Hawaii Revised Statutes Division 3. Property; Family § 506-4

The mortgage shall operate only as a contract between the parties with respect to, and shall not create a lien upon, any recorded mortgage or lease, unless and until a specific reference to the mortgage or lease in the manner contemplated by section 502-33 is contained in an instrument or affidavit executed by the mortgagor or mortgagee and duly recorded in the bureau of conveyances at Honolulu.