Hawaii Minimum Wage 2026
⚠️Informational only — not legal or tax advice.
Last Updated: February 10, 2026
Last Reviewed: February 10, 2026
Applicable Period: 2026
Jurisdiction: State of Hawaii, United States
Update Schedule: Quarterly reviews in 2026; annual reviews thereafter
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Hawaii Minimum Wage – 2026 Quick Reference
- Overview of Minimum Wage Law in Hawaii
- Current Minimum Wage Rates in Hawaii 2026
- Minimum Wage for Tipped Employees
- Local Minimum Wage Ordinances in Hawaii
- Who Is Covered and Who Is Exempt
- Employer Obligations and Enforcement
- Hawaii Minimum Wage vs Federal Law
- Minimum Wage Posting Requirements
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Information Verification Log
Introduction
The minimum wage in Hawaii establishes the lowest hourly compensation that employers must legally provide to covered employees. For 2026, Hawaii maintains a minimum wage of $16.00 per hour, with a scheduled increase to $18.00 per hour on January 1, 2028. The state permits tip credits under specific conditions, allowing reduced cash wages for tipped employees who regularly receive gratuities.
Minimum wage regulations in Hawaii operate under Hawaii Revised Statutes Chapter 387 alongside federal requirements established by the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). When state minimum wage rates exceed the federal standard of $7.25 per hour, employers must comply with the higher state rate. Hawaii allows tip credits for qualifying tipped employees, and the state maintains uniform wage requirements statewide without local ordinances establishing higher rates.
This page provides an authoritative overview of Hawaii minimum wage law for 2026, including current rates, scheduled increases, tipped employee provisions, coverage and exemptions, enforcement procedures, and compliance requirements. All information is compiled from official government sources.
| Hawaii Minimum Wage – 2026 Quick Reference | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Category | Rate | Effective Date | Official Source |
| State minimum wage | $16.00/hour | January 1, 2026 | HRS § 387-2 |
| Tipped minimum wage | $14.75/hour | January 1, 2026 | Act 114 (2022) |
| Tip credit allowed | Yes (up to $1.25) | January 1, 2026 | HRS § 387-2(b) |
| Next scheduled increase | $18.00/hour | January 1, 2028 | Act 114 (2022) |
| Rate adjustment mechanism | Scheduled | — | Act 114, SLH 2022 |
| Federal minimum wage | $7.25/hour | July 24, 2009 | FLSA |
| Local minimum wages | No | — | State law preempts |
| Civil penalty for violations | $500 minimum | Effective 2025 | Act 115 (2025) |
Last verified: February 10, 2026 via Hawaii Department of Labor and Industrial Relations
Overview of Minimum Wage Law in Hawaii
Legal Authority
Hawaii minimum wage requirements are established under Hawaii Revised Statutes Chapter 387, the Wage and Hour Law. The Hawaii Department of Labor and Industrial Relations, Wage Standards Division administers and enforces minimum wage regulations in Hawaii. The current minimum wage schedule was enacted through Act 114, Session Laws of Hawaii 2022, which established incremental increases beginning October 1, 2022 and culminating at $18.00 per hour on January 1, 2028.
Relationship to Federal Law
Under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), the federal minimum wage establishes a floor of $7.25 per hour for covered employers and employees. Hawaii law operates independently of federal standards while maintaining consistency with FLSA requirements. When both state and federal minimum wage laws apply, employers must pay whichever rate is higher.
Because Hawaii’s minimum wage of $16.00 exceeds the federal minimum by $8.75 per hour, most covered employers must comply with the state rate. Employers covered exclusively by federal law but not state law must still pay at least the federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour.
Coverage Scope
Hawaii minimum wage law applies to all employers and employees unless specifically exempted under HRS § 387-1 or HRS § 387-9. The law covers employers of all sizes, including those with a single employee. Specific industries and employee types may be exempt under state law, while employers not subject to state requirements but covered by the FLSA must comply with federal standards.
Higher Rate Principle
The principle of “higher prevailing rate” requires employers to pay the highest applicable minimum wage—whether federal or state. In Hawaii, employers must identify and apply whichever minimum wage rate provides employees the highest hourly compensation. Since Hawaii’s state minimum wage substantially exceeds the federal rate, the state standard governs for virtually all covered employment in Hawaii.
Current Minimum Wage Rates in Hawaii 2026
Standard Hourly Minimum Wage
As of January 1, 2026, the standard minimum wage in Hawaii is $16.00 per hour for covered employees. This rate applies to all non-exempt employees working for covered employers throughout the state. The $16.00 rate represents a $2.00 increase from the 2024-2025 rate of $14.00 per hour.
Hawaii adjusts its minimum wage according to a statutory schedule established by Act 114, Session Laws of Hawaii 2022. The January 2026 increase is the third step in a series of scheduled increases that began with $12.00 per hour on October 1, 2022. The final scheduled increase will bring the minimum wage to $18.00 per hour on January 1, 2028.
The statewide rate applies uniformly across all counties and jurisdictions in Hawaii. Unlike some states with regional variations, Hawaii maintains a single minimum wage rate that applies to employment performed anywhere in the state, whether in urban Honolulu, rural areas, or the neighbor islands.
| Scheduled Minimum Wage Increases | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Hawaii has enacted the following minimum wage increases under Act 114, Session Laws of Hawaii 2022: | |||
| Effective Date | Standard Rate | Tipped Employee Rate | Maximum Tip Credit |
| October 1, 2022 | $12.00 | $11.00 | $1.00 |
| January 1, 2024 | $14.00 | $12.75 | $1.25 |
| January 1, 2026 | $16.00 | $14.75 | $1.25 |
| January 1, 2028 | $18.00 | $16.50 | $1.50 |
These scheduled increases were established through legislation enacted in 2022. The phased approach allows employers time to adjust to higher labor costs while ensuring workers receive incremental wage improvements. Beginning in 2028, the minimum wage will remain at $18.00 unless modified by future legislation, as no automatic inflation adjustment mechanism currently exists under Hawaii law.
The Hawaii Department of Labor and Industrial Relations announces each scheduled increase in advance of the effective date and provides updated guidance materials for employers.
Minimum Wage for Tipped Employees
Tipped Employee Cash Wage
Hawaii permits employers to pay tipped employees a reduced cash wage, provided that employee tips combined with the cash wage equal at least $7.00 more than the applicable minimum wage. This provision allows employers to claim a “tip credit” toward minimum wage obligations.
For 2026 (January 1 through December 31):
- Cash wage requirement: $14.75 per hour
- Maximum tip credit: $1.25 per hour
- Total minimum compensation: $21.00 per hour ($14.75 cash + at least $7.00 in tips)
For 2028 and beyond (beginning January 1, 2028):
- Cash wage requirement: $16.50 per hour
- Maximum tip credit: $1.50 per hour
- Total minimum compensation: $25.00 per hour ($16.50 cash + at least $7.00 in tips)
The tip credit structure ensures that tipped employees receive the full minimum wage from their employer, with tips representing additional compensation above that base amount. Employers may only claim the tip credit when the employee’s combined cash wage and tips meet the statutory threshold of minimum wage plus $7.00.
Who Qualifies as a Tipped Employee
Under Hawaii Revised Statutes § 387-2(b) and Hawaii Administrative Rules § 12-20-11, a “tipped employee” is defined as an employee who customarily and regularly receives more than $20 per month in tips. Qualifying occupations typically include:
- Restaurant servers and bartenders
- Hotel housekeeping and bell staff
- Casino and gaming service workers
- Parking attendants and valets
- Tour guides and activity coordinators
- Delivery drivers who receive tips
- Spa and salon service providers
An employee must actually receive more than $20 per month in tips and cannot be considered a tipped employee solely based on employment in an occupation that traditionally receives tips. The employee must demonstrate actual tip receipt exceeding the $20 monthly threshold.
