Hawaii Primary and Delegate Rules
Last reviewed: July 26, 2026. Primary election rules are summarized from the source links listed on this page. Presidential delegate counts are historical 2024 cycle data where listed. Confirm final rules, deadlines, and party procedures with the listed official sources.
Quick Answer
- Primary types: Democratic presidential: Open; Democratic state: Open; Republican presidential: Closed; Republican state: Open.
- Consolidated presidential and state primaries: No.
- Democratic delegates: 31 total, 22 pledged, 9 unpledged, 2 alternates.
- Republican delegates: 19 total, 19 pledged, 0 unpledged, 16 alternates.
Hawaii Primary Election Types
| Party | Contest | Primary type |
|---|---|---|
| Democratic | Presidential | Open |
| Democratic | State | Open |
| Republican | Presidential | Closed |
| Republican | State | Open |
Presidential and State Primaries Scheduling
Consolidated Primaries: No
Hawaii is one of the states that have not merged their presidential and state primaries. On a Presidential Election year, presidential primaries/caucuses and State primaries are scheduled to run on different dates.
Voters are entitled to select any party ballot they want. HRS § 12-31. The Democratic presidential primary is open and the Republican presidential primary is closed
Voting In Primaries
- Hawaii voters do not declare a political affiliation with the voter registration pursuant to the Hawaii State Constitution, ensuring every voter's right to secrecy. On the primary election ballot, voters must first select a political affiliation and then vote for candidates of the political affiliation of their choice only.
Hawaii Presidential Delegate Allocation
The presidential primary process involves selecting delegates who will represent the state at the party's national convention. Delegates selected from the primary elections attend the party's national convention, where they officially nominate the presidential candidate. The candidate with the majority of delegates becomes the party's nominee for the presidential election.
| Party | Total delegate votes | Pledged | Unpledged | Alternates | Allocation method | Threshold |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic Party | 31 | 22 | 9 | 2 | Propostional | 15% minimum vote required |
| Republican Party | 19 | 19 | 0 | 16 | Caucus/Convention | Not specified |
Democratic Party Primary Delegates Process
Democratic Party Delegates Allocation
In 2024, the Democratic party sent a total of 31 Delegate Votes and29 Alternate Delegates to the DNC national convention. Of the 31 delegate votes, 22 Pledged Delegate Votes (14 District-level delegates, 5 At-Large, and 3 PLEOs) and 9 Automatic Delegate Votes. 22 of 31 delegates to the Democratic National Convention are pledged to presidential contenders based on the preferences expressed today's Hawaii Party-run Primary. A mandatory 15 percent threshold is required in order for a presidential contender to be pledged National Convention delegates at either the Congressional District Level or statewide level.
Presidential Candidates Ballot Access
- A presidential candidate gains access to the State presidential preference primary ballot if:
- The candidate has filed the appropriate registration information with the federal election commission (FEC) to become a candidate for president of the United States; and
- Please check with the State Democratic party for further requirements.
Delegates Breakdown
- District-level Delegates: 14
- At-large Delegates: 5
- Pledged PLEOs Delegates: 3
- Automatic Delegates - Unpledged PLEOs: 9
- Alternate Delegates: 2
Automatic Delegates (Unpledged PLEOs - Super Delegates) Breakdown
- DNC Members: 4
- Dem. Members of Congress: 4
- Dem. Governors: 1
- Distinguished Party Leaders: 0
Republican Party Primary Delegates Process
Republican Party Delegates Allocation
The Republican party sent a total of 19 Delegate Votes and 16 Alternate Delegates to the 2024 RNC national convention. 19 Delegate Votes (6 District-level delegates, 10 At-Large, and 3 RNC delegates). All 19 of Hawaii's delegates to the Republican National Convention are pledged proportionally to presidential contenders in the Precinct Caucuses.
Presidential Candidates Ballot Access
- A presidential candidate gains access to the State presidential preference primary ballot if:
- The candidate has filed the appropriate registration information with the federal election commission (FEC) to become a candidate for president of the United States; and
- Please check with the State Republican party for additional requirements.
Delegates Breakdown
- District-level Delegates: 6
- At-large Delegates: 10
- RNC Delegates: 3
- Alternate Delegates: 16
About These Rules
This page contains primary election rules and presidential primary delegate allocation information for states and U.S. territories.
Primary voting rules and delegate allocation usually apply to statewide partisan primary elections. Check with your local election office for current guidance because rules, dates, and party procedures can change.Sources and Related Election Pages
The information provided on this page was validated using the following resources: