Index
Employment & LaborHawaii, USA

Hawaii Minimum Wage Increases

Summary

Hawaii passed a law that steadily increases the state minimum wage every two years, eventually reaching $18.00 per hour by 2028.

Rights & Rules

  • 01.
    As of January 1, 2024, the minimum wage is $14.00 per hour.
  • 02.
    It will increase to $16.00 per hour on January 1, 2026.
  • 03.
    It will increase to $18.00 per hour on January 1, 2028.
  • 04.
    Tipped employees (like waiters) can be paid a slightly lower 'cash wage' ($1.25 to $1.50 less per hour) ONLY IF their combined tips plus cash wage are at least $7.00 MORE than the standard minimum wage.

Penalties

  • 01.
    Employers who fail to pay the required minimum wage can be sued for back pay, liquidated damages (an equal amount as a penalty), and attorney's fees, and can face fines from the state.

Verified Citations

Hawaii Revised Statutes Section 387-2

Source
"Every employer shall pay to each employee employed by the employer, wages at the rate of not less than: ...$14.00 per hour beginning January 1, 2024; $16.00 per hour beginning January 1, 2026; and $18.00 per hour beginning January 1, 2028."