Employer Obligations for Tipped Workers
Employers who claim a tip credit must comply with specific requirements under Hawaii Administrative Rules Chapter 12-20:
- Inform employees in writing of the tip credit provisions before claiming the credit, including the amount of cash wage, the tip credit amount, and the requirement that tips plus wages must equal at least $7.00 more than the minimum wage
- Ensure total compensation (cash wage plus tips) equals or exceeds the required threshold ($21.00 per hour in 2026) for all hours worked
- Pay the difference if an employee’s tips fail to bring total compensation to the required level—the employer must make up any shortfall
- Maintain accurate records of employee tips, hours worked, and wages paid, including documentation of tip income and tip credit amounts claimed
- Notify employees in writing each time the tip credit amount changes from the amount claimed in the preceding week
- Allow employees to retain all tips except for valid tip pooling arrangements—employers cannot retain any portion of employee tips
Tip Pooling and Sharing
Hawaii regulations permit tip pooling arrangements where employees voluntarily agree to share tips according to a mutually agreed distribution system. Under Hawaii Administrative Rules § 12-20-11, tip pooling must meet these requirements:
Permitted Participants: Only employees who customarily and regularly receive tips may participate in tip pools. This typically includes servers, bartenders, bussers, and other direct service staff.
Prohibited Participants: Employers, managers, and supervisors may not participate in tip pools or retain any portion of employee tips. The employer’s role is strictly limited to facilitating the tip pool arrangement if employees choose to implement one.
Voluntary Nature: Tip pooling must be based on mutual agreement among participating employees. Each employee is considered tipped only to the extent of their proportionate share received and retained.
Calculation of Tip Credit: Where tip pooling exists, employers may only claim tip credit based on the actual tips received and retained by each individual employee after pool distribution, not on total tips before pooling.
Service Charges vs. Tips
Service charges added to customer bills are not considered tips under Hawaii law unless voluntarily left by the customer. Mandatory service charges, automatic gratuities, and similar fees imposed by the establishment are considered revenue to the employer, not employee tips, unless the employer has a written policy distributing such charges to employees.
Employers who include mandatory service charges on customer bills must clearly disclose to customers that such charges are not gratuities for employees. See HRS § 481B-14 regarding service charge disclosure requirements.
Local Minimum Wage Ordinances in Hawaii
Hawaii maintains a uniform statewide minimum wage of $16.00 per hour with no local ordinances establishing higher rates. State law does not currently authorize counties to enact their own minimum wage ordinances that differ from the state standard.
While various legislative proposals have been introduced to allow counties to establish local minimum wages above the state rate, no such authority has been enacted into law as of 2026. All employers in Hawaii must comply with the uniform statewide rate of $16.00 per hour regardless of location within the state.
Statewide Uniformity
The Hawaii minimum wage applies consistently across all counties:
- City and County of Honolulu: $16.00 per hour
- Hawaii County: $16.00 per hour
- Maui County: $16.00 per hour
- Kauai County: $16.00 per hour
This uniform approach differs from states like California, New York, and Washington, where cities and counties have enacted local minimum wages exceeding state standards. Hawaii’s single statewide rate simplifies compliance for employers operating across multiple islands or jurisdictions within the state.
Geographic Considerations
While minimum wage rates do not vary by location in Hawaii, employers should be aware that cost of living differences exist across the islands. Honolulu and urban Oahu areas generally have higher housing and living costs compared to rural areas on neighbor islands. However, these cost variations do not affect minimum wage requirements, which remain uniform statewide.
The Hawaii minimum wage of $16.00 applies to the physical location where work is performed. For remote workers physically located in Hawaii, the Hawaii minimum wage applies regardless of where the employer is headquartered. Conversely, Hawaii employers with workers physically located in other states must pay whichever minimum wage applies in the jurisdiction where the employee performs work.
