Key Takeaways
• Hawaii’s minimum wage in 2025 is $14.00 hourly, effective January 1, 2024, statewide for all workers.
• Tipped employees earn $12.75 per hour plus tips; total pay must exceed minimum wage by $7.00 per hour.
• Scheduled increases set by House Bill 2510 raise wages to $16.00 in 2026 and $18.00 in 2028.
Hawaii’s minimum wage in 2025: What Workers, Employers, and Immigrants Need to Know
Hawaii’s minimum wage in 2025 stands at $14.00 per hour for most workers. This rate, which took effect on January 1, 2024, remains unchanged throughout 2025. For tipped employees, the minimum wage is $12.75 per hour plus tips, provided that their total earnings meet certain requirements. These rules apply across all counties in Hawaii, with no local variations. The state’s approach to minimum wage increases is part of a larger plan set by House Bill 2510, which aims to raise wages gradually over several years.
This news is especially important for immigrants, new arrivals, and anyone considering work or business in Hawaii. Understanding the minimum wage, how it is set, and what it means for workers and employers helps people make informed decisions about jobs, pay, and business planning. Let’s break down the details, look at the history and future of Hawaii’s minimum wage, and explore what these changes mean for different groups.
Minimum Wage in Hawaii: The Basics for 2025
Who is affected?
All employees in Hawaii, including immigrants and foreign workers, are covered by the state’s minimum wage law. This means that whether you are a U.S. citizen, a permanent resident, or working in Hawaii on a visa, you are entitled to at least the minimum wage set by the state.
What is the minimum wage in 2025?
– Standard minimum wage: $14.00 per hour
– Tipped employees: $12.75 per hour, plus tips (with conditions explained below)
When did this rate start?
The $14.00 per hour rate began on January 1, 2024, and continues through all of 2025.
Where does this apply?
This minimum wage applies statewide in Hawaii. There are no separate rates for different islands or counties.
Why is this important?
The minimum wage sets the lowest legal pay for most jobs. It protects workers from being paid too little and helps ensure fair treatment. For immigrants and newcomers, knowing the minimum wage helps you understand your rights and what to expect when looking for work.
How does it work for tipped employees?
Tipped workers, such as restaurant servers, can be paid $1.25 less than the standard minimum wage. However, their total pay (wages plus tips) must be at least $7.00 more than the minimum wage for each hour worked. If tips are low and total pay falls below this level, the employer must make up the difference.
Detailed Breakdown: Minimum Wage and Tip Credit in 2025
Let’s look at the numbers and rules in more detail.
Standard Minimum Wage
– Amount: $14.00 per hour
– Who gets this rate? All non-tipped employees, including most hourly workers in retail, hospitality, cleaning, and other industries.
Tipped Employees
– Amount: $12.75 per hour (base wage)
– Tip Credit: $1.25 per hour
– Condition: The worker’s total earnings (base wage plus tips) must be at least $7.00 more than the minimum wage for each hour worked. If not, the employer must pay the difference.
Example:
If a server works 8 hours in one day, their total earnings (wages plus tips) must be at least $168.00 (8 hours x [$14.00 + $7.00]). If their tips are low and they do not reach this amount, the employer must pay extra to make up the difference.
No County-Level Variations
Hawaii does not allow counties or cities to set their own minimum wage rates. The state law applies everywhere in Hawaii, including Honolulu, Maui, Kauai, and the Big Island.
Tip Credit Changes
The tip credit—the amount employers can subtract from the minimum wage for tipped workers—rose from $1.00 in 2022 to $1.25 in 2025. It will increase again to $1.50 in 2028.
Historical and Future Minimum Wage Changes in Hawaii
Hawaii’s minimum wage has changed several times in recent years, and more increases are planned. Here’s a timeline:
- Before 2022: $10.10 per hour (unchanged since 2018)
- October 1, 2022: Increased to $12.00 per hour
- January 1, 2024: Increased to $14.00 per hour
- January 1, 2026: Scheduled to increase to $16.00 per hour
- January 1, 2028: Scheduled to increase to $18.00 per hour
These changes were set by House Bill 2510, which was signed into law in 2022. The law created a schedule for raising the minimum wage over several years, giving workers higher pay and giving businesses time to plan.
Why Did Hawaii Raise the Minimum Wage?
