How many hours is EST ahead of HST?
As abbreviations, HST is always 5 hours behind of EST: EST is UTC−5 and HST is UTC−10. To convert, subtract 5 hours.
Check which label you actually need: EST (Eastern Time is on EDT today). A time written with an abbreviation that is not in use is usually meant as the local time, so convert between the places instead: right now HST is 6 hours behind of EST.
When the EST to HST time difference changes
For most of the year HST is 6 hours behind of EST. From 1 November to 31 December 2026, HST is 5 hours behind of EST instead, because the two places change their clocks on different dates. Meetings booked by the usual gap land an hour off in those weeks.
| Dates | HST vs EST | Length |
|---|---|---|
| 8 March 2026 to 31 October 2026 | 6 hours behind | 238 days |
| 1 November 2026 to 31 December 2026 | 5 hours behind | 61 days |
| 1 January 2027 to 13 March 2027 | 5 hours behind | 72 days |
| 14 March 2027 to 6 November 2027 | 6 hours behind | 238 days |
| 7 November 2027 to 31 December 2027 | 5 hours behind | 55 days |
Best time for a meeting between EST and HST
- When HST is 6 hours behind of EST: 2 shared office hours, 15:00 to 17:00 in EST (09:00 to 11:00 in HST).
- When HST is 5 hours behind of EST: 3 shared office hours, 14:00 to 17:00 in EST (09:00 to 12:00 in HST).