ImmigrationLawyerNearMe
Trusted Legal Directory

The Best Immigration Attorneys in Hawi, Hawaii

Top 3 immigration attorneys in Hawi, Hawaii. Rated 4.8/5 stars based on our comprehensive legal expertise evaluation system.

3
Top Attorneys
4.8/5
Avg Rating
190
Total Reviews
25
Avg Years

Top Immigration Attorneys

Ranked by our comprehensive legal expertise evaluation system

1

Gregory A. Sheehan

Law Office of Gregory A. Sheehan

★★★★☆
4.9/5

Gregory Sheehan is one of Hawaii's most experienced immigration attorneys with over 25 years dedicated exclusively to immigration law. Based in Kailua-Kona, he serves clients throughout the Big Island including Hawi. His practice focuses on family-based petitions, employment visas, naturalization, and investor visas. Sheehan is known for his high success rate with complex immigration cases and maintains excellent standing with the Hawaii State Bar. Clients consistently praise his thorough approach, responsiveness, and deep understanding of both U.S. immigration law and Hawaii's unique immigration needs.

Experience:25+ years
Reviews:85 reviews
75-170 Hualalai Rd Suite 207, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740

Practice Areas:

Family-Based ImmigrationEmployment VisasCitizenship & NaturalizationBusiness ImmigrationInvestor Visas
2

Brian T. Stern

Law Offices of Brian T. Stern

★★★★☆
4.8/5

Brian Stern has built a strong reputation across the Big Island for his expertise in business and employment immigration matters. Serving Hawi and surrounding communities from his Hilo office, Stern specializes in employment-based visas, corporate immigration compliance, and investor visa programs. With over two decades of experience, he has successfully handled numerous complex immigration cases for both individuals and businesses. His practice is noted for strategic case preparation and maintaining strong communication with clients throughout the immigration process.

Experience:20+ years
Reviews:60 reviews
101 Aupuni St Suite 231, Hilo, HI 96720

Practice Areas:

Employment-Based ImmigrationBusiness ImmigrationInvestor VisasFamily ImmigrationCitizenship
3

Carlsmith Ball LLP - Immigration Practice Group

Carlsmith Ball LLP

★★★★☆
4.7/5

Carlsmith Ball is Hawaii's oldest and most established law firm with a dedicated immigration practice group that serves clients statewide, including the Big Island and Hawi area. While based in Honolulu, their immigration attorneys regularly handle cases across all Hawaiian islands. The firm offers comprehensive immigration services with particular strength in business immigration, employment visas, and complex family-based cases. Their team includes multiple experienced immigration attorneys who maintain excellent bar standing and have successfully handled thousands of immigration cases over decades of practice.

Experience:30+ years (firm)
Reviews:45 reviews
1001 Bishop Street Suite 2100, Honolulu, HI 96813

Practice Areas:

Comprehensive Immigration ServicesBusiness ImmigrationFamily ImmigrationEmployment VisasDeportation Defense

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about immigration law services in Hawi, Hawaii

What types of immigration cases do attorneys in Hawi, Hawaii typically handle?

Immigration attorneys in Hawi commonly assist with family-based petitions, visitor visa extensions, and adjustment of status cases, particularly for agricultural workers and their families given the region's farming economy. They also handle humanitarian cases like U visas for crime victims and T visas for trafficking survivors, which are relevant to Hawaii's unique population needs. Additionally, they help with naturalization applications for long-term residents of the Big Island.

How can I find a reputable immigration lawyer near Hawi, Hawaii?

You can start by contacting the Hawaii State Bar Association's lawyer referral service or searching their directory for attorneys specializing in immigration law on the Big Island. Local community organizations like the Legal Aid Society of Hawaii may also provide referrals or low-cost consultations. Additionally, checking with the North Kohala community center or asking for recommendations from trusted community members in Hawi can help you find an attorney familiar with local immigration challenges.

What should I expect during my first consultation with an immigration attorney in Hawi?

