In 2026, the minimum wage in Hawaii will rise to $16 per hour — a $2 boost from the current rate.
This is the third scheduled increase, which will eventually reach $18 per hour on January 1, 2028. The state legislature passed Act 114, which uses a phased approach to increasing minimum wage, into law in 2022. Before that, the minimum wage was $10.10 per hour.
This year, the legislature also enacted Act 115, establishing a minimum civil penalty of $500 for employers who violate the Wage and Hour Law.
“The Legislature’s phased approach to increasing the minimum wage is designed to support working families and foster economic stability in Hawaii,” said Jade T. Butay, DLIR director, in a statement. “These penalties serve as a deterrent and help ensure fairness for all employers who comply with wage laws.
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