Collecting Unemployment Benefits in Hawaii

Losing a job in Hawaii can feel like stepping off a surfboard into a riptide. Fortunately, unemployment benefits are available to replace part of your lost wages while you look for new work.

Read to learn how to qualify for unemployment , how to apply, and how much you might receive in Hawaii.

How to Qualify for Unemployment Benefits in Hawaii

Meeting the Earnings Requirement

Hawaii calculates eligibility using wages earned during your base period. The base period is the first four of the last five completed calendar quarters before you file your claim. For example, if you file your claim in July 2025, the base period would be from April 1, 2024, through March 31, 2025.

To qualify for benefits in Hawaii, you must meet both of the following requirements:

• You must have earned wages in at least two quarters of the base period.
• You must have earned at least 26 times your weekly benefit amount during the base period.

If you don't qualify under the regular base period, Hawaii offers an alternate base period that uses the most recent four completed quarters.

Being Out of Work Through No Fault of Your Own

You'll generally qualify for unemployment if you were laid off or had your hours sigifnicantly reduced.

If you were fired, you might still be eligible unless your employer can show you were terminated for misconduct. Misconduct generally means a deliberate disregard of your employer's interests or repeated serious rule violations.

If you quit, you must show good cause related to your job, such as unsafe working conditions or harassment.

Being Able, Available, and Actively Seeking Work

You must be physically able to work, available for suitable employment, and actively searching for a job.

Hawaii requires claimants to register with HireNet Hawaii and make at least three job contacts each week. You must also keep records of your job search. If offered a suitable job, you must accept it. A suitable job is one you're qualified for and that pays a fair wage in your area.

Hawaii Unemployment Benefit Amounts and Duration

Weekly Benefit Amounts

Your benefit amount is calculated by dividing your highest base-period quarter wages by 21. In 2025, the maximum weekly benefit is $835. The minimum is a mere $5.

Duration of Benefits

You may receive benefits for up to 26 weeks. To keep receiving benefits, you must file certifications on time each week or every other week, depending on instructions.

Waiting Week

Hawaii has a one-week waiting period for unemployment benefits. This week counts toward your benefit year but is unpaid.

Partial Unemployment and Earnings Rules

If you work part-time, you may still qualify for partial unemployment. You can earn up to $150 per week without a reduction in benefits. If you earn more than $150, your benefits may be reduced.

Filing and Appeals

How to File a Claim

You can file online at the Hawaii Unemployment Insurance website. Claims can be submitted weekdays from 6:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. and weekends/holidays from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. After filing, you'll receive a determination notice that shows your reported wages and potential benefit amount.

How to Appeal a Denial

If your claim is denied, you have ten days to appeal. Your appeal will be heard by the Employment Security Appeals Referee Office. Hearings are usually conducted by phone. You can present evidence and witnesses. If you disagree with the decision, you can appeal to state court.

Further Information

For the latest details, forms, and filing information, visit the Hawaii Department of Labor and Industrial Relations website.