Who Is Covered and Who Is Exempt
Employees Covered by Hawaii Minimum Wage
Hawaii minimum wage law covers virtually all employees working for covered employers in the state. Unless specifically exempted under HRS § 387-1 or HRS § 387-9, covered employees include:
- Private sector workers: Full-time and part-time employees of private businesses of any size
- Salaried non-exempt employees: Employees paid on a salary basis who do not qualify for executive, administrative, or professional exemptions
- Hourly employees: Workers compensated on an hourly basis in all industries
- Temporary and seasonal workers: Short-term and seasonal employees working for covered employers
- Minor employees: Workers under age 18, subject to child labor law restrictions
- Part-time workers: Employees working less than full-time hours
- Domestic service workers: Household employees providing services in private homes
Hawaii law does not establish employer size thresholds for minimum wage coverage. Even employers with a single employee must comply with the $16.00 minimum wage for covered workers.
Exemptions from Minimum Wage Requirements
The following categories of employees are exempt from Hawaii minimum wage requirements under HRS § 387-1:
Executive, Administrative, and Professional Employees
Employees performing bona fide executive, administrative, or professional duties are exempt from minimum wage requirements if they meet specific duties tests. These exemptions generally align with federal FLSA exemption criteria. Employers must verify that exempt employees meet both salary and duties requirements under applicable regulations.
Outside Sales Employees
Employees whose primary duty is making sales or obtaining orders away from the employer’s place of business, and who are customarily and regularly engaged away from the employer’s business location, are exempt from minimum wage requirements.
Agricultural Employees
Certain agricultural workers are exempt from Hawaii minimum wage requirements, including:
- Agricultural employees at farms employing fewer than 20 employees on any day during the preceding calendar year
- Individuals engaged in coffee harvesting operations
- Employees engaged in the planting or tending of trees less than four years old
Fishing Industry Workers
Persons engaged in catching, harvesting, cultivating, or farming any kind of fish, shellfish, or other aquatic forms of animal life are exempt from minimum wage requirements under Hawaii law.
Student Employees
Students employed part-time by nonprofit schools, colleges, or universities where they are enrolled are exempt from minimum wage requirements under certain conditions.
Learners and Apprentices
Under HRS § 387-9, the Director of Labor and Industrial Relations may authorize special minimum wage rates for:
- Learners during initial employment periods
- Registered apprentices in formal apprenticeship programs
- Full-time students employed by educational institutions
These special rates must be authorized by rule and require proper certification before implementation.
Independent Contractors
Properly classified independent contractors are not employees and therefore not covered by minimum wage requirements. However, Hawaii applies strict tests to determine independent contractor status, and misclassification carries significant penalties. The determination depends on factors including:
- Degree of control exercised by the hiring entity
- Whether the worker is engaged in an independent business
- Nature and degree of supervision
- Skill required for the work
- Whether the worker supplies tools and materials
- Length of employment relationship
- Method of payment
Employers should carefully evaluate worker classification to ensure compliance with both state and federal standards.
Additional Employment Categories
Domestic Workers in Private Homes
Domestic service workers providing services in or about private homes are generally covered by Hawaii minimum wage law. This includes housekeepers, nannies, personal care attendants, and similar household employees.
Tipped Employees
Tipped employees are covered by minimum wage requirements but may be paid a reduced cash wage when tip credit provisions are properly applied. See the Tipped Employee section above for detailed requirements.
Youth Workers
Minor employees are covered by the same minimum wage requirements as adult workers. Hawaii does not maintain a separate youth minimum wage or subminimum wage for workers under age 18. However, minors are subject to restrictions under Hawaii Revised Statutes Chapter 390, the Child Labor Law, which limits work hours and types of employment.
Employer Obligations and Enforcement
Employer Compliance Requirements
Employers subject to Hawaii minimum wage law must fulfill specific obligations under Hawaii Revised Statutes Chapter 387 and Chapter 388:
- Pay the applicable minimum wage of $16.00 per hour for all hours worked by non-exempt employees
- Maintain accurate payroll records for at least three years, documenting:
- Employee names, addresses, and dates of birth if under 19
- Hours worked each workday and workweek
- Wage rates and total wages paid each pay period
- Deductions from wages and net pay
- For tipped employees: tips received, tip credit claimed, and total compensation
- Display required posters informing employees of minimum wage rates and labor law rights at each workplace location where employees can readily see them
- Issue compliant wage statements showing gross wages, itemized deductions, net pay, dates of payment, and pay periods covered
- Provide written notice to new hires at the time of hiring of wage rates, paydays, and payment location under HRS § 388-7
- Pay wages at least twice monthly on regular paydays designated in advance, within seven days after the end of each pay period under HRS § 388-2
- Pay final wages promptly at discharge or resignation according to statutory timeframes
Enforcement of Minimum Wage Law
The Hawaii Department of Labor and Industrial Relations, Wage Standards Division enforces minimum wage requirements in Hawaii. The agency has authority to:
- Investigate wage complaints filed by employees
- Conduct routine compliance inspections of workplaces
- Issue citations and compliance orders for violations
- Collect unpaid wages and penalties on behalf of employees
- Impose civil penalties for willful or repeated violations
- Refer cases for criminal prosecution when appropriate
Filing a Wage Complaint
Employees who believe they have not been paid proper minimum wage may file a complaint with the Wage Standards Division. Complaints must be filed within one year from the time wages became due for violations of payment of wages law.
Contact information:
- Phone: 808-586-8777
- Website: labor.hawaii.gov/wsd
- Oahu Office: 830 Punchbowl Street, Room 340, Honolulu, HI 96813
District offices are located on neighbor islands. Contact the main office for referral to the appropriate location.
Hawaii law prohibits retaliation against employees who file wage complaints, participate in investigations, or assert their rights under wage and hour laws. Retaliation constitutes a separate violation subject to penalties and remedies.
Penalties for Minimum Wage Violations
Employers who violate Hawaii minimum wage law face substantial penalties under state law:
Back Wages
Employers must pay employees the full difference between wages actually paid and the required minimum wage for all hours worked. Back wage liability typically extends for the applicable statute of limitations period, generally up to two years or three years for willful violations.
Liquidated Damages
Under HRS § 388-11, courts may award liquidated damages equal to the amount of unpaid wages plus interest. This effectively doubles the employer’s liability for wage violations, compensating employees for delayed payment.
Civil Penalties
Act 115, enacted by the 2025 Hawaii Legislature, establishes a minimum civil penalty of $500 for employers who violate the Wage and Hour Law. This penalty applies per violation and serves as a deterrent to ensure compliance with wage requirements. The penalty is paid to the state general fund.
Additional administrative penalties may be assessed for willful or repeated violations, with amounts determined based on the severity and nature of the violation.
Interest on Unpaid Wages
Unpaid wages accrue interest at 10% per year from the date wages were due until paid, under HRS § 388-11.
Criminal Penalties
Willful violations of minimum wage requirements may constitute a misdemeanor under Hawaii law, subject to fines and potential imprisonment.
Attorney Fees and Costs
Employees who prevail in legal actions to recover unpaid minimum wages may recover reasonable attorney fees and litigation costs from the employer. This provision enables employees to pursue claims without bearing the full cost of legal representation.
Hawaii Minimum Wage vs Federal Law
The Federal Minimum Wage Floor
The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) establishes a federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour, which has remained unchanged since July 24, 2009. This federal rate sets a floor for minimum wage requirements nationwide and applies to employers engaged in interstate commerce or with annual gross sales exceeding $500,000. The U.S. Department of Labor, Wage and Hour Division administers and enforces federal minimum wage requirements.
When State Law Applies
Because Hawaii’s minimum wage of $16.00 exceeds the federal minimum by $8.75 per hour, most employees working in Hawaii are entitled to the higher state rate. The federal minimum serves as a fallback only for the limited category of employers covered by federal but not state law.
For employers covered by both state and federal law, Hawaii’s requirements govern. Employees working in Hawaii for covered employers receive the $16.00 state minimum wage regardless of the employer’s annual sales volume or involvement in interstate commerce.
