What to do after a death in Hawaii

Quick facts

• Good to know: A funeral director isn’t required. Families can handle arrangements directly.

• Tip: Body must be embalmed, cremated, or buried within 30 hours unless refrigerated.

Getting started in Hawaii

• Hawaii doesn’t require a licensed funeral director to handle arrangements.

• Family burial plots are permitted on residential or agricultural property.

• Hawaii recognizes water cremation (alkaline hydrolysis) as an acceptable option.

Good to know: Hawaii allows families significant involvement in caring for their loved ones. Take the time you need to make decisions.

First 24–72 hours

If the death occurred at home

• Contact the attending physician or hospice if one was involved.

• For unexpected deaths, call 911 for guidance.

• The body must be embalmed, cremated, or buried within 30 hours unless refrigerated.

Hospice was involved

• The hospice nurse will pronounce death and assist with initial paperwork.

• Hospice can help coordinate with your funeral home or guide home funeral options.

• You can spend time with your loved one, but be mindful of the 30-hour timeline.

No hospice involvement

• Call 911 if the death was unexpected.

• The coroner may need to be involved depending on circumstances.

• Once cleared, begin funeral arrangements keeping the 30-hour timeline in mind.

If the death occurred at a hospital

• Hospital staff will guide you through immediate paperwork.

• You can spend time with your loved one before leaving.

• The hospital will coordinate with your chosen funeral home.

Cremation in Hawaii

• Hawaii generally requires a 24-hour waiting period before cremation, though this may be waived by a physician.

• Authorization from next of kin and a cremation permit from the coroner are required.

• Water cremation (alkaline hydrolysis) is also recognized as a legal option.

• No casket is required. A rigid container is acceptable.

• Sea scattering requires being 3 nautical miles out and EPA notification within 30 days.

Burial in Hawaii

• Family burial plots are allowed on residential or agricultural property under state law.

• The burial plot can’t be sold separately from the property.

• Written permission from the local health department is required before burial.

• Check with your local county for any additional zoning requirements.

• Hawaii has strong laws protecting burial sites. Disclosure may be required when selling property.

Paperwork in Hawaii

• The death certificate must be filed with the Department of Health within 3 days.

• Hawaii uses electronic death registration. Families doing home funerals get a worksheet from the health department.

• Certified copies cost $10 for the first copy, $4 for additional copies ordered at the same time.

• Online orders include an additional $7.50 in fees.

• Processing takes 4–6 weeks; same-day service may be available with documentation of urgency.

Consumer rights in Hawaii

• You have the right to an itemized General Price List before making any decisions.

• Funeral homes must accept caskets purchased elsewhere without extra fees.

• Embalming isn’t required by Hawaii law unless there’s no refrigeration within 30 hours.

• Hawaii has no state funeral board. The Sanitation Branch at the Department of Health oversees funeral establishments.

• File complaints with the DCCA Regulated Industries Complaints Office at 808-587-4272.