Hawaii has one of the highest costs of living in the United States 🇺🇸. Many workers, including immigrants and newcomers, struggle to afford housing, food, and other basics. Raising the minimum wage helps workers keep up with rising prices and supports families who might otherwise fall behind.
Supporters of the law, including Governor Josh Green, M.D., and Jade T. Butay, Director of the Hawaii Department of Labor and Industrial Relations (DLIR), say that gradual increases protect workers while giving businesses time to adjust. They believe this approach helps balance worker needs with the realities of running a business in Hawaii’s unique economy.
How Does the Minimum Wage Affect Immigrants and Foreign Workers?
For immigrants and foreign workers, the minimum wage is especially important. Many newcomers work in jobs that pay close to the minimum wage, such as in hotels, restaurants, cleaning, and agriculture. Knowing the minimum wage helps you:
- Understand your rights: You cannot be paid less than the minimum wage, no matter your immigration status.
- Plan your budget: Knowing your expected pay helps you plan for rent, food, and other expenses.
- Spot unfair treatment: If you are paid less than the minimum wage, you can ask your employer to fix it or contact the Hawaii Department of Labor and Industrial Relations for help.
Employers who hire immigrants must follow the same minimum wage rules as for any other worker. This means that even if you are working on a temporary visa or as a student, you are protected by Hawaii’s minimum wage law.
Practical Implications for Employers
Employers in Hawaii must follow the minimum wage law or face penalties. Here’s what employers need to know:
- Payroll adjustments: Employers must pay at least $14.00 per hour to all non-tipped workers.
- Tipped employees: Employers can pay $12.75 per hour if tips are high enough, but must track tips carefully and make up any shortfall.
- Wage compression: As the minimum wage rises, entry-level pay may get close to what more experienced workers earn. Employers may need to adjust pay for experienced staff to keep things fair and keep good workers.
- Planning for future increases: The law sets out future increases to $16.00 in 2026 and $18.00 in 2028. Employers should plan ahead for higher payroll costs.
Employers who do not follow the law can be fined and may have to pay back wages to workers. The Hawaii Department of Labor and Industrial Relations provides resources and guidance to help employers comply.
How Does the Tip Credit Work?
The tip credit allows employers to pay tipped workers less than the standard minimum wage, as long as tips make up the difference. In 2025, the tip credit is $1.25 per hour.
Key rules:
– The base wage for tipped employees is $12.75 per hour.
– The worker’s total pay (wages plus tips) must be at least $7.00 more per hour than the minimum wage.
– If tips are low and total pay falls short, the employer must pay extra to reach the required amount.
This system is common in the restaurant and hospitality industries, where workers often receive tips from customers. However, it requires careful record-keeping and honest reporting of tips.
What About Overtime and Other Protections?
The minimum wage is just one part of Hawaii’s labor laws. Workers are also protected by rules about overtime, breaks, and workplace safety.
- Overtime: Most workers must be paid 1.5 times their regular pay for hours worked over 40 in a week.
- Breaks: Hawaii law requires employers to provide certain breaks, especially for minors.
- Workplace safety: Employers must provide a safe workplace and follow health and safety rules.
These protections apply to all workers, including immigrants and foreign workers. If you have questions or concerns, you can contact the Hawaii Department of Labor and Industrial Relations for help.
Official Guidance and Resources
The Hawaii Department of Labor and Industrial Relations (DLIR) is the main agency responsible for enforcing minimum wage laws. DLIR provides information, answers questions, and helps resolve problems between workers and employers.
Contact Information:
– Phone: 808-586-8777
– TDD/TTY: Dial 711, then ask for 808-586-8842
– Website: Hawaii DLIR Minimum Wage Information
– Media Contact: Bill Kunstman, 808-586-8845
Workers and employers can visit the DLIR website for up-to-date information, forms, and guidance on Hawaii’s minimum wage and other labor laws.
What Happens If an Employer Does Not Pay the Minimum Wage?
If an employer pays less than the minimum wage, workers have the right to file a complaint with DLIR. The agency can investigate, order the employer to pay back wages, and issue fines. This protection applies to all workers, regardless of immigration status.
Workers should keep records of their hours worked and pay received. If you think you are being underpaid, you can contact DLIR for help. The agency will not ask about your immigration status when you file a complaint.
