Honolulu County Public Auctions & Sheriff Sales
Comprehensive guide to county sheriff foreclosure auctions, tax deeds, tax lien certificates, over-the-counter land purchases, and surplus funds in Honolulu County, Hawaii.
Where to Bid on Honolulu County Auctions
Public delinquent property auctions for Honolulu County are managed by the Honolulu County Real Property Tax Division and hosted online via Honolulu County County Public Auction Portal.
Honolulu County Sheriff Sales & Judicial Foreclosures
In addition to delinquent tax sales, the Honolulu County Sheriff's Office Civil Division conducts regular public foreclosure auctions ordered by the Circuit or Superior Court to satisfy mortgage default judgments, construction liens, and civil court executions.
Unclaimed Tax Sale Surplus Funds in Honolulu County
When a delinquent property is auctioned in Honolulu County for more than the outstanding taxes, penalties, and administrative fees, the resulting funds are termed excess proceeds (surplus funds). By law, these funds belong to the former property owner or their legal heirs.
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4 Steps to Bid on Properties in Honolulu County
Pre-Auction Due Diligence
Review the Honolulu County delinquent tax list published 4–6 weeks prior to the sale. Perform title searches on Parcel ID numbers to identify superior federal liens or mortgages.
Bidder Registration & Deposit
Register on County Public Auction at least 48 hours prior to auction start. Deposit required bidder funds (often 5% of anticipated bid budget or flat $200 deposit).
Auction Bidding Strategy
Bid price upward against competing buyers. Ensure you do not exceed your predetermined maximum acquisition budget.
Payment & Deed Issuance
Settle the remaining purchase balance within 24 hours. The Honolulu County Real Property Tax Division issues a certificate or records the tax deed with the County Recorder.
Frequently Asked Questions: Honolulu County Tax Sales
Is Honolulu County a tax lien or tax deed county? ▼
Honolulu County follows the Hawaii Tax Deed (Redeemable) statutes. Bidders either obtain a first-position tax lien certificate earning 12% Annual Statutory Penalty statutory return or purchase physical real property deeds at public auction.
Can I buy Honolulu County tax properties online? ▼
Yes. Tax auctions are conducted through County Public Auction (https://www.hawaiicounty.gov). Registered bidders can participate remotely from anywhere in the world.
What happens if a property does not sell at auction in Honolulu County? ▼
In Hawaii, unsold properties are usually retained for a second sheriff sale or transferred to a municipal land bank.