Hawaii Meal and Rest Break Laws

Understanding state laws regarding meal and rest breaks is essential for employers. Review what’s required of employers in Hawaii.

Do Hawaii Break Laws Differ from Federal Break Laws?

For adult employees working in Hawaii, meal and rest break laws defer to federal law. Exceptions apply to minors (employees ages 14 and 15).

Hawaii Meal Break Laws

Only minors (under age 16) are required to receive breaks during shifts. There is no requirement in place for adult employees. Employers that choose to offer meal breaks must follow the requirements outlined in the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).

Hawaii Break Laws for Minors

Any employee age 14 or 15 must receive a 30-minute break when working 5 or more consecutive hours. The break may be unpaid as long as the employee is completely relieved of all duties.

Hawaii Break Laws for Mothers

Employers in Hawaii must provide reasonable break time for nursing mothers to express milk for the child’s first year. The employer must provide a break each time the employee needs to express milk, and provide a private location that is not the restroom for the employee to express milk.

Employers must post notice of this law in a conspicuous place and use other means to inform employees of this right. Employers with 20 or fewer employees that can show an undue hardship may be exempt from the requirements of the law.

Hawaii Day of Rest Laws

There is no day of rest law in effect in Hawaii.

Hawaii Break Room Requirements

There are no requirements in place for providing a break room.

Hawaii Penalties for Breaking Rest and Break Laws

Violating rest and break laws related to minors could put an employer at risk of civil penalties and fines.

Common Hawaii Break Law FAQs

How early can I take my lunch break in Hawaii?

If you are a minor, you may take your lunch break (30 minutes) after working 5 consecutive hours. Meal breaks for adult employees are given at the employer’s discretion.

How many breaks in a 6-hour shift in Hawaii?

Minor employees would receive one 30-minute break during a 6-hour shift. No requirement is in place for adult employees.

How many breaks in an 8-hour shift in Hawaii?

Minor employees would receive one 30-minute break during an 8-hour shift. No requirement is in place for adult employees.

How many breaks in a 12-hour shift in Hawaii?

Minor employees would receive one 30-minute break during a 12-hour shift. No requirement is in place for adult employees.

Is it legal to work 7 days straight in Hawaii?

Yes, it is legal to work 7 days straight in Hawaii.

Can I waive my lunch break in Hawaii?

Minors cannot waive lunch breaks in Hawaii. They are required to receive them after 5+ consecutive hours of work. Adult employees (age 16 and over) may be able to waive an employer-provided lunch break, although it depends on company policy.

Hawaii Department of Labor and Industrial Relations