Higher Applicable Rate Rule
The fundamental principle governing minimum wage compliance is that employers must pay whichever rate—federal or state—provides employees the highest hourly wage. This rule ensures workers receive maximum protection under applicable law.
Practical Application:
- Identify whether the employer is covered by federal law, state law, or both
- Determine which rates apply to the specific employment situation
- Pay the highest applicable rate
In Hawaii, this analysis typically results in application of the $16.00 state minimum wage, as it substantially exceeds the $7.25 federal rate. Employers should document their analysis and maintain records showing compliance with the higher applicable standard.
Federal vs State Coverage
Some employers may be covered by federal law but exempt from state law, or vice versa. Key considerations include:
- Federal coverage generally extends to employers with $500,000 or more in annual gross sales or engaged in interstate commerce
- State coverage in Hawaii applies to all employers regardless of size or sales volume, with specific exemptions for certain categories of employees
- Dual coverage requires compliance with the higher state standard
Employers uncertain about coverage status should consult with the Hawaii Department of Labor and Industrial Relations or legal counsel to ensure proper minimum wage compliance.
Minimum Wage Posting Requirements
Hawaii law requires employers to display an official minimum wage notice in conspicuous locations accessible to all employees. The Hawaii Department of Labor and Industrial Relations provides official labor law posters incorporating minimum wage information along with other required workplace notices.
Where to obtain posters:
- Download: labor.hawaii.gov/labor-law-poster
- Phone orders: 808-586-8777
- Available languages: English, plus multiple languages including Hawaiian, Spanish, Tagalog, Ilocano, Japanese, Korean, Chinese (Cantonese and Mandarin), Vietnamese, and others
Posting locations: Employers must post the notice in each workplace location where employees can readily see it. Appropriate posting locations typically include:
- Near time clocks or attendance systems
- Employee break rooms or lunch areas
- Main entrances or exits used by employees
- Other prominent locations where required notices are displayed
Compliance requirements: Employers must:
- Post current notices reflecting the $16.00 minimum wage rate for 2026
- Update posters when rates change (next update required before January 1, 2028)
- Ensure posters remain visible and legible at all times
- Post in languages spoken by employees when language-specific posters are available
Failure to display required labor law posters may result in citations and penalties from the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations. The official state poster satisfies Hawaii’s posting requirements for minimum wage and multiple other labor laws.
Frequently Asked Questions: Minimum Wage in Hawaii 2026
What is the minimum wage in Hawaii in 2026?
The minimum wage in Hawaii is $16.00 per hour as of January 1, 2026. This rate applies to all covered employees working for employers subject to Hawaii’s minimum wage law, regardless of employer size or location within the state.
When is the next minimum wage increase in Hawaii?
The next minimum wage increase in Hawaii is scheduled for January 1, 2028, when the rate will rise to $18.00 per hour. This represents the final scheduled increase under Act 114, Session Laws of Hawaii 2022. No additional increases are scheduled beyond 2028 unless modified by future legislation.
Does Hawaii allow tip credit?
Yes, Hawaii permits employers to pay tipped employees a reduced cash wage, provided tips combined with cash wages equal at least $7.00 more than the minimum wage. For 2026, tipped employees must receive at least $14.75 per hour in cash wages, with employers claiming up to $1.25 in tip credit, resulting in required total compensation of $21.00 per hour.
Are there different minimum wages in different cities in Hawaii?
No, Hawaii maintains a uniform statewide minimum wage of $16.00 per hour. Counties are not authorized to enact local minimum wages exceeding the state rate. The same $16.00 minimum applies whether work is performed in Honolulu, rural areas, or on any of Hawaii’s islands.
Who is exempt from minimum wage in Hawaii?
Common exemptions from Hawaii minimum wage include executive, administrative, and professional employees meeting specific duties tests, outside sales employees, certain agricultural workers on small farms, persons engaged in fishing activities, and properly classified independent contractors. Most hourly workers, including part-time and seasonal employees, are covered by minimum wage requirements.
