📍 Hawaii (HI)

Restaurant Insurance in Hawaii: 2026 Cost Guide

Everything you need to know about restaurant insurance costs, requirements, and providers in Hawaii. Updated for 2026.

$165/month
Required (1 or more employees)
CoverWallet
$244/month

How Much Does Restaurant Insurance Cost in Hawaii?

Restaurant insurance in Hawaii averages $165 per month for general liability coverage alone. A comprehensive insurance package — including general liability, commercial property, and workers' compensation — typically runs between $2,237–$3,799 per year for a typical full-service restaurant.

Here's what you can expect to pay for individual coverage types in Hawaii:

Coverage TypeAnnual Cost Range
General Liability$1,600–$2,500
Liquor Liability$1,400–$4,200
Workers' Compensation$800–$2,200
Commercial Property$2,800–$7,000
Business Interruption$700–$2,200

These figures are based on a typical full-service restaurant with 10-20 employees and $500,000–$1,500,000 in annual revenue. Your actual costs will depend on your specific location within Hawaii, claims history, employee count, and coverage limits.

Hawaii-Specific Insurance Requirements

Hawaii is unique in requiring employers to provide Temporary Disability Insurance (TDI) in addition to workers' compensation—covering non-work-related illness and injury. This adds approximately $100-300/year per employee. Hawaii's Prepaid Health Care Act also requires employers to provide health insurance to employees working 20+ hours per week. These additional requirements make Hawaii one of the most expensive states for total employer insurance obligations.

Required Coverages in Hawaii

  • General Liability
  • Workers' Compensation (all employees)
  • Temporary Disability Insurance (TDI)

Recommended Additional Coverages

  • Commercial Property
  • Hurricane/Windstorm Coverage
  • Liquor Liability
  • Business Interruption
  • Equipment Breakdown

Hawaii Risk Factors That Affect Insurance Costs

Hawaii faces hurricane risk, volcanic activity (Big Island), and tsunami exposure, all of which significantly increase property insurance costs.

The state's isolation creates extreme supply chain vulnerability—business interruption losses are magnified because replacement materials must be shipped from the mainland.

Hawaii has one of the highest costs of living in the US, with a minimum wage of $14.00/hr, driving up workers' comp premiums.

Best Restaurant Insurance Companies in Hawaii

We've identified the top insurance providers serving Hawaii restaurants. CoverWallet is our top pick for most Hawaii restaurants based on coverage options, pricing, and customer satisfaction.

Affiliate Disclosure: Some links below are affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. This helps keep our guide free and updated.
ProviderBest ForAvg. Monthly
CoverWallet ⭐ Best Overall $115–$320 Get Quote →
Insureon Quick online quotes $95–$290 Get Quote →
Next Insurance Small & new restaurants $85–$260 Get Quote →
Simply Business Comparing multiple quotes $100–$300 Get Quote →

Workers' Compensation Rules in Hawaii

Hawaii requires workers' comp for all employers. The state offers the Hawaii Employers' Mutual Insurance Company (HEMIC) as a competitive state fund option.

Frequently Asked Questions About Restaurant Insurance in Hawaii

Hawaii requires three employer coverages most states don't: workers' compensation, Temporary Disability Insurance (TDI) for non-work injuries, and prepaid health care for employees working 20+ hours per week. Combined with high property insurance due to hurricane and volcanic risk, Hawaii is one of the most expensive states for total restaurant insurance costs.
Restaurant insurance in Hawaii averages $165/month for general liability alone—among the highest in the nation. A comprehensive package costs $4,200–$7,500 per year. Factor in TDI ($100-300/employee/year) and mandatory health coverage, and total insurance obligations can exceed $10,000/year for a small restaurant.
Standard commercial property policies typically exclude volcanic eruption. For Big Island restaurants, volcanic activity coverage is essential. Even restaurants on other islands should consider it given the state's volcanic geology. Coverage costs vary dramatically by location and proximity to active volcanic zones.
Temporary Disability Insurance (TDI) is a Hawaii-specific requirement. Employers must provide TDI coverage for employees unable to work due to non-work-related illness or injury. This is separate from workers' comp (which covers work-related injuries). TDI benefits are 58% of wages up to a weekly maximum. Employers can purchase TDI through private insurers or self-insure.

Get Restaurant Insurance Quotes for Hawaii

Compare rates from multiple providers and find the best coverage for your Hawaii restaurant.