Workers' Compensation in Hawaiʻi: A Guide for Employees

Disclaimer: This article provides general information about Hawaiʻi's Workers' Compensation Law based on the "Highlights of the Hawaiʻi Workers' Compensation Law" pamphlet published by the Hawaii Department of Labor and Industrial Relations, Disability Compensation Division. This content is intended for educational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice or a substitute for the official workers' compensation statutes and regulations. 

Workers' compensation covers injuries and illnesses that arise from work. A warehouse worker lifts a box and injures her back. A maintenance worker slips on a wet floor. Workplace injuries occur without warning, and Hawaii's workers' compensation system provides essential protection when they do.  

When You Get Hurt 

Report your injury immediately to your supervisor, either orally or in writing. Obtain medical treatment and tell your physician this is an industrial injury. Ask them to send reports and bills to your employer's insurance carrier. 

Medical Treatment and Benefits 

Whenever medical care is needed, the injured employee may select any physician or surgeon who is practicing on the island where the injury was incurred to render medical care.  

If your claim is accepted, workers' compensation covers reasonably needed medical care, services, and supplies as a result of the industrial injury.  

Disability Benefits 

Beyond medical coverage, workers’ compensation can provide wage replacement through several benefit types depending on your situation.  

• Temporary Total Disability (TTD): If your treating physician deems that you can't work due to an industrial injury, you may receive two-thirds of your average weekly wage up to state maximums after a three-day waiting period. TTD benefits are provided during the time your doctor confirms that you are unable to work due to your industrial injury. 

  If your claim is disputed, you may file a Temporary Disability Insurance (TDI) claim. You may consult with the State of Hawaii Department of Labor and Industrial Relations if you have questions about TDI coverage. If you work multiple jobs, you may be eligible for concurrent wage benefits. 

• Permanent Partial Disability (PPD): After reaching maximum medical recovery, a physician evaluates your permanent impairment to determine your PPD award [1]. 

• Vocational Rehabilitation: If your injury prevents returning to your usual job, you may self-refer for retraining services [1]. 

• Permanent Total Disability (PTD): If you can't do any kind of work due to your injury, PTD benefits are determined at a hearing by the State of Hawaii Department of Labor and Industrial Relations [1]. 

• Disfigurement: Permanent disfigurement may qualify for additional compensation. Laceration and surgical scars are reviewed six months from occurrence; burn scars after one year [1]. 

• Death Benefits: Surviving spouses and dependent children (including full-time students up to 21) receive weekly benefits. Funeral expenses up to 10 times the maximum weekly benefit rate and burial expenses up to 5 times are covered [1]. 

Returning to Work 

Hawaiʻi emphasizes returning injured workers to productive jobs when medically appropriate. Employers should offer modified duties when possible. Workers can refuse medically unsuitable assignments, but turning down appropriate work without medical backing affects benefits. 

The Bottom Line 

Report injuries immediately, get medical treatment right away, document everything, and understand your rights and responsibilities. The system provides injured workers with medical care and wage replacement while protecting employers from unlimited lawsuits. 

If you have specific questions about your rights or benefits, consult with the Disability Compensation Division of the State of Hawaiʻi Department of Labor and Industrial Relations. Every workplace injury case has unique circumstances that may affect your eligibility and benefits. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

Q: What should I do immediately after getting injured at work?
A: Report the injury to your supervisor right away and obtain medical treatment, making sure to tell your doctor it's a work-related injury.

Q: How much of my wages will I receive if I can't work due to my injury?
A: You may receive two-thirds of your average weekly wage up to state maximums after a three-day waiting period if your doctor confirms you cannot work.

Q: Can I choose my own doctor for treatment of my work injury?
A: Yes, you may select any physician or surgeon practicing on the island where your injury occurred to provide your medical care.

Q: Are workers' compensation benefits taxable income?
A: No, workers' compensation benefits are generally not taxable.

Q: What happens if my injury prevents me from returning to my previous job?
A: You may be eligible for vocational rehabilitation services to receive retraining for a different type of work.

Disclaimer: Workers' compensation laws and benefit rates are subject to change. Maximum benefit amounts, eligibility requirements, and procedural rules may have been updated since this information was published. For the most current information, official guidance, or assistance with a specific workers' compensation claim, please contact the Hawaii Department of Labor and Industrial Relations, Disability Compensation Division directly or visit your nearest district office. 

Sources:

1. Hawaiʻi Department of Labor and Industrial Relations. "Frequently Asked Questions – Disability Compensation Division." Accessed September 23, 2025. https://labor.hawaii.gov/dcd/frequently-asked-questions/. 

2. Hawaiʻi Department of Labor and Industrial Relations. "Workers’ Compensation Highlights." Accessed September 23, 2025. https://labor.hawaii.gov/dcd/files/2014/04/WC-Highlights.pdf.