Hawaii Overtime Laws
Hawaii has its own overtime laws in addition to federal FLSA requirements.
Weekly OT Threshold
40 hrs
Daily OT Threshold
None
Double Time
No
Minimum Wage
$14.00
Overtime Rules
| Weekly Overtime | Hours over 40 in a workweek paid at 1.5x |
| Daily Overtime | Not required by state law |
| Double Time | Not required by state law |
| 7th Consecutive Day | No special rule |
Exemptions
The following categories of employees may be exempt from overtime requirements:
Executive, administrative, and professional employees
Important Notes
Hawaii has its own overtime law similar to federal FLSA.
State Labor Department
Hawaii Economy and Workforce
Hawaii's economy is driven primarily by tourism, federal defense spending, and real estate, with tourism generating over $20 billion annually in visitor spending. The state's GDP exceeded pre-pandemic levels in 2024, with construction and renewable energy emerging as growth sectors alongside the traditional pillars of the island economy.
Industries with Common Overtime
These Hawaii industries frequently involve overtime work situations:
Tourism and Hospitality
Hotels, resorts, restaurants, and tour operators frequently require staff to work extended hours during peak tourist seasons, making overtime common for front desk staff, housekeeping, food service workers, and activity coordinators.
Healthcare
Nurses, medical technicians, and hospital support staff often work overtime due to Hawaii's geographic isolation and healthcare worker shortages, particularly on neighbor islands.
Construction
Public works projects and resort development create consistent overtime opportunities, with construction workers experiencing 9.2% job growth in 2024.
Federal Defense and Military Support
With over 64,000 active duty personnel and numerous civilian contractors, defense-related jobs often involve overtime for maintenance, logistics, and support services.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, Hawaii does not require daily overtime for most workers. Overtime is calculated based on hours worked over 40 in a workweek. However, employees on state or county public construction projects must receive overtime pay after 8 hours per day and for all hours worked on weekends and state holidays.
Hawaii requires overtime pay at 1.5 times your regular hourly rate for all hours worked over 40 in a workweek. With the current minimum wage of $14.00 per hour, the minimum overtime rate is $21.00 per hour.
Agricultural and seasonal workers in certain industries, such as dairy processing, sugar production, poultry handling, or fresh fruit packing, may have different overtime thresholds. These workers are entitled to overtime after 48 hours per week under specific conditions, rather than the standard 40 hours.
How to File a Wage Claim in Hawaii
If you believe you are owed overtime pay, follow these steps:
Gather documentation including pay stubs, time records, and employment agreements showing hours worked and wages paid.
Contact the Hawaii Department of Labor and Industrial Relations, Wage Standards Division.
File a wage complaint by completing the required forms, which can be submitted online or in person.
The Wage Standards Division will investigate your claim and work to recover unpaid wages on your behalf.
Important Hawaii Consideration
Hawaii is one of the few states that requires daily overtime for public construction workers. Employees working on state or county public works projects under Chapter 104 of the Hawaii Revised Statutes must be paid overtime for hours exceeding 8 in a day and for all hours worked on Saturdays, Sundays, and state holidays.
Disclaimer: This information is provided for general educational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. Overtime laws can change and may have exceptions not listed here. For specific situations, consult with your employer's HR department, the state labor department, or an employment attorney.