Labor Rights in Hawaii
Hawaii has the second-highest minimum wage in this group at $16.00 (on track for $18.00 in 2028) and a rare limited tip credit of $1.25 that only applies when total pay reaches $23.00 per hour. Its distinctive program is mandatory Temporary Disability Insurance, which replaces 58% of wages (up to $871 per week) for up to 26 weeks for workers unable to work. There is no statewide paid sick leave, no general meal or rest break law, and no right-to-work law.
Data last verified 2026-10-12
Workplace rights in Hawaii at a glance
| Minimum wage (2026) | $16.00, effective January 1, 2026, under the scheduled increase law (up from $14.00; rises to $18.00 on January 1, 2028). |
|---|---|
| Tipped minimum wage (2026) | $14.75 cash wage in 2026. Hawaii allows a limited tip credit of $1.25 per hour, but only when the employee's total hourly compensation (wages plus tips) reaches at least $23.00 per hour. |
| Overtime | 1.5x after 40 hours in a workweek (federal FLSA baseline). Hawaii has no daily overtime rule. |
| Paid sick leave | No statewide mandate. |
| Paid family and medical leave | Hawaii Temporary Disability Insurance (TDI): employers must provide coverage paying 58% of the employee's average weekly wage, with a maximum weekly benefit of $871 in 2026, for up to 26 weeks. Employees can be required to pay up to half the premium cost, capped at $7.50 per week in 2026. There is a 7-day waiting period, and TDI does not include job protection. |
| Meal breaks | No state requirement beyond federal for adult workers. (Separate rules apply to minors.) |
| Rest breaks | No state requirement beyond federal. |
| Right-to-work law | No |
| At-will employment | Hawaii is an at-will employment state. Recognized exceptions: implied contract and public policy. Whether Hawaii recognizes the covenant-of-good-faith exception is disputed across legal sources, so confirm with an employment attorney on that point. Confirm with your state labor department. |
| Final paycheck | Fired: immediately, or by the next business day if immediate payment is not possible. Quit: by the next regular payday, or immediately if the employee gave at least one pay period's notice. |
How Hawaii compares to federal law
Hawaii sets a minimum wage above the federal floor of $7.25 an hour, so the state rate is what most employers must pay. Overtime follows the federal Fair Labor Standards Act: time-and-a-half after 40 hours in a workweek.
Neighboring states
- California$16.90 minimum wage, paid sick leave yes, right-to-work no.
- Washington$17.13 minimum wage, paid sick leave yes, right-to-work no.
- Oregon$15.55 minimum wage, paid sick leave yes, right-to-work no.
Compare all 50 states and DC side by side
Workplace laws change. This summary reflects state law as verified on 2026-10-12; confirm details with your state labor department before acting on it.
Frequently asked questions
How does Hawaii's tip credit work?
Employers can pay tipped workers $14.75 per hour and count up to $1.25 in tips toward the $16.00 minimum, but only if the worker's total pay (wages plus tips) is at least $23.00 per hour.
What is Hawaii Temporary Disability Insurance?
Employers must provide insurance (or an approved self-funded plan) that pays 58% of your average weekly wage, up to $871 per week in 2026, for up to 26 weeks if you cannot work due to a non-work-related illness, injury, or pregnancy. You may pay up to $7.50 per week toward the premium.
Does Hawaii have paid sick leave?
No statewide mandate. Hawaii has no general paid sick leave law, though TDI covers longer disability periods.
When must I get my final paycheck in Hawaii?
If fired, immediately or by the next business day. If you quit, by the next regular payday, or immediately if you gave at least one pay period's notice.