Hawaiʻi sets a single statewide minimum wage and bars Honolulu and the other counties from enacting higher local floors, with the rate scheduled to climb from $14.00 in 2026 to $18.00 by January 1, 2028.
HRS §387-2 establishes Hawaiʻi's minimum wage and locks counties out of setting independent rates above it. The 2022 indexing law (Act 114) phases the floor through $12.00 (October 2022), $14.00 (January 2024), $16.00 (January 2026), and $18.00 (January 2028). Honolulu cannot pass a $20 city minimum the way Seattle, Los Angeles, or Berkeley have done. Tipped employees may be paid up to $1.50 below the standard rate provided actual tips bring total compensation at least $7.00 above the minimum. The Wage Standards Division of DLIR enforces the law statewide.
Underpayment claims are filed with DLIR Wage Standards. Employers face back wages, liquidated damages up to double the unpaid amount, civil penalties, and possible criminal misdemeanor charges for willful violations.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Honolulu, HI
Honolulu protects designated 'exceptional trees' under Revised Ordinances of Honolulu (ROH) Chapter 40, Article 8. Removing or destroying any exceptional tre...
Honolulu, HI
Honolulu has no city ordinance restricting lawn ornaments on residential property. HOA and condo covenants under HRS 421J and 514B commonly regulate ornament...
Honolulu, HI
Honolulu has no city ordinance regulating residential inflatable holiday displays. Size and blower noise are governed by HOA and condo covenants under HRS 42...
Honolulu, HI
Honolulu has no municipal ordinance regulating residential holiday lights. Display timing, brightness, and animation are governed by HOA and condo covenants ...
Honolulu, HI
Honolulu requires DPP building permits for outdoor kitchens with gas line plumbing, electrical wiring, plumbing fixtures, or structural roofs/pergolas. Stand...
Honolulu, HI
Honolulu has no smoker-specific ordinance. Hawaii Department of Health air pollution rules under HAR Chapter 11-60.1 apply to large commercial sources, not r...
See how Honolulu's minimum wage preemption rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.