Hawaii is one of the most geographically and culturally unique states in the U.S.—and that includes its time zone. This guide breaks down everything you need to know about Hawaii's timekeeping, historical context, and the Hawaii-Aleutian Time Zone.

Table of Contents

Hawaii Overview

  • State Nicknames: "The Aloha State", "Paradise of the Pacific"
  • Statehood: 50th state of the U.S., joined on August 21, 1959
  • Geography: An archipelago of 137 islands, including 8 major ones:
    • Hawai‘i
    • Maui
    • O‘ahu
    • Kaua‘i
    • Moloka‘i
    • Lana‘i
    • Ni‘ihau
    • Kaho‘olawe
  • Capital & Largest City: Honolulu (population ~350,000)
  • Region: Oceania (not part of continental U.S.)

Time Zone Fundamentals

  • Time Zone: Hawaii-Aleutian Time Zone (HAST)
  • Standard Offset: UTC -10 hours
  • Does Hawaii observe Daylight Saving Time? No
  • Time remains the same year-round: No switching between standard and daylight time

Historically, Hawaii observed GMT -10:30 until the mid-20th century. After becoming a state and joining the U.S. time zone system, it was officially placed in the Hawaii-Aleutian Time Zone.

Hawaii-Aleutian Time Zone

The Hawaii-Aleutian Time Zone is unique in that it includes:

  • The entire state of Hawaii
  • Some Aleutian Islands in Alaska, specifically those west of 169°30' W

Time Zone Variations:

  • HAST (Hawaii-Aleutian Standard Time) – UTC -10 (used in Hawaii year-round)
  • HADT (Hawaii-Aleutian Daylight Time) – UTC -9 (used in Aleutian Islands only)

While both regions share the same standard time, only the Aleutian Islands observe daylight saving time.

Daylight Savings in Hawaii

  • Hawaii does not use daylight saving time.
  • One of only two U.S. states (along with Arizona) that do not adjust clocks seasonally.
  • Reason: Hawaii’s location near the equator results in minimal variation in sunrise/sunset throughout the year.

Note: This creates a disconnect between local time and national TV or radio schedules. For instance, Hawaiian cable TV often follows the U.S. West Coast feed, resulting in shows airing several hours "off" from local time.

Culture and Economy

Tourism

  • Tourism makes up roughly 25% of Hawaii’s economy.
  • Popular for its beaches, volcanoes, marine life, and hiking.

Agriculture

  • Major exports include pineapples, sugarcane, honey.

Living Costs

  • Hawaii has one of the highest costs of living in the U.S.
  • Taxes and housing are especially high

Cultural Background

  • Formerly the Kingdom of Hawai‘i until overthrown by U.S. citizens
  • Rich mix of Polynesian, Asian, and Western influences

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