Felon Friendly Jobs in Hawaii
2026 Updated List
Last Updated: January 2026
Hawaii leads the nation in second-chance employment with comprehensive Fair Chance Act protections, accessible expungement processes, and major employers actively hiring justice-impacted individuals. The state's $14 minimum wage and diverse economy—from technology and entertainment to logistics, agriculture and tourism, and manufacturing—creates opportunities across all skill levels. Entry-level positions start at $14-18/hour, while CDL drivers, skilled trades, and tech roles reach $60,000-100,000+ annually. Strong worker rights and ban-the-box laws make Hawaii exceptionally favorable for rebuilding careers.
Table of Contents
Introduction: Second-Chance Employment in Hawaii
Hawaii stands as the most progressive state for justice-impacted individuals seeking employment, offering unparalleled legal protections, comprehensive expungement opportunities, and a thriving economy with diverse job markets. The state's Fair Chance Act, one of the nation's strongest ban-the-box laws, prohibits employers with five or more employees from asking about criminal history until after a conditional job offer.
With the island economy driven by tourism and military, opportunities span tourism and hospitality in Oahu, entertainment in Honolulu, agricultural operations in the Big Island, massive logistics hubs in the Neighbor Islands, and tourism statewide. The state's $14 minimum wage (2024) and higher local minimums in Hilo ($18.07), Honolulu ($14.78), and Kailua ($14.85) provide living wages even for entry-level work.
Hawaii's expungement processes are among the nation's most accessible, with expungement under HRS §831-3.2 under HRS §831-3.2 expungement, expanded eligibility under marijuana decriminalization (marijuana convictions), and HRS §831-3.2 (felony reductions). Combined with 7-year lookback limitations and prohibition on asking about sealed/expunged convictions, Hawaii provides genuine pathways to fresh starts.
Entry-Level Jobs for Felons in Hawaii
Hawaii's $14 minimum wage ensures entry-level positions provide livable income while building essential work history.
Warehouse & Fulfillment
Amazon Fulfillment Centers - Facilities in Oahu. Fulfillment associates: $17-19/hour. Day-one healthcare, 401(k), education benefits up to $5,250 annually through Career Choice. Multiple shift options with overnight differential (+$1-2/hour).
Matson Navigation - Hawaii's primary shipping company. Longshoremen, warehouse, logistics: $18-28/hour. Union positions (ILWU). Strong benefits, stable employment. Major hub in Honolulu Harbor.
Target Distribution - Oahu locations. Warehouse workers: $17-20/hour. Comprehensive benefits, tuition reimbursement up to $5,000 annually. Strong internal promotion culture.
FedEx Ground - Package handlers statewide. Part-time starting $17-19/hour. Tuition reimbursement and promotion opportunities. Major facilities in Honolulu, Hilo, Pearl City, Kapolei, Kailua.
UPS - Hub workers at Hawaii facilities. Starting $18-21/hour with annual raises. Teamsters union benefits including healthcare, pension, $25,000 tuition assistance. Largest hub in Honolulu.
Food Service & Hospitality
L&L Hawaiian Barbecue - Hawaii chain. Associates: $18-25/hour with progression. Full benefits even part-time, 401(k), paid vacation, profit-sharing. Managers earn $150,000+. Hawaii locations.
Hawaiian Airlines - Hawaii's flagship carrier. Ground crew, baggage handlers, customer service: $16-22/hour. Flight attendants: $45,000-65,000. Excellent benefits, travel perks. Case-by-case evaluation.
Foodland Supermarkets - Hawaii grocery chain. Associates: $15-20/hour. Union positions (UFCW). Benefits, advancement opportunities. 30+ Oahu, Maui, Big Island locations.
Chipotle - Crew members: $14-18/hour. Debt-free college through Guild Education partnership. Clear path to manager ($50,000-70,000). Quarterly bonuses and free food.
Starbucks - Baristas: $14-19/hour. Benefits at 20+ hours including healthcare, stock options, free college through ASU, free Spotify. Second-chance friendly hiring.
