Hawaii Child Support Calculator

Hawaii uses the income shares model. Hawaii uses the Melson Formula, a variation of the Income Shares model, under the Hawaii Child Support Guidelines (most recently revised in 2024). The formula considers both parents' gross monthly incomes, allows a self-support reserve for each parent, calculates the children's primary needs, and applies a Standard of Living Adjustment (SOLA). Factors include medical insurance premiums, childcare costs, and alimony payments between the parties. Shared custody timeshare is based on overnights: the nonresidential parent must have more than 143 overnights but fewer than 182 to qualify for the shared custody formula.

Gross income from all sources is typically used, including wages, salary, bonuses, commissions, self-employment income, rental income, investment income, Social Security benefits, unemployment benefits, and disability benefits. Courts may also impute income if a parent is voluntarily unemployed or underemployed.

Child support in Hawaii generally continues until the child turns 18, or through high school graduation if the child is still in school. Some orders extend to age 19 or 21 depending on the state and circumstances (college support, special needs).

Yes, child support orders in Hawaii can be modified when there is a substantial change in circumstances. Common reasons include significant income changes (job loss, promotion), changes in custody arrangement, changes in the child's needs, or changes in healthcare costs.

Hawaii has enforcement mechanisms including wage garnishment, tax refund interception, license suspension (driver's and professional), bank account levies, contempt of court charges, and reporting to credit bureaus. Failure to pay can result in fines and jail time.