Minimum Wage in Hawaii
State-specific overview · Employment Law
Hawaii's minimum wage is $14.00 per hour as of 2024, with scheduled annual increases tied to inflation.
How Hawaii treats Minimum Wage
Hawaii has one of the highest minimum wages in the nation and adjusts it annually based on the cost of living. The state applies the same minimum wage across all industries with no lower rates for tipped employees or trainees. Employers must pay the full minimum wage regardless of whether workers receive tips, making Hawaii's approach more protective than the federal standard.
The general definition of Minimum Wage
The lowest hourly wage an employer is legally required to pay employees.
Minimum wage is the lowest hourly rate that employers must pay workers by law. The federal minimum wage in the United States is currently $7.25 per hour, but many states and cities have set their own higher minimums. Employers cannot pay workers less than the applicable minimum wage, even if the worker agrees to it. The minimum wage applies to most employees, though some categories (like certain trainees or workers with disabilities) may have exceptions. Violations can result in lawsuits, penalties, and back-pay owed to employees.
Read the full Minimum Wage entry →This page is a plain-English reference and is not legal advice. State laws change frequently. For specific situations consult a licensed attorney in Hawaii.