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Satellite City Hall

3.0 (86 reviews)
Closed 8:00 am - 4:00 pm

Satellite City Hall Photos

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Tons of people waiting
Christine L.

Brutal... just brutal. We had an appointment at 11:24am for a Driver's Permit test that was scheduled months ago. I thought that my son's 4 hour break from school was ample enough time. That's a big, fat NO... with 17 windows, only 3-4 were open in the 3 hours that I've been here. Staff is nice, but this is simply unacceptable. If you know you're low staffed, then don't accept do many appointments... It's hard to be upset with the facility as it is a necessity and the staff is really nice... bottom line, even with an appointment, do block off half of your day!

Screen showing where you are on the list, waiting for your reservation number to be called.
Bessie T.

This location is a pretty terrible place to get to these days. When you're coming here from Chinatown via Dillingham Blvd, you're dealing with the construction going on in the area, as well as making the same left turn as all the other people turning to get to the Costco gas station. There are constantly people needing to get into the lane you're in, which is already backed up as it is due to the stoplights. So up to you if you want to be nice to let these people in, especially after you've made the initiative to get in the lane sooner and waited in line like everybody else. You could maybe opt to come in from the makai side on Alakawa Street, but then that means you'll have to cross oncoming traffic to make the left turn into the parking lot. To get your driver's license or state ID, you need to make an appointment, weeks in advance. As I sit here with a 11:30ish appointment, they are already an hour behind and we're 5+ still down the list, still waiting for our turn. So don't expect to get out on time, I would not recommend planning anything immediately after, cuz who knows how long it will take. There is paid parking. Make sure you have enough, it's currently taking us more than an hour and who knows much longer. Reasons why this place doesn't get a flat one-star rating: there seems to be ample parking (even if you have to pay for it), there is a person at the front who checks people in, they're patient dealing with all these people, making sure you have your documents and application form before you go waste your time sitting around for an hour plus. There are seats in the waiting are. Though, not enough apparently, there are people standing and sitting on the floor. So yeah, it was high expectations for me to think the City got it together organized and efficiently making use of people's time.

Go Satellite city hall next to DMV and make appt using Kiosk
Kimo K.

Your tax dollars at work and an upgraded high-tech facility with TV screens and soccer games on the TV make an appointment concierge hostess only thing they need is a coffee shop

On my way to get my license! This is a ticket number & I did a walk in appointment
Avi M.

Here since 5:30am, doors open @8am. Took my road test for the first time... got my license! Chheeee! Besides one of the most happiest aspects of my life today, the wait was quiet but pretty ridiculous for walk in appointments... I know, we all have our stories and we don't need to hear them "I was here since 3" blah blah blah. 8am A Chinese lady and Filipino man were bickering who was in line first I thought it was funny but this is the outcome for waiting this long. Another guy was frustrated because he couldn't take his road test today... he was not accompanied with his friend/designated driver 21+ present when it was his turn to the next available window. Believe it or not, when you make walk in appointments ESPECIALLY to the DMV, chances are that it's a gamble of whether you get to take a road test or not. And chances are 1 in 5 road test takers (like me) get their license within their first try. Note to self: -booked appointments- always go on their DMV website if you'd like to schedule a booked appointment -walk-in appointments- *wear something comfy, and Bring a jacket if you plan to arrive super early Make sure you go early, eat prior, come PREPARED with: A) Permit B) accompanied by a designated driver age 21+ 1. & their personal license (they could be anyone; friend, family, stranger AHA) C) designated driver must provide the following information 1. Vehicle insurance 2. Vehicle registration 3. Drivers license D) Make sure that vehicle you will be driving with is *inspected* prior to taking the road test. - the Examiner WILL check the following: A) Signal lights (front & back) B) Car horn C) Windows D) Cleanliness Follow ALL traffic laws! -stay off the bike lane -don't speed excessively -learn the roads -make a complete stop when there's a stop sign -Always fricken signal ... bumbye... -practice your parallel parking And if you DO pass the road test, com prepared with a total of $28 dollars. You will pay $8 before taking the test, and if you pass, you will pay $20 for your temporary license. The hard material license card will be mailed in about 2 weeks. Good luck!

