Jury Duty Pay Hawaii 2026
Complete Compensation Guide

If you've received a jury summons in Hawaii, you're probably wondering: how much will I actually get paid? This guide covers everything Hawaii jurors need to know about jury duty compensation in 2026 — from the state court's daily fee schedule to mileage reimbursement and employer obligations.

Hawaii Jury Duty Pay Schedule

Hawaii's jury duty pay is set by state statute and applies to all state-level courts. Federal courts operating in Hawaii follow the federal pay schedule ($50/day for days 1–10, $60/day thereafter), which is separate.

Service Type	Daily Pay	Notes
Hawaii State Court	$30/day	Standard state rate
Federal Court (in Hawaii)	$50–$60/day	Separate from state court
Grand Jury (Hawaii)	$30/day	Same rate, longer duration
Mileage Reimbursement	$0.20/mi	Travel to courthouse

Important note: Hawaii is among the higher-paying states at $30/day for all days of service.

Mileage Reimbursement in Hawaii

The court reimburses jurors at $0.20/mi for travel to the courthouse. You must track your mileage each day and submit a mileage log to the jury clerk at the end of your service. Keep all parking receipts as many courts reimburse parking separately.

Example Calculation

If you live 20 miles from the courthouse and serve for 4 days:

• Court pay: 4 × $30 = calculated by your state rate
• Mileage: 20 miles × $0.20/mi × 4 days
• Use our Pay Calculator for exact totals

Does Your Employer Have to Pay You in Hawaii?

The answer in Hawaii: ❌ Not Required by state law (employer's discretion).

While not legally required, many large employers in Hawaii voluntarily provide full or partial pay during jury duty. Always check your employee handbook or HR policy before assuming you won't be compensated.

Your Legal Rights as a Hawaii Juror

Hawaii, like all US states, has anti-retaliation laws protecting jurors from employment consequences:

• Your employer cannot fire you for serving on a jury
• Your employer cannot threaten, demote, or penalize you
• You are entitled to return to your same position after service ends
• Benefits (health insurance, retirement) continue during your service period
• If retaliated against, you can seek legal remedies including reinstatement and back pay

Can You Get Excused from Jury Duty in Hawaii?

Hawaii courts allow jurors to request postponement or hardship exemptions. Generally accepted reasons include:

• Extreme financial hardship (especially self-employed individuals with documented income loss)
• Primary caregiver with no alternative childcare arrangements
• Medical conditions verified by a physician's letter
• Pre-scheduled travel that cannot be reasonably postponed
• Prior jury service within a disqualifying period

Contact your local Hawaii court or check your jury summons for the specific postponement process.

Is Jury Duty Pay Taxable in Hawaii?

Yes. Jury duty pay received from Hawaii courts is taxable ordinary income and must be reported on your federal tax return (Form 1040). If your state has an income tax, it is likely taxable at the state level as well.

Exception: if your employer requires you to remit your court stipend to them because they are paying your full salary, you can deduct the amount you return from your federal taxable income.

Jury Duty Pay in Major Hawaii Cities & Counties

While the state court rate of $30/day applies across Hawaii, the specific courthouse you report to depends on your county of residence. Here are the most active jury courts in Hawaii:

Regardless of which county or city you serve in, the base state compensation is $30/day. Some counties may have slightly different parking reimbursement policies — always verify with your summons.

How Jurors are Selected in Hawaii

Like most states, Hawaii uses a randomized selection process to pull juror pools. The court primarily draws names from:

• Registered voters in Hawaii
• Licensed drivers and state ID holders from the DMV

If your name belongs to either of these databases, you are eligible to be randomly summoned. Hawaii law ensures that the juror pool represents a fair cross-section of the community.

Hawaii Courthouse Dress Code & Rules

When reporting for jury duty in Hawaii, you must adhere to the court's dress code. Courts enforce a business casual policy.

