When it comes time to add new people to your organization, you might have an ideal profile of a candidate in mind: their skill level, experience, education, and other important traits. But does that match what the workforce actually looks like in Hawaii?

At Bishop & Company, with more than 30 years’ experience helping organizations find outstanding talent, we continuously monitor Hawaii’s workforce demographics, education levels, and hiring trends. This allows us to help our clients align their hiring goals with today’s local workforce realities.

Hawaii’s Workforce Snapshot

As of February 2025, the vast majority of Hawaii’s population—1.14 million of the total 1.44 million residents—are adults, with a median age of 39.6 years. A smaller portion, 268,789 individuals, are seniors. However, don’t overlook older professionals as potential hires: they bring extensive knowledge, patience, mentoring capabilities, and adaptability that can strengthen your teams in meaningful ways.

The Challenge of Retaining Young Professionals

While Hawaii’s beauty is undeniable, the high cost of living continues to drive away some younger professionals. Many are torn between the desire to stay and the financial realities of home ownership and everyday expenses compared to mainland opportunities. This trend, known as “brain drain,” leaves Hawaii organizations competing fiercely for a limited pool of emerging talent.

Tourism remains strong—contributing $17 billion to the economy in 2023—but even tourism-related organizations face challenges in attracting and retaining staff without competitive offers and career growth incentives.

Job Market Growth and In-Demand Industries

Despite these challenges, Hawaii’s job market shows positive signs of growth. In the last quarter of 2024, non-agricultural wages rose, and the number of salaried positions increased:

• Construction added 3,400 jobs (up 8.9%)

• Healthcare and Social Assistance added 2,100 jobs (up 2.8%)

• Food Service and Drinking Establishments added 1,900 jobs (up 2.9%)

• Professional and Business Services added 1,400 jobs (up 2.0%)

• Accommodations added 700 jobs (up 1.8%)

Overall, there were 8,600 more non-agricultural jobs at the end of 2024 compared to the previous year.

What Today’s Candidates Value

Younger and mid-career professionals aren’t just looking for a paycheck—they want organizations that offer:

• Work-life balance and flexibility

• Opportunities for professional growth, including ongoing training and education

• A strong organizational culture that values community engagement

• Clear career pathways and advancement opportunities

If your hiring strategy doesn’t address these expectations, you could be missing out on talented candidates.

Partner with Bishop & Company to Find the Right Talent

At Bishop & Company, we specialize in connecting organizations with exceptional candidates across executive leadership, administrative, and IT sectors. We don’t just send resumes—we take time to understand your hiring goals, cultural values, and long-term plans, bringing forward candidates who fit your needs today and into the future.

Whether you need direct-hire, temporary staffing, or C-level executive search services, our Honolulu-based team is ready to help.