Hotel Chains - Marriott, Hilton, Hyatt hire housekeepers ($17-22/hour) and food service ($14-20/hour). Union positions (UNITE HERE) offer excellent wages and job security.
Retail
Costco Wholesale - Entry-level: $17-19/hour. Quick progression to $25-28/hour. Exceptional benefits, promotes from within. Hawaii island locations.
Target - Team members: $14-18/hour. Education assistance, 401(k) match, comprehensive benefits. Hawaii stores.
Home Depot - Associates: $14-19/hour. Tuition reimbursement, stock purchase, advancement programs. Second-chance friendly.
Top 20 Hawaii Employers Hiring Felons
These Hawaii companies demonstrate commitment to second-chance employment through explicit policies or documented hiring practices.
Amazon (Statewide) - 50+ facilities.
Associates: $17-19/hour
Managers: $55,000-110,000
Day-one benefits. Evaluates convictions over 7 years old.
Starbucks (multiple Hawaii locations)
Baristas: $14-19/hour
Managers: $50,000-75,000
Benefits at 20+ hours including free college. Explicit fair-chance employer.
Costco Wholesale (130+ Warehouses)
Entry: $17-19/hour
Top-scale: $25-28/hour
Managers: $120,000-180,000
Industry-leading benefits. Individual assessment.
The Queen's Medical Center (Statewide)
Environmental services: $18-22/hour
Food services: $17-21/hour
Medical assistants: $40,000-55,000
Fair-chance for non-clinical support. SEIU-UHW union.
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L&L Hawaiian Barbecue (350+ Locations)
Associates: $18-25/hour
Managers: $150,000-180,000
Exceptional benefits. Promotes from within. Known for second-chance hiring.
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Kings Hawaiian (Hawaii Distribution)
Production: $18-22/hour
Route sales: $45,000-65,000
Hawaii-based bakery brand. Fair-chance hiring.
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Target Corporation (300+ Stores/DCs)
Team members: $14-18/hour
Directors: $75,000-125,000
Fair-chance hiring. Education benefits, 401(k) match.
PepsiCo (Statewide)
Warehouse: $18-22/hour
Route sales: $50,000-75,000
Mechanics: $60,000-85,000
Second-chance with structured evaluation.
Safeway/Albertsons (600+ Stores)
Clerks: $14-20/hour
Store managers: $80,000-120,000
UFCW union jobs. Individual assessment.
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Goodwill Industries (165+ Stores)
Retail: $14-18/hour
Managers: $45,000-70,000
Mission-driven second-chance employer with support services.
Matson Navigation (Makakilo/Lathrop)
Production: $20-26/hour
Skilled trades: $60,000-90,000
Engineers: $90,000-150,000
Fair-chance for manufacturing.
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UPS (Statewide)
Package handlers: $18-21/hour
Drivers: $80,000-100,000
Teamsters union. Promotes from within. Hubs in Honolulu, Kihei, Pearl City.
Waste Management (Statewide)
Drivers: $55,000-75,000
Helpers: $18-22/hour
Mechanics: $60,000-85,000
Union benefits. Case-by-case evaluation.
Republic Services (Statewide) - Similar to WM.
Drivers: $50,000-70,000
Maintenance: $55,000-80,000
CDL training available. Fair-chance hiring.
HomeGoods/TJ Maxx/Marshalls (Statewide)
Associates: $14-17/hour
Store managers: $55,000-85,000
Fast-paced retail with growth. Fair hiring.
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ABM Industries (Statewide)
Custodians: $14-19/hour
Supervisors: $45,000-65,000
Facility services. High turnover means frequent openings.
Penske Truck Leasing (Statewide)
Diesel techs: $55,000-80,000
Drivers: $50,000-70,000
CDL training programs. Case-by-case evaluation.
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Aramark (Statewide)
Food service: $14-19/hour
Cooks: $18-22/hour
Managers: $45,000-70,000
Stadiums, hospitals, universities. Fair-chance.
