Hawaii Immigration Laws

Hawaii allows all residents, regardless of immigration status, to obtain a standard driver's license. These licenses are not REAL ID compliant but are valid for driving in Hawaii.

Hawaii law allows the University of Hawaii Board of Regents to offer resident tuition rates to undocumented students who meet residency and educational requirements, including attending a U.S. high school for at least 3 years and graduating.

Hawaii's wage and hour laws protect all workers regardless of immigration status. Employers cannot use immigration status as a defense against wage theft claims. The minimum wage ($16.00/hour as of January 2026) applies to all covered workers.

Hawaii has adopted multiple legislative and policy measures limiting local law enforcement cooperation with federal immigration enforcement. Children of undocumented immigrants attend public schools without fear of immigration enforcement, and state safety-net programs provide healthcare to undocumented immigrants.