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Minimum Wage in Hawaii

Hawaii's minimum wage is $16.00 per hour from January 1, 2026, the tipped cash wage is $14.75 ($1.25 tip credit), and the rate rises to $18.00 on January 1, 2028.

Last checked . General information, not legal advice.

Hawaii at a glance

Minimum wage (per hour)
$16.00
Effective January 1, 2026.
Tipped cash wage (per hour)
$14.75
Tip credit of $1.25 only if wages plus tips are at least $7.00 above the minimum wage.
Next scheduled increase
$18.00 on January 1, 2028
The tip credit also rises to $1.50 on January 1, 2028.

Sources

Last checked

The rules in Hawaii

What is the minimum wage in Hawaii in 2026?

Minimum wage (per hour) in Hawaii: $16.00. Effective January 1, 2026.

What is the minimum cash wage for tipped employees in Hawaii?

Tipped cash wage (per hour) in Hawaii: $14.75. Tip credit of $1.25 only if wages plus tips are at least $7.00 above the minimum wage.

When is the next minimum wage increase in Hawaii?

Next scheduled increase in Hawaii: $18.00 on January 1, 2028. The tip credit also rises to $1.50 on January 1, 2028.

Where do the Hawaii minimum wage laws come from?

The rules above come from Haw. Rev. Stat. 387-2. Each source is linked on this page. We last checked them in October 2026.

What this means in practice

Check which rate applies before setting pay. Coverage rules, employer size thresholds, and exemptions for certain jobs or industries differ, and a local ordinance may require more than the state rate. The statute linked on each state page is the starting point.

Where a lower tipped cash wage is allowed, the employer usually must make up the difference whenever tips fall short of the full minimum wage for the pay period. Keeping accurate records of hours worked and tips reported helps show that every pay period met the minimum.

Rates can change on fixed dates, often January 1 or July 1, and some states adjust them each year for inflation. Reviewing pay rates, offer letters, and employment contracts ahead of each scheduled change helps avoid underpayment claims.

General information, not legal advice. Laws change, and cities can add their own rules, so check the current statute before you rely on it.