During your initial consultation, the attorney will review your specific immigration situation, documents, and goals to assess your case viability. They should explain Hawaii-specific considerations, such as how your employment in agriculture or tourism might affect your case, and provide a clear overview of potential strategies. You'll also discuss legal fees, timeline expectations, and how to maintain communication given Hawi's remote location on the Big Island.

Are there any local resources in Hawi that can help with immigration paperwork?

While Hawi itself has limited resources, the nearby communities of Kapa'au and Waimea offer some assistance through community centers and non-profit organizations. The Hawaii Immigrant Justice Center may provide periodic legal clinics on the Big Island, and some local churches in North Kohala offer support with basic immigration form completion. For comprehensive legal advice, it's best to consult with a licensed immigration attorney who understands both federal law and Hawaii's specific immigrant community needs.

How does living in rural Hawi affect the immigration process compared to larger Hawaiian cities?

Living in rural Hawi presents unique challenges including limited access to immigration attorneys, longer travel times to biometrics appointments in Kona or Hilo, and potential difficulties obtaining certain documents required for immigration applications. However, attorneys familiar with North Kohala can help navigate these logistical hurdles and may leverage Hawaii's specific circumstances, such as your connection to the agricultural community, to strengthen certain types of applications. They can also assist with remote communication strategies to minimize travel needs while maintaining case progress.

What to Expect from an Immigration Lawyer Consultation in Hawi, Hawaii

If you are navigating the complex world of U.S. immigration law from the beautiful but remote community of Hawi, Hawaii, seeking a consultation with an immigration lawyer is a crucial first step. While Hawi itself is a small town on the Big Island's northern tip, your legal needs connect you to a broader network of resources across Hawaii. An initial consultation is more than just a meeting; it's an opportunity to assess your specific situation, understand your options, and build a relationship with a professional who can guide you through a process that often feels overwhelming. For residents of Hawi, this step is particularly important due to the geographical distance from major legal hubs like Honolulu, making efficient and clear communication from the outset essential.

During a consultation, a qualified immigration attorney will listen carefully to your personal story and goals. You should be prepared to discuss your family ties, employment history, any past immigration applications, and your ultimate objectives, whether that's obtaining a green card, securing a work visa, pursuing citizenship, or addressing a removal proceeding. It's helpful to gather any relevant documents beforehand, such as passports, prior immigration paperwork, birth certificates, or marriage licenses. The lawyer will use this information to provide a preliminary assessment of your case's strengths, potential challenges, and the most viable pathways under current law. This is your chance to ask direct questions about timelines, costs, and strategies tailored to your life in Hawaii.

Given Hawi's location, you will likely explore consultation options that include virtual meetings. Many immigration law firms in Hawaii now offer comprehensive remote consultations via secure video conferencing, which can be a significant advantage for North Kohala residents, saving you the lengthy drive to Hilo or Kona. When searching for an attorney, look for one licensed to practice in Hawaii who is familiar with both federal immigration procedures and any local nuances, such as those affecting agricultural workers, hospitality industry employees, or individuals with ties to the Pacific Islander community. A good consultation will leave you with a clearer understanding of the legal landscape and a concrete plan, or at least the next steps, rather than just vague promises.

Remember, the attorney-client relationship is built on trust and confidentiality. A reputable lawyer will be transparent about their fees for the consultation and any potential future costs. Use this meeting not only to get legal insight but also to determine if you feel comfortable with the attorney's communication style and expertise. For the tight-knit community of Hawi, finding an advocate who understands the values of 'ohana (family) and can provide personalized, compassionate guidance is key. Taking this first step to schedule a consultation empowers you with knowledge and sets you on a more confident path toward achieving your immigration goals while calling the Big Island home.

Nearby Cities

Explore immigration attorneys in cities near Hawi

About Hawi, Hawaii

Hawi residents and their families deserve experienced, knowledgeable legal representation when navigating immigration law. Our featured attorneys specialize in immigration law, visa applications, and citizenship services with personalized legal strategies in Hawaii.

Local Expertise

Attorneys familiar with Hawi community and local immigration law needs.

Trusted Representation

Licensed and experienced attorneys with proven success records in Hawi.

Personalized Service

Customized legal strategies and dedicated support for clients and families.