<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>

<!--XBRL Document Created with the Workiva Platform-->
<!--Copyright 2024 Workiva-->
<!--r:21c23650-26e7-4b5e-a449-3d3ceac0eb68,g:a7bc67e5-8d9c-4e05-86fc-929467339048-->
<link:linkbase xmlns:link="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance" xmlns:xbrldt="http://xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt" xsi:schemaLocation="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase http://www.xbrl.org/2003/xbrl-linkbase-2003-12-31.xsd">
  <link:arcroleRef arcroleURI="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt-2005.xsd#all"/>
  <link:arcroleRef arcroleURI="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt-2005.xsd#hypercube-dimension"/>
  <link:arcroleRef arcroleURI="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt-2005.xsd#dimension-default"/>
  <link:arcroleRef arcroleURI="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt-2005.xsd#dimension-domain"/>
  <link:arcroleRef arcroleURI="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt-2005.xsd#domain-member"/>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.hei.com/role/CoverPage" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#CoverPage"/>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.hei.com/role/CoverPage" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityInformationLineItems_906c3fdd-13fd-41a1-b121-b7b87cf36783" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2024/dei-2024.xsd#dei_EntityInformationLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntitiesTable_83900534-af9f-4ec4-88bd-931052254403" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2024/dei-2024.xsd#dei_EntitiesTable"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityInformationLineItems_906c3fdd-13fd-41a1-b121-b7b87cf36783" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntitiesTable_83900534-af9f-4ec4-88bd-931052254403" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_2b26f06d-1902-4054-81d7-0b6560619bb2" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2024/dei-2024.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntitiesTable_83900534-af9f-4ec4-88bd-931052254403" xlink:to="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_2b26f06d-1902-4054-81d7-0b6560619bb2" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_2b26f06d-1902-4054-81d7-0b6560619bb2_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2024/dei-2024.xsd#dei_EntityDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_2b26f06d-1902-4054-81d7-0b6560619bb2" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_2b26f06d-1902-4054-81d7-0b6560619bb2_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_041e8ac5-966c-43f9-9851-9b32c0e6141a" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2024/dei-2024.xsd#dei_EntityDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_2b26f06d-1902-4054-81d7-0b6560619bb2" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_041e8ac5-966c-43f9-9851-9b32c0e6141a" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_HawaiianElectricCompanyAndSubsidiariesMember_4860925f-f755-4d1e-8f86-8b5f4c8a98a7" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_HawaiianElectricCompanyAndSubsidiariesMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_041e8ac5-966c-43f9-9851-9b32c0e6141a" xlink:to="loc_he_HawaiianElectricCompanyAndSubsidiariesMember_4860925f-f755-4d1e-8f86-8b5f4c8a98a7" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_DocumentType_08b89957-9404-46b5-8bf7-dd127e4c9567" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2024/dei-2024.xsd#dei_DocumentType"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityInformationLineItems_906c3fdd-13fd-41a1-b121-b7b87cf36783" xlink:to="loc_dei_DocumentType_08b89957-9404-46b5-8bf7-dd127e4c9567" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_DocumentQuarterlyReport_70a5eb5a-f654-4876-a4d9-2ef71da1e57c" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2024/dei-2024.xsd#dei_DocumentQuarterlyReport"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityInformationLineItems_906c3fdd-13fd-41a1-b121-b7b87cf36783" xlink:to="loc_dei_DocumentQuarterlyReport_70a5eb5a-f654-4876-a4d9-2ef71da1e57c" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_DocumentPeriodEndDate_48bfdefd-efe5-4ed4-a52d-35215c4726f8" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2024/dei-2024.xsd#dei_DocumentPeriodEndDate"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityInformationLineItems_906c3fdd-13fd-41a1-b121-b7b87cf36783" xlink:to="loc_dei_DocumentPeriodEndDate_48bfdefd-efe5-4ed4-a52d-35215c4726f8" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_DocumentTransitionReport_6cadd58b-c21c-48fa-af4d-1d2f94d42def" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2024/dei-2024.xsd#dei_DocumentTransitionReport"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityInformationLineItems_906c3fdd-13fd-41a1-b121-b7b87cf36783" xlink:to="loc_dei_DocumentTransitionReport_6cadd58b-c21c-48fa-af4d-1d2f94d42def" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityRegistrantName_a0c70be5-92c6-4915-9b10-415cb695445f" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2024/dei-2024.xsd#dei_EntityRegistrantName"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityInformationLineItems_906c3fdd-13fd-41a1-b121-b7b87cf36783" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityRegistrantName_a0c70be5-92c6-4915-9b10-415cb695445f" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityFileNumber_cf975746-4794-4ab6-b0d8-295ffd145b9f" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2024/dei-2024.xsd#dei_EntityFileNumber"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityInformationLineItems_906c3fdd-13fd-41a1-b121-b7b87cf36783" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityFileNumber_cf975746-4794-4ab6-b0d8-295ffd145b9f" xlink:type="arc" order="5"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityTaxIdentificationNumber_6f8be51e-cbb3-4829-911f-2a6a5d72acf2" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2024/dei-2024.xsd#dei_EntityTaxIdentificationNumber"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityInformationLineItems_906c3fdd-13fd-41a1-b121-b7b87cf36783" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityTaxIdentificationNumber_6f8be51e-cbb3-4829-911f-2a6a5d72acf2" xlink:type="arc" order="6"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityIncorporationStateCountryCode_f3459c83-4d86-4f80-ad5f-2183441f8098" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2024/dei-2024.xsd#dei_EntityIncorporationStateCountryCode"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityInformationLineItems_906c3fdd-13fd-41a1-b121-b7b87cf36783" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityIncorporationStateCountryCode_f3459c83-4d86-4f80-ad5f-2183441f8098" xlink:type="arc" order="7"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityAddressAddressLine1_44f83325-ce57-4c02-9493-13dbbea87d0c" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2024/dei-2024.xsd#dei_EntityAddressAddressLine1"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityInformationLineItems_906c3fdd-13fd-41a1-b121-b7b87cf36783" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityAddressAddressLine1_44f83325-ce57-4c02-9493-13dbbea87d0c" xlink:type="arc" order="8"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityAddressAddressLine2_2982fa7c-a065-4a41-8ac2-8ca7ccc09163" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2024/dei-2024.xsd#dei_EntityAddressAddressLine2"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityInformationLineItems_906c3fdd-13fd-41a1-b121-b7b87cf36783" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityAddressAddressLine2_2982fa7c-a065-4a41-8ac2-8ca7ccc09163" xlink:type="arc" order="9"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityAddressCityOrTown_3adc57d8-0d1e-4cad-8e75-0673791c119c" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2024/dei-2024.xsd#dei_EntityAddressCityOrTown"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityInformationLineItems_906c3fdd-13fd-41a1-b121-b7b87cf36783" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityAddressCityOrTown_3adc57d8-0d1e-4cad-8e75-0673791c119c" xlink:type="arc" order="10"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityAddressStateOrProvince_c13685ec-5b2c-4cfd-8bcf-9c4a75f2051b" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2024/dei-2024.xsd#dei_EntityAddressStateOrProvince"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityInformationLineItems_906c3fdd-13fd-41a1-b121-b7b87cf36783" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityAddressStateOrProvince_c13685ec-5b2c-4cfd-8bcf-9c4a75f2051b" xlink:type="arc" order="11"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityAddressPostalZipCode_fa52cc47-d02b-438d-8007-8b56cc82db8b" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2024/dei-2024.xsd#dei_EntityAddressPostalZipCode"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityInformationLineItems_906c3fdd-13fd-41a1-b121-b7b87cf36783" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityAddressPostalZipCode_fa52cc47-d02b-438d-8007-8b56cc82db8b" xlink:type="arc" order="12"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_CityAreaCode_5a7761b6-a6a2-4d04-b14e-53e3a592b64b" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2024/dei-2024.xsd#dei_CityAreaCode"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityInformationLineItems_906c3fdd-13fd-41a1-b121-b7b87cf36783" xlink:to="loc_dei_CityAreaCode_5a7761b6-a6a2-4d04-b14e-53e3a592b64b" xlink:type="arc" order="13"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_LocalPhoneNumber_979d1a88-d129-4eab-b6ba-f5dfbc6be199" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2024/dei-2024.xsd#dei_LocalPhoneNumber"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityInformationLineItems_906c3fdd-13fd-41a1-b121-b7b87cf36783" xlink:to="loc_dei_LocalPhoneNumber_979d1a88-d129-4eab-b6ba-f5dfbc6be199" xlink:type="arc" order="14"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_Security12bTitle_7c9ee490-03e9-488f-a1e6-a0b7cef71c88" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2024/dei-2024.xsd#dei_Security12bTitle"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityInformationLineItems_906c3fdd-13fd-41a1-b121-b7b87cf36783" xlink:to="loc_dei_Security12bTitle_7c9ee490-03e9-488f-a1e6-a0b7cef71c88" xlink:type="arc" order="15"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_TradingSymbol_35cf42d3-7cd3-4cd1-b3f1-c6ec76b848c8" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2024/dei-2024.xsd#dei_TradingSymbol"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityInformationLineItems_906c3fdd-13fd-41a1-b121-b7b87cf36783" xlink:to="loc_dei_TradingSymbol_35cf42d3-7cd3-4cd1-b3f1-c6ec76b848c8" xlink:type="arc" order="16"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_SecurityExchangeName_2e7ed8eb-56ae-4529-9086-a0ec8b1b9b04" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2024/dei-2024.xsd#dei_SecurityExchangeName"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityInformationLineItems_906c3fdd-13fd-41a1-b121-b7b87cf36783" xlink:to="loc_dei_SecurityExchangeName_2e7ed8eb-56ae-4529-9086-a0ec8b1b9b04" xlink:type="arc" order="17"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityCurrentReportingStatus_4973340c-c3cd-456b-972e-dbc19c9c9868" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2024/dei-2024.xsd#dei_EntityCurrentReportingStatus"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityInformationLineItems_906c3fdd-13fd-41a1-b121-b7b87cf36783" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityCurrentReportingStatus_4973340c-c3cd-456b-972e-dbc19c9c9868" xlink:type="arc" order="18"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityInteractiveDataCurrent_a0d9a13c-931c-45b4-a41e-392eb96c247c" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2024/dei-2024.xsd#dei_EntityInteractiveDataCurrent"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityInformationLineItems_906c3fdd-13fd-41a1-b121-b7b87cf36783" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityInteractiveDataCurrent_a0d9a13c-931c-45b4-a41e-392eb96c247c" xlink:type="arc" order="19"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityFilerCategory_e0a3dbaf-7fd4-42ca-88b0-544a3af00c55" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2024/dei-2024.xsd#dei_EntityFilerCategory"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityInformationLineItems_906c3fdd-13fd-41a1-b121-b7b87cf36783" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityFilerCategory_e0a3dbaf-7fd4-42ca-88b0-544a3af00c55" xlink:type="arc" order="20"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntitySmallBusiness_41afc20f-c9c5-49d7-8c96-522a834b0fce" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2024/dei-2024.xsd#dei_EntitySmallBusiness"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityInformationLineItems_906c3fdd-13fd-41a1-b121-b7b87cf36783" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntitySmallBusiness_41afc20f-c9c5-49d7-8c96-522a834b0fce" xlink:type="arc" order="21"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityEmergingGrowthCompany_65e9c4e8-31b4-4c03-b6b8-e6444d5c28c6" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2024/dei-2024.xsd#dei_EntityEmergingGrowthCompany"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityInformationLineItems_906c3fdd-13fd-41a1-b121-b7b87cf36783" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityEmergingGrowthCompany_65e9c4e8-31b4-4c03-b6b8-e6444d5c28c6" xlink:type="arc" order="22"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityShellCompany_92849762-6b00-4c19-b08c-4b382f158ba4" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2024/dei-2024.xsd#dei_EntityShellCompany"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityInformationLineItems_906c3fdd-13fd-41a1-b121-b7b87cf36783" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityShellCompany_92849762-6b00-4c19-b08c-4b382f158ba4" xlink:type="arc" order="23"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityCommonStockSharesOutstanding_894b633a-931a-4420-a55f-3721b0996562" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2024/dei-2024.xsd#dei_EntityCommonStockSharesOutstanding"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityInformationLineItems_906c3fdd-13fd-41a1-b121-b7b87cf36783" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityCommonStockSharesOutstanding_894b633a-931a-4420-a55f-3721b0996562" xlink:type="arc" order="24"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityCentralIndexKey_0128aa52-27ca-4afc-b333-a60796721b9f" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2024/dei-2024.xsd#dei_EntityCentralIndexKey"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityInformationLineItems_906c3fdd-13fd-41a1-b121-b7b87cf36783" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityCentralIndexKey_0128aa52-27ca-4afc-b333-a60796721b9f" xlink:type="arc" order="25"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_AmendmentFlag_baa8436f-5cb0-4708-b07e-4e9bda727896" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2024/dei-2024.xsd#dei_AmendmentFlag"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityInformationLineItems_906c3fdd-13fd-41a1-b121-b7b87cf36783" xlink:to="loc_dei_AmendmentFlag_baa8436f-5cb0-4708-b07e-4e9bda727896" xlink:type="arc" order="26"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_CurrentFiscalYearEndDate_b6b6a76e-1fc2-4cde-bde4-7abdc9e56554" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2024/dei-2024.xsd#dei_CurrentFiscalYearEndDate"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityInformationLineItems_906c3fdd-13fd-41a1-b121-b7b87cf36783" xlink:to="loc_dei_CurrentFiscalYearEndDate_b6b6a76e-1fc2-4cde-bde4-7abdc9e56554" xlink:type="arc" order="27"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_DocumentFiscalYearFocus_380ba8ac-ab8e-4be7-a1cd-90f769bf19c8" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2024/dei-2024.xsd#dei_DocumentFiscalYearFocus"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityInformationLineItems_906c3fdd-13fd-41a1-b121-b7b87cf36783" xlink:to="loc_dei_DocumentFiscalYearFocus_380ba8ac-ab8e-4be7-a1cd-90f769bf19c8" xlink:type="arc" order="28"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_DocumentFiscalPeriodFocus_ad7e02fe-e84f-428d-900e-dc3e702e1a7c" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2024/dei-2024.xsd#dei_DocumentFiscalPeriodFocus"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityInformationLineItems_906c3fdd-13fd-41a1-b121-b7b87cf36783" xlink:to="loc_dei_DocumentFiscalPeriodFocus_ad7e02fe-e84f-428d-900e-dc3e702e1a7c" xlink:type="arc" order="29"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.hei.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedStatementsofIncomeunaudited" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#CondensedConsolidatedStatementsofIncomeunaudited"/>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.hei.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedStatementsofIncomeunaudited" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_24642ae0-3d2d-4e7d-af98-6a4658c0fd5f" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_ecb75207-b1f9-4c28-afe8-c7ee2b073355" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_24642ae0-3d2d-4e7d-af98-6a4658c0fd5f" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_ecb75207-b1f9-4c28-afe8-c7ee2b073355" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_be0b0711-9ca0-4fc7-8b9c-4587ec3ffe07" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_ecb75207-b1f9-4c28-afe8-c7ee2b073355" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_be0b0711-9ca0-4fc7-8b9c-4587ec3ffe07" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_be0b0711-9ca0-4fc7-8b9c-4587ec3ffe07_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_be0b0711-9ca0-4fc7-8b9c-4587ec3ffe07" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_be0b0711-9ca0-4fc7-8b9c-4587ec3ffe07_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_9cd6423a-960a-4a8e-89ac-a199c05edc6e" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_be0b0711-9ca0-4fc7-8b9c-4587ec3ffe07" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_9cd6423a-960a-4a8e-89ac-a199c05edc6e" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_ElectricUtilitySegmentMember_39d90f3e-4a93-4634-be5a-44d410f2808b" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_ElectricUtilitySegmentMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_9cd6423a-960a-4a8e-89ac-a199c05edc6e" xlink:to="loc_he_ElectricUtilitySegmentMember_39d90f3e-4a93-4634-be5a-44d410f2808b" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_BankingSegmentMember_865f6e3c-a119-4414-aada-ea8552270d5a" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_BankingSegmentMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_9cd6423a-960a-4a8e-89ac-a199c05edc6e" xlink:to="loc_he_BankingSegmentMember_865f6e3c-a119-4414-aada-ea8552270d5a" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AllOtherSegmentsMember_c673d94f-e9a4-4b40-9257-00198663853a" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_AllOtherSegmentsMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_9cd6423a-960a-4a8e-89ac-a199c05edc6e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AllOtherSegmentsMember_c673d94f-e9a4-4b40-9257-00198663853a" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RevenuesAbstract_b793051e-aa87-41ce-965d-22b54cae34a6" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_RevenuesAbstract"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_24642ae0-3d2d-4e7d-af98-6a4658c0fd5f" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RevenuesAbstract_b793051e-aa87-41ce-965d-22b54cae34a6" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Revenues_1b91c397-3317-4d55-8e7b-9974f79fd410" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_Revenues"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RevenuesAbstract_b793051e-aa87-41ce-965d-22b54cae34a6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Revenues_1b91c397-3317-4d55-8e7b-9974f79fd410" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CostsAndExpensesAbstract_69e7f4e8-dcb9-432c-b472-6b67c115613b" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_CostsAndExpensesAbstract"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_24642ae0-3d2d-4e7d-af98-6a4658c0fd5f" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CostsAndExpensesAbstract_69e7f4e8-dcb9-432c-b472-6b67c115613b" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CostsAndExpenses_595a0557-cb9e-46da-987d-20e0fff71985" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_CostsAndExpenses"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CostsAndExpensesAbstract_69e7f4e8-dcb9-432c-b472-6b67c115613b" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CostsAndExpenses_595a0557-cb9e-46da-987d-20e0fff71985" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLossAbstract_784d3c2e-52cd-4ccd-a9d4-5786bd610781" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLossAbstract"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_24642ae0-3d2d-4e7d-af98-6a4658c0fd5f" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLossAbstract_784d3c2e-52cd-4ccd-a9d4-5786bd610781" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss_ae8bfe3b-1dc0-44c6-8251-723657d8e5ee" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLossAbstract_784d3c2e-52cd-4ccd-a9d4-5786bd610781" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss_ae8bfe3b-1dc0-44c6-8251-723657d8e5ee" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.hei.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedStatementsofChangesinShareholdersEquity" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#CondensedConsolidatedStatementsofChangesinShareholdersEquity"/>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.hei.