Hawaii workers' comp rates depend on your industry and team size. Find answers to common coverage questions below.
Best Workers' Comp Insurance in Hawaii
With rates starting at $6 monthly, NEXT, Simply Business and Coverdash offer the cheapest and best workers' comp insurance in Hawaii.
Compare top Hawaii workers’ comp insurance providers and find your ideal coverage.
Select your industry
Select state
Updated: November 24, 2025
Advertising & Editorial Disclosure
Best Hawaii Workers' Comp Insurance: Fast Answers
What are the best and cheapest workers' comp insurance providers in Hawaii?
NEXT offers the top cheap workers' compensation insurance in Hawaii. The following are the state's cheapest and best workers' comp insurance providers and their average monthly rates:
- NEXT: $73
- Simply Business: $75
- Hiscox: $75
- Coverdash: $77
- biBerk: $79
Is workers' comp insurance required in Hawaii?
Hawaii mandates workers' compensation insurance for all employers, including those with just one employee. Limited exemptions exist for sole proprietors without employees, certain real estate agents and some agricultural workers. Employers who fail to carry the required coverage face penalties, including fines, stop-work orders, and potential criminal charges with the possibility of imprisonment.
How much does workers' comp insurance cost in Hawaii?
Workers' compensation insurance costs in Hawaii run $464 per year for each employee in a two-person business. Pricing fluctuates significantly based on your specific industry and payroll amounts. The most affordable coverage costs speech therapists approximately $38 annually per employee, while roofing contractors face the steepest rates at around $5,235 per employee each year.
How do you get workers' comp insurance in Hawaii?
You can get workers' comp coverage in Hawaii by:
- Purchasing from licensed private insurance companies operating in the state
- Buying coverage through the Hawaii Employer-Union Health Benefits Trust Fund for eligible employers
- Becoming self-insured if your business meets Hawaii's strict financial and operational requirements
Many business owners compare quotes online or through brokers to get the best rate and compliance support.
What does Hawaii workers' comp insurance cover?
Workers' compensation in Hawaii covers:
- Medical expenses for workplace injuries and occupational illnesses
- Wage replacement benefits during recovery periods
- Permanent disability payments for lasting impairments
- Survivor benefits for families of workers who die from job-related incidents
Best Workers' Comp Insurance Companies in Hawaii
NEXT leads Hawaii's workers' comp insurance market with responsive customer support and comprehensive policy options that protect businesses thoroughly. Simply Business and Coverdash rank as strong second and third choices, offering reliable coverage for island small business owners.
| NEXT Insurance | 4.59 | $73 | 1 | 2 |
| Simply Business | 4.50 | $75 | 4 | 1 |
| Coverdash | 4.43 | $77 | 5 | 2 |
| biBERK | 4.42 | $79 | 2 | 3 |
| Hiscox | 4.35 | $75 | 3 | 4 |
| Thimble | 4.35 | $73 | 6 | 3 |
How Did We Determine These Rates and Rankings?
These rates are estimates based on MoneyGeek's analysis of small businesses with two employees across 79 major industries. Actual rates vary based on your business location, industry risk factors, claims history, coverage limits and individual insurer underwriting criteria. Contact insurers directly for personalized quotes.
Get Matched to Top Workers' Comp Insurers in Hawaii
Select your industry and state to get a customized Hawaii workers' comp quote from your top provider match.
Industry
State
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE BEST BUSINESS INSURANCE IN HAWAII
Explore the best business insurance providers in Hawaii through our guides:
Best Hawaii Workers’ Comp Insurance Company Reviews
We've analyzed coverage options, rates and customer satisfaction scores to identify the top workers' comp providers for island businesses.
