2026 · Hawaii
Hawaii unemployment benefits
Hawaii pays up to $868 a week for up to 26 weeks, a middle-of-the-pack maximum (#8 of 51). Estimate yours below.
Hawaii's 2026 figures
| Weekly benefit range | $5 - $868 |
| Maximum duration | 26 weeks |
| Waiting week | Yes, one unpaid week |
| How it's figured | high quarter |
| Taxed by Hawaii? | Yes |
Worked example: a $60,000 earner in Hawaii
On a $60,000 prior wage, the estimate is about $577 a week (within Hawaii's $5-$868 range). Over 26 weeks that's up to $15,002 in total. Hawaii has an unpaid one-week waiting week, so your first payment covers the second week you claim.
Hawaii against the country
Hawaii pays up to $868 a week against a national spread from $235 to $1,208. Benefits come from the state where your wages were reported, not where you live now.
Questions about Hawaii unemployment
How much does Hawaii pay in unemployment?
Between $5 and $868 a week in 2026, based on your prior wages (high quarter). The $868 maximum is a middle-of-the-pack maximum (#8 of 51).
How long does Hawaii unemployment last?
Up to 26 weeks. At the $868 weekly maximum that caps total potential benefits at $22,568. The duration and the weekly amount are set separately, Hawaii sizes the check off high quarter but counts weeks on its own rules, so low earners may qualify for fewer weeks, and two people with the same weekly benefit can exhaust at different times.
Is Hawaii unemployment taxed?
Federally, yes, it's ordinary income (elect 10% withholding on Form W-4V). Hawaii also taxes it on the state return.
Does severance affect my Hawaii unemployment?
Filing timing can matter. Some states delay or reduce unemployment while severance is being paid, and the rule varies. Hawaii's treatment is not modeled here, confirm the timing with Hawaii DLIR before you file, since it is a real-money decision. Confirm the timing with Hawaii DLIR before you file rather than after, a difference of one week in when the claim starts can change whether a severance payment offsets the benefit. The tax side of the severance itself is on the Hawaii severance page.
File with Hawaii DLIR. This is an estimate, Hawaii DLIR determines your actual benefit.
Your Hawaii layoff toolkit
- Hawaii severance tax the tax on your severance
- Runway calculator how long your money lasts
- Hawaii paycheck calculator your take-home when you're back at work
- Hawaii 1099 tax if you go freelance or contract
An estimate, Hawaii's agency determines your actual benefit. Figures from the verified 2026 dataset, last verified 2026-07-24. Nothing you enter is stored. Not tax or legal advice.