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Can you work at 14 in Hawaii?

In Hawaii, you can start most non-farm jobs at 14. You need a work permit until you turn 18 (from Hawaii DLIR Wage Standards Division (Child Labor Office)). At 14 and 15 you can work up to 3 h on a school day, 18 h in a school week, 40 h in a summer week. There are no state hour limits at 16 and 17.

State law · checked October 2026

No work permitPermit until 16Permit until 18Most jobs from 16

Work permit in Hawaii

Ages 14–15: before the minor starts, the employer gets a Certificate of Employment (form CL-1). The employer and a parent sign it and return it with proof of age to a DLIR Child Labor Office, in person or by mail. The minor may start once a temporary authorization slip or the certificate arrives. A new form is needed for each new employer or job. Ages 16–17: apply online for a Certificate of Age (eCL-3). No job offer is needed, and it is valid until 18. Free. A Social Security card is not accepted as proof of age. Official permit page →

Hour limits for teens in Hawaii

Ages 14–15Ages 16–17
School day3 hNo limit
School week18 hNo limit
Non-school day8 hNo limit
Non-school week40 hNo limit
Time of day7 a.m.–7 p.m. on school days and the day before a school day; 6 a.m.–9 p.m. on non-school days and the day before oneNo limit

No more than 6 days in a row. The DOL table (as of 2025-07-15) gives '7 p.m. to 7 a.m. (9 p.m. to 6 a.m. during authorized school breaks)'. Federal FLSA allows work only from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. from Labor Day to May 31, on every day including weekends, so the federal rule wins on those nights for covered employers. DLIR: 'No hour restrictions' for 16–17, except they may not work during hours they are required to be in school.

Breaks: Ages 14–15: a rest or meal break of at least 30 minutes after 5 hours in a row (DLIR). No break rule is stated for 16–17.

Places that hire at 14 in Hawaii

Places that hire at 15 in Hawaii

Company minimums combined with Hawaii law. Franchise locations can set a higher age. “✓ seen here” means we found a real posting in Hawaii.

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Questions

What is the youngest age you can work in Hawaii?

14 for most jobs. The DLIR page states no general minimum age; 14 is the federal FLSA floor for most non-farm jobs. Minors under 14 may do theatrical work under conditions set by the DLIR Director (HAR 12-25-22 to 24).

Do you need a work permit in Hawaii?

Ages 14–15: before the minor starts, the employer gets a Certificate of Employment (form CL-1). The employer and a parent sign it and return it with proof of age to a DLIR Child Labor Office, in person or by mail. The minor may start once a temporary authorization slip or the certificate arrives. A new form is needed for each new employer or job. Ages 16–17: apply online for a Certificate of Age (eCL-3). No job offer is needed, and it is valid until 18. Free. A Social Security card is not accepted as proof of age.

How many hours can a 15-year-old work in Hawaii?

Up to 3 h on a school day, 18 h in a school week, 40 h in a summer week, between 7 a.m.–7 p.m. on school days and the day before a school day; 6 a.m.–9 p.m. on non-school days and the day before one.

How many hours can a 16-year-old work in Hawaii?

Hawaii has no hour limits for 16- and 17-year-olds; federal law doesn't either. Hazardous jobs are still off-limits until 18.

Which jobs hire at 14 in Hawaii?

McDonald's, Chick-fil-A, Publix, Culver's, Dairy Queen, Burger King, Hy-Vee, Fareway and others hire at 14 at some locations.

Sources

State agency: Hawaii Department of Labor and Industrial Relations (DLIR), Wage Standards Division

  1. Hawaii DLIR Wage Standards Division – Child Labor (2026)
  2. US DOL WHD – State child labor laws applicable to non-farm employment (2025-07-15)
  3. US DOL WHD – Employment/Age Certification table (HI: employment cert under 16 and age cert 16–17, mandatory, Labor Dept) (2024-01-01)

Federal rules (the Fair Labor Standards Act) apply too; where they differ, the stricter rule wins. General information, not legal advice.