Is an employee covered by workers' compensation while traveling to and from work in Hawaii?

In Hawaii, workers' compensation coverage typically does not apply to employees while they are traveling to and from work unless they are engaged in a work-related task. This principle is based on the "going and coming" rule, which generally excludes commuting from coverage because the journey is considered a personal activity rather than an activity connected to employment.

However, if an employee is performing a work-related task during their commute, such as running an errand for the employer or if they are traveling as part of their work duties (e.g., going directly to a job site), they may be entitled to workers' compensation benefits. The key factor here is the employee's engagement in work-related activities during the trip.

This highlights the importance of understanding the specific circumstances under which coverage applies, emphasizing that ordinary commuting does not qualify unless there is an exception made for a work-related task.