HR topics · PTO payout at termination by state

Is unused vacation (PTO) paid out at termination in Hawaii?

Hawaii does not require paid vacation, so payout depends mostly on the employer's policy.

Does Hawaii require unused vacation to be paid out?

The Hawaii Wage Standards Division says paid vacation and sick leave are not required by law. Under HRS 388-7, employers that provide these benefits must tell employees about them in writing or by a posted notice. Whether unused vacation is paid at the end of employment depends on that policy.

What should I check?

Read your written vacation policy or handbook, then contact the Wage Standards Division if the employer is not following it.

General information, AI-prepared and checked against the official sources listed, not legal advice. Laws change, and cities, contracts and union agreements can add rules. Last reviewed October 2026. How answers are made