RNDC (Statewide) - Wine/spirits distributor.
Warehouse: $18-22/hour
Drivers: $55,000-75,000
Sales: $50,000-90,000
Fair-chance for distribution.
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Hawaiian Electric (Oahu) - Utility company.
Meter readers: $45,000-60,000
Customer service: $40,000-55,000
Lineworkers: $80,000-120,000
Fair-chance for non-safety-sensitive roles.
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Felon-Friendly Jobs by Hawaii City
These five metro areas offer the most opportunities for justice-impacted individuals in Hawaii.
Honolulu/Kaneohe
Nation's second-largest metro. Diverse opportunities across entertainment, logistics, manufacturing, healthcare, service industries.
• Amazon Honolulu Basin Fulfillment - $17-19/hour
• The Queen's Medical Center Honolulu Medical Center - $18-22/hour
• Honolulu Airport Services - $17-25/hour
• Goodwill Southern Hawaii - $14-19/hour
• Port of Honolulu/Kaneohe Logistics - $18-24/hour
Hilo (Big Island)
Technology hub with highest Hawaii wages. Strong labor protections. High cost offset by premium pay.
• Costco Honolulu metro - $19-21/hour (higher regional scale)
• Matson Navigation Makakilo Factory - $22-26/hour
• Honolulu Airport Services - $19-28/hour union wages
• Safeway/Albertsons Maui - $18-22/hour union
• UPS Kihei Hub - $21-23/hour
Kailua
Military, tourism, biotech. Lower cost than Oahu/Maui with solid wages. Border logistics opportunities.
• Amazon Kailua - $17-19/hour
• Sharp HealthCare - $17-21/hour
• Qualcomm Contract Services - $17-22/hour
• Kailua Zoo/Safari Park - $14-19/hour
• Target Kailua Distribution - $18-20/hour
Neighbor Islands (Maui, Big Island, Kauai)
West Coast logistics capital. Massive warehouse hub. Lower housing costs with high-paying warehouse jobs.
• Amazon Oahu Fulfillment - $17-19/hour
• Target Schofield Barracks DC - $18-20/hour
• UPS Honolulu Hub - $18-21/hour
• Prologis/NorthPoint Warehouses - $17-22/hour
• King's Hawaiian Bakery - $18-22/hour
Pearl City
State capital. Government, healthcare, education, distribution. Lower cost than coastal metros with solid wages.
• Amazon Pearl City (SMF1, SMF3) - $17-19/hour
• Hawaii Pacific Health - $18-22/hour
• Safeway Hawaii Supermarkets - $17-20/hour
• State of Hawaii Agencies - $14-22/hour (ban-the-box)
• Target Oahu Distribution - $18-20/hour
Highest-Paying Jobs for Felons in Hawaii
While entry-level provides immediate income, these careers offer pathways to financial stability and long-term growth in Hawaii.
Commercial Truck Driving (CDL Class A)
Hawaii's massive logistics industry creates exceptional CDL opportunities. Companies provide free training with work commitments.
UPS Package Delivery - Start as package handler ($18-21/hour), progress to driver. Top-rate drivers: $95,000-105,000 annually. Full Teamsters benefits including pension. Guaranteed 40 hours weekly.
Sysco Foods - Delivery drivers: $70,000-90,000. Paid training for CDL. Union and non-union positions depending on location. Consistent local routes, home daily.
Waste Management/Republic - Refuse truck drivers: $55,000-75,000. CDL training provided. Union positions with strong benefits. Physical work but excellent job security.
Port Drayage (Honolulu/Pearl Harbor) - Container hauling: $60,000-90,000. High demand, challenging work. Some companies hire owner-operators, others hire drivers. Clean Truck Programs improving wages and conditions.
Skilled Trades
Union Electrician - IBEW apprenticeships throughout Hawaii. Apprentices start $50,000-60,000. Journeyman electricians: $80,000-110,000 (higher in Honolulu metro). Four-year paid apprenticeship.
