What is workers' compensation?

Workers' compensation is a no-fault insurance system that provides benefits to employees who are injured or become ill due to their job [§ 386:1]. In Hawaii, the system is administered by the Hawaii Department of Labor and Industrial Relations, Disability Compensation Division.

Does my employer have to carry workers' comp insurance?

Hawaii requires coverage for all employers with one or more employees [§ 386:1]. Employers cannot opt out of coverage requirements.

How much will I receive in benefits?

Temporary total disability (TTD) benefits are 66.67% of average weekly wage [§ 386-31]. Benefits continue until able to resume suitable employment [§ 386-31].

What is the exclusive remedy rule?

The [def:exclusive remedy] doctrine means workers' compensation is generally your only remedy against your employer for workplace injuries [§ 386-5]. You typically cannot sue your employer separately for the same injury.

OverviewUpdated 2026-02-27

Hawaii Workers' Compensation Guide — Benefits, Claims & Rights

Workers' compensation coverage, benefits, filing deadlines, and dispute resolution in Hawaii.

Jump to:

Filing a Workers' Comp Claim in Hawaii — Steps & Deadlines Workers' Comp Benefits — TTD, PPD & Medical Coverage Denied Workers' Comp Claims in Hawaii — Your Options Workers' Comp Retaliation — Know Your Rights Independent Medical Exams (IME) in Hawaii Workers' Comp Workers' Comp Settlements & Hearings — What to Expect

How Workers' Comp Claims Work

Workers' compensation is a no-fault system — you do not have to prove your employer was negligent to receive benefits. But the process still requires specific steps in a specific order: reporting the injury, filing a formal claim, and getting treatment through authorized providers. If the insurer disputes your claim, the process shifts to hearings and appeals. Acting quickly matters, because most states impose strict deadlines for reporting and filing.

⚠️

Injury Occurs

workplace accident

📄

Report to Employer

notify promptly

📋

File Claim

submit to insurer

🏥

Medical Treatment

authorized providers

✅

Benefits Paid

wage & medical

If Claim Is Disputed

❌

Claim Denied

insurer rejects claim

🏛️

Appeal / Hearing

before workers' comp board

💰

Settlement

lump sum or structured

High-level illustration only. Timelines, procedures, and benefits vary by state and employer.

Who Is Covered?

Hawaii requires workers' compensation insurance for all employers with one or more employees §386:1. The Exclusive remedy doctrine means that in most cases, workers' comp is your sole remedy against your employer for workplace injuries §386-5.

Key Deadlines

Report the injury to your employer within As soon as practicable after the injury §386-81

File a formal claim within 2 years after the effects of the injury become manifest, and within 5 years after the date of the accident §386-82

Attend all medical appointments and follow treatment plans

Cooperate with any independent medical examination requests

⚠Missing these deadlines can result in losing your right to benefits entirely. Report your injury as soon as possible.

Benefit Overview

Workers' compensation in Hawaii provides several categories of benefits:

	Description
Temporary Total Disability (TTD)	66.67% of average weekly wage; Until able to resume suitable employment §386-31
Permanent Partial Disability (PPD)	Yes, scheduled and unscheduled permanent partial disability benefits §386-32
Death Benefits	66.67% of average weekly wage to dependents; funeral expenses up to ten times the maximum weekly benefit rate (to the mortician) and burial expenses up to five times the maximum weekly benefit rate (to the cemetery) §386-41
Medical Treatment	All reasonable and necessary medical care related to the work injury

Medical Treatment

Employee may choose their own treating physician; employer may request an IME §386-21. All reasonable and necessary medical treatment causally related to the workplace injury must be covered by the employer or insurer.

✓Keep detailed records of every medical visit, prescription, and work restriction related to your injury. This documentation is critical if your claim is disputed.

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