A handwriting input device, in response to a handwriting operation that moves an object on an input surface with the object contacting the input surface, inputs information corresponding to the path of the contact position of the object on the input surface. The handwriting input device includes a sensor part and a determining part. The sensor part detects the contact position of the object on the input surface and the presence or absence of the object within a predetermined operation space adjacent to the input surface. The determining part determines the start and the end of the handwriting operation based on the detection result of the sensor part. The determining part determines the continuance of the handwriting operation in response to detecting the presence of the object within the operation space by the sensor part after determining the start of the handwriting operation.