{"id":372922,"date":"2016-10-21T15:12:52","date_gmt":"2016-10-21T20:12:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ability-fl-prod.internetbrands.com\/ability-law\/state\/hawaii-law\/hawaii-workers-compensation-laws.html"},"modified":"2026-09-28T11:51:54","modified_gmt":"2026-09-28T16:51:54","slug":"hawaii-workers-compensation-laws","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/hawaii-law\/hawaii-workers-compensation-laws.html","title":{"rendered":"Hawaii Workers’ Compensation Laws"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Hawaii Workers' Compensation Laws<\/h1>\n\n
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\n By Lyle Therese A. Hilotin-Lee, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Catherine Hodder, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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Key Takeaways<\/h2>\n

Hawaii <\/span>workers’ compensation laws<\/span> govern a no-fault compulsory employer-provided insurance program that covers reasonable medical care<\/span>, wage-replacement benefits, vocational rehabilitation<\/span>, and death benefits<\/span> for employees injured on the job. Regulated by the Disability Compensation Division<\/span>, state law<\/span> mandates coverage for nearly all full-time<\/span>, part-time<\/span>, temporary, and seasonal workers, regardless of fault or employer size.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

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If you\u2019re injured at work in Hawaii, workers’ compensation pays for your medical care<\/span> and replaces part of your lost wages<\/span> while you recover. The state also has a separate program that covers injuries that happen off the job. Which system applies affects both the amount and timing of your workers’ compensation benefits<\/span>.<\/p>\n

If your employer or its insurance carrier<\/span> disputes your injury or the amount you are owed, consider meeting with a Hawaii workers’ compensation attorney<\/a>. They can review your claim, check your payments, and challenge a denial before your appeal deadline passes.<\/p>\n

Who Is Covered by Workers\u2019 Compensation in Hawaii?<\/h2>\n

Hawaii has one of the broadest workers’ compensation mandates in the country. State law<\/span> requires employers, even with a single employee, to carry workers\u2019 compensation insurance<\/span> or approved self-insurance<\/span>. This rule applies to temporary,\u00a0part-time<\/span>, and\u00a0full-time<\/span> employees. The state also has no small-business or nonprofit<\/span> exception and no waiting period before coverage kicks in.<\/p>\n

Most independent contractors aren\u2019t covered by workers\u2019 compensation laws<\/span>. To determine coverage classification, the state looks at how employees do their work, who directs them, who provides the tools, and how employers pay them.<\/p>\n

The following is a small group of workers who fall outside Hawaii’s mandate:<\/p>\n