Where is the staff?
Andy F.

Almost every Satellite City Hall is a headache to go to because there always seems to be an abundance of people and there are never enough staff members to fill all the windows. This is one of them. The only difference is that you don't need to stand in line for hours. This Satellite City Hall is an upgrade from the previous location. There are two check-in kiosks where you enter your last name and what you are there for, and you receive a ticket that indicated your estimated time, which is typically later. There are chairs all around where you can sit and wait. Or you can go out and return when it's close to your time. The only problem is if you don't return when your number is called, you will need to get another number and wait again. Yes, this happened to me. I couldn't return fast enough, and I missed my number by a few numbers. I just waited there the second time, and I noticed there are a lot of no-shows when the number is called (like me). There's an Express Window where you don't even need to grab a number, and you can just head over to the far end window. This is specifically for Car registrations renewals and copies, bus pass, water bill, property tax, picnic permit pickup (say that three times fast), notice of transfer drop off, and form pick ups, information, and referrals. This line can build up though. The only problem with here is they are super short staffed, or they are very lazy. There are TEN windows with only two open, and 100+ people waiting. I see some that are just walking around in the back not doing much, and all of them work at a very slow pace. Make haste! Overall, I like the cleanliness and newness of this Satellite City Hall, the amount of parking, the check-in kiosks, and the express window. But the wait is still there.

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7 days ago

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20 days ago

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2 months ago

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11 months ago

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2 years ago

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7 months ago

Takes 30 mins to get out of the parking lot and charges everyone in line an additional hour. Total scam!

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3 years ago

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10 months ago

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9 years ago

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2 years ago

Personnel at Kapalama Satellite City Hall was polite and friendly! Thank you for your service

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9 years ago

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Satellite City Hall Reviews in Other Languages

Ask the Community - Satellite City Hall

I want custom my license plate for car?

My car is under my parents name and so I'm wondering if I can pay and renew the registration myself. If I can pay it then what kind of documents will I need to renew it?

Yes, you can. I help my parents do this every year. There are self-service kiosks at four Safeway's you can renew the registration. Beretania, Kapahulu and two other ones

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Review Highlights - Satellite City Hall

Mahalo for the lady greeting us outside.

Mentioned in 3 reviews

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People searched for Departments of Motor Vehicles 706 times last month within 5 miles of this business.

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Department of Motor Vehicles

Department of Motor Vehicles

2.7(251 reviews)
0.0 miKalihi

My experience here was probably the best DMV experience I've had by a long-shot. Yes, there was a…read morelittle bit of unfriendliness when I entered (it was a mismatch from what the front desk clerks want and what the security guard told me I could do in terms of where to stand). But then the person helping me with my drivers license transfer was very friendly and disarming. I was worried about hostility (we in the mainland have all experienced DMV madness), but I felt so much aloha in our interaction. There was a real sense of community here. The process was painless (I did come well-prepared with my documents). I was able to quickly take a photograph for my ID and then immediately received a temporary drivers license, while the real one arrived in the mail later.

I think a prerequisite to working at Kapalama DMV is to be unfriendly with zero previous customer…read moreservice experience. You might be prepared and have all your documents verified on the AlohaQ website yet still face in-person delays and questioning with no solution other than to reschedule your appointment. Keep in mind appointments are 90-days out all year round. Thinking about the stand-by lane to avoid making an appointment? They usually reach capacity within the first 30 minutes of normal operating hours and then close for the rest of the day. First and last time here.

Photos
Department of Motor Vehicles - Entrance to DMV

Entrance to DMV

Department of Motor Vehicles
Department of Motor Vehicles - 08/14/25, so many waiting, only 3 being served at the many manned windows.

