Hawai‘i unemployment rate rises to 2.3 percent in February 2026

10 articles · Updated · Big Island Now · Apr 26

The Hawai‘i Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism reports 15,650 unemployed and 672,150 employed in a labor force of 687,850 for February 2026.
Nonagricultural jobs increased by 400 from January, with gains in trade, construction, and government, but losses in professional services and health. The U.S. seasonally adjusted unemployment rate also rose to 4.4%.
County-level rates varied, with Lāna‘i highest at 4.8%. Seasonal adjustment methods are used to provide more accurate month-to-month comparisons, accounting for regular employment fluctuations throughout the year.

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