Process Server in Lihue, HI
Lihue is the Kauai County seat, and a process server here can deliver a summons and complaint, a subpoena, an eviction notice or a family court petition. Orders go through /order, where you pick the timing, with a first delivery within 5 business days, 48 hours or 24 hours, and a signed proof of service comes to your email once a delivery succeeds.
Process Server Pricing and Turnaround in Lihue
Lihue customers have three levels to choose from. The lowest price, $115, buys Standard Island Service and a first attempt within 5 business days. For $165, Rush Priority Service brings a first attempt within 48 hours. For $215, 24-Hour Emergency brings a first attempt within 24 hours. Kauai is on the list of islands covered by all three.
Sheriff or Private Process Server in Kauai County
Rule 4(c) of the HRCP allows more than the sheriff. A deputy, a person specially appointed by the court, any non-party aged 18 or older, and within a county the chief of police or a duly authorized subordinate are all named. Lihue papers can go to a private process server on that basis.
Who May Serve and How: HRCP Rule 4 in Lihue
Lihue is in the Fifth Circuit, which covers Kauai. Under Rule 4(d)(1), serving an individual means putting the summons and complaint in that person's hands; or, when the person cannot be found, leaving them with a person of suitable age and discretion living at the dwelling house or usual place of abode; or giving them to an agent authorized by appointment or by law. A coworker or neighbor is not on that list.
Rule 4(d)(3) handles companies, partnerships and associations by naming an officer, a managing or general agent, or another authorized agent, and Kauai County itself is reached through its corporation counsel or county attorney, or as its charter or a statute provides. Afterward Rule 4(g) requires the server's proof of service to reach the court promptly and within the response time. Generally an answer is due 20 days after service under Rule 12(a)(1), unless a statute or court order sets a different time, and the Rule 4 text we verified does not fix a completion deadline.
Lihue Courts: Where Kauai County Papers Are Filed
The one courthouse on file is Puʻuhonua Kaulike (Lihue), at 3970 Kaana St, Lihue, HI 96766, 4.1 miles from Lihue in the Fifth Circuit. Small claims, regular claims and landlord-tenant matters are handled by its Civil Division. District court takes civil actions up to $40,000 and summary possession cases. Its small claims limit is $5,000. The circuit court is the court of general jurisdiction.
Eviction Notices and Summary Possession in Lihue
Chapter 521 of the HRS covers landlords and tenants. A month-to-month landlord sends written termination notice at least 45 days before the date, and a month-to-month tenant at least 28 days before. The period for notices about unpaid rent or breach comes from chapter 521 as well, so consult the current statute or the notice, because the landlord or lawyer decides. Act 278 of 2025 created a mediation program for nonpayment evictions that has run from 2026 and applies before a case is filed. See eviction notices.
Subpoena Service, Hospitals and Kauai Police Department Records near Lihue
Wilcox Memorial Hospital sits at 3-3420 Kuhio Hwy, Lihue, HI 96766, phone (808) 245-1100, 4.1 miles away. Samuel Mahelona Memorial Hospital (4800 Kawaihau Rd, Kapaa, HI 96746, (808) 822-4961) is 8.4 miles off, and Kauai Veterans Memorial Hospital (4643 Waimea Canyon Dr, Waimea, HI 96796, (808) 338-9431) is 20.1 miles off. The Kauai Police Department is the county police agency.
Under Rule 45(c), a subpoena may be served by the sheriff or a deputy or by a non-party at least 18 anywhere in the State, and by a chief of police or subordinate within a county. A copy is delivered to the named person, usually with one day's attendance fee and the legal travel allowance. Rule 45(d)(1) permits written objections to a deposition-related document subpoena within 10 days after service.
Cases from other states are handled under HRS chapter 624D, which sends the foreign subpoena through the circuit court clerk in the circuit where discovery is sought. See subpoena service.
ZIP Codes and Nearby Communities Around Lihue
Lihue's ZIP code is 96766. Nearby Kauai communities include Hanamaulu (1.8 miles), Puhi (2.4 miles), Wailua (5.8 miles), Wailua Homesteads (6.9 miles), Kapaa (8.0 miles) and Koloa (8.3 miles). See the Kauai County hub.
Lihue Process Server FAQ
Does Kauai require the sheriff to serve?
No. Rule 4(c) allows any non-party aged 18 or older.
What is closest to Lihue for filing?
Puʻuhonua Kaulike, 4.1 miles away.
What do I get after service?
A signed proof of service by email.