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08/14/25, so many waiting, only 3 being served at the many manned windows.

Kapalama Hale

Kapalama Hale

3.6(77 reviews)
0.0 miKalihi

Fast and efficient service here…read more Make your appointment online (this is the longest wait lol). https://alohaq.honolulu.gov/ Show up at your selected date and time. Park in the City & County parking lot and get your parking ticket validated inside. We paid $1.50. Check in at the front reception area to verify your appointment date and time with your identification. I just needed to fill out my renewal application inside and I may have waited 10 minutes before my number was called. I went to the assigned window, presented my paperwork, paid the fee, and then I was instructed to go to another window for my photograph and parking ticket validation. There was a small line for the photos, however, the line moved quickly. In total, maybe a half hour to park, check in, and complete the process! Not bad, City & County of Honolulu DMV! Hats off to you!

Like anyone enjoys going satellite city hall to renew driver license or permit or for vehicle…read moreservices etc, just seeing long lines can be complte turnoff. Always check the website what documents you need. https://www.honolulu.gov/csd/drivers-license-procedures/ This was my second and third time coming here to this location to change my last name on driver's license and vehicle registration. But having correct documentation and paperwork completed, my appointments went pretty smoothly. It was a bummer as I forgot to bring my car title so I ended up paying $10 fee for lost title. Better than having to come back there again. Making appointment time on alohaQ was helpful.

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Kapalama Hale
Kapalama Hale - Waiting room board assignments

Waiting room board assignments

Kapalama Hale

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Satellite City Hall - Line at 10:05 am

Satellite City Hall

3.2(228 reviews)
6.4 mi

Made an appointment on Aloha Q for an appointment at 9 am when they open. Unusual thing is because…read morethis branch is at Pearlridge Center which opens at 10 a.m. you must wait for the dmv employee to come up so the security guard can open the doors. The employee checks you off on his clipboard, make sure you have your appointment confirmation code. Once you go down a floor head to their office at far left. You will be checked for your id and application. Somehow I missed the part about filling in an application so I was given one and proceeded forward but filled in the form first before taking a seat. Luckily it was just a duplicate drivers license I needed since the lamination on mine was peeling off from one top edge. My number was called to window 2 and I had the nicest young man. I told him I no longer needed glasses as a restriction since I had both eyes cataract surgeries. He asked if I wanted to take the eye test. Yes! I passed. Bring your check made out to City and County of Honolulu for $6. Next you move over two windows to your left, get fingers scanned then get your photo retaken. Hooray! At the earliest your plastic license will be mailed to you in 2 weeks. You get a cool temporary license with your photo and information on it. Only catch is you cannot travel with a temporary license. Fortunately I can travel using my passport as ID when I travel internationally. In and out in half an hour. So glad the employee I had was so pleasant, and smiled.

Aloha, I've come…read morehere before and there was a very long line which extended out the door. People just waited their turn. It was a wait, almost 2 hours. Five years later and reservations are available if you plan early and I mean early like months, unfortunately I was able to utilize the months out in advance, so when I arrived without a reservation along with others were told to sit and wait and they would help if there was time in between the official appointments. I arrived before it opened at 8, and was #4 I was seen 3 hours after arriving. There were some people called ahead of me who didn't have appointments, but I didn't challenge. Once inside the lady was fast and throughly completed my drivers renewal. She was friendly and funny too Appointments four months out are not convenient, please find another way to make more times available. Mahalo

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Satellite City Hall
Satellite City Hall
Satellite City Hall - Monorail entrance next to Macy's

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Monorail entrance next to Macy's

Satellite City Hall - Right outside!

