Hawaii is known for having one of the lowest divorce rates in the United States. The state does not consistently report its crude divorce rate to the CDC, making direct comparisons difficult. However, alternative data using the refined divorce rate shows about 10.8 divorces per 1,000 married women, which is still low nationally. This places Hawaii in the lowest quartile for divorce rates among U.S. states. Apparently paradise works – because it’s hard to argue when you’re surrounded by beaches, sunsets, and zero desire to go back to the mainland.
In Hawaii, marriages that end in divorce last on average about 20.9 years, according to recent Census data. This represents the median duration for all marriages, both intact and dissolved. Because apparently in Hawaii, paradise only delays the inevitable split for two decades.
| Age Metric / Group | Hawaii Trend & Context | Key Insight |
|---|---|---|
| Refined Divorce Rate (Overall) | 10.1 divorces per 1,000 married women | Hawaii has one of the lowest divorce rates in the U.S., suggesting its age-specific rates are generally lower than the national average across all groups. |
| Ages 15–24 | Highest Risk | Couples marrying young face the highest statistical risk of divorce due to factors like financial instability and immaturity, following the national trend. |
| Ages 35–44 | Most Common Age Range for Divorce | Nationally, this age group sees a high volume of divorces. Given Hawaii’s older marriage age, many first marriages that dissolve occur when spouses are in this range. |
| Median Age at First Marriage (Men) | 32.5 years | Men in Hawaii marry the oldest in the U.S., a factor strongly correlated with lower long-term divorce risk across all age cohorts. |
| Ages 50 and Older | Low Rate, but Historically Stable | While the national “gray divorce” rate has doubled, Hawaii’s overall low divorce rate suggests that marriages that reach this duration have a strong likelihood of remaining intact. |
Divorce Rate in Hawaii in 2023-2024
- One of the Lowest Rates Nationally: Hawaii consistently ranks among the states with the lowest crude divorce rates, often in the bottom five. This trend is linked to later marriages, higher education, and cultural/economic stability.
- Pure No-Fault State: Divorce only requires that the marriage is “irretrievably broken.” No need to prove adultery or cruelty – because who wants extra drama in paradise, right?
- No Mandatory Separation Period: Unlike many states, Hawaii doesn’t require a waiting period. Once residency requirements are met, you can file immediately.
- Two-Tier Residency Requirement:
- One spouse must have lived in Hawaii continuously for at least six months.
- The filing spouse must have resided in the local judicial circuit (island) for at least three months.
Because apparently, even Hawaii wants to make sure you’ve unpacked at least a little.
- Equitable Distribution of Property: Hawaii divides marital assets and debts in a “just and equitable” manner, not necessarily 50/50.
- Relatively Quick Uncontested Process: Agreed-upon divorces can finalize in about two months. Speedy enough for anyone impatient – but not so fast that you get to skip the paperwork, sadly.
- Fault Does Not Affect Financial Outcomes: Property division and alimony focus on marriage duration and financial condition, not who was “naughty” or “nice.”