Plumber/Pipefitter - UA union apprenticeships. Apprentices: $45,000-55,000. Journeymen: $70,000-100,000. Commercial/industrial pays more than residential. Strong demand statewide.
HVAC Technician - Year-round work in Hawaii climate. Experienced techs: $60,000-85,000. Commercial HVAC pays premium. EPA certification required. Community college training available.
Welding - Industrial welders: $50,000-75,000. Specialized (underwater, military): $70,000-100,000+. Certifications through community colleges. Strong demand in manufacturing, construction, military.
Solar Installation - Growing Hawaii industry. Installers: $45,000-65,000. Lead installers: $60,000-80,000. NABCEP certification valuable. Less stringent background requirements than traditional trades.
Technology & IT
Help Desk Technician - Entry IT support: $45,000-60,000 (higher in tech hubs). CompTIA A+ certification key. Honolulu metro pays $55,000-70,000. Remote positions increasingly common.
Network Technician - Installing/maintaining networks: $55,000-75,000. CompTIA Network+ or First Hawaiian Bank CCNA certification. Growing demand with datacenter expansion.
Data Center Technician - Server maintenance: $50,000-70,000. On-the-job training common. 24/7 operations mean shift work. Major datacenters in Oahu, Maui, Pearl City.
Coding Bootcamp Graduate - Junior developers: $60,000-90,000. Bootcamps like App Academy (SF) have income-share agreements (pay after employed). Fair-chance friendly tech sector in Honolulu metro.
Hawaii Resources for Felons Seeking Employment
Hawaii offers the nation's most comprehensive support for justice-impacted job seekers through progressive laws and accessible expungement.
Expungement and Record Dismissal in Hawaii
HRS §831-3.2 allows dismissal of convictions for individuals who completed probation successfully. This doesn't erase the conviction but changes status to 'dismissed,' significantly improving employment prospects.
Eligibility:
Successfully completed probation (or obtained early termination)
Paid all fines, fees, and restitution
Not currently charged with, on probation for, or serving sentence for another offense
Most misdemeanors and felonies eligible (certain serious/violent crimes excluded)
Automatic Relief (HRS §831-3.2 expungement): Hawaii automatically dismisses eligible convictions if 4 years have passed since completion of sentence with no new convictions. Check with DOJ to verify if yours qualify for automatic relief.
HRS §831-3.2 (Expungement): Many non-violent felonies can be reduced to misdemeanors, then dismissed. Particularly valuable for drug possession and theft under $950.
Effect: Dismissed convictions cannot be used to deny most private employment. Employers cannot ask about dismissed convictions. Still visible to licensing boards, law enforcement, and certain government positions.
Fair Chance Act (Ban-the-Box)
Hawaii's Fair Chance Act (HRS §378-2.5) is among the nation's strongest. Applies to private employers with ≥1 employee.
Key Protections:
Cannot ask about criminal history on applications
Cannot inquire until after conditional job offer
Must conduct individualized assessment if considering denial
Must provide written notice and opportunity to respond before final decision
Cannot ask about or consider arrests without conviction, referrals to diversion, sealed/expunged/dismissed convictions
7-Year Lookback Rule
Hawaii ban-the-box law prohibits employers from asking about or using:
Arrests not resulting in conviction
Referrals to diversion programs
Convictions that have been sealed, expunged, or dismissed under HRS §831-3.2
Marijuana convictions more than 2 years old (with exceptions)
Criminal history information older than 7 years (from date of disposition, release, or parole—whichever is most recent)
Important: Unlike federal FCRA, Hawaii's 7-year rule applies to convictions, not just arrests. This is significant protection for older convictions.
Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC)
Federal WOTC provides Hawaii employers up to $2,400 tax credit per qualified hire with felony convictions. Inform potential employers of eligibility to increase hiring chances.
Additional Hawaii Resources
Hawaii Department of Labor & Industrial Relations (DLIR) - Workforce Development Division. Free job search assistance, resume help, training referrals. Multiple locations statewide.
