Hospitality & Tourism Hawaii (HI) Rank #1 of 50

Event Planner Salary in Hawaii

The median event planner salary in Hawaii is $96,764 per year, which is 70.0% above the national median of $56,920.

Median Salary
$96,764
vs National
+$39,844
State Rank
#1 of 50
Cost of Living
170%

Event Planner Salary Overview in Hawaii (2026)

Hawaii ranks #1 out of 50 states for event planner compensation. This places Hawaii in the top tier nationally, making it one of the best states for event planners seeking high pay. At $96,764 per year, event planners in Hawaii earn $39,844 more than the national median of $56,920.

It's worth noting that Hawaii's cost of living is 170% of the national average, which reduces the real purchasing power of the $96,764 salary. After adjusting for cost of living, the effective salary is closer to $56,920.

The salary spread in Hawaii is significant: event planners at the 10th percentile earn $54,400, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $173,400 — a $119,000 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Hawaii for this role is Honolulu, where the median reaches $99,610.

Nationally, event planner employment is projected to grow 8% over the next decade (faster than average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for event planners across the country.

Event Planner Salary in Hawaii by Experience

In Hawaii, an entry-level event planner earns around $59,500, while experienced professionals earn up to $161,500 per year. The cost of living index in Hawaii is 170% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$59,500
+$24,500 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$98,600
+$40,600 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$161,500
+$66,500 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Hawaii

Percentile HI Salary
10th Percentile $54,400
25th Percentile $71,400
Median (50th) $96,764
75th Percentile $132,600
90th Percentile $173,400

Event Planner Salary by City in Hawaii

The largest employment areas for event planners in Hawaii include Honolulu, Pearl City, Hilo, and Kailua. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Event Planner in Hawaii

Education

Most event planner positions require a bachelor's degree. Hawaii has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Event CoordinationVendor ManagementBudgetingNegotiationLogisticsCustomer Service

Job Outlook in Hawaii

Nationally, event planner employment is projected to grow 8% over the next decade (faster than average). Hawaii's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Event Planner Salary in Hawaii

How much does a Event Planner make in Hawaii? ▼
The median event planner salary in Hawaii is $96,764 per year, which is 70.0% above the national median of $56,920. Salaries range from $54,400 (10th percentile) to $173,400 (90th percentile).
How much does a Event Planner make per hour in Hawaii? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $96,764, a event planner in Hawaii earns approximately $47 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Hawaii a good state for event planners? ▼
Hawaii ranks #1 out of 50 states for event planner pay. The cost of living index is 170% of the national average. Entry-level event planners earn $59,500, while senior professionals earn $161,500.
How does Hawaii compare to other states for event planner salary? ▼
The highest paying state for event planners is Hawaii at $96,764. Hawaii's median of $96,764 ranks #1 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include California ($78,550) and Massachusetts ($76,842).
What is the entry-level event planner salary in Hawaii? ▼
An entry-level event planner in Hawaii earns approximately $59,500 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $98,600. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $161,500.
What city in Hawaii pays event planners the most? ▼
Honolulu is the highest paying city in Hawaii for event planners, with a median salary of $99,610. Other cities include Pearl City and Hilo.