How many hours can a 15 year old work in Hawaii during summer?

During summer or school breaks, a 15-year-old in Hawaii can work up to 8 hr per day and 40 hr per week, time window 07:00 – 21:00.

Does a 15 year old need a work permit in Hawaii?

Yes. Hawaii requires a work permit for 15-year-olds. Every minor under 18 must obtain a Certificate of Employment from the DLIR before starting work. The minor and parent or guardian apply through the DLIR with proof of age and the employer's signed offer. CL-1 is for 14-15-year-olds, CL-2 for 16-17. Certificates are job-specific.

HI · age-by-state job guide

What jobs can a 15 year old do in Hawaii?

Q: What jobs can a 15 year old do in Hawaii?

Yes — a 15-year-old can work in Hawaii with the following limits during the school year: 3 hr per school day, 18 hr per week, time window 07:00 – 19:00. Work permit required.

Quick answer for 15-year-olds in Hawaii — what hours are legal, whether a work permit is required, and the most common allowed jobs. Built directly from Hawaii state labor code.

Updated: 2026-05-26

Quick answer

Can a 15-year-old work?: Yes
Work permit: Required
Minimum work age: 14+

Legal work hours

Hawaii sets different hour caps depending on whether school is in session.

During the school year

Hours per school day: 3 hr
Hours per non-school day: 8 hr
Hours per week: 18 hr
Time window: 07:00 – 19:00

Hawaii imposes a 9:00 PM cutoff on non-school nights (June 1 through Labor Day). No work during school hours.

Summer / school breaks

Hours per day: 8 hr
Hours per week: 40 hr
Time window: 07:00 – 21:00

Summer hours apply June 1 through Labor Day; evening cutoff extends to 9:00 PM.

Common allowed jobs for a 15-year-old

General age-appropriate jobs under federal FLSA. Hawaii adds its own restricted-occupations list below — check that before accepting any job.

Lifeguard at a non-elevated traditional swimming pool
Hawaii mirrors the federal 15+ threshold; elevated pools, water parks, and natural water (including ocean lifeguarding) stay 16+. HI Certificate of Employment still required.
Retail cashier or sales clerk (with HI Certificate of Employment)
Counter food-service or drive-thru (no flame cooking)
Office or clerical work
Tutoring younger students
Park, recreation, or community-center program assistant
Hand-tool yard work for neighbors
Newspaper delivery on a regular route

Restricted in Hawaii

All federal hazardous orders HO-1 through HO-17(29 CFR Part 570)
Operating power-driven meat-processing machines(HO-10)
Roofing operations and work on or about a roof(HO-16)
Door-to-door sales for minors under 18 without bonded supervisor(HRS §390-2)
Sale or service of alcohol for minors under 18(HRS §281-78)

Other ages in Hawaii

Same age, other states

Read the full Hawaii rules

This page summarizes the rules for 15-year-olds. For all ages, age-band breakdown, statute citation, and DOL references, see the full state page.

Full Hawaii teen labor law →Compare all 50 states →FAQ →