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Hawaii Minimum Wage 2026: $16 Per Hour, Overtime, and New Penalties

Hawaii’s minimum wage rose to $16 per hour on January 1, 2026. Recent legislation also strengthened enforcement by establishing a minimum civil penalty for specified wage violations.

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Hawaii Minimum Wage 2026: Per Hour, Overtime, and New Penalties

Quick answer: Hawaii’s statewide minimum wage is $16 in 2026. Covered nonexempt employees generally receive overtime after 40 hours, with special rules for public construction and certain occupations.

The wage increase

Hawaii’s scheduled statewide minimum wage increased to $16 per hour on January 1, 2026. Higher contractual or prevailing-wage rates still apply when required.

Overtime

Covered employees generally receive time-and-one-half after 40 hours. A worker whose regular rate is exactly $16 has a basic overtime rate of $24.

Bonuses, differentials, and other compensation can increase the regular rate.

Tip credit

Hawaii has its own tip-credit rules and does not simply use the federal $2.13 cash wage. Employers must satisfy the state wage, notice, and shortfall requirements.

New enforcement penalty

Act 115 established a minimum civil penalty of $500 for specified wage-law violations. Penalties can be assessed in addition to unpaid wages and other remedies.

Public construction

Hawaii public works can require prevailing wages and additional daily, weekend, or holiday premiums. Contractors should use the project’s official wage schedule.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Hawaii’s 2026 minimum wage?

$16 per hour.

What is the basic overtime rate?

$24 when the regular rate is exactly $16.

Does Hawaii use the federal tipped rate?

No, state requirements apply.

What is the new minimum penalty?

$500 for specified violations.

Do public works have special rules?

Yes.

Official Sources

This article is for general educational purposes and is not legal, tax, accounting, payroll, or employment advice. Rules can change and may differ by state, locality, occupation, employer, and employee circumstances.

Reviewed for accuracy by the OvertimePayUSA editorial team using official labor sources such as the U.S. Department of Labor and state agencies.
Official Sources

This calculator is for educational purposes only. Consult your employer or a labor attorney for advice specific to your situation.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can my employer require me to work overtime?
Yes. Employers can require overtime work. However, they must pay the required overtime premium (1.5x or higher per state law) for hours over the threshold. Refusing to work overtime may result in termination, but employers cannot refuse to pay overtime premiums that are legally owed.
What should I do if I think I'm owed unpaid overtime?
Document everything: save pay stubs, time records, emails, and any communications about hours worked. Calculate what you believe is owed. Contact your employer in writing first. If they don't respond satisfactorily, file a complaint with your state Department of Labor or the U.S. Department of Labor Wage and Hour Division. Consider consulting an employment attorney for large amounts.
Is my salaried position automatically exempt from overtime?
No. Many salaried positions still qualify for overtime pay. Exemption requires: (1) earning above the minimum threshold (~$35,500 federally, varies by state), and (2) spending more than 50% of time in exempt duties (executive, professional, administrative). If unsure, file a wage claim or consult an employment attorney.
Can I get overtime pay if I work multiple jobs?
Federal overtime laws (FLSA) typically count only hours for a single employer. However, some states have more generous rules. Hours worked for different employers at the same time usually don't combine for overtime purposes unless you're an independent contractor. Check your state's Department of Labor for specific rules.
What's the statute of limitations for claiming unpaid overtime?
Federally, you have 2-3 years to file a lawsuit for unpaid wages (3 years for willful violations). State laws vary: California allows 3-4 years, New York allows 6 years. For administrative complaints, the timeframe is often shorter (1-2 years). Act quickly if you believe you're owed wages.
Do I have to be paid for meal breaks?
If you work during a meal break or cannot take a true break away from your workstation, that time must be paid. If you take an actual, uninterrupted break (usually 20+ minutes), it can be unpaid. Rules vary by state—check your state's Department of Labor for specifics.
What is the basic overtime rate?
$24 when the regular rate is exactly $16.
Does Hawaii use the federal tipped rate?
No, state requirements apply.
What is the new minimum penalty?
$500 for specified violations.
⚖️ Statutory Legal Authority: Overtime pay calculations strictly follow the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), 29 U.S.C. § 207 and U.S. Department of Labor (WHD) Regulations 29 C.F.R. Part 778. State daily overtime rules comply with California Labor Code § 510, Colorado COMPS Order #38, and Alaska Stat. § 23.10.060.