NEXT
Best Workers' Comp Insurance in Hawaii
MoneyGeek Rating
4.6/ 5
4.3/5Affordability
4.7/5Customer Experience
4.8/5Coverage Points
Average Monthly Workers' Comp Premium
$73Based on average costs across multiple business typesWorkers' Comp Digital Experience Score
4.8/5 (1st)Rating from verified customer feedbackWorkers' Comp Customer Likelihood to Be Recommended to Others Score
4.8/5 (1st)Percentage of customers who would recommend NEXT
Simply Business
Best Hawaii Workers' Comp Insurance Coverage Options
MoneyGeek Rating
4.5/ 5
4.5/5Affordability
4.2/5Customer Experience
4.9/5Coverage Points
Average Monthly Workers' Comp Premium
$75Based on average costs across multiple business typesWorkers' Comp Digital Experience Score
4.5/5 (3rd)Based on customer satisfaction surveysWorkers' Comp Customer Likelihood to Be Recommended to Others Score
4.2/5 (8th)Percentage of customers who would recommend Simply Business
Cheapest Workers' Comp Insurance Companies in Hawaii
NEXT delivers the most affordable workers' comp insurance in Hawaii at just $73 monthly or $870 per year. This rate puts $4 back in your pocket each month compared to the state average of $77.
Thimble comes in second at $73 monthly ($881 annually), while Hiscox rounds out the top three with rates of $75 per month ($903 yearly). All three providers keep your premiums well below average.
The table below shows costs from all companies we analyzed.
| NEXT Insurance | $73 | $870 |
| Thimble | $73 | $881 |
| Hiscox | $75 | $903 |
| Simply Business | $75 | $905 |
| Coverdash | $77 | $918 |
| biBERK | $79 | $946 |
| Chubb | $89 | $1,072 |
How Did We Determine These Rates?
These rates represent small businesses with two employees across 79 major industries and focus solely on workers' comp policies. Your actual premium depends on your business location, industry, employee count, claims history, coverage limits and other factors insurers consider.
Cheapest Workers' Comp in Hawaii by Industry
Thimble offers the most affordable workers' comp rates for dental practices at $11 monthly or $131 annually. Thimble dominates 22 industries, excelling in automotive, accounting and veterinary sectors. NEXT Insurance ranks second in affordability, leading in advertising, bakery and wholesale industries across Hawaii's business landscape.
| Automotive | Thimble | $112 | $1,342 |
| Accountants | Simply Business | $20 | $238 |
| Ad Agency | NEXT Insurance | $16 | $190 |
| Auto Repair | NEXT Insurance | $155 | $1,865 |
| Bakery | NEXT Insurance | $53 | $634 |
| Beauty Salon | Thimble | $14 | $174 |
| Barber | NEXT Insurance | $14 | $167 |
| Candle | Thimble | $39 | $465 |
| Bounce House | NEXT Insurance | $40 | $481 |
| Cannabis | Thimble | $83 | $1,000 |
| Cleaning | Thimble | $46 | $556 |
| Catering | NEXT Insurance | $70 | $839 |
| Computer Programming | NEXT Insurance | $28 | $333 |
| Coffee Shop | Thimble | $46 | $548 |
| Computer Repair | Thimble | $24 | $286 |
| Consulting | Thimble | $30 | $361 |
| Construction | NEXT Insurance | $176 | $2,115 |
