Hawaii · Custody and support · Updated Oct 2026

Child custody and support in Hawaii

Custody and child support in a Hawaii divorce: the legal term for custody, the parenting class, custody mediation and the child support agency.

In short

In Hawaii, custody is called “custody and visitation (legal and physical custody)”. Parenting class: Parents in contested custody cases are often ordered to attend a court parent-education program (such as Kids First on Oahu).

Custody term
Custody and visitation (legal and physical custody)
Parenting class
Depends on the court
Child support agency
Hawaii Child Support Enforcement Agency (CSEA)

Custody terms in Hawaii

Custody and visitation (legal and physical custody)

Mediation

Family courts can refer contested custody and property issues to mediation. Ask your family court about local programs.

Parenting class in Hawaii

  • Parents in contested custody cases are often ordered to attend a court parent-education program (such as Kids First on Oahu).
  • Ask your family court.

Child support in Hawaii

Children in a Hawaii divorce: what the process includes

  1. Custody

    The court's orders use Hawaii's term for custody: custody and visitation (legal and physical custody).

  2. Parenting class

    Parents in contested custody cases are often ordered to attend a court parent-education program (such as Kids First on Oahu).

  3. Mediation

    Family courts can refer contested custody and property issues to mediation.

  4. The child support agency

    Hawaii's child support agency: Hawaii Child Support Enforcement Agency (CSEA)

Questions about custody and child support in Hawaii

What is child custody called in Hawaii?

Hawaii uses the term “custody and visitation (legal and physical custody)”.

Do parents have to take a class in a Hawaii divorce?

Parents in contested custody cases are often ordered to attend a court parent-education program (such as Kids First on Oahu). Ask your family court.

Which agency handles child support in Hawaii?

Hawaii Child Support Enforcement Agency (CSEA).

Is mediation required for custody in Hawaii?

Family courts can refer contested custody and property issues to mediation. Ask your family court about local programs.

More about divorce in Hawaii

Custody and support in nearby states

Sources

Last checked: Oct 24, 2026.