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedStatementsofChangesinShareholdersEquity" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_ebc77125-50cd-4054-9440-3018c92c1505" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_88b63545-6a37-47ee-8efc-9a47beaa37d6" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_ebc77125-50cd-4054-9440-3018c92c1505" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_88b63545-6a37-47ee-8efc-9a47beaa37d6" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_1019c351-b4cd-4c1d-bb30-2457de153d4b" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_88b63545-6a37-47ee-8efc-9a47beaa37d6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_1019c351-b4cd-4c1d-bb30-2457de153d4b" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_1019c351-b4cd-4c1d-bb30-2457de153d4b_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_1019c351-b4cd-4c1d-bb30-2457de153d4b" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_1019c351-b4cd-4c1d-bb30-2457de153d4b_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_38441775-b27d-4018-90c2-f9f08a053e0e" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_1019c351-b4cd-4c1d-bb30-2457de153d4b" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_38441775-b27d-4018-90c2-f9f08a053e0e" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockMember_0bca65e9-f31c-4442-8981-4fe858ace713" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_38441775-b27d-4018-90c2-f9f08a053e0e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockMember_0bca65e9-f31c-4442-8981-4fe858ace713" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember_7aa26996-2e2e-4671-a290-8c60366a628a" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_38441775-b27d-4018-90c2-f9f08a053e0e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember_7aa26996-2e2e-4671-a290-8c60366a628a" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember_8c1ccdde-f976-4ffd-ba18-5a6974c4006e" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_38441775-b27d-4018-90c2-f9f08a053e0e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember_8c1ccdde-f976-4ffd-ba18-5a6974c4006e" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_f602b26d-b084-4cf7-9ca6-cf93680b0cf7" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_ebc77125-50cd-4054-9440-3018c92c1505" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_f602b26d-b084-4cf7-9ca6-cf93680b0cf7" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockSharesIssued_8dd2ef2e-ba6f-4f61-9d32-272da685abae" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockSharesIssued"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_f602b26d-b084-4cf7-9ca6-cf93680b0cf7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockSharesIssued_8dd2ef2e-ba6f-4f61-9d32-272da685abae" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquity_d0e50ae8-24f4-44cb-b0ee-ec1320054f76" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquity"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_f602b26d-b084-4cf7-9ca6-cf93680b0cf7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquity_d0e50ae8-24f4-44cb-b0ee-ec1320054f76" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAvailableToCommonStockholdersBasic_034a54d9-16cc-475f-8c8d-1091031489db" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAvailableToCommonStockholdersBasic"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_f602b26d-b084-4cf7-9ca6-cf93680b0cf7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAvailableToCommonStockholdersBasic_034a54d9-16cc-475f-8c8d-1091031489db" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxPortionAttributableToParent_9ab03668-7287-4ec0-b7d0-f078a22e7268" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxPortionAttributableToParent"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_f602b26d-b084-4cf7-9ca6-cf93680b0cf7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxPortionAttributableToParent_9ab03668-7287-4ec0-b7d0-f078a22e7268" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesNewIssues_a7c7c9c8-5809-48d1-acfe-86b74402c459" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesNewIssues"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_f602b26d-b084-4cf7-9ca6-cf93680b0cf7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesNewIssues_a7c7c9c8-5809-48d1-acfe-86b74402c459" xlink:type="arc" order="5"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueNewIssues_33c32c5a-7d59-4d70-ba3b-0cf5a8018bc7" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueNewIssues"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_f602b26d-b084-4cf7-9ca6-cf93680b0cf7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueNewIssues_33c32c5a-7d59-4d70-ba3b-0cf5a8018bc7" xlink:type="arc" order="6"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueExpensesAndOtherNet_42b8ce7e-769e-4c22-8803-9b4bfb52ee71" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueExpensesAndOtherNet"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_f602b26d-b084-4cf7-9ca6-cf93680b0cf7" xlink:to="loc_he_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueExpensesAndOtherNet_42b8ce7e-769e-4c22-8803-9b4bfb52ee71" xlink:type="arc" order="7"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesDividendReinvestmentPlanAndEmployeeStockPurchasePlans_083a3dfa-43c4-4af5-850d-09a45065d206" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesDividendReinvestmentPlanAndEmployeeStockPurchasePlans"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_f602b26d-b084-4cf7-9ca6-cf93680b0cf7" xlink:to="loc_he_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesDividendReinvestmentPlanAndEmployeeStockPurchasePlans_083a3dfa-43c4-4af5-850d-09a45065d206" xlink:type="arc" order="8"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueDividendReinvestmentPlanAndEmployeeStockPurchasePlans_c23cdd8c-f645-4e47-a92b-c160eeaddb34" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueDividendReinvestmentPlanAndEmployeeStockPurchasePlans"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_f602b26d-b084-4cf7-9ca6-cf93680b0cf7" xlink:to="loc_he_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueDividendReinvestmentPlanAndEmployeeStockPurchasePlans_c23cdd8c-f645-4e47-a92b-c160eeaddb34" xlink:type="arc" order="9"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DividendsCommonStockCash_1541abf2-8298-4274-8464-63e23825e427" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_DividendsCommonStockCash"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_f602b26d-b084-4cf7-9ca6-cf93680b0cf7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DividendsCommonStockCash_1541abf2-8298-4274-8464-63e23825e427" xlink:type="arc" order="10"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockSharesIssued_97726dc7-b488-483d-9268-c8ae14491a6d" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockSharesIssued"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquity_fb99ce33-b23b-4340-a36b-aa3f83690bb1" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquity"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.hei.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedStatementsofIncomeunauditedHECO" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#CondensedConsolidatedStatementsofIncomeunauditedHECO"/>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.hei.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedStatementsofIncomeunauditedHECO" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_dc8f921c-de35-41e6-bd4b-67726734d620" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_0affa2fb-6025-4c2c-aa5c-5540b01992d1" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_dc8f921c-de35-41e6-bd4b-67726734d620" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_0affa2fb-6025-4c2c-aa5c-5540b01992d1" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_069ea043-4b86-4633-9d99-8510c5fb5022" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2024/dei-2024.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_0affa2fb-6025-4c2c-aa5c-5540b01992d1" xlink:to="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_069ea043-4b86-4633-9d99-8510c5fb5022" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_069ea043-4b86-4633-9d99-8510c5fb5022_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2024/dei-2024.xsd#dei_EntityDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_069ea043-4b86-4633-9d99-8510c5fb5022" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_069ea043-4b86-4633-9d99-8510c5fb5022_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_8bf5e006-b6bd-41f8-a8cf-0c7648d0d0ed" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2024/dei-2024.xsd#dei_EntityDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_069ea043-4b86-4633-9d99-8510c5fb5022" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_8bf5e006-b6bd-41f8-a8cf-0c7648d0d0ed" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_HawaiianElectricCompanyAndSubsidiariesMember_4c178e52-7a55-4c87-8e40-028a5f709ef6" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_HawaiianElectricCompanyAndSubsidiariesMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_8bf5e006-b6bd-41f8-a8cf-0c7648d0d0ed" xlink:to="loc_he_HawaiianElectricCompanyAndSubsidiariesMember_4c178e52-7a55-4c87-8e40-028a5f709ef6" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RevenuesAbstract_cb2856ab-c5f9-47a9-a5ef-33573e9b2cf6" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_RevenuesAbstract"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_dc8f921c-de35-41e6-bd4b-67726734d620" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RevenuesAbstract_cb2856ab-c5f9-47a9-a5ef-33573e9b2cf6" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Revenues_6ccd9250-a952-4714-8463-efd982202ef0" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_Revenues"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RevenuesAbstract_cb2856ab-c5f9-47a9-a5ef-33573e9b2cf6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Revenues_6ccd9250-a952-4714-8463-efd982202ef0" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CostsAndExpensesAbstract_4b48c868-927b-4971-8543-25df7743f784" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_CostsAndExpensesAbstract"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_dc8f921c-de35-41e6-bd4b-67726734d620" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CostsAndExpensesAbstract_4b48c868-927b-4971-8543-25df7743f784" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_UtilitiesOperatingExpenseFuelUsed_32e56f2b-2625-45a9-acb1-b36a08b86009" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_UtilitiesOperatingExpenseFuelUsed"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CostsAndExpensesAbstract_4b48c868-927b-4971-8543-25df7743f784" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_UtilitiesOperatingExpenseFuelUsed_32e56f2b-2625-45a9-acb1-b36a08b86009" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_UtilitiesOperatingExpensePurchasedPower_2196d4df-9a41-472c-82be-7d189128bc77" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_UtilitiesOperatingExpensePurchasedPower"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CostsAndExpensesAbstract_4b48c868-927b-4971-8543-25df7743f784" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_UtilitiesOperatingExpensePurchasedPower_2196d4df-9a41-472c-82be-7d189128bc77" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