How child support is calculated in Hawaii
How the guideline works, what the official calculator needs, and the low-income and health insurance rules.
Checked against official sources: Oct 25, 2026.
Short answer
Hawaii uses a version of the Melson formula, which looks at both parents' incomes and the children's basic needs. Hawaii uses the Hawaii Child Support Guidelines set by the Family Court. The calculation starts with both parents' gross monthly income and the children's minimum (primary) support needs, adds the cost of the children's health insurance and work-related child care, and can add a standard-of-living share when income allows.
- Model
- Melson formula
- Official calculator
- Official Hawaii child support guidelines
Get the number from Hawaii's official tool
Hawaii uses the Hawaii Child Support Guidelines set by the Family Court. The calculation starts with both parents' gross monthly income and the children's minimum (primary) support needs, adds the cost of the children's health insurance and work-related child care, and can add a standard-of-living share when income allows. The guideline amount must be used unless the court or hearings officer finds an exceptional circumstance.
Law: Hawaii Child Support Guidelines (Family Court); HRS 576D-7
We don't estimate Hawaii's amount here: its formula uses both parents' incomes and other facts, and a home-made number could mislead you. The official tool gives the real starting number:
How Hawaii's formula works
Hawaii uses the Hawaii Child Support Guidelines set by the Family Court. The calculation starts with both parents' gross monthly income and the children's minimum (primary) support needs, adds the cost of the children's health insurance and work-related child care, and can add a standard-of-living share when income allows. The guideline amount must be used unless the court or hearings officer finds an exceptional circumstance.
Law: Hawaii Child Support Guidelines (Family Court); HRS 576D-7
What the model means
Melson works in layers: each parent's own basic needs, then the child's basic needs shared by income, then a standard-of-living share when there is income left.
Every state must have one set of child support guidelines, review them at least every 4 years, and use the guideline amount unless a written finding says it would be unjust.
Law: 45 CFR 302.56
The child's health costs in Hawaii
The cost of health insurance for the children is part of the guideline calculation, and CSEA establishes medical support along with child support.
If the paying parent earns little in Hawaii
The Guidelines set a minimum child support amount of $91 per child per month (CSEA).
State guidelines may not treat time in jail or prison as choosing not to work, when support is set or changed.
Law: 45 CFR 302.56(c)(3)
In nearby states
Get your number in Hawaii
Gather income papers
Pay stubs, tax returns and benefit letters for both parents, if you have them.
Run the official numbers
The state's own tool gives the starting number: Official Hawaii child support guidelines.
Count health and child care
The child's health insurance and child care costs can change the amount.
Ask for an order
Only a court or the agency can set the amount. Open a case with Child Support Enforcement Agency (CSEA), Hawaii Department of the Attorney General ((808) 207-9915)
Talk to legal aid
Free help: Legal Aid Society of Hawaii and Hawaii State Bar Association Lawyer Referral & Information Service.
Free legal help in Hawaii
Questions about the Hawaii guidelines
How does Hawaii figure child support?
Hawaii uses the Hawaii Child Support Guidelines set by the Family Court. The calculation starts with both parents' gross monthly income and the children's minimum (primary) support needs, adds the cost of the children's health insurance and work-related child care, and can add a standard-of-living share when income allows. The guideline amount must be used unless the court or hearings officer finds an exceptional circumstance.
How does Hawaii treat low incomes?
The Guidelines set a minimum child support amount of $91 per child per month (CSEA).
Is health insurance part of child support in Hawaii?
The cost of health insurance for the children is part of the guideline calculation, and CSEA establishes medical support along with child support.
Keep reading about Hawaii
Sources
- Hawaii Child Support Guidelines (Family Court); HRS 576D-7
- CSEA: Enforcement
- CSEA: Paternity
- CSEA: Contact
- CSEA: Proof of continuing education
- HRS 576D-1 (definitions: compliance thresholds)
- HRS 576D-5 (fees)
- HRS 576D-7 (guidelines; modification)
- HRS 576D-13 (license suspension)
- HRS 580-47 (support of adult child in school)
- CSEA Rights and Responsibilities (FCS032)
- OCSS Intergovernmental Reference Guide (IRG) - State Profile Query
Last checked: Oct 25, 2026.