What happens if an employer pays below minimum wage in Hawaii?
Employers who pay below minimum wage face back wage liability for all unpaid wages, liquidated damages equal to the unpaid amount plus interest, civil penalties of at least $500 per violation under Act 115, additional interest at 10% annually, and potential criminal prosecution for willful violations. Employees can file complaints with the Wage Standards Division to recover unpaid wages, and Hawaii law prohibits retaliation against workers who report violations.
Do small businesses have to pay minimum wage in Hawaii?
Yes, all employers in Hawaii must pay the $16.00 minimum wage regardless of business size, number of employees, or annual sales volume. Even employers with a single employee must comply with state minimum wage requirements for covered workers.
Is Hawaii’s minimum wage higher than the federal minimum?
Yes, Hawaii’s minimum wage of $16.00 is $8.75 higher than the federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour. Employers in Hawaii must pay the higher state rate. Hawaii’s minimum wage ranks among the highest state minimum wages in the nation.
How often does Hawaii increase its minimum wage?
Hawaii’s current minimum wage schedule follows a legislated timeline established by Act 114 in 2022. The wage increased to $12.00 in October 2022, $14.00 in January 2024, $16.00 in January 2026, and will reach $18.00 in January 2028. No automatic annual adjustments exist beyond 2028—future increases require new legislation.
Can employers pay less than minimum wage during training?
Hawaii law authorizes special minimum wage rates for learners during initial employment periods under HRS § 387-9, but such rates require advance approval from the Director of Labor and Industrial Relations. Employers cannot unilaterally pay training wages without proper authorization and certification.
How to file a minimum wage complaint in Hawaii
Employees who believe they have not received proper minimum wage compensation may file a wage complaint with the Hawaii Department of Labor and Industrial Relations, Wage Standards Division. Filing methods include:
- Phone: 808-586-8777
- In-person: 830 Punchbowl Street, Room 340, Honolulu, HI 96813
- Website: labor.hawaii.gov/wsd/filing-a-complaint-with-wage-standards-division
Complaints must be filed in writing and signed. The Wage Standards Division will investigate complaints and may recover unpaid wages on behalf of employees. Hawaii law prohibits employer retaliation against workers who file wage complaints or participate in investigations.
Do remote workers in Hawaii get the Hawaii minimum wage?
Generally, the minimum wage of the jurisdiction where the employee physically performs work applies. Remote workers physically located in Hawaii are entitled to Hawaii’s minimum wage of $16.00 per hour, even if their employer is based in another state. Conversely, Hawaii employers with remote workers located in other states must comply with the minimum wage requirements of the jurisdiction where those employees physically work.
Information Verification Log
All information on this page has been compiled from official government sources and verified for accuracy as of the dates below.
| Source | Last Verified | Full URL |
|---|---|---|
| Hawaii Revised Statutes § 387-2 | February 10, 2026 | https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/hrscurrent/vol07_ch0346-0398/hrs0387/HRS_0387-0002.htm |
| Hawaii Department of Labor – Wage Standards Division | February 10, 2026 | https://labor.hawaii.gov/wsd/minimum-wage/ |
| Act 114, Session Laws of Hawaii 2022 | February 10, 2026 | https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/sessions/session2022/bills/HB2510_HD2_.HTM |
| Hawaii Administrative Rules Chapter 12-20 | February 10, 2026 | https://labor.hawaii.gov/wsd/files/2013/01/12-20.pdf |
| Hawaii Tip Credit Notice | February 10, 2026 | https://labor.hawaii.gov/wsd/files/2022/06/Tip_Credit_Notice_with_exhibits_June2022.pdf |
| U.S. Department of Labor – FLSA | February 10, 2026 | https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/flsa |
| Hawaii Labor Law Poster | February 10, 2026 | https://labor.hawaii.gov/labor-law-poster/ |
| Wage Standards Division – Filing Complaints | February 10, 2026 | https://labor.hawaii.gov/wsd/filing-a-complaint-with-wage-standards-division/ |