Event Planner Salary in Honolulu, HI
Event Planners in Honolulu, HI, in 2025, earn approximately $32.26 per hour, which amounts to about $1,290.40 per week, $5,591.73 per month, and $67,100.80 per year.
The demand for Event Planners in Honolulu is growing positively at about 8% per year, reflecting a healthy expansion in the events and hospitality industry in this vibrant city.
How Much Does an Event Planner Make in Honolulu, HI?
The salary of an Event Planner in Honolulu can differ widely depending on experience levels and specific job environments. Below is an overview of hourly to annual wages based on entry-level, mid-level, and top-earner positions.
| Experience level | Hourly pay | Weekly pay | Monthly pay | Yearly pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (~25th percentile) | $19.21 | $768.40 | $3,317.07 | $39,800.80 |
| Mid-level (average) | $28.89 | $1,155.60 | $4,990.40 | $59,971.20 |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $38.40 | $1,536.00 | $6,656.00 | $79,872.00 |
Do Event Planners in Honolulu Earn Tips?
Event Planners typically do not earn tips as their work focuses on coordination and management behind the scenes. Their compensation is primarily fixed salary or hourly wages rather than gratuities.
Event Planner Salary in Honolulu vs. National Average
Nationally, Event Planners earn an average of around $30 per hour or approximately $62,400 per year.
Comparing this with Honolulu, Event Planners in the city tend to earn slightly more, with an hourly average of $32.26 and an annual wage of about $67,100.80.
This premium reflects Honolulu's cost of living and its significance as a premier tourist and event destination.
Highest-Paying Areas Near Honolulu for Event Planners
Several neighboring regions offer competitive salaries for Event Planners, including:
- Urban Honolulu: $30.38 per hour
- Kahului-Wailuku-Lahaina: $33.76 per hour
Event Planners in Kahului-Wailuku-Lahaina earn higher wages, likely due to specialized event markets and tourism demands there.
What Influences an Event Planner’s Salary in Honolulu?
The salary of an Event Planner in Honolulu can be affected by several factors:
- Experience and Expertise: More experienced Event Planners who manage large-scale or complex events generally command higher pay.
- Skill Set: Strong organizational, communication, and negotiation skills enhance earning potential.
- Type of Employer: Whether working for luxury hotels, corporate clients, non-profits, or independent event planning firms affects salary ranges.
- Certification and Education: Holding recognized certifications such as Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) or Certified Special Events Professional (CSEP) can lead to better compensation.
- Event Complexity and Size: Larger or more elaborate events demand more responsibility, potentially increasing pay.
How To Become an Event Planner in Honolulu
Starting a career as an Event Planner in Honolulu involves several important steps:
- Obtain Relevant Education: Pursue degrees or diplomas focused on hospitality and event management. For instance, the University of Hawaii at Manoa - Shidler College of Business offers a Bachelor of Business Administration with a focus on Hospitality and Tourism Management, which provides comprehensive training in event planning.
- Consider Associate Degrees: Kapiolani Community College’s Hospitality and Tourism Education Department offers Associate in Science degrees aimed at event planning and coordination.
- Gain Industry Certifications: Earning credentials like the Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) or Certified Special Events Professional (CSEP) enhances industry credibility.
- Gain Practical Experience: Internships or entry-level jobs in event coordinating help develop skills and build professional networks.
Top Employers Hiring Event Planners in Honolulu
Honolulu's thriving hospitality scene supports employment opportunities with prominent organizations such as:
- Chef Mavro
- Alan Wong's Honolulu
- Roy's Hawaii Kai
- La Mer
- MW Restaurant
Establishments That Event Planners in Honolulu Work At
Event Planners in Honolulu usually find work across various venues and industries:
- Hotels and Resorts: Luxury and boutique hotels often host weddings, conferences, and large events, usually offering competitive salaries to planners.
- Corporate Sector: Many corporations hire event planners for meetings, product launches, and seminars.
- Non-profit Organizations: Events for fundraising or community engagement present opportunities but may offer moderate pay.
- Independent Planning Firms: Planners working freelance or with agencies might see variable income based on client base and event scale.
- Convention Centers and Venues: Dedicated event spaces require seasoned planners to manage operations and logistics.
The type and scale of the establishment significantly influence salary ranges, with high-end venues often paying more for experienced planners.
Related Hospitality Jobs in Honolulu for Event Planners
If you are considering careers similar to being an Event Planner, several related roles might interest you.
These include Event Coordinator, Event Manager, and Event Planner roles, each sharing related skills but differing in responsibility levels and salary expectations.
Labor Laws and Taxes for Event Planners in Honolulu
Event Planners should remain informed about local and federal labor regulations to ensure compliance and proper management of employment matters.
- Consult the U.S. Department of Labor federal website for comprehensive labor law guidelines.
- Visit the State of Hawaii Department of Labor and Industrial Relations website for state-specific employment resources and regulations.
- Refer to the City and County of Honolulu official website for local government information and services pertinent to employment and taxation.