The State of Hawaii has designated several days each calendar year as state holidays. The implications of these state holidays on public employers and private employers are discussed below.
The following list contains the state holidays recognized by Hawaii.
- New Year’s Day (January 1)
- Martin Luther King, Jr. Day (3rd Monday in January)
- Presidents’ Day (3rd Monday in February)
- Prince Jonah Kuhio Kalanianaole Day (March 26)
- Good Friday (Friday before Easter – usually falls in March or April)
- Memorial Day (last Monday in May)
- King Kamehameha Day (June 11)
- Independence Day (July 4)
- Statehood Day (3rd Friday in August)
- Labor Day (1st Monday in September)
- Veterans Day (November 11)
- Thanksgiving Day (4th Thursday in November)
- Christmas Day (December 25)
- Election days in the county where held (does not include primary or special elections)
Hawaii also observes any special holiday proclaimed by the President of the United States or its governor. HI Statute 8-1 If a legal holiday falls on a Sunday, it is observed on the following Monday. If a legal holiday falls on a Saturday, it is observed on the prior Friday. HI Statute 8-2
Public employers
State offices and agencies must observe state holidays. HI Statute 8-1
Private employers
Private employers in Hawaii are not required to close on any of the listed holidays. Additionally, private employers are not required to allow employees to take either paid or unpaid time off on the holidays or are they required to pay employees any premium wage rates to employees who work on the holidays.
Private employers may establish policies or practices granting employees time off on any of the listed holidays or agree to pay premium wage rates to employees who work on those days. Employers who establish such policies or practices may be required to comply with them.
Find out more about Hawaii’s Leave Laws.
Federal Holidays
Click here for a list of federal holidays.
