HawaiiOvertime Rules & Laws (2026)
Last updated: 2026-03-27
Summary: Hawaii has its own overtime law that is stricter than federal FLSA. Overtime required after 40 hours per workweek at 1.5x regular rate. Salary exemption threshold: $4,000/month ($48,000/year).
What are the overtime rules in Hawaii?
| Weekly Threshold | 40 hours |
|---|---|
| Daily Overtime? | NoOnly weekly overtime applies |
| Overtime Rate | 1.5x regular rate |
| Follows FLSA? | State lawStricter than federal FLSA |
How does Hawaii differ from federal overtime rules?
Hawaii has its own wage and hour law (Hawaii Wage and Hour Law, HRS Chapter 387) that requires overtime after 40 hours per week. Hawaii law covers some workers not covered by FLSA. Hawaii also has a unique 'guaranteed monthly compensation' provision where employers may pay a salary that exceeds 40x the minimum wage to avoid overtime for some workers.
How to Calculate Overtime in Hawaii
Example 1: Employee works 45 hours in one week at $20/hr
40 x $20.00 = $800.00 (straight time) + 5 x $30.00 = $150.00 (weekly OT at 1.5x)
Total pay: $950.00
Example 2: Employee works 50 hours at $14/hr (Hawaii min wage)
40 x $14.00 = $560.00 (straight time) + 10 x $21.00 = $210.00 (OT at 1.5x)
Total pay: $770.00
Example 3: Salaried non-exempt employee at $900/week works 44 hours
$900.00 (salary for 40 hrs) + 4 x $11.25 = $45.00 (OT premium half-time)
Total pay: $945.00
Calculate Your Overtime Pay
Enter your details below to see a breakdown of regular, overtime, and total pay.
This assumes a non-exempt hourly employee. Exempt employees are not entitled to overtime. This calculator provides estimates only — actual pay may vary based on shift differentials, piece rates, bonuses, or other factors. Not legal or payroll advice.
What Counts as "Hours Worked" in Hawaii?
Under Hawaii law, the following time must be counted as hours worked for overtime purposes:
- •All time an employee is required to be on the employer's premises or at a prescribed workplace
- •On-call time when employee must remain at or near the worksite
- •Travel time between job sites during the workday
- •Mandatory training, meetings, or lectures
- •Meal breaks where employee is not relieved of duties
- •Time donning/doffing required protective equipment
- •Standby or waiting time under employer's control
Who is Exempt from Overtime in Hawaii?
| Salary Threshold | $4,000/month ($48,000/year) — Hawaii guaranteed monthly compensation threshold (higher than federal FLSA $684/week); employees earning $4,000+/month exempt regardless of duties |
|---|---|
| Exempt Categories | Executive, administrative, professional (Hawaii follows FLSA exemptions but has a guaranteed monthly compensation alternative) |
| Industry Exemptions | Agriculture workers have modified overtime rules. Domestic service workers and certain small farm employees may be exempt. |
Overtime Exemption Categories Explained
| Category | Requirements |
|---|---|
| Guaranteed Monthly Compensation (Hawaii-specific) | Employees earning $4,000+/month ($48,000/year) on a guaranteed salary basis are exempt from overtime regardless of duties — unique Hawaii provision under HRS 387-1 |
| Executive | Salary $684+/week (federal) or $4,000+/month (Hawaii); manages enterprise/department; directs 2+ employees; hire/fire authority |
| Administrative | Salary $684+/week or $4,000+/month; office/non-manual work related to management; exercises discretion and independent judgment |
| Professional | Salary $684+/week or $4,000+/month; advanced knowledge requiring prolonged study |
| Computer Employee | Salary $684+/week or $27.63+/hr; systems analyst, programmer, software engineer |
| Outside Sales | No salary requirement; primary duty is making sales away from employer's place of business |
Must I Pay Unauthorized Overtime in Hawaii?
Yes — you must pay for all overtime worked, even if unauthorized.
Hawaii employers must pay for all hours actually worked, including unauthorized overtime. An employer may discipline an employee for working unauthorized overtime but cannot withhold pay for hours actually worked.
Common Overtime Violations to Avoid in Hawaii
These are the most common overtime mistakes employers make in Hawaii. Avoiding them protects your business from costly lawsuits and penalties.
- 1.Misunderstanding Hawaii's $4,000/month guaranteed compensation exemption (it exempts from all state wage/hour provisions, not just overtime)
- 2.Misclassifying employees as exempt without meeting salary and duties tests
- 3.Off-the-clock work before or after shifts
- 4.Averaging hours across workweeks
- 5.Failing to include bonuses and commissions in the regular rate
- 6.Not tracking hours for salaried non-exempt employees
Penalties for Overtime Violations in Hawaii
Hawaii employers who violate overtime rules face liability for back wages under HRS Chapter 387. The Department of Labor can investigate and order payment. Employees can recover unpaid wages plus reasonable attorney's fees. Willful violations may result in criminal penalties including fines up to $10,000. Federal FLSA penalties apply concurrently.
What Hawaii Employers Need to Know
- •Hawaii has its own overtime law requiring 1.5x pay after 40 hours per workweek
- •Hawaii's 'guaranteed monthly compensation' provision allows a salary-based alternative to avoid overtime for some workers
- •No daily overtime requirement in Hawaii
- •Agricultural workers have modified overtime rules
- •Hawaii's minimum wage is above the federal level
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Hawaii have its own overtime law?
Yes. Hawaii's Wage and Hour Law (HRS Chapter 387) requires overtime at 1.5x after 40 hours per workweek. The state also offers a 'guaranteed monthly compensation' alternative.
What is the guaranteed monthly compensation in Hawaii?
Employers can pay a guaranteed monthly salary of at least $2,000/month (or a higher amount tied to the minimum wage) to exempt certain employees from weekly overtime requirements.
Official Hawaii Resources
Related Resources on This Site
More for your state
- GuideHawaii small business guide
- Workers' CompHawaii workers comp requirements
- Business LicenseHawaii business license requirements
- LLChow to form an LLC in Hawaii
- Sales TaxHawaii sales tax rates & rules
- Minimum WageHawaii minimum wage
- Sick LeaveHawaii paid sick leave requirements
- Required BenefitsHawaii required employee benefits
Helpful guides
- Workers' Compworkers compensation insurance by state
- General Liabilitygeneral liability insurance
- Commercial Autocommercial auto insurance
- Professional Liabilityprofessional liability / E&O insurance
Compare Other States
This is general information, not legal advice. Requirements change — always verify with the official state agency or a qualified employment attorney. Sources: Hawaii Department of Labor and Industrial Relations — Wage Standards Division, U.S. Department of Labor.