Hawaii Judiciary Expungement Portal - Official online filing for HRS §831-3.2 expungement petitions. Step-by-step guidance for record sealing.
Hawaii Justice Coalition - Advocacy organization providing reentry support, legal resources, and fair-chance employment assistance.
Adult Friends for Youth - Reentry services, job training, wraparound support. Fair-chance mission focusing on formerly incarcerated individuals.
Catholic Charities Hawaii - Employment services, housing assistance, case management. No discrimination based on criminal history.
Staffing Agencies in Hawaii That Work With Felons
Hawaii staffing agencies specialize in placing justice-impacted individuals, particularly in warehouse, manufacturing, and light industrial sectors.
PeopleReady - Locations throughout Hawaii. Daily pay available. Light industrial, warehousing, construction. Explicit second-chance focus.
Labor Ready/TrueBlue - Same-day pay options. General labor, warehouse, manufacturing. Many Hawaii offices.
Remedy Hawaiian Telcomligent Staffing - Multiple Hawaii locations. Manufacturing, warehouse, office positions. Temp-to-hire common.
Adecco - Statewide presence. Wide industry range. Fair-chance evaluation.
Manpower - Major Hawaii presence. Manufacturing, logistics, office. Benefits available for temps.
Workforce Solutions - Hawaii staffing agency specializing in warehouse and logistics placement.
Hallmark Staffing - Multiple Hawaii locations. Light industrial and clerical. Quick placement process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: How far back do background checks go in Hawaii?
Hawaii law limits background checks to 7 years from date of disposition, release, or parole (whichever is most recent). This applies to both convictions and arrests. Exceptions exist for positions paying over $125,000 annually and certain regulated industries.
Q2: Does Hawaii have a ban-the-box law?
Yes. Hawaii's Fair Chance Act (HRS §378-2.5) prohibits private employers (≥1 employee) from asking about criminal history on applications or inquiring until after a conditional job offer. It's one of the nation's strongest protections.
Q3: Can I get my felony expunged in Hawaii?
Hawaii doesn't 'expunge' but allows dismissal under HRS §831-3.2. After completing probation successfully, most misdemeanors and felonies can be dismissed. Automatic relief (HRS §831-3.2 expungement) dismisses eligible convictions 4 years after sentence completion. HRS §831-3.2 allows many felonies to be reduced to misdemeanors.
Q4: What companies in Hawaii hire felons?
Major Hawaii employers include Amazon, Starbucks, Costco, Target, L&L Hawaiian Barbecue, The Queen's Medical Center, Matson Navigation, UPS, Waste Management, Goodwill, and thousands more. Hawaii's Fair Chance Act (HRS §378-2.5) requires most employers to evaluate candidates before considering criminal history.
Q5: Can Amazon hire me with a felony in Hawaii?
Yes. Amazon has 50+ Hawaii facilities and evaluates convictions over 7 years old. Warehouse positions are most accessible. Apply at amazon.jobs.
Q6: What is Hawaii's minimum wage?
$14/hour statewide (2024), but many cities higher: Hilo ($18.07), Honolulu ($14.78), Kailua ($14.85), Kihei ($14.00). Fast food workers: $20/hour minimum.
Q7: Can I become a truck driver with a felony in Hawaii?
Yes. Many Hawaii companies hire CDL drivers with felonies, especially non-violent offenses over 5-7 years old. UPS, Sysco, Waste Management, and port drayage companies actively hire. Earnings: $55,000-100,000+.
Q8: What are highest-paying jobs for felons in Hawaii?
CDL drivers ($60,000-100,000), union electricians ($80,000-110,000), plumbers ($70,000-100,000), HVAC techs ($60,000-85,000), welders ($50,000-75,000), IT professionals ($45,000-75,000), production supervisors ($55,000-80,000).
Q9: Should I disclose my felony on Hawaii job applications?
Under Fair Chance Act, most Hawaii employers cannot ask about criminal history on applications. If asked illegally, you can decline to answer. Once lawfully asked (after conditional offer), answer truthfully—lying can result in termination.