| Contractor | Simply Business | $160 | $1,923 |
| Daycare | NEXT Insurance | $13 | $155 |
| Courier | NEXT Insurance | $221 | $2,654 |
| DJ | Thimble | $14 | $166 |
| Dental | Thimble | $11 | $131 |
| Dog Grooming | NEXT Insurance | $64 | $764 |
| Ecommerce | Thimble | $22 | $264 |
| Drone | NEXT Insurance | $26 | $315 |
| Engineering | NEXT Insurance | $36 | $437 |
| Electrical | Thimble | $56 | $676 |
| Florist | NEXT Insurance | $60 | $722 |
| Excavation | NEXT Insurance | $104 | $1,244 |
| Food | NEXT Insurance | $41 | $495 |
| Food Truck | NEXT Insurance | $45 | $540 |
| Gardening | NEXT Insurance | $45 | $534 |
| Funeral Home | NEXT Insurance | $26 | $314 |
| Home-based | Simply Business | $10 | $117 |
| Handyman | Thimble | $93 | $1,112 |
| HVAC | NEXT Insurance | $60 | $722 |
| Hospitality | NEXT Insurance | $68 | $814 |
| Jewelry | Thimble | $30 | $363 |
| Janitorial | Thimble | $49 | $585 |
| Junk Removal | Thimble | $137 | $1,648 |
| Lawn/Landscaping | NEXT Insurance | $37 | $442 |
| Lawyers | NEXT Insurance | $51 | $610 |
| Marine | NEXT Insurance | $147 | $1,759 |
| Manufacturing | NEXT Insurance | $58 | $690 |
| Mortgage Broker | NEXT Insurance | $13 | $161 |
| Massage | Thimble | $14 | $172 |
| Nonprofit | NEXT Insurance | $31 | $374 |
| Moving | Thimble | $254 | $3,051 |
| Party Rental | NEXT Insurance | $37 | $441 |
| Painting | Thimble | $138 | $1,653 |
| Pest Control | NEXT Insurance | $69 | $828 |
| Personal Training | NEXT Insurance | $25 | $299 |
| Pet | NEXT Insurance | $30 | $363 |
| Physical Therapy | Simply Business | $7 | $81 |
| Pharmacy | NEXT Insurance | $6 | $74 |
| Photography | NEXT Insurance | $17 | $201 |
| Plumbing | NEXT Insurance | $62 | $744 |
| Real Estate | Thimble | $30 | $357 |
| Pressure Washing | Simply Business | $85 | $1,015 |
| Retail | NEXT Insurance | $34 | $406 |
| Restaurant | NEXT Insurance | $61 | $737 |
| Roofing | Simply Business | $858 | $10,295 |
| Snack Bars | NEXT Insurance | $44 | $522 |
| Security | NEXT Insurance | $52 | $620 |
| Spa/Wellness | Hiscox | $17 | $209 |
| Software | NEXT Insurance | $26 | $314 |
| Startup | NEXT Insurance | $13 | $151 |
| Speech Therapist | NEXT Insurance | $6 | $70 |
| Tech/IT | Simply Business | $27 | $325 |
| Tree Service | Thimble | $213 | $2,561 |
| Transportation | NEXT Insurance | $232 | $2,786 |
| Travel | NEXT Insurance | $7 | $83 |
| Trucking | Simply Business | $263 | $3,151 |
| Veterinary | NEXT Insurance | $19 | $226 |
| Tutoring | Thimble | $10 | $117 |
| Welding | Simply Business | $114 | $1,373 |
| Wedding Planning | NEXT Insurance | $27 | $329 |
| Window Cleaning | NEXT Insurance | $201 | $2,415 |
| Wholesale | NEXT Insurance | $39 | $468 |
How Much Is Workers' Comp Insurance in Hawaii?
Workers' comp insurance cost in Hawaii averages $77 monthly ($928 annually), exceeding the national average of $74. Industry costs vary, with speech therapists paying $75 annually ($38 per employee) while roofers face $10,469 yearly costs ($5,235 per employee).