Scheduled Increases: Planning for the Future
Hawaii’s minimum wage will continue to rise in the coming years:
- January 1, 2026: $16.00 per hour
- January 1, 2028: $18.00 per hour
The tip credit will also increase to $1.50 in 2028. Employers and workers should be aware of these changes and plan ahead.
Why Does Hawaii Use a Gradual Increase?
Raising the minimum wage all at once can be hard for businesses, especially small ones. By increasing the wage in steps, Hawaii gives employers time to adjust. This helps protect jobs and keeps businesses healthy, while still raising pay for workers.
The gradual approach also helps workers plan for the future. Knowing when and how much the minimum wage will rise allows families to budget and make decisions about work, housing, and education.
Stakeholder Perspectives: Workers, Employers, and Government
Workers:
For many workers, especially immigrants and newcomers, the higher minimum wage means more money for rent, food, and family needs. It can help reduce poverty and make it easier to live in Hawaii’s expensive economy.
Employers:
Some employers worry about higher payroll costs and the risk of wage compression, where entry-level pay gets close to what experienced workers earn. Businesses may need to raise pay for experienced staff, adjust prices, or find ways to be more efficient.
Government:
State leaders, including Governor Josh Green, M.D., and DLIR Director Jade T. Butay, support the gradual increases. They believe this approach protects workers and supports fair pay, while giving businesses time to adapt.
Analysis from VisaVerge.com suggests that Hawaii’s approach to raising the minimum wage is seen as a model for balancing worker needs with business realities. The clear schedule of increases and strong government support help reduce confusion and make it easier for everyone to plan.
How Does Hawaii’s Minimum Wage Compare to Other States?
Hawaii’s minimum wage is higher than the federal minimum wage, which is $7.25 per hour. Many other states have also raised their minimum wages, but Hawaii’s rate is among the highest in the United States 🇺🇸. This reflects the state’s high cost of living and the need to support workers and families.
For immigrants and newcomers, Hawaii’s higher minimum wage can be a draw, but it also means that the cost of living is higher. It’s important to consider both pay and expenses when deciding to move or work in Hawaii.
What Should Immigrants and Newcomers Do Next?
If you are an immigrant or newcomer to Hawaii, here are some steps you can take:
- Check your pay: Make sure you are being paid at least the minimum wage for your job.
- Keep records: Write down your hours worked and pay received. This helps if you have any problems or questions.
- Ask questions: If you are unsure about your rights or pay, talk to your employer or contact DLIR for help.
- Plan for the future: Be aware of scheduled increases in the minimum wage and how they might affect your job or business.
Employers should also stay informed about changes to the minimum wage and plan ahead for higher payroll costs.
Conclusion: Hawaii’s Minimum Wage in 2025 and Beyond
Hawaii’s minimum wage in 2025 is $14.00 per hour for most workers and $12.75 per hour for tipped employees, with strict rules to ensure fair pay. The law applies to all workers, including immigrants and foreign workers, and is enforced by the Hawaii Department of Labor and Industrial Relations.
The state’s gradual approach to raising the minimum wage gives workers higher pay and helps businesses adjust over time. With scheduled increases to $16.00 in 2026 and $18.00 in 2028, both workers and employers should plan ahead.
For more information, visit the Hawaii Department of Labor and Industrial Relations minimum wage page.
By understanding Hawaii’s minimum wage laws, workers and employers can protect their rights, plan for the future, and help build a fair and strong economy for everyone.
Learn Today
Minimum Wage → The lowest hourly pay legally allowed for most workers in Hawaii.
Tip Credit → An amount employers subtract from tipped employees’ wages, expecting tips to cover the remainder.
House Bill 2510 → Legislation that schedules gradual minimum wage increases in Hawaii through 2028.
Wage Compression → When entry-level pay approaches experienced workers’ wages, affecting payroll fairness.
Hawaii Department of Labor and Industrial Relations → State agency enforcing labor laws and providing resources for workers and employers.
This Article in a Nutshell
Hawaii’s 2025 minimum wage is $14.00 per hour statewide, protecting workers including immigrants. Tipped workers earn $12.75 plus tips, with strict rules ensuring fair pay. Future increases to $16 and $18 support living costs, balancing worker rights and business needs in Hawaii’s high-cost economy.
— By VisaVerge.com