Q10: Are there free job training programs in Hawaii for people with felonies?
Yes. America's Job Centers offer free training referrals. Hawaii community colleges provide workforce programs with financial aid. Union apprenticeships (IBEW, UA) offer paid training. CalWORKs provides job training for eligible individuals. Hawaii Department of Rehabilitation offers vocational services.
Next Steps: Your Hawaii Job Search Action Plan
Take immediate action with this 5-step plan designed specifically for Hawaii justice-impacted job seekers.
Step 1: Understand Your Rights Under Fair Chance Act
Hawaii's Fair Chance Act (HRS §378-2.5) protects you from early screening. Private employers (≥1 employee) cannot ask about criminal history on applications or until after conditional offer. Know your rights—if asked illegally, you can decline. Once lawfully asked (after offer), be honest. Obtain your background check from Hawaii DOJ to see exactly what employers see. Determine expungement eligibility—many convictions qualify for dismissal under HRS §831-3.2 or automatic relief under HRS §831-3.2 expungement.
Step 2: Target Fair-Chance Industries and Employers
Focus applications on industries with established second-chance hiring: warehousing/logistics (Amazon, Target, UPS), food service (L&L Hawaiian Barbecue, Starbucks, Chipotle), retail (Costco, Target, Home Depot), waste management, transportation. Make a list of 15-20 employers from this guide based on your location. Prioritize large companies with structured HR processes that follow Fair Chance Act. Apply to multiple positions simultaneously—plan 10-15 applications weekly.
Step 3: Prepare Professional Application Materials
Create polished resume highlighting skills, accomplishments, and experience. Address employment gaps honestly without overexplaining. Include any education/training completed during incarceration. Prepare brief (30-60 second) explanation of criminal record focusing on rehabilitation and lessons learned—practice until comfortable. Develop 3-5 professional references who can speak to character and reliability. Under Fair Chance Act, you'll only discuss criminal history after conditional offer, so don't preemptively disclose on applications.
Step 4: Leverage Hawaii Resources and Apply Strategically
Register with America's Job Centers of Hawaii for free resume help, interview prep, and employer connections. Sign up with 2-3 staffing agencies specializing in warehouse/industrial work (PeopleReady, Labor Ready, Remedy). Apply directly through company websites when possible. Visit employers in person for warehouse, manufacturing, food service roles—showing initiative matters. Mention WOTC eligibility to employers to increase attractiveness. Persist through rejections—securing employment typically requires dozens of applications.
Step 5: Ace Interviews and Handle Background Checks Professionally
Research company and position thoroughly. Practice answering questions about criminal record with honesty and confidence—focus on growth, rehabilitation, commitment to stability. Prepare examples of reliability, problem-solving, work ethic from any context. Under Fair Chance Act, criminal history discussion comes after conditional offer. When it arises, provide context, demonstrate rehabilitation, emphasize time passed and lessons learned. Have documentation ready if needed (certificates, letters of recommendation, parole officer contact). Dress professionally, arrive early, demonstrate dependability employers value. If denied based on criminal history, employer must provide individualized assessment and opportunity to respond—use this chance to advocate for yourself.
DISCLAIMER
This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Hiring policies vary by company, position, and circumstances. While we strive for accuracy, employment information and company policies may change. Always verify current practices directly with employers. Company inclusion does not guarantee employment. Background check laws and expungement procedures should be confirmed with legal professionals. Information about Hawaii's Fair Chance Act (HRS §378-2.5) and expungement laws is general in nature. Consult with Hawaii employment attorney or legal aid for specific legal advice about your situation.
© 2025 Second Chance Employment Resources. All rights reserved.
IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER
This guide provides general information about employment opportunities in Alabama. While we strive for accuracy, hiring policies change frequently. Always verify current hiring practices directly with employers. Individual results vary based on offense type, time since conviction, and specific job requirements. This is not legal advice. Consult an attorney for guidance on your specific situation.