HI BAR Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield HI BAR facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. Which of the following assets typically does not go through probate in Hawaii? → A life insurance policy with a named beneficiary
2. Under the doctrine of avoidable consequences, a plaintiff seeking damages must: → Take reasonable steps to mitigate their losses
3. Which of the following is NOT a factor a Hawaii court would consider when determining if an attorney's fee is reasonable under HRPC 1.5? → The client's ability to pay the fee.
4. Under Hawaii law, which of the following communications is protected by the marital privilege? → A confidential communication made between spouses during a valid marriage
5. An 'accounting for profits' as an equitable remedy requires the defendant to: → Disgorge profits earned through wrongful conduct
6. What is the primary purpose of the Preamble to the Hawaii State Constitution? → To express the values and aspirations of the people of Hawaii
7. Which of the following offenses in Hawaii is classified as a Class A felony? → Kidnapping
8. Under the Hawaii Rules of Evidence, which standard governs the admissibility of expert scientific testimony? → The Daubert reliability standard, as adopted by Hawaii
9. In Hawaii family court, 'guardian ad litem' is a person appointed to: → Represent the best interests of a minor child in custody or abuse/neglect proceedings
10. Under Hadley v. Baxendale, consequential damages in contract cases are limited to losses that: → Were foreseeable as a probable result of breach at the time of contracting
11. Nominal damages are awarded when: → A legal right was violated but no actual monetary loss is proven
12. What is the purpose of probate in Hawaii? → To determine the validity of a will and oversee the distribution of assets
13. A mandatory injunction differs from a prohibitory injunction in that it: → Commands a party to perform an affirmative act rather than refrain from acting
14. Under Hawaii Revised Statutes, a married couple may obtain a divorce (dissolution of marriage) on which ground? → Irreconcilable differences (no-fault), making resumption of marital duties unreasonable
15. What must a landlord provide to a tenant before entering into a lease agreement under Hawaii’s landlord-tenant code? → A copy of the lease agreement and the landlord's contact information
16. Which of the following is NOT an essential element that a plaintiff must prove to establish a prima facie case of negligence in Hawaii? → C) The defendant acted with malicious intent.
17. In Hawaii, what is the effect of a "right of first refusal" clause in a real estate contract? → It allows the tenant to purchase the property before the owner sells it to someone else.
18. Restitution based on unjust enrichment is typically unavailable when: → The plaintiff conferred the benefit voluntarily without any expectation of payment
19. Under the Hawaii Rules of Evidence, which exception allows admission of a statement made for the purpose of medical diagnosis or treatment? → HRE Rule 803(4) — Statements for Medical Diagnosis or Treatment
20. Under Hawaii law, a domestic violence protective order (TRO) in a family court proceeding may: → Temporarily prohibit the restrained person from contacting or coming near the petitioner
21. Under HRE Rule 407, subsequent remedial measures taken after an injury are generally inadmissible to prove: → Negligence or culpable conduct in causing the injury
22. Which of the following is a duty that attorneys in Hawaii owe to their clients? → Duty of confidentiality
23. A witness's credibility in Hawaii may be attacked by evidence of which of the following? → A prior conviction for a crime involving dishonesty or false statement (crimen falsi)
24. Rescission as a contractual remedy is available when: → The contract was induced by fraud, mutual mistake, or failure of consideration
25. Under the Hawaii Rules of Evidence, which of the following is an example of judicial notice of an adjudicative fact? → A court taking notice that Honolulu is in the State of Hawaii
26. Which of the following is required to create a valid deed in Hawaii? → Delivery and acceptance of the deed
27. Which of the following is true regarding the notice requirement in Hawaii probate proceedings? → Notice must be published in a newspaper of general circulation
28. A permanent injunction requires the plaintiff to demonstrate: → Success on the merits and that legal remedies are inadequate
29. In Hawaii, how can a will be contested during probate? → By submitting a written challenge to the Circuit Court
30. In Hawaii, a prenuptial (premarital) agreement is enforceable UNLESS: → It was executed involuntarily or its terms were unconscionable at execution