Articles
Articles below are based on official publications from the Hawaii Department of Labor and Industrial Relations (DLIR), the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, and the Hawaii Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism (DBEDT). Release dates are noted on each article.
Hawaii 2026 UI Benefit Amounts and Employer Tax Rates
Source: Published January 2026 (DLIR UI Claimant Handbook, Rev. 1.26)
The maximum weekly unemployment benefit in Hawaii rises to $868 for 2026. Employers pay taxes on the first $64,500 of each worker's wages under Schedule C.
How to Qualify for Hawaii Unemployment Benefits
Source: Published July 2025 (DLIR UI FAQs)
To receive Hawaii UI benefits you must be unemployed through no fault of your own, meet wage requirements in your base period, and be able and available for work.
Hawaii Unemployment Rate Holds at 2.7% in August 2025
Source: Released September 18, 2025 (DBEDT); BLS report dated September 19, 2025
Hawaii's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate remained at 2.7% in August 2025, well below the national rate of 4.3%. Nonfarm jobs grew by 11,900 over the year.
Weekly UI Certification: What Hawaii Claimants Must Report
Source: Published January 2026 (DLIR UI Claimant Handbook, Rev. 1.26)
Hawaii UI claimants must certify each week between Sunday and Saturday. Report all earnings, job contacts, and any days you were unavailable for work.
How to Protect Yourself from Unemployment Insurance Fraud in Hawaii
Source: Ongoing DLIR fraud alerts; 1099-G guidance updated 2022–2025
UI fraud cases rose nationwide after the pandemic. Learn how to spot scams, report suspicious activity, and respond if you receive a 1099-G for benefits you did not claim.