Last update: June 10, 2023
Minimum Hiring Age in Hawaii
What is the minimum age to be employed in Hawaii? The legal age to work in Hawaii is , but governed by state and federal child labor laws and varies based on:
- The type of work (e.g., agricultural or non-agricultural)
- Whether the job is considered hazardous or has prohibited duties.
- Whether school is in session.
- The legal status of the minor (e.g., emancipated minors).
- Whether the job is exempt from the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).
According to Federal Law (FLSA), a minor must be at least 14 years old to work for an employer (e.g. retail stores, food service establishments and gasoline service stations), with an exception for minors working for a parent or legal guardian who owns the business. This is the reason why you will never see job postings for children under the age of 14.
Age Restrictions
None (18 years of age to sell alcoholic beverages and to work as a barkeeper)
Minimum age to drive motor vehicles (cars and small trucks) on public roads as part of jobs is basically 17 years old, with certain requirements.
Minimum age to serve and bartend alcohol in Hawaii:
| Beer | Wine | Spirits | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Serve | 18 | 18 | 18 |
| Bartend | 18 | 18 | 18 |
Work Hours
- 14: Not more than 3 hours per day on a school day, and 8 hours per day on a non-school day. During a school week, not more than 18 hours per week. During a non-school week, not more than 40 hours per week. On school days and the day before a school day: Between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. On non-school days and the day before a non-school day: Between 6:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. Not more than 6 consecutive days, and 5 consecutive hours without at least a 30-minute rest or meal period.
- 16: Unrestricted
Maximum daily and weekly hours and days per week for minors ages 14 and 15:
8-40-6
School day/week: 3-18
Maximum hours/days when school is not in session:
- 8 hours daily / 50 hours weekly/ 6 days weekly.
- Workers 16 and up may work up to 50 hours in one week and up to 10 hours a day only between the last day of school and Labor Day.
Maximum hours/days when school is in session:
- 3 hours daily/ 18 hours weekly)
Nightwork prohibited for minors ages 14 and 15:
7 p.m. to 7 a.m. (9 p.m. to 6 a.m. during authorized school breaks).
Maximum daily and weekly hours and days per week for ages 16 and 17:
Not regulated
Nightwork prohibited for ages 16 and 17:
Not regulated
Work Permit
When a 14- or 15-year-old minor is hired, the employer is required to obtain a Certificate of Employment before the minor starts working. https://labor.hawaii.gov/wsd/forms/ Certificate of Age is required for 16 and 17 years old. APPLY ONLINE at https://dlir.hawaii.gov/labor/wsd/youth_cert/youth_request.cfm.
Minimum Wages
The minimum wages in Hawaii is $12.00. FLSA allow employers to pay a youth minimum wage of not less than $4.25 an hour to employees who are under 20 years of age during the first 90 consecutive calendar days after initial employment.