_UtilitiesOperatingExpenseMaintenanceAndOperations_b8da7160-7bc0-41d8-9e9e-6dc138336011" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_UtilitiesOperatingExpenseMaintenanceAndOperations"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CostsAndExpensesAbstract_4b48c868-927b-4971-8543-25df7743f784" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_UtilitiesOperatingExpenseMaintenanceAndOperations_b8da7160-7bc0-41d8-9e9e-6dc138336011" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LossContingencyLossInPeriod_9823b883-80d3-4b1c-9d77-fbf19c0ede21" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_LossContingencyLossInPeriod"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CostsAndExpensesAbstract_4b48c868-927b-4971-8543-25df7743f784" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LossContingencyLossInPeriod_9823b883-80d3-4b1c-9d77-fbf19c0ede21" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_UtilitiesOperatingExpenseDepreciationAndAmortization_51a8412b-546f-46b7-9d39-347311e0de57" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_UtilitiesOperatingExpenseDepreciationAndAmortization"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CostsAndExpensesAbstract_4b48c868-927b-4971-8543-25df7743f784" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_UtilitiesOperatingExpenseDepreciationAndAmortization_51a8412b-546f-46b7-9d39-347311e0de57" xlink:type="arc" order="5"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_UtilitiesOperatingExpenseOtherTaxes_10f82b83-314c-4853-9336-1d169f11d640" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_UtilitiesOperatingExpenseOtherTaxes"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CostsAndExpensesAbstract_4b48c868-927b-4971-8543-25df7743f784" xlink:to="loc_he_UtilitiesOperatingExpenseOtherTaxes_10f82b83-314c-4853-9336-1d169f11d640" xlink:type="arc" order="6"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CostsAndExpenses_4e9c72b4-8f24-4e50-b7d4-da2273259c37" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_CostsAndExpenses"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CostsAndExpensesAbstract_4b48c868-927b-4971-8543-25df7743f784" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CostsAndExpenses_4e9c72b4-8f24-4e50-b7d4-da2273259c37" xlink:type="arc" order="7"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss_fb98488f-78f6-414a-a34f-bf1f94928659" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_dc8f921c-de35-41e6-bd4b-67726734d620" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss_fb98488f-78f6-414a-a34f-bf1f94928659" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesAllowanceForFundsUsedDuringConstructionCapitalizedCostOfEquity_829bf641-cf6d-45db-88ba-992d10f0c528" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesAllowanceForFundsUsedDuringConstructionCapitalizedCostOfEquity"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_dc8f921c-de35-41e6-bd4b-67726734d620" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesAllowanceForFundsUsedDuringConstructionCapitalizedCostOfEquity_829bf641-cf6d-45db-88ba-992d10f0c528" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetPeriodicDefinedBenefitsExpenseReversalOfExpenseExcludingServiceCostComponent_d2f0aa48-6eb1-4948-807a-9adb96fc6c27" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_NetPeriodicDefinedBenefitsExpenseReversalOfExpenseExcludingServiceCostComponent"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_dc8f921c-de35-41e6-bd4b-67726734d620" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetPeriodicDefinedBenefitsExpenseReversalOfExpenseExcludingServiceCostComponent_d2f0aa48-6eb1-4948-807a-9adb96fc6c27" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_InterestExpenseAndOtherCharges_374b5fa8-4b51-4689-89bd-ac56b211de1a" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_InterestExpenseAndOtherCharges"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_dc8f921c-de35-41e6-bd4b-67726734d620" xlink:to="loc_he_InterestExpenseAndOtherCharges_374b5fa8-4b51-4689-89bd-ac56b211de1a" xlink:type="arc" order="5"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterestCostsCapitalizedAdjustment_c33ca86d-2a05-4f68-84a3-6c9f8ff6f8d4" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_InterestCostsCapitalizedAdjustment"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_dc8f921c-de35-41e6-bd4b-67726734d620" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InterestCostsCapitalizedAdjustment_c33ca86d-2a05-4f68-84a3-6c9f8ff6f8d4" xlink:type="arc" order="6"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentIncomeInterest_421234d7-5448-4bf4-87cb-577c93c6dab4" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_InvestmentIncomeInterest"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_dc8f921c-de35-41e6-bd4b-67726734d620" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentIncomeInterest_421234d7-5448-4bf4-87cb-577c93c6dab4" xlink:type="arc" order="7"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesExtraordinaryItemsNoncontrollingInterest_1dc30674-7e47-42c3-8912-d149d1200817" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesExtraordinaryItemsNoncontrollingInterest"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_dc8f921c-de35-41e6-bd4b-67726734d620" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesExtraordinaryItemsNoncontrollingInterest_1dc30674-7e47-42c3-8912-d149d1200817" xlink:type="arc" order="8"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit_eb832efa-525a-4873-a899-e6fd49ce18dd" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_dc8f921c-de35-41e6-bd4b-67726734d620" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit_eb832efa-525a-4873-a899-e6fd49ce18dd" xlink:type="arc" order="9"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProfitLoss_55a2a89c-0955-4467-94a1-b255f5005337" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_ProfitLoss"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_dc8f921c-de35-41e6-bd4b-67726734d620" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProfitLoss_55a2a89c-0955-4467-94a1-b255f5005337" xlink:type="arc" order="10"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestInNetIncomeLossPreferredUnitHoldersRedeemable_fc93a38f-ed64-48fa-8d9b-89823c731d5a" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestInNetIncomeLossPreferredUnitHoldersRedeemable"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_dc8f921c-de35-41e6-bd4b-67726734d620" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestInNetIncomeLossPreferredUnitHoldersRedeemable_fc93a38f-ed64-48fa-8d9b-89823c731d5a" xlink:type="arc" order="11"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_a1091e5f-c9cc-45c2-9a9d-42c1fbc08150" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_dc8f921c-de35-41e6-bd4b-67726734d620" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_a1091e5f-c9cc-45c2-9a9d-42c1fbc08150" xlink:type="arc" order="12"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockDividendsIncomeStatementImpact_3ab76943-91d7-4a8e-9d00-8a0e2dc3d0ce" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockDividendsIncomeStatementImpact"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_dc8f921c-de35-41e6-bd4b-67726734d620" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockDividendsIncomeStatementImpact_3ab76943-91d7-4a8e-9d00-8a0e2dc3d0ce" xlink:type="arc" order="13"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAvailableToCommonStockholdersBasic_36ab6011-5be9-408c-8eee-5c254a7f8144" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAvailableToCommonStockholdersBasic"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_dc8f921c-de35-41e6-bd4b-67726734d620" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAvailableToCommonStockholdersBasic_36ab6011-5be9-408c-8eee-5c254a7f8144" xlink:type="arc" order="14"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.hei.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedStatementsofComprehensiveIncomeunauditedHECO" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#CondensedConsolidatedStatementsofComprehensiveIncomeunauditedHECO"/>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.hei.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedStatementsofComprehensiveIncomeunauditedHECO" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_3e380b8a-b4bb-4812-9ad3-82920f4b785b" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_6899b95a-2cd1-4864-b114-a41ee693a502" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_3e380b8a-b4bb-4812-9ad3-82920f4b785b" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_6899b95a-2cd1-4864-b114-a41ee693a502" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_7065be35-5408-4df5-8165-23cd5368bbf6" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2024/dei-2024.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_6899b95a-2cd1-4864-b114-a41ee693a502" xlink:to="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_7065be35-5408-4df5-8165-23cd5368bbf6" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_7065be35-5408-4df5-8165-23cd5368bbf6_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2024/dei-2024.xsd#dei_EntityDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_7065be35-5408-4df5-8165-23cd5368bbf6" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_7065be35-5408-4df5-8165-23cd5368bbf6_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_57739d1d-41cb-4730-a6d4-60758e989fec" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2024/dei-2024.xsd#dei_EntityDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_7065be35-5408-4df5-8165-23cd5368bbf6" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_57739d1d-41cb-4730-a6d4-60758e989fec" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_HawaiianElectricCompanyAndSubsidiariesMember_06db2af5-4f28-492d-ba1a-3353f56181c5" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_HawaiianElectricCompanyAndSubsidiariesMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_57739d1d-41cb-4730-a6d4-60758e989fec" xlink:to="loc_he_HawaiianElectricCompanyAndSubsidiariesMember_06db2af5-4f28-492d-ba1a-3353f56181c5" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAvailableToCommonStockholdersBasic_8b4f58e1-b0fa-4184-ae16-59a4788d60d9" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAvailableToCommonStockholdersBasic"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_3e380b8a-b4bb-4812-9ad3-82920f4b785b" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAvailableToCommonStockholdersBasic_8b4f58e1-b0fa-4184-ae16-59a4788d60d9" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxPortionAttributableToParentAbstract_5fc17d0f-3618-4dc7-8690-549da1c98c90" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxPortionAttributableToParentAbstract"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_3e380b8a-b4bb-4812-9ad3-82920f4b785b" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxPortionAttributableToParentAbstract_5fc17d0f-3618-4dc7-8690-549da1c98c90" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeDefinedBenefitPlansAdjustmentNetOfTaxPortionAttributableToParentAbstract_c06b8660-2c7c-4b78-bb89-3ff7ad438109" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeDefinedBenefitPlansAdjustmentNetOfTaxPortionAttributableToParentAbstract"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxPortionAttributableToParentAbstract_5fc17d0f-3618-4dc7-8690-549da1c98c90" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeDefinedBenefitPlansAdjustmentNetOfTaxPortionAttributableToParentAbstract_c06b8660-2c7c-4b78-bb89-3ff7ad438109" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossDefinedBenefitPlanPriorServiceCostCreditRecognizedInNetPeriodicBenefitCostReclassificationAdjustmentFromAOCINetOfTax_3ccc2e71-203c-4c0a-84d0-0cb96e7157a1" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossDefinedBenefitPlanPriorServiceCostCreditRecognizedInNetPeriodicBenefitCostReclassificationAdjustmentFromAOCINetOfTax"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeDefinedBenefitPlansAdjustmentNetOfTaxPortionAttributableToParentAbstract_c06b8660-2c7c-4b78-bb89-3ff7ad438109" xlink:to="loc_he_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossDefinedBenefitPlanPriorServiceCostCreditRecognizedInNetPeriodicBenefitCostReclassificationAdjustmentFromAOCINetOfTax_3ccc2e71-203c-4c0a-84d0-0cb96e7157a1" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_OtherComprehensiveIncomeReclassificationAdjustmentForImpactOfDecisionAndOrdersOfThePUCIncludedInRegulatoryAssetsNetOfTax_50dee98d-14a3-41a9-829d-4d5df4a09113" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_OtherComprehensiveIncomeReclassificationAdjustmentForImpactOfDecisionAndOrdersOfThePUCIncludedInRegulatoryAssetsNetOfTax"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeDefinedBenefitPlansAdjustmentNetOfTaxPortionAttributableToParentAbstract_c06b8660-2c7c-4b78-bb89-3ff7ad438109" xlink:to="loc_he_OtherComprehensiveIncomeReclassificationAdjustmentForImpactOfDecisionAndOrdersOfThePUCIncludedInRegulatoryAssetsNetOfTax_50dee98d-14a3-41a9-829d-4d5df4a09113" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxPortionAttributableToParent_c925a071-9ecf-45cc-a9fc-b939cc00c958" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxPortionAttributableToParent"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxPortionAttributableToParentAbstract_5fc17d0f-3618-4dc7-8690-549da1c98c90" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxPortionAttributableToParent_c925a071-9ecf-45cc-a9fc-b939cc00c958" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTax_c8151da7-2089-44f1-b446-31580a4f6098" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTax"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_3e380b8a-b4bb-4812-9ad3-82920f4b785b" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTax_c8151da7-2089-44f1-b446-31580a4f6098" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.hei.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedStatementsofComprehensiveIncomeunauditedHECOParenthetical" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#CondensedConsolidatedStatementsofComprehensiveIncomeunauditedHECOParenthetical"/>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.hei.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedStatementsofComprehensiveIncomeunauditedHECOParenthetical" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_e720b90b-385d-4944-a535-0455d64961c2" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_4b87d589-afac-4ec5-8e49-7c3d3918cca1" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_e720b90b-385d-4944-a535-0455d64961c2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_4b87d589-afac-4ec5-8e49-7c3d3918cca1" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_d354a40c-15b3-4b48-a394-eb0e1d28d88b" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2024/dei-2024.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_4b87d589-afac-4ec5-8e49-7c3d3918cca1" xlink:to="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_d354a40c-15b3-4b48-a394-eb0e1d28d88b" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_d354a40c-15b3-4b48-a394-eb0e1d28d88b_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2024/dei-2024.xsd#dei_EntityDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_d354a40c-15b3-4b48-a394-eb0e1d28d88b" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_d354a40c-15b3-4b48-a394-eb0e1d28d88b_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_2c0baef6-ee89-45e4-925d-0035970da69f" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2024/dei-2024.xsd#dei_EntityDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_d354a40c-15b3-4b48-a394-eb0e1d28d88b" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_2c0baef6-ee89-45e4-925d-0035970da69f" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_HawaiianElectricCompanyAndSubsidiariesMember_0fff498b-dcdf-44ab-aec8-477299539193" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_HawaiianElectricCompanyAndSubsidiariesMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_2c0baef6-ee89-45e4-925d-0035970da69f" xlink:to="loc_he_HawaiianElectricCompanyAndSubsidiariesMember_0fff498b-dcdf-44ab-aec8-477299539193" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeDefinedBenefitPlansAdjustmentNetOfTaxPortionAttributableToParentAbstract_8a1d4bde-2085-4c78-82b6-09de2f121f4b" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeDefinedBenefitPlansAdjustmentNetOfTaxPortionAttributableToParentAbstract"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_e720b90b-385d-4944-a535-0455d64961c2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeDefinedBenefitPlansAdjustmentNetOfTaxPortionAttributableToParentAbstract_8a1d4bde-2085-4c78-82b6-09de2f121f4b" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossDefinedBenefitPlanPriorServiceCostCreditRecognizedInNetPeriodicBenefitCostReclassificationAdjustmentFromAOCITax_97a4dca2-bde8-4b16-a2f8-47a84e198e3c" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossDefinedBenefitPlanPriorServiceCostCreditRecognizedInNetPeriodicBenefitCostReclassificationAdjustmentFromAOCITax"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeDefinedBenefitPlansAdjustmentNetOfTaxPortionAttributableToParentAbstract_8a1d4bde-2085-4c78-82b6-09de2f121f4b" xlink:to="loc_he_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossDefinedBenefitPlanPriorServiceCostCreditRecognizedInNetPeriodicBenefitCostReclassificationAdjustmentFromAOCITax_97a4dca2-bde8-4b16-a2f8-47a84e198e3c" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_OtherComprehensiveIncomeReclassificationAdjustmentForImpactOfDecisionAndOrdersOfThePUCIncludedInRegulatoryAssetsTax_060bd05b-f13e-48b4-88fa-0892a48cbf4d" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_OtherComprehensiveIncomeReclassificationAdjustmentForImpactOfDecisionAndOrdersOfThePUCIncludedInRegulatoryAssetsTax"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeDefinedBenefitPlansAdjustmentNetOfTaxPortionAttributableToParentAbstract_8a1d4bde-2085-4c78-82b6-09de2f121f4b" xlink:to="loc_he_OtherComprehensiveIncomeReclassificationAdjustmentForImpactOfDecisionAndOrdersOfThePUCIncludedInRegulatoryAssetsTax_060bd05b-f13e-48b4-88fa-0892a48cbf4d" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.hei.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedBalanceSheetsunauditedHECO" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#CondensedConsolidatedBalanceSheetsunauditedHECO"/>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.hei.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedBalanceSheetsunauditedHECO" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_f4296f4c-3cca-4e17-846e-fbd39192420d" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_f1f6efc7-21e3-467a-a4b9-3c9ae19eebfc" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_f4296f4c-3cca-4e17-846e-fbd39192420d" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_f1f6efc7-21e3-467a-a4b9-3c9ae19eebfc" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_b0904f4a-005e-4638-b40b-bb0a8100fcb4" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2024/dei-2024.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_f1f6efc7-21e3-467a-a4b9-3c9ae19eebfc" xlink:to="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_b0904f4a-005e-4638-b40b-bb0a8100fcb4" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_b0904f4a-005e-4638-b40b-bb0a8100fcb4_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2024/dei-2024.xsd#dei_EntityDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_b0904f4a-005e-4638-b40b-bb0a8100fcb4" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_b0904f4a-005e-4638-b40b-bb0a8100fcb4_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_39b2f60b-3223-4071-859c-6af83482c01a" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2024/dei-2024.xsd#dei_EntityDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_b0904f4a-005e-4638-b40b-bb0a8100fcb4" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_39b2f60b-3223-4071-859c-6af83482c01a" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_HawaiianElectricCompanyAndSubsidiariesMember_d83be3d0-fc69-43be-83e2-2a572e9af396" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_HawaiianElectricCompanyAndSubsidiariesMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_39b2f60b-3223-4071-859c-6af83482c01a" xlink:to="loc_he_HawaiianElectricCompanyAndSubsidiariesMember_d83be3d0-fc69-43be-83e2-2a572e9af396" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_a614372d-8658-472d-b8a7-509f1ee7e48b" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_AssetsAbstract"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_f4296f4c-3cca-4e17-846e-fbd39192420d" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_a614372d-8658-472d-b8a7-509f1ee7e48b" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesPropertyPlantAndEquipmentAbstract_7750f573-9d8c-46e0-8309-84a4d047025d" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesPropertyPlantAndEquipmentAbstract"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_a614372d-8658-472d-b8a7-509f1ee7e48b" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesPropertyPlantAndEquipmentAbstract_7750f573-9d8c-46e0-8309-84a4d047025d" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesPropertyPlantAndEquipmentNetAbstract_d3b7622c-deb8-4045-a8b3-6f024c5dab32" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesPropertyPlantAndEquipmentNetAbstract"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesPropertyPlantAndEquipmentAbstract_7750f573-9d8c-46e0-8309-84a4d047025d" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesPropertyPlantAndEquipmentNetAbstract_d3b7622c-deb8-4045-a8b3-6f024c5dab32" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesPropertyPlantAndEquipmentLand_070cd3a9-7ba5-4a1d-a730-07430785563d" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesPropertyPlantAndEquipmentLand"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesPropertyPlantAndEquipmentNetAbstract_d3b7622c-deb8-4045-a8b3-6f024c5dab32" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesPropertyPlantAndEquipmentLand_070cd3a9-7ba5-4a1d-a730-07430785563d" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_PublicUtilitiesPropertyPlantAndEquipmentTransmissionDistributionGenerationAndOther_f822c44a-c066-4dee-b830-bac3ca8db997" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_PublicUtilitiesPropertyPlantAndEquipmentTransmissionDistributionGenerationAndOther"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesPropertyPlantAndEquipmentNetAbstract_d3b7622c-deb8-4045-a8b3-6f024c5dab32" xlink:to="loc_he_PublicUtilitiesPropertyPlantAndEquipmentTransmissionDistributionGenerationAndOther_f822c44a-c066-4dee-b830-bac3ca8db997" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinanceLeaseRightOfUseAssetBeforeAccumulatedAmortization_0c9e1973-2633-4a91-a250-90ce06d222ba" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_FinanceLeaseRightOfUseAssetBeforeAccumulatedAmortization"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesPropertyPlantAndEquipmentNetAbstract_d3b7622c-deb8-4045-a8b3-6f024c5dab32" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinanceLeaseRightOfUseAssetBeforeAccumulatedAmortization_0c9e1973-2633-4a91-a250-90ce06d222ba" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesPropertyPlantAndEquipmentAccumulatedDepreciation_20d4675a-c45e-452f-86d4-b66a077b98fc" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesPropertyPlantAndEquipmentAccumulatedDepreciation"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesPropertyPlantAndEquipmentNetAbstract_d3b7622c-deb8-4045-a8b3-6f024c5dab32" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesPropertyPlantAndEquipmentAccumulatedDepreciation_20d4675a-c45e-452f-86d4-b66a077b98fc" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesPropertyPlantAndEquipmentConstructionWorkInProgress_b1634593-d678-45d2-8057-4a6cfee22996" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesPropertyPlantAndEquipmentConstructionWorkInProgress"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesPropertyPlantAndEquipmentNetAbstract_d3b7622c-deb8-4045-a8b3-6f024c5dab32" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesPropertyPlantAndEquipmentConstructionWorkInProgress_b1634593-d678-45d2-8057-4a6cfee22996" xlink:type="arc" order="5"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesPropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet_fe78d8fc-8dc0-4fb5-a229-b9e08484d095" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesPropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesPropertyPlantAndEquipmentNetAbstract_d3b7622c-deb8-4045-a8b3-6f024c5dab32" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesPropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet_fe78d8fc-8dc0-4fb5-a229-b9e08484d095" xlink:type="arc" order="6"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_NonUtilitiesPropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet_8d4e81f3-4078-41b7-9fdd-5f0f6dcdddf3" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_NonUtilitiesPropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesPropertyPlantAndEquipmentAbstract_7750f573-9d8c-46e0-8309-84a4d047025d" xlink:to="loc_he_NonUtilitiesPropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet_8d4e81f3-4078-41b7-9fdd-5f0f6dcdddf3" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet_ad6f19ab-af9d-4446-8f79-b003226fdce7" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesPropertyPlantAndEquipmentAbstract_7750f573-9d8c-46e0-8309-84a4d047025d" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet_ad6f19ab-af9d-4446-8f79-b003226fdce7" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract_29abfc70-778a-42dc-9d0c-f79a22f511ff" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_a614372d-8658-472d-b8a7-509f1ee7e48b" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract_29abfc70-778a-42dc-9d0c-f79a22f511ff" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue_1f67fc0a-f5c1-448e-9fb6-1f30ecb32a88" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract_29abfc70-778a-42dc-9d0c-f79a22f511ff" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue_1f67fc0a-f5c1-448e-9fb6-1f30ecb32a88" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalents_093f6752-dad1-4396-ba91-e2ea7b51fa8a" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalents"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract_29abfc70-778a-42dc-9d0c-f79a22f511ff" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalents_093f6752-dad1-4396-ba91-e2ea7b51fa8a" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccountsReceivableNetCurrent_2ad69d88-6c9b-4b09-8387-98b725ee5a23" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_AccountsReceivableNetCurrent"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract_29abfc70-778a-42dc-9d0c-f79a22f511ff" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccountsReceivableNetCurrent_2ad69d88-6c9b-4b09-8387-98b725ee5a23" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_UnbilledReceivablesCurrent_beeac150-e8fc-4f08-8340-47935ed8713b" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_UnbilledReceivablesCurrent"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract_29abfc70-778a-42dc-9d0c-f79a22f511ff" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_UnbilledReceivablesCurrent_beeac150-e8fc-4f08-8340-47935ed8713b" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccountsAndOtherReceivablesNetCurrent_c097b449-822f-4f86-a35d-832e3d3c2aff" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_AccountsAndOtherReceivablesNetCurrent"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract_29abfc70-778a-42dc-9d0c-f79a22f511ff" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccountsAndOtherReceivablesNetCurrent_c097b449-822f-4f86-a35d-832e3d3c2aff" xlink:type="arc" order="5"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EnergyRelatedInventory_e6db13d7-c548-425e-9906-cf09b46f0440" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_EnergyRelatedInventory"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract_29abfc70-778a-42dc-9d0c-f79a22f511ff" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EnergyRelatedInventory_e6db13d7-c548-425e-9906-cf09b46f0440" xlink:type="arc" order="6"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InventoryRawMaterialsAndSupplies_c6d72d3a-99aa-48ed-a5b4-740e9ee2224c" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_InventoryRawMaterialsAndSupplies"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract_29abfc70-778a-42dc-9d0c-f79a22f511ff" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InventoryRawMaterialsAndSupplies_c6d72d3a-99aa-48ed-a5b4-740e9ee2224c" xlink:type="arc" order="7"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PrepaidExpenseAndOtherAssetsCurrent_c82217a9-92db-4762-8fa9-445ace8e48c0" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_PrepaidExpenseAndOtherAssetsCurrent"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract_29abfc70-778a-42dc-9d0c-f79a22f511ff" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PrepaidExpenseAndOtherAssetsCurrent_c82217a9-92db-4762-8fa9-445ace8e48c0" xlink:type="arc" order="8"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RegulatoryAssetsCurrent_fab324d5-1497-4f42-93ac-e3d93f366f40" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_RegulatoryAssetsCurrent"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract_29abfc70-778a-42dc-9d0c-f79a22f511ff" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RegulatoryAssetsCurrent_fab324d5-1497-4f42-93ac-e3d93f366f40" xlink:type="arc" order="9"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetsCurrent_24d8cc10-b306-45a1-8029-9bcc6e545010" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_AssetsCurrent"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract_29abfc70-778a-42dc-9d0c-f79a22f511ff" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetsCurrent_24d8cc10-b306-45a1-8029-9bcc6e545010" xlink:type="arc" order="10"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermInvestmentsAbstract_0574109e-9344-467c-a41d-039f31dae76b" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermInvestmentsAbstract"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_a614372d-8658-472d-b8a7-509f1ee7e48b" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermInvestmentsAbstract_0574109e-9344-467c-a41d-039f31dae76b" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseRightOfUseAsset_977c08cc-4abb-43c5-80a2-8eb6d9490d44" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeaseRightOfUseAsset"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongTermInvestmentsAbstract_0574109e-9344-467c-a41d-039f31dae76b" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseRightOfUseAsset_977c08cc-4abb-43c5-80a2-8eb6d9490d44" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RegulatoryAssetsNoncurrent_c54f72c3-eef0-4cc2-a719-4425b2d2714a" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_RegulatoryAssetsNoncurrent"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongTermInvestmentsAbstract_0574109e-9344-467c-a41d-039f31dae76b" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RegulatoryAssetsNoncurrent_c54f72c3-eef0-4cc2-a719-4425b2d2714a" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherAssetsNoncurrent_97ac91c5-4228-4c94-af40-2c0261012e09" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_OtherAssetsNoncurrent"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongTermInvestmentsAbstract_0574109e-9344-467c-a41d-039f31dae76b" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherAssetsNoncurrent_97ac91c5-4228-4c94-af40-2c0261012e09" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_AssetsNoncurrentExcludingPropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet_6cec21a6-1440-46e8-b002-271a2c82840f" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_AssetsNoncurrentExcludingPropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongTermInvestmentsAbstract_0574109e-9344-467c-a41d-039f31dae76b" xlink:to="loc_he_AssetsNoncurrentExcludingPropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet_6cec21a6-1440-46e8-b002-271a2c82840f" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Assets_746c3ea6-7939-447d-a84c-0ccdad305a67" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_Assets"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_a614372d-8658-472d-b8a7-509f1ee7e48b" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Assets_746c3ea6-7939-447d-a84c-0ccdad305a67" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_47c10b2d-d3ab-494a-a830-66aa54d378c1" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_f4296f4c-3cca-4e17-846e-fbd39192420d" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_47c10b2d-d3ab-494a-a830-66aa54d378c1" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_StockholdersEquityAndLongTermDebtNoncurrentAbstract_6cf2f4b3-f577-4f86-b9e9-23a1c6a199f5" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_StockholdersEquityAndLongTermDebtNoncurrentAbstract"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_47c10b2d-d3ab-494a-a830-66aa54d378c1" xlink:to="loc_he_StockholdersEquityAndLongTermDebtNoncurrentAbstract_6cf2f4b3-f577-4f86-b9e9-23a1c6a199f5" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockValue_4d7da44c-74