State-wise Videos

This video reviews Hawaii’s break and meal requirements under state and federal law. For adult employees, Hawaii does not legally require meal or rest breaks.

However, if an employer offers short rest breaks (e.g. 5–20 minutes), they generally must be counted as paid work time.

Who we empower every day

• Agency Owners – Know when breaks are required and when they may be discretionary.

• Caregivers – Understand when break pay is owed and when breaks may be unpaid.
• Supervisors – Enforce break policies without violating any law.
• On-Call Coordinators – Adjust schedules around break provisions (if any).
• Billers / Payroll – Accurately pay or omit break time per law and policy.
• Care Managers – Align care tasks with allowable break periods.
• Schedulers – Build shift plans that reflect any break policy or custom break rules.

Hawaii’s law does not require breaks for most adult employees — but if your agency offers breaks, short rest periods must be paid, and proper documentation is essential.

With CareSmartz360, agencies have clarity and compliance built in. Whether breaks are discretionary or required, our system ensures accurate tracking and payroll, reducing confusion and liability.