Hawaii Time To EST: Conversion Guide

Nick Leason

-Oct 22, 2025

Wondering how to figure out the time difference between Hawaii and the Eastern United States? This guide explains everything you need to know about converting Hawaii Standard Time (HST) to Eastern Standard Time (EST), covering the time difference, how to calculate it, and why it matters, whether you're planning a call, booking a flight, or simply curious about the time.

Key Takeaways

Hawaii is six hours behind Eastern Standard Time during standard time.
During Daylight Saving Time (DST), the difference is only five hours.
Understanding the time difference is crucial for scheduling and communication.
Use online time zone converters or simple calculations to find the EST equivalent.

Introduction

Time zones can be tricky, especially when dealing with locations across vast distances like Hawaii and the Eastern United States. Hawaii, a state in the Pacific Ocean, observes Hawaii-Aleutian Standard Time (HST), which is UTC-10. The Eastern United States, on the other hand, observes Eastern Standard Time (EST) during the winter months and Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) during the summer months. This difference in time zones necessitates knowing how to convert between the two to coordinate activities, understand schedules, and communicate effectively.

What & Why

Understanding the time difference between Hawaii and EST is crucial for several reasons:

Scheduling Meetings and Calls: Coordinating calls or meetings across different time zones requires knowing the exact time difference to ensure everyone can attend. This is especially important for businesses and organizations with teams in both locations.
Planning Travel: If you're traveling from Hawaii to the Eastern US or vice versa, knowing the time difference helps you adjust your schedule, avoid missing flights, and manage jet lag effectively.
Watching Live Events: For those who enjoy watching live events like sports games or award shows, understanding the time difference allows you to tune in at the correct time, regardless of your location.
International Business: For those working in international business, understanding time zone differences is essential for effective communication, meeting deadlines, and coordinating with clients and partners.

The Basic Difference

The fundamental difference between Hawaii Time and Eastern Standard Time hinges on the position of each location relative to the Prime Meridian and the observance of Daylight Saving Time.

Hawaii Standard Time (HST): Hawaii does not observe Daylight Saving Time. Therefore, it remains at UTC-10 throughout the year.
Eastern Standard Time (EST): During the winter months, the Eastern US observes EST, which is UTC-5. During the summer, it switches to Eastern Daylight Time (EDT), which is UTC-4.

The Impact of Daylight Saving Time

Daylight Saving Time (DST) further complicates the time difference calculation. Here’s how DST impacts the time difference between Hawaii and the Eastern US: — Aliso Viejo Zip Codes: Your Complete Guide

During Standard Time: When the Eastern US is on EST, Hawaii is six hours behind.
During Daylight Saving Time: When the Eastern US is on EDT, Hawaii is five hours behind.

How-To / Steps / Framework Application

Converting Hawaii Time to EST is relatively straightforward. Here’s a simple framework to follow: — New Hampshire Motor Speedway Weather Forecast

Determine the Current Time in Hawaii: Check the local time in Hawaii. You can find this information using various online sources or your smartphone.
Identify the Time of Year: Determine whether the Eastern US is observing EST (winter) or EDT (summer).
Calculate the Time Difference:
- EST (Winter): Subtract 6 hours from Hawaii time.
- EDT (Summer): Subtract 5 hours from Hawaii time.
Adjust for the Time Zone: The result is the equivalent time in the Eastern US.

Example Calculation

Let’s say it is 2:00 PM in Honolulu, Hawaii.

If it’s winter in the Eastern US (EST), the time in the Eastern US is 8:00 PM (2:00 PM + 6 hours).
If it’s summer in the Eastern US (EDT), the time in the Eastern US is 7:00 PM (2:00 PM + 5 hours).

Tools to Simplify Conversion

Online Time Zone Converters: Utilize online tools like Time.is, Timeanddate.com, or Google's time zone converter. Simply input the Hawaiian time and the tool will automatically calculate the equivalent EST time.
Smartphone Apps: Numerous apps are available for both iOS and Android that provide real-time time zone conversions. These apps often include a world clock feature to show the time in multiple locations simultaneously.
World Clock Widgets: Add a world clock widget to your computer's desktop or your smartphone's home screen. This provides an at-a-glance view of the time in different time zones.

Examples & Use Cases

Here are some practical examples of why understanding this conversion is helpful:

Business Meetings: A company in New York needs to schedule a meeting with a client in Honolulu. If the meeting is set for 10:00 AM HST, the meeting time in New York (during EST) would be 4:00 PM.
Family Communication: A family member in Hawaii wants to call their relatives in New York. Knowing the time difference ensures they call at a reasonable hour, avoiding waking anyone up in the middle of the night.
Travel Planning: A tourist is departing from Honolulu at 8:00 AM HST on a flight to New York. The flight duration is 10 hours. Ignoring the flight time, the tourist will arrive in New York at 6:00 PM EDT (or 7:00 PM EDT depending on the time of the year), when they land.
Remote Work: A software developer in Honolulu is working with a team in Atlanta. Knowing the time difference is essential for coordinating project meetings, and deadlines, and for maintaining constant communication.

Best Practices & Common Mistakes

To make time zone conversions accurate and efficient, consider these best practices and common pitfalls:

Best Practices:

Verify DST Status: Always confirm whether Daylight Saving Time is in effect in the Eastern US, as it directly impacts the time difference.
Use Reliable Sources: Rely on reputable sources like official time websites and apps for accurate time information.
Double-Check Calculations: Before important calls or appointments, double-check your calculations to avoid errors.
Account for Travel Time: If you’re traveling, remember to factor in the time change during your flight or journey.

Common Mistakes:

Forgetting DST: The most common error is forgetting to account for Daylight Saving Time, which can lead to confusion and scheduling conflicts.
Relying on Memory: Avoid relying solely on memory. Instead, use tools like online converters or apps to verify the time.
Incorrect Calculations: Make sure you subtract the correct number of hours. Mistaking the six or five-hour difference is a frequent error.
Ignoring Time Zone Boundaries: Remember that time zone boundaries can shift. Always use up-to-date sources.

FAQs

How many hours behind is Hawaii from EST? Hawaii is six hours behind EST during standard time and five hours behind during Daylight Saving Time.
Does Hawaii observe Daylight Saving Time? No, Hawaii does not observe Daylight Saving Time.
What is the time zone in Hawaii? Hawaii observes Hawaii-Aleutian Standard Time (HST), which is UTC-10.
How can I easily convert Hawaii time to EST? Use online time zone converters, smartphone apps, or simple subtraction: 6 hours during standard time, or 5 during daylight savings.
What if I need to schedule a meeting between Hawaii and the East Coast? Calculate the difference (5 or 6 hours) and adjust the meeting time accordingly, and inform all participants of the time zone in advance.
Where can I find a reliable time zone converter? Websites like Time.is, Timeanddate.com, and Google’s time zone converter are reliable sources. Many smartphone apps also offer this functionality.

Conclusion with CTA

Converting Hawaii time to EST is a simple yet crucial skill for anyone who communicates or conducts business between the two regions. By understanding the time difference and using the right tools, you can avoid confusion and ensure your scheduling is accurate. Whether for travel, business, or personal communication, mastering this conversion will save you time and potential frustration. For more information, explore additional resources on time zones and conversion tools. Stay organized and plan your schedules effectively! — Current Time In Idaho, USA: Time Zones & Info

Last updated: October 26, 2023, 10:00 UTC