Hawaii Unemployment Remained at 2.7 Percent in August
The state saw its labor force grow while national unemployment was reported at 4.1 percent.
Updated on Sept. 22, 2026 in Employment
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Hawaii reported a seasonally adjusted unemployment rate of 2.7% in August 2026. This figure remains well below the national unemployment rate of 4.1%.
Why it matters
The state labor force expanded as more residents entered the job market to seek work. This growth helps sustain the state economy despite fluctuations in individual industry sectors.
Hawaii labor force statistics reflect a monthly report of confirmed workforce figures. The state maintains a 2.7% unemployment rate, the fourth-lowest in the nation, though specific regional economic variances remain under investigation.
The players
Hawaii Department of Labor and Industrial Relations
The state agency responsible for collecting and reporting official employment, payroll, and labor force data for Hawaii.
The details
Hawaii saw its total labor force grow to 692,750 people in August, while the number of employed residents increased to 673,950. Professional and business services gained 700 jobs, offsetting a loss of 700 jobs within the leisure and hospitality industry.
Timeline
August 2026 marked the period for the latest employment data release.
July 2026 served as the prior month for comparative labor metrics.
2017 saw Hawaii reach a record-low unemployment rate of 2.0%.
Macro View
This report follows a pattern set by the Hawaii Department of Labor and Industrial Relations historic employment report series. The current August 2026 figures continue a long-term trend of low unemployment relative to the historical data tracked by the state agency.
Residents can monitor local labor trends to gauge job market competitiveness in their specific county. The data suggests steady hiring in professional services, though job seekers in tourism-related industries may see more volatility.
The takeaway
Maintaining a sub-3% unemployment rate places Hawaii among the most stable job markets in the United States. Job seekers should note that while the hospitality sector fluctuates, professional service roles currently provide reliable growth.
Further reading
For more on local workforce trends, see Hawaii Employment.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Hawaii Tribune-Herald.
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