• Do not wear: Shorts, tank tops, flip-flops, hats, or clothing with offensive messaging.
• Security: All Hawaii courthouses have security screening. Do not bring pocket knives, mace, or weapons of any kind.
• Electronics: Most courts allow cell phones in the jury assembly room, but they must be completely turned off when entering a courtroom.

What Happens if You Skip Jury Duty in Hawaii?

Jury duty is a legal obligation. Ignoring a jury summons in Hawaii can result in serious legal consequences, including:

• Being held in Contempt of Court
• Fines ranging from $100 to $1,000 depending on the specific judge and county
• A new summons to appear in court and explain your absence

If you genuinely cannot attend, always follow the proper postponement or excuse procedures outlined on your summons rather than simply failing to appear.

Hawaii County Variations & Courthouses

Jury duty in the Aloha State is organized by circuit, with each major island serving as its own judicial hub. While Hawaii offers a respectable $30.00 daily attendance fee, the high cost of living means that understanding parking validation and mileage reimbursement is critical for jurors trying to minimize the personal expense of service.

Primary Reporting Locations

If you receive a summons in Hawaii, you will likely report to one of these major circuit courthouses:

• Honolulu (Oahu): Kaʻahumanu Hale (777 Punchbowl St).
• Wailuku (Maui): Hoapili Hale (2145 Main St).
• Kona (Big Island): Kekuanaoʻa Building (74-5451 Kamakaʻeha Ave).
• Hilo (Big Island): Hale Kaulike (777 Kilauea Ave).
• Lihue (Kauai): Puuhonua Kaulike Building (3970 Kaʻana St).

Notable County Differences

Navigating the "Hales" (Courthouses) in Hawaii’s major circuits involves these specific parking and logistics rules:

• Honolulu County (First Circuit): Jurors reporting to Kaʻahumanu Hale in downtown Honolulu face some of the most challenging parking in the state. The Judiciary provides **parking validation** for jurors who utilize the **Aliʻi Place Parking Garage** located at 1099 Alakea Street. You must bring your parking ticket to the Jury Assembly Room on the fourth floor to receive your validation stamp before leaving for the day.
• Maui County (Second Circuit): If you are serving at Hoapili Hale in Wailuku, the court provides a **dedicated juror parking lot** on Wells Street. However, this lot is small and shared with court staff. Jurors are strongly encouraged to arrive by 7:30 AM; if the lot is full, you may have to utilize metered street parking, which the court does not reimburse.
• Mileage and Inter-Island Travel: Under HI Rev Stat § 612-8, mileage is reimbursed at the **standard IRS rate** (currently **$0.67 per mile**). For jurors in the Third Circuit (Big Island) who may live across the island from their reporting location, these mileage checks can be significant, sometimes exceeding the $30.00 attendance fee.

Real-World Case: 5-Day Trial in Honolulu, HI

Hawaii’s $30.00 base rate is standard across all days of service. Let’s look at a typical 5-day trial service in Honolulu for a resident commuting from Pearl City.

Frequently Asked Questions — Hawaii Jury Duty

How much do you get paid for jury duty in Hawaii?

Hawaii state courts pay jurors $30/day. Federal courts in Hawaii pay $50/day (days 1–10) and $60/day after 10 days. Mileage reimbursement is $0.20/mi.

What if I'm self-employed and called for jury duty in Hawaii?

Self-employed individuals in Hawaii receive only the standard court stipend of $30/day — there is no employer to supplement it. If your business income will be significantly impacted, you may apply for a financial hardship exemption. Document your income loss carefully for the court.

Does Hawaii require grand jury pay?

Grand jurors in Hawaii generally receive the same $30/day rate as regular trial jurors. However, since grand jury service can last many months, it creates more significant financial impact. Hawaii courts may offer additional hardship considerations for extended grand jury service.

Where do I report for jury duty in Hawaii?

Your summons specifies the exact courthouse. Hawaii's major jury courts are located in Honolulu, Hilo, Kailua, Kaneohe. Always confirm your reporting location on your official summons document — never assume based on proximity.