Updated Hawaii Unemployment Figures | released April 22, 2026

On April 22, 2026, updated unemployment figures for Hawaii's economy were released, revealing significant insights into the labor market. In January, the unemployment rate dropped to 2.1%, despite the loss of 1,787 positions. This decline was largely attributed to 2,264 workers exiting the labor force, alongside a reduction of 10,400 in nonfarm payrolls, with no notable changes in individual sectors. Preliminary data for February shows a slight increase in the unemployment rate to 2.3%, with 1,148 new positions added. However, 2,366 workers entered the labor force, contributing to the rise in the unemployment rate. Nonfarm payrolls experienced a modest increase of 5,000, again with no significant shifts across sectors. These figures provide a nuanced view of Hawaii’s evolving employment landscape.