The Death Penalty in Hawaii

How Hawaii law treats death penalty, from the state code and official state agencies.

Short answer: Hawaii's most severe sentence is life imprisonment without the possibility of parole, which applies to first-degree murder committed by someone 21 or older (raised from 18 by Act 152 of 2025); Haw. Rev. Stat. §§ 706-656, 706-657

Death penalty	Hawaii's most severe sentence is life imprisonment without the possibility of parole, which applies to first-degree murder committed by someone 21 or older (raised from 18 by Act 152 of 2025); the court must also start an application to the governor to commute the sentence to life with parole eligibility after 20 years. Second-degree murder carries life with the possibility of parole, with life without parole available as an enhanced sentence. The murder sentencing section does not provide for a death sentence. Source: Haw. Rev. Stat. §§ 706-656, 706-657

Death penalty

Hawaii's most severe sentence is life imprisonment without the possibility of parole, which applies to first-degree murder committed by someone 21 or older (raised from 18 by Act 152 of 2025); the court must also start an application to the governor to commute the sentence to life with parole eligibility after 20 years. Second-degree murder carries life with the possibility of parole, with life without parole available as an enhanced sentence. The murder sentencing section does not provide for a death sentence.

Source: Haw. Rev. Stat. §§ 706-656, 706-657

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FAQ

Does Hawaii have the death penalty?

General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.