pay applicable fees for certified documentation
Real Property Tax Division
70 E. Kaahumanu Avenue, Suite A-16
Kahului, HI 96732
(808) 270-7697
Real Property Tax/Fee Collection
For the most comprehensive lien search, many real estate professionals recommend combining these methods or hiring a title company to conduct a thorough title search that will reveal all recorded liens and encumbrances.
What Is Property Owner Rule In Maui County?
The Property Owner Rule in Maui County refers to a set of regulations and responsibilities that govern property ownership within the county. These rules establish the legal framework for property rights, obligations, and restrictions that apply to all real property owners.
Key components of the Property Owner Rule include:
Ownership Registration Requirements:
- All property ownership must be properly recorded with the Bureau of Conveyances
- Property owners must register with the Real Property Assessment Division for tax purposes
- Changes in ownership must be reported within 30 days of transfer
- Failure to register property transfers may result in penalties
Property Tax Obligations:
- Property owners are responsible for paying annual real property taxes
- Tax rates vary based on property classification and use
- Exemptions are available for certain owners (homeowners, disabled, veterans)
- Tax appeals must follow specific procedures and deadlines
Land Use Compliance:
- Property owners must adhere to zoning regulations
- Special Management Area (SMA) rules apply to coastal properties
- Agricultural land dedication requirements for agricultural tax rates
- Historic property preservation rules for designated historic structures
Disclosure Requirements:
- Sellers must disclose material facts about property condition
- Special hazard disclosures for properties in flood or tsunami zones
- Disclosure of any unrecorded easements or encumbrances
- Vacation rental and short-term rental disclosure requirements
These regulations are established under multiple authorities, including Hawaii Revised Statutes § 501 (Land Registration), § 502 (Bureau of Conveyances), and Maui County Code Title 3 (Revenue and Finance) and Title 19 (Zoning).
Property owners should familiarize themselves with these rules to ensure compliance with all legal requirements and to fully understand their rights and responsibilities as property owners in Maui County.
Lookup Property Records in Maui County
Real Property Assessment Division
Maui County Property Search Portal