3 Surprising Reasons Why Single Adults in Hawaiʻi Need an Estate Plan

In Honolulu and across Hawaiʻi, more and more young professionals are choosing lives that don’t revolve around marriage or children. Whether it’s due to student debt, career goals, or simply a lifestyle choice, staying single and child-free is increasingly common — and completely valid.

But here’s the catch: being single doesn’t mean you can ignore estate planning. In fact, if you live solo in Hawaiʻi with no kids, your need for a solid estate plan may be even greater than someone with a traditional nuclear family.

Without one, your assets, your health, and your future could end up in the wrong hands — or worse, in the hands of the state. Here are three key reasons why singles without children should prioritize estate planning now.

1. Someone in Hawaiʻi Will Still Need to Handle Your Belongings

Whether you rent a studio in Kakaʻako or own a house in Kapolei, someone will need to take care of your things after you’re gone. And that process isn’t as simple as handing over a key.

Settling an estate in Hawaiʻi can be costly and time-consuming — with or without a lot of assets. According to a 2024 report from Empathy and Goldman Sachs, the average family spends over $12,000 and 15 months managing a loved one’s estate. In Hawaiʻi, that timeline can stretch even longer with the probate process.

If you don’t have a will or trust, your estate will go through probate, and the court will follow Hawaiʻi’s intestacy laws. That means a judge — not you — decides who gets what. And if no one steps up, the state of Hawaiʻi may end up with everything.

Even if you’re not sitting on a large fortune, you likely own sentimental items, digital accounts, or even pets — and you probably have a few ideas about who should (or shouldn't) inherit them.

2. Someone Will Be Making Health Care Decisions for You

Estate planning isn’t just about what happens after you die — it’s also about what happens if you become incapacitated.

Who would make medical decisions for you if you're hospitalized in Honolulu and unable to speak for yourself? Without an advance health care directive, it might not be who you think.

If you're unmarried, your romantic partner may be left out of the conversation altogether. Instead, an estranged relative could end up with full decision-making power, regardless of your preferences.

Through proper planning — including a living will and a named health care agent — you can ensure your choices are honored and your trusted people are empowered to act on your behalf.

3. Someone Will Control Your Finances

Imagine being unconscious or unable to manage your finances while bills, taxes, or business obligations pile up. Without a durable financial power of attorney in place, your loved ones will have to petition the Hawaiʻi courts just to step in — and that’s assuming they know where to start.

With proper estate planning, you choose who gets to manage your money, pay bills, and handle other financial responsibilities on your behalf. You can designate a friend, a sibling, or even a professional — the key is that it’s someone you trust.

Without these documents, you risk losing control over how your finances are handled, and you may unintentionally empower someone you wouldn’t trust with your Netflix password.

Don’t Leave a Mess for the People You Care About

Being single and child-free doesn’t mean you're free from risk. If anything, you have more at stake because you may not have the default legal protections that married couples often benefit from.

In Hawaiʻi, estate planning for singles can be straightforward — and the peace of mind is priceless.

A personalized plan starts with a Family Wealth Planning Session. I’ll help you take stock of what matters, walk you through your options, and make sure you’re protected no matter what life throws your way.

It only takes a few hours to ensure everything is set up properly — and those hours could save your loved ones months (or even years) of confusion and court battles.

FAQs

Q: Do I still need a will if I don’t have a lot of assets?

Yes. Even if your estate is modest, a will ensures your belongings go where you want — and not where state law dictates.

Q: Can I name a friend instead of family in my estate plan?

Absolutely. Hawaiʻi law allows you to name anyone you trust — and that’s one of the biggest benefits of creating a plan while you’re well.

Q: I’m young and healthy. Can’t this wait?

Unexpected accidents and illnesses happen. Planning now while you’re healthy gives you more control and flexibility.

Q: Is estate planning expensive in Hawaiʻi?

Not necessarily. I offer flat-fee services with no hidden costs — and everything is handled virtually for your convenience.

Ready to Protect Your Future?

If you’re single and living in Honolulu or anywhere in Hawaiʻi, don’t wait until it’s too late to get your estate plan in place. Whether you own a lot or a little, what matters most is making sure your wishes are clearly documented — and honored.

📍 Based in Honolulu | Serving all of Hawaiʻi

📅 Schedule your Family Wealth Planning Session here

📬 Contact us here

📞 You can reach us at 808-725-3454

This article is brought to you by the Law Office of Keoni Souza, a boutique estate planning firm located in Honolulu, Hawaiʻi, proudly serving families on Oʻahu and across the Hawaiian Islands. At our firm, estate planning is about more than documents — it’s about creating lasting peace of mind for you and the people you love. Through our unique Life & Legacy Planning Process, we guide you to make informed, empowered decisions that protect your wealth, your wishes, and your family’s future. To get started, contact our Honolulu office today to schedule your Family Wealth Planning Session. Mention this article to learn how you can receive this $750 session at no charge.

Disclaimer: The information on this website is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. For guidance tailored to your specific situation, please consult an estate planning attorney licensed in the State of Hawaiʻi. Use of this website or communication through this site does not create an attorney-client relationship with the Law Office of Keoni Souza, LLC.