| Accountants | $21 | $257 |
| Ad Agency | $17 | $202 |
| Auto Repair | $163 | $1,953 |
| Automotive | $121 | $1,457 |
| Bakery | $56 | $676 |
| Barber | $15 | $179 |
| Beauty Salon | $15 | $183 |
| Bounce House | $43 | $511 |
| Candle | $42 | $500 |
| Cannabis | $87 | $1,050 |
| Catering | $77 | $925 |
| Cleaning | $51 | $614 |
| Coffee Shop | $49 | $589 |
| Computer Programming | $30 | $357 |
| Computer Repair | $25 | $305 |
| Construction | $190 | $2,283 |
| Consulting | $32 | $381 |
| Contractor | $173 | $2,078 |
| Courier | $238 | $2,854 |
| DJ | $15 | $178 |
| Daycare | $14 | $169 |
| Dental | $12 | $141 |
| Dog Grooming | $68 | $812 |
| Drone | $28 | $340 |
| Ecommerce | $23 | $277 |
| Electrical | $60 | $722 |
| Engineering | $40 | $480 |
| Excavation | $113 | $1,353 |
| Florist | $64 | $770 |
| Food | $44 | $531 |
| Food Truck | $48 | $575 |
| Funeral Home | $28 | $338 |
| Gardening | $49 | $588 |
| HVAC | $66 | $797 |
| Handyman | $98 | $1,179 |
| Home-based | $11 | $126 |
| Hospitality | $73 | $877 |
| Janitorial | $51 | $615 |
| Jewelry | $32 | $380 |
| Junk Removal | $147 | $1,758 |
| Lawn/Landscaping | $40 | $475 |
| Lawyers | $56 | $669 |
| Manufacturing | $62 | $747 |
| Marine | $159 | $1,906 |
| Massage | $15 | $184 |
| Mortgage Broker | $15 | $175 |
| Moving | $276 | $3,308 |
| Nonprofit | $34 | $406 |
| Painting | $147 | $1,766 |
| Party Rental | $39 | $468 |
| Personal Training | $27 | $318 |
| Pest Control | $74 | $892 |
| Pet | $32 | $390 |
| Pharmacy | $7 | $80 |
| Photography | $18 | $215 |
| Physical Therapy | $7 | $86 |
| Plumbing | $67 | $806 |
| Pressure Washing | $88 | $1,061 |
| Real Estate | $32 | $380 |
| Restaurant | $66 | $796 |
| Retail | $37 | $438 |
| Roofing | $872 | $10,469 |
| Security | $55 | $658 |
| Snack Bars | $46 | $550 |
| Software | $28 | $335 |
| Spa/Wellness | $18 | $221 |
| Speech Therapist | $6 | $75 |
| Startup | $14 | $163 |
| Tech/IT | $29 | $348 |
| Transportation | $244 | $2,931 |
| Travel | $7 | $88 |
| Tree Service | $231 | $2,776 |
| Trucking | $284 | $3,409 |
| Tutoring | $11 | $127 |
| Veterinary | $21 | $247 |
| Wedding Planning | $30 | $361 |
| Welding | $122 | $1,467 |
| Wholesale | $42 | $506 |
| Window Cleaning | $220 | $2,637 |
Hawaii Workers' Comp Insurance Cost Factors
These cost factors affect workers' compensation insurance rates in Hawaii:
Rate Flexibility
Hawaii works with the National Council on Compensation Insurance (NCCI) to set base rates for different job classifications. Insurers can then adjust these rates up or down by 25% based on your business profile. Two restaurants on Maui might pay different amounts. Your clean safety record could earn a 15% discount while a competitor with frequent claims faces a 10% markup, creating a 25% gap between quotes.
HEMIC's Last-Resort Coverage
The Hawaii Employers' Mutual Insurance Company (HEMIC) serves as your safety net when private insurers decline coverage. High-risk contractors, businesses with multiple recent claims, or startups without insurance history can still get covered through HEMIC's assigned risk program. You'll pay 25% to 50% more than standard market rates, but HEMIC's free safety programs help you improve your risk profile and eventually qualify for cheaper voluntary market coverage.
Generous Benefits
Hawaii mandates some of the nation's most generous workers' comp benefits. Injured employees receive up to $1,192 weekly in wage replacement for 2025. That's about $62,000 annually. Mississippi caps benefits at $711 weekly, or $37,000 yearly. Your insurer prices in these higher potential payouts when calculating premiums, especially if you employ skilled workers earning $70,000 or more annually.
Freedom to Choose Doctors
Your injured workers pick their own physicians in Hawaii, provided the doctor practices on their island. This differs from mainland states where employers direct employees to network providers with negotiated rates. Without steering patients toward cost-effective care, claims run 15% to 20% higher. A worker choosing a $300 specialist visit over a $150 network option increases costs that insurers spread across all Hawaii business premiums.
Recent Rate Drop
NCCI recommended a 3.5% rate decrease for Hawaii's voluntary market starting January 1, 2025. Fewer claims and lower average claim costs drove this reduction. If you renew your policy in 2025 with consistent payroll and claims history, you'll save money compared to 2024. Hawaii still ranks second-most expensive despite the decrease, but the trend moves in the right direction.
