How Much Unemployment Pays in Hawaii
How Hawaii calculates weekly unemployment benefits, the current minimum and maximum, and how many weeks you can collect.
Short answer: Your weekly benefit is your highest quarterly earnings in the base period divided by 21. The minimum is $5 a week. The maximum changes each calendar year; for 2026 it is $868 (it was $835 in 2025). Hawaii DLIR, Tax Rates and Weekly Benefit Amount; Unemployment Insurance FAQ
| Weekly benefit amount | Your weekly benefit is your highest quarterly earnings in the base period divided by 21. The minimum is $5 a week. The maximum changes each calendar year; for 2026 it is $868 (it was $835 in 2025). The U.S. Department of Labor's July 2026 summary of state laws also lists Hawaii at $5 to $868. |
|---|---|
| How many weeks | Up to 26 weeks within a claim that stays active for one year. |
| Waiting week | Yes. Everyone must serve a waiting week, usually the first week of the benefit year. You must file for it and meet the eligibility requirements, but you are not paid for it. |
Where to get help in Hawaii
More Hawaii unemployment benefits
- Logging In to Your Hawaii Unemployment Claim
- Unemployment for Self-Employed and Gig Workers in Hawaii
- Unemployment After Being Fired in Hawaii
- Unemployment After Quitting in Hawaii
- How to File for Unemployment in Hawaii
- All Hawaii unemployment benefits rules
FAQ
How much is unemployment in Hawaii?
Your weekly benefit is your highest quarterly earnings in the base period divided by 21. The minimum is $5 a week. The maximum changes each calendar year; for 2026 it is $868 (it was $835 in 2025).
How long can you get unemployment in Hawaii?
Up to 26 weeks within a claim that stays active for one year.
Is there a waiting week for unemployment in Hawaii?
Yes. Everyone must serve a waiting week, usually the first week of the benefit year. You must file for it and meet the eligibility requirements, but you are not paid for it.
General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.