Unemployment Benefits Estimator — Hawaii

Unemployment Benefits Estimator in Hawaii

Hawaii divides wages in your highest base-period quarter by 21 — a more generous divisor than the 1/26 most states use — and applies a $5 floor and the $868 annual maximum. The floor is nominal; almost anyone with real base-period earnings clears it. Duration is not means-tested: 26 weeks of total unemployment within the benefit year for every monetarily eligible claimant, with the maximum benefit equal to 26 weekly payments. One unpaid waiting week applies before payments start. With rents at the top of the national range, filing for SNAP alongside a claim is often worth it; Hawaii uses broad-based categorical eligibility at 200% FPL. Apply at https://labor.hawaii.gov/ui

Unemployment Benefits in Hawaii: Weekly Amounts and How Long They Last

Hawaii pays a weekly unemployment benefit of between $5 and $868. Those are the statutory floor and ceiling, not an estimate of what you personally would receive: your weekly benefit amount is calculated from the wages in your base period, and the maximum is reached only if those wages were high enough. Hawaii computes it this way — Wages in the highest quarter of the base period divided by 21, subject to the $5 floor and the annual statutory maximum.

• Weekly benefit range: $5 to $868
• Weeks payable: 26 weeks
• Waiting week: yes — the first otherwise-payable week is unpaid, and you generally still have to file a weekly claim for it
• In effect since: January 1, 2026

How Hawaii decides how many weeks you get: Uniform duration. Up to 26 weeks of total unemployment within the one-year benefit year; total benefits equal 26 x the weekly benefit amount.

Source and date: these Hawaii figures were verified on August 2, 2026 against Hawaii Department of Labor and Industrial Relations, Unemployment Insurance - Tax Rate Schedule and Weekly Benefit Amount, and are the amounts that agency shows as in effect since January 1, 2026. Benefit amounts and durations change — many states re-index once a year, and some change duration as the state unemployment rate moves — so check the agency link before relying on a figure. Only your monetary determination letter states your own weekly benefit amount and the number of weeks you can actually be paid.

SNAP Benefits in Hawaii

Hawaii uses Broad-Based Categorical Eligibility (BBCE), with a gross income limit of 200% of the Federal Poverty Level. The maximum monthly SNAP benefit for a household of 4 in Hawaii is $1122. You can apply online at https://humanservices.hawaii.gov/ or by calling 1-855-643-1643.

Medicaid in Hawaii

Hawaii has expanded Medicaid under the ACA (Med-QUEST). Adults earning up to 138% of the Federal Poverty Level ($22,025/year for an individual) are eligible. Apply at https://medquest.hawaii.gov/.

Hawaii Wage Information

The minimum wage in Hawaii is $16/hour ($12.75/hour for tipped workers). The median household income is $92,458. Hawaii has a state income tax with a top rate of 11%.

Tenant Rights in Hawaii

Hawaii requires landlords to give 5 days notice for nonpayment of rent before filing for eviction. The typical eviction process takes approximately 45 days. Free legal aid is available at https://hawaiianlegalhelp.org.

Rent in Hawaii

The median rent in Hawaii is approximately $1,731/month for a 1-bedroom and $2,558/month for a 2-bedroom apartment. Hawaii does not have rent control.

Important Notes for Hawaii Residents

The data shown above is based on publicly available information and is updated regularly. Benefit amounts, eligibility rules, and legal requirements can change. Always verify current information with your local Hawaii agencies before making important decisions. This calculator provides estimates — not guaranteed outcomes.