Higher Medical Costs
Healthcare costs 20% to 30% more in Hawaii than the mainland due to limited provider competition and higher operational expenses on islands. When your employee needs surgery or rehabilitation, insurers pay these inflated medical bills. Inter-island claims add complexity: an injury on the Big Island treated in Honolulu requires coordinating care across locations. Shipping costs for medical equipment, specialists, and medications push expenses higher, all reflected in your premium.
Rising Wages
Hawaii wages climbed 10% to 15% since 2020 as the economy recovered from the pandemic. Workers' comp benefits tie directly to wages, so higher paychecks mean larger potential payouts for injured workers. An employee earning $800 weekly in 2020 now makes $920 for the same job, increasing their potential benefit from $533 to $613 weekly. You feel this twice: first through higher payroll used to calculate premiums and second through insurers budgeting for increased benefit costs.
How Much Workers' Comp Insurance Do I Need in Hawaii?
Hawaii law requires you to have workers' comp if you have even one employee on your payroll, regardless of whether they work full-time, part-time, permanently or temporarily. Your policy must cover unlimited medical expenses, temporary disability payments at two-thirds of your employee's average weekly wages (capped at $1,192 weekly for 2025), and permanent disability compensation determined by the injury's severity.
You won't pick coverage limits like you would with other business insurance. Hawaii sets the required workers' compensation coverage benefits and insurers calculate your premium using your industry classification codes, annual payroll, and past claims. Skip the required workers' compensation coverage and you'll pay at least $500 or $100 per employee for each day you operate uninsured, whichever costs more. The state can also shut down your business and hold you personally responsible for all employee injury expenses.
Hawaii Workers' Comp Insurance Exemptions
While you're required to have coverage in Hawaii, some business categories are exempt from workers' comp requirements:
- Sole Proprietors: You can choose whether to cover yourself under workers' comp, though your employees still need coverage.
- Partners: Partnership members aren't required to include themselves in their business's workers' comp policy but can add coverage if they want it.
- Corporate Officers (25% or More Ownership): Officers who own at least a quarter of the corporation can opt out of personal coverage, with those owning 50% or more being fully exempt.
- LLC Members (50% or More Interest): Individual LLC members who hold at least half the company's distributional interest can opt out of coverage for themselves.
- Volunteer Workers: People volunteering without pay for religious organizations, charities, schools or nonprofits don't need workers' comp coverage.
- Student Workers: Students who work for their school in exchange for tuition, housing or meals rather than wages are exempt.
- Religious Officials: Ordained, commissioned or licensed ministers, priests and rabbis working in their religious capacity don't require coverage.
- Domestic Workers: Household employees who earn less than $225 in cash wages per quarter or work for public assistance recipients are exempt from coverage requirements.
- Real Estate Professionals (Commission-Only): Real estate agents and brokers whose entire income comes from commissions rather than wages can be excluded from coverage.
- Independent Contractors: Workers you classify as independent contractors don't require coverage, but make sure your classification matches Hawaii's legal definition to avoid penalties.
FEDERAL WORKERS' COMP PROGRAMS OVERRIDE STATE REQUIREMENTS
Hawaii operates as an "exclusive jurisdiction" state for federal maritime workers, meaning your employees covered under the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act can't also claim Hawaii state benefits. This matters if you run a business in Hawaii's harbors or shipyards. Federal employees and railroad workers in Hawaii also use separate federal programs rather than state workers' comp. Independent contractors and unpaid volunteers stay exempt under both federal and state systems.
How to Get the Best Workers' Comp Insurance in Hawaii
Getting the right workers' comp insurance means comparing coverage options and providers to find affordable protection that meets your business needs.
- 1Determine if you need workers' comp coverage in Hawaii
Check if Hawaii's exemptions apply to your situation. Sole proprietors, partners and LLC members owning 50% or more can skip coverage for themselves while still covering employees. Hawaii mandates coverage the moment you hire your first employee, and the state scrutinizes independent contractor classifications closely. A worker you pay as a contractor might legally be an employee under Hawaii law, which exposes you to fines and penalties.