Satellite City Hall

3.8(144 reviews)
10.4 miHawaii Kai

Awesome experience here as someone who had to do standby as an absolute last resort/emergency for…read moremy driver's license renewal. Im aware that standby is not a guarantee of service, but I took a risk at what I thought would be the least busy satellite city hall on a weekday morning and it absolutely paid off! Got there at 7:50 AM for 8 AM office opening. Stood in the designated standby line near the front door and was about 5th in line. I got serviced within 30 minutes of opening! Luckily I had all the correct documents and correct application all ready to go (printed, filled out, signed, etc). The clerks here are so friendly and accommodating. The population being served here are generally off-island visitors, elderly, and students. No issues at all, everyone was courteous and respected the rules. Waiting area is outside but its breezy, ADA accessible, quiet. Ample parking too within 100' of the doorway. Would definitely recommend all their services, scheduled appointment or not.

Satellite city hall. Hawaii Kai location. Large free parking lot, after turning right passing…read moreAloha Gas station. Building has Central Pacific Bank. Vehicle registration, driver license renewal, state ID renewal. Will need to make appointment on Aloha Que. Also, property tax payment, water bill payment. Some transactions can be processed at express window, no appointment. Hawaii Kai location. Doesn't seem as hectic as other locations. But, certain transactions will need to be done at full service locations. Re: REAL ID. STAR. Note: You can only have the STAR on either your driver license OR state ID. You CANNOT have Both a driver license and state ID. Took son to renew State ID, but could not renew, since he already had a driver license with the STAR. Cannot have Both. Just a reminder to everyone. Highly recommend this location. If you need forms, can Download and complete prior to going there. Reminder: Bring down required documents if needed, Citizenship, SSN card, Residency (2) within two months.

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Satellite City Hall - 12/2022 entrance

12/2022 entrance

Satellite City Hall - 12/2022 check in by entrance

12/2022 check in by entrance

Satellite City Hall

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Satellite City Hall - Massive wall-sized examples of "how to" do various paperwork

Satellite City Hall

3.4(96 reviews)
7.4 mi

It's not often that a C&C or State clerk at the DMV or City Hall will offer fast and friendly…read moreservice, so today's experience definitely stood out. Props to Mollie Brunn at the service counter for a really great experience. She was polite, professional, friendly, and fast. I went in to transfer a vehicle title and registration into my name and was expecting that it would take forever. I had an appointment thru the AlohaQ website that I made a week ago and went in about fifteen minutes early. The location was pretty full, so I was glad that I had an appointment. I checked in at the front and was instructed to take a seat to be called. They have an electronic sign board behind the counters so you can see your appointment number, time, and place in line. Mollie called out my name about 5 minutes later and directed me to a window that was closed. She helped me there and verified my paperwork, and instructed me how to complete it. The entire process only took less than 5 minutes, and I was done with my new title and registration in hand. Hooray!!

I went here to renew my driver's license today and was amazed at how quick and easy the process…read morewas. I made an appointment at AlohaQ several weeks ago, arrived 20 minutes early, and was greeted by a nice lady. She asked if I had an appointment and if I had all the documents filled out, which I did in advance, and she checked me in for my appointment. She then had me sit in the orange seat section of the waiting area. I must have lucked out because the appointment before me was a no show so I got called up pretty quickly and was helped by a very nice local lady. After a quick eye test and picture, I was done in less than 10 minutes and I was walking out the door 5 minutes before my scheduled appointment time. I see the negative reviews, but my experience here was absolutely wonderful. I don't normally post reviews, but felt I needed to share my positive experience to let others know that Windward City Satellite City Hall has amazing staff and the process can be quick and painless, especially if you have all of your paperwork filled out in advance. Thank you to the ladies that helped me today. You are awesome!

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Satellite City Hall - Signage from the outside

Signage from the outside

Satellite City Hall - Wow! Fast in and out with online with AlohaQ.

Wow! Fast in and out with online with AlohaQ.

Satellite City Hall

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Satellite City Hall - departmentsofmotorvehicles - Updated May 2026

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