- 2Gather your business information
Pull together your annual payroll, employee count and industry classification codes before you start shopping. Hawaii uses the Workers' Compensation Insurance Rating Bureau system with about 700 industry categories that don't match classifications in other states.
Getting these numbers right saves you headaches later. Incorrect payroll or classification codes trigger audit bills down the road or leave you without coverage when an employee gets hurt. Construction businesses in Hawaii face extra rating complexities not found elsewhere.
- 3Request workers' comp quotes from multiple carriers
Reach out to at least three insurers to compare what they're offering. Add Hawaii Employers' Mutual Insurance Company to your list since this state-run carrier serves as the assigned risk pool for businesses that can't find private coverage.
HEMIC often influences how private carriers price their policies. Private insurers usually beat HEMIC on business insurance costs and service quality, but HEMIC guarantees you can get coverage no matter your claims history. Put the quotes side by side to see who gives you the best combination of price and service.
- 4Research providers with industry experience
Look beyond the premium numbers to find insurers who know your industry. Tourism businesses need carriers familiar with Hawaii's seasonal staffing patterns and high employee turnover. Construction companies should pick insurers who understand the state's safety requirements rather than settling for whoever offers the cheapest affordable business insurance quote.
- 5Evaluate your top provider options
Review each insurer's track record to determine who offers the best business insurance:
- Review how fast they process claims, their customer service reputation and complaints filed with Hawaii's Insurance Division
- Verify their financial strength through AM Best ratings and confirm they're licensed to operate in Hawaii
- Ask what safety resources they provide, including injury prevention training and return-to-work assistance
- Check if they offer online tools for policy management and claims filing, which helps you meet Hawaii's seven-day injury reporting deadline
- 6Review and purchase your workers' compensation policy
Read through your policy carefully before you commit. Pay attention to coverage limits, what's excluded and provisions specific to Hawaii regulations. Look into pay-as-you-go premium plans if your payroll fluctuates or you hire seasonal workers, since you'll pay based on actual wages instead of estimates. Hawaii averages $1.62 per $100 of payroll for workers' comp, making it pricier than most states, so flexible payment terms help your cash flow.
- 7Reassess before annual renewal
Take stock of business changes before your policy renews. Tell your insurer about new hires, payroll increases or changes in what your company does that might shift your classification code.
Hawaii's workers' comp rates move up and down based on statewide claims performance. You might see rate increases even with a spotless safety record if other Hawaii businesses filed expensive claims that year. Shopping around at renewal time keeps you from overpaying while confirming your coverage still fits your business.
Best Hawaii Workers' Compensation Insurance: Bottom Line
NEXT, Simply Business and Coverdash rank as Hawaii's top workers' comp insurers. Research each company's service quality, maximize discounts and select coverage that fits your budget.
About Mark Fitzpatrick
Mark Fitzpatrick, a Licensed Property and Casualty Insurance Producer, is MoneyGeek's resident Personal Finance Expert. With over five years of experience analyzing the insurance market, he conducts original research and creates tailored content for all types of buyers. His insights have been featured in publications like CNBC, NBC News and Mashable.
Fitzpatrick holds a master’s degree in economics and international relations from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree from Boston College. He's also a five-time Jeopardy champion!
He writes about economics and insurance, breaking down complex topics so people know what they're buying.
sources
- Hawaii Department of Labor and Industrial Relations. "About Workers' Compensation (WC)." Accessed December 11, 2025.
- Hawaii Revised Statutes. "Hawai'i Workers' Compensation: HRS 386, Parts IV & V." Accessed December 11, 2025.
- Hawaii Revised Statutes. "Hawai'i Workers' Compensation: Chapter 386, HRS, PART I. GENERAL PROVISIONS." Accessed December 11, 2025.
- National Council on Compensation Insurance. "Summary of the Proposed Hawaii Workers Compensation." Accessed December 11, 2025.