e3-49a2-8a58-285dc919a768" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockValue"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_he_StockholdersEquityAndLongTermDebtNoncurrentAbstract_6cf2f4b3-f577-4f86-b9e9-23a1c6a199f5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockValue_4d7da44c-74e3-49a2-8a58-285dc919a768" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapital_450a8d0d-bcdc-4e23-8880-8037dcbc1e19" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapital"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_he_StockholdersEquityAndLongTermDebtNoncurrentAbstract_6cf2f4b3-f577-4f86-b9e9-23a1c6a199f5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapital_450a8d0d-bcdc-4e23-8880-8037dcbc1e19" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RetainedEarningsAccumulatedDeficit_2a28f646-4881-42e9-b6ad-e8804a3de9e9" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_RetainedEarningsAccumulatedDeficit"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_he_StockholdersEquityAndLongTermDebtNoncurrentAbstract_6cf2f4b3-f577-4f86-b9e9-23a1c6a199f5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RetainedEarningsAccumulatedDeficit_2a28f646-4881-42e9-b6ad-e8804a3de9e9" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax_765f8cb1-c8a7-4c10-9d02-958f23606e5e" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_he_StockholdersEquityAndLongTermDebtNoncurrentAbstract_6cf2f4b3-f577-4f86-b9e9-23a1c6a199f5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax_765f8cb1-c8a7-4c10-9d02-958f23606e5e" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquity_ad2cea6f-ddee-4157-b973-5558bbcd301a" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquity"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_he_StockholdersEquityAndLongTermDebtNoncurrentAbstract_6cf2f4b3-f577-4f86-b9e9-23a1c6a199f5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquity_ad2cea6f-ddee-4157-b973-5558bbcd301a" xlink:type="arc" order="5"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TemporaryEquityCarryingAmountIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterests_ebce379d-d45c-478c-abc4-698a91411c66" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_TemporaryEquityCarryingAmountIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterests"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_he_StockholdersEquityAndLongTermDebtNoncurrentAbstract_6cf2f4b3-f577-4f86-b9e9-23a1c6a199f5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TemporaryEquityCarryingAmountIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterests_ebce379d-d45c-478c-abc4-698a91411c66" xlink:type="arc" order="6"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtNoncurrent_be9f860e-4034-4046-8c0b-abd3cdb746f9" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtNoncurrent"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_he_StockholdersEquityAndLongTermDebtNoncurrentAbstract_6cf2f4b3-f577-4f86-b9e9-23a1c6a199f5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtNoncurrent_be9f860e-4034-4046-8c0b-abd3cdb746f9" xlink:type="arc" order="7"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CapitalizationLongtermDebtAndEquity_e04bfdc1-26e6-4423-a841-3373a3c73826" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_CapitalizationLongtermDebtAndEquity"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_he_StockholdersEquityAndLongTermDebtNoncurrentAbstract_6cf2f4b3-f577-4f86-b9e9-23a1c6a199f5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CapitalizationLongtermDebtAndEquity_e04bfdc1-26e6-4423-a841-3373a3c73826" xlink:type="arc" order="8"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingencies_4cbcc4b2-018b-464e-9d7b-503ad0a18dcb" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingencies"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_47c10b2d-d3ab-494a-a830-66aa54d378c1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingencies_4cbcc4b2-018b-464e-9d7b-503ad0a18dcb" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract_12e1d516-b552-4325-98f0-d1225de20808" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_47c10b2d-d3ab-494a-a830-66aa54d378c1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract_12e1d516-b552-4325-98f0-d1225de20808" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilityCurrent_53d7e842-230e-4c5b-b0a0-4ead9c3baf06" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilityCurrent"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract_12e1d516-b552-4325-98f0-d1225de20808" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilityCurrent_53d7e842-230e-4c5b-b0a0-4ead9c3baf06" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtCurrent_62969145-2742-49f6-9f94-c833b0ed0553" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtCurrent"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract_12e1d516-b552-4325-98f0-d1225de20808" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtCurrent_62969145-2742-49f6-9f94-c833b0ed0553" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccountsPayableCurrent_c0d84a3b-f52d-4d26-ad99-d1ae8f520862" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_AccountsPayableCurrent"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract_12e1d516-b552-4325-98f0-d1225de20808" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccountsPayableCurrent_c0d84a3b-f52d-4d26-ad99-d1ae8f520862" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_InterestAndDividendsPayableIncludingDividendsOnPreferredStockOfSubsidiaries_5d7ffe07-c862-464f-8253-9e9fe53501df" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_InterestAndDividendsPayableIncludingDividendsOnPreferredStockOfSubsidiaries"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract_12e1d516-b552-4325-98f0-d1225de20808" xlink:to="loc_he_InterestAndDividendsPayableIncludingDividendsOnPreferredStockOfSubsidiaries_5d7ffe07-c862-464f-8253-9e9fe53501df" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TaxesPayableCurrent_eb4ab6c8-0d54-49c0-aef1-49450fd0f824" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_TaxesPayableCurrent"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract_12e1d516-b552-4325-98f0-d1225de20808" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TaxesPayableCurrent_eb4ab6c8-0d54-49c0-aef1-49450fd0f824" xlink:type="arc" order="5"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RegulatoryLiabilityCurrent_55beece5-b996-42e5-85cf-50ce5639d38d" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_RegulatoryLiabilityCurrent"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract_12e1d516-b552-4325-98f0-d1225de20808" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RegulatoryLiabilityCurrent_55beece5-b996-42e5-85cf-50ce5639d38d" xlink:type="arc" order="6"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LossContingencyAccrualCarryingValueCurrent_f81b85ab-38e5-4154-9724-3fc486a13c1c" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_LossContingencyAccrualCarryingValueCurrent"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract_12e1d516-b552-4325-98f0-d1225de20808" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LossContingencyAccrualCarryingValueCurrent_f81b85ab-38e5-4154-9724-3fc486a13c1c" xlink:type="arc" order="7"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesCurrent_9231b777-a33f-4ff3-aa1c-435eadbc7372" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesCurrent"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract_12e1d516-b552-4325-98f0-d1225de20808" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesCurrent_9231b777-a33f-4ff3-aa1c-435eadbc7372" xlink:type="arc" order="8"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrent_ad17d626-b7ba-4893-a18f-db4962a71f77" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrent"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract_12e1d516-b552-4325-98f0-d1225de20808" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrent_ad17d626-b7ba-4893-a18f-db4962a71f77" xlink:type="arc" order="9"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesOtherThanLongTermDebtNoncurrentAbstract_bb3150b5-bc6e-48cc-8fec-a7bdecbf9a9c" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesOtherThanLongTermDebtNoncurrentAbstract"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_47c10b2d-d3ab-494a-a830-66aa54d378c1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesOtherThanLongTermDebtNoncurrentAbstract_bb3150b5-bc6e-48cc-8fec-a7bdecbf9a9c" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilityNoncurrent_1f6d42ad-2650-458c-91c9-31ce82d7e77f" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilityNoncurrent"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesOtherThanLongTermDebtNoncurrentAbstract_bb3150b5-bc6e-48cc-8fec-a7bdecbf9a9c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilityNoncurrent_1f6d42ad-2650-458c-91c9-31ce82d7e77f" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilityNoncurrent_f947e541-f980-4336-97e0-ee96fb4391e7" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilityNoncurrent"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesOtherThanLongTermDebtNoncurrentAbstract_bb3150b5-bc6e-48cc-8fec-a7bdecbf9a9c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilityNoncurrent_f947e541-f980-4336-97e0-ee96fb4391e7" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxLiabilitiesNet_4b8af666-0676-4f80-b2e6-408eecb073a9" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxLiabilitiesNet"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesOtherThanLongTermDebtNoncurrentAbstract_bb3150b5-bc6e-48cc-8fec-a7bdecbf9a9c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxLiabilitiesNet_4b8af666-0676-4f80-b2e6-408eecb073a9" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RegulatoryLiabilityNoncurrent_fdaec812-ff2d-435d-af82-e19201c0b14a" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_RegulatoryLiabilityNoncurrent"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesOtherThanLongTermDebtNoncurrentAbstract_bb3150b5-bc6e-48cc-8fec-a7bdecbf9a9c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RegulatoryLiabilityNoncurrent_fdaec812-ff2d-435d-af82-e19201c0b14a" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedDeferredInvestmentTaxCredit_0a4737af-8e66-4ab9-9555-49a583d35714" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedDeferredInvestmentTaxCredit"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesOtherThanLongTermDebtNoncurrentAbstract_bb3150b5-bc6e-48cc-8fec-a7bdecbf9a9c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedDeferredInvestmentTaxCredit_0a4737af-8e66-4ab9-9555-49a583d35714" xlink:type="arc" order="5"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PensionAndOtherPostretirementDefinedBenefitPlansLiabilitiesNoncurrent_5862eb21-e933-4198-816c-14b3e2d3ef24" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_PensionAndOtherPostretirementDefinedBenefitPlansLiabilitiesNoncurrent"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesOtherThanLongTermDebtNoncurrentAbstract_bb3150b5-bc6e-48cc-8fec-a7bdecbf9a9c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PensionAndOtherPostretirementDefinedBenefitPlansLiabilitiesNoncurrent_5862eb21-e933-4198-816c-14b3e2d3ef24" xlink:type="arc" order="6"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LossContingencyAccrualCarryingValueNoncurrent_c8928520-0dbe-4ec1-b971-d92f6715c847" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_LossContingencyAccrualCarryingValueNoncurrent"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesOtherThanLongTermDebtNoncurrentAbstract_bb3150b5-bc6e-48cc-8fec-a7bdecbf9a9c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LossContingencyAccrualCarryingValueNoncurrent_c8928520-0dbe-4ec1-b971-d92f6715c847" xlink:type="arc" order="7"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesNoncurrent_b5eb5a0b-6505-442a-aac9-f0bf1eea453b" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesNoncurrent"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesOtherThanLongTermDebtNoncurrentAbstract_bb3150b5-bc6e-48cc-8fec-a7bdecbf9a9c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesNoncurrent_b5eb5a0b-6505-442a-aac9-f0bf1eea453b" xlink:type="arc" order="8"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesOtherThanLongtermDebtNoncurrent_45bf3ca5-e312-4d63-a42c-0ff7d9a235c7" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesOtherThanLongtermDebtNoncurrent"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesOtherThanLongTermDebtNoncurrentAbstract_bb3150b5-bc6e-48cc-8fec-a7bdecbf9a9c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesOtherThanLongtermDebtNoncurrent_45bf3ca5-e312-4d63-a42c-0ff7d9a235c7" xlink:type="arc" order="9"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquity_449bd5a4-f04a-4230-901e-62b34e8d3fd2" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquity"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_47c10b2d-d3ab-494a-a830-66aa54d378c1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquity_449bd5a4-f04a-4230-901e-62b34e8d3fd2" xlink:type="arc" order="5"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.hei.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedBalanceSheetsunauditedHECOparenthetical" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#CondensedConsolidatedBalanceSheetsunauditedHECOparenthetical"/>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.hei.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedBalanceSheetsunauditedHECOparenthetical" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_c518f758-5759-4b7e-972a-0ba2fe0f658d" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_b544c040-d1a4-44d3-bc73-e094512d6e2f" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_c518f758-5759-4b7e-972a-0ba2fe0f658d" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_b544c040-d1a4-44d3-bc73-e094512d6e2f" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_e67cebaf-895c-4e35-a820-21f213f8d698" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2024/dei-2024.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_b544c040-d1a4-44d3-bc73-e094512d6e2f" xlink:to="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_e67cebaf-895c-4e35-a820-21f213f8d698" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_e67cebaf-895c-4e35-a820-21f213f8d698_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2024/dei-2024.xsd#dei_EntityDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_e67cebaf-895c-4e35-a820-21f213f8d698" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_e67cebaf-895c-4e35-a820-21f213f8d698_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_60438df6-2b06-4d68-b4fa-027d815117e4" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2024/dei-2024.xsd#dei_EntityDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_e67cebaf-895c-4e35-a820-21f213f8d698" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_60438df6-2b06-4d68-b4fa-027d815117e4" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_HawaiianElectricCompanyAndSubsidiariesMember_d14ff037-0451-4e4e-98fe-d258629909f7" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_HawaiianElectricCompanyAndSubsidiariesMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_60438df6-2b06-4d68-b4fa-027d815117e4" xlink:to="loc_he_HawaiianElectricCompanyAndSubsidiariesMember_d14ff037-0451-4e4e-98fe-d258629909f7" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_f69401d2-219c-4743-b1bc-df60080607a2" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_AssetsAbstract"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_c518f758-5759-4b7e-972a-0ba2fe0f658d" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_f69401d2-219c-4743-b1bc-df60080607a2" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesPropertyPlantAndEquipmentAbstract_a0c5a05d-1822-4865-acc4-89ae9dcef3b3" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesPropertyPlantAndEquipmentAbstract"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_f69401d2-219c-4743-b1bc-df60080607a2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesPropertyPlantAndEquipmentAbstract_a0c5a05d-1822-4865-acc4-89ae9dcef3b3" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesPropertyPlantAndEquipmentNetAbstract_232a41c9-c003-4e94-98f2-d33db0e245b8" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesPropertyPlantAndEquipmentNetAbstract"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesPropertyPlantAndEquipmentAbstract_a0c5a05d-1822-4865-acc4-89ae9dcef3b3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesPropertyPlantAndEquipmentNetAbstract_232a41c9-c003-4e94-98f2-d33db0e245b8" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentOtherAccumulatedDepreciation_75b39b85-d58f-4bc4-a11e-2b9d095ddcac" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentOtherAccumulatedDepreciation"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesPropertyPlantAndEquipmentNetAbstract_232a41c9-c003-4e94-98f2-d33db0e245b8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentOtherAccumulatedDepreciation_75b39b85-d58f-4bc4-a11e-2b9d095ddcac" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract_9cb9430e-aa67-4105-9c07-b5914ca404a7" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_c518f758-5759-4b7e-972a-0ba2fe0f658d" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract_9cb9430e-aa67-4105-9c07-b5914ca404a7" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockParOrStatedValuePerShare_e199a399-cb4f-4b9e-a959-7bcf93e6f767" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockParOrStatedValuePerShare"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract_9cb9430e-aa67-4105-9c07-b5914ca404a7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockParOrStatedValuePerShare_e199a399-cb4f-4b9e-a959-7bcf93e6f767" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockSharesAuthorized_274e2e27-7658-4422-8c6f-90740495151f" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockSharesAuthorized"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract_9cb9430e-aa67-4105-9c07-b5914ca404a7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockSharesAuthorized_274e2e27-7658-4422-8c6f-90740495151f" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockSharesOutstanding_accef71b-49eb-4ae6-b534-647e6b6816b1" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockSharesOutstanding"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract_9cb9430e-aa67-4105-9c07-b5914ca404a7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockSharesOutstanding_accef71b-49eb-4ae6-b534-647e6b6816b1" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.hei.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedStatementsofChangesinCommonStockEquityunauditedHECO" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#CondensedConsolidatedStatementsofChangesinCommonStockEquityunauditedHECO"/>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.hei.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedStatementsofChangesinCommonStockEquityunauditedHECO" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_c3a79f6a-6f35-448f-899e-e78237bc2c00" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_b47c5d8d-97d5-4cb4-af75-581ef5302f0c" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_c3a79f6a-6f35-448f-899e-e78237bc2c00" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_b47c5d8d-97d5-4cb4-af75-581ef5302f0c" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_c87e5571-1511-4320-87aa-e302b558b663" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_b47c5d8d-97d5-4cb4-af75-581ef5302f0c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_c87e5571-1511-4320-87aa-e302b558b663" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_c87e5571-1511-4320-87aa-e302b558b663_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_c87e5571-1511-4320-87aa-e302b558b663" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_c87e5571-1511-4320-87aa-e302b558b663_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_a580cc6b-f038-4833-b54c-a845f05b1ae0" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_c87e5571-1511-4320-87aa-e302b558b663" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_a580cc6b-f038-4833-b54c-a845f05b1ae0" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockMember_0b79a397-2f94-41a9-b622-e6f759fd4ee4" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_a580cc6b-f038-4833-b54c-a845f05b1ae0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockMember_0b79a397-2f94-41a9-b622-e6f759fd4ee4" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember_e7ac82c7-2fce-4204-a102-20a257115cb8" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_a580cc6b-f038-4833-b54c-a845f05b1ae0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember_e7ac82c7-2fce-4204-a102-20a257115cb8" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember_3f4bf0d2-8a68-41ea-ac7f-8b48e33f557d" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_a580cc6b-f038-4833-b54c-a845f05b1ae0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember_3f4bf0d2-8a68-41ea-ac7f-8b48e33f557d" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember_6b61410f-f88b-4d2e-9b3c-a58703bab6ed" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_a580cc6b-f038-4833-b54c-a845f05b1ae0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember_6b61410f-f88b-4d2e-9b3c-a58703bab6ed" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_6e7fd499-7f14-4d86-a161-12c4066746e2" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2024/dei-2024.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_b47c5d8d-97d5-4cb4-af75-581ef5302f0c" xlink:to="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_6e7fd499-7f14-4d86-a161-12c4066746e2" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_6e7fd499-7f14-4d86-a161-12c4066746e2_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2024/dei-2024.xsd#dei_EntityDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_6e7fd499-7f14-4d86-a161-12c4066746e2" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_6e7fd499-7f14-4d86-a161-12c4066746e2_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_7a02ce97-9f77-4632-b164-68a0a35a3f29" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2024/dei-2024.xsd#dei_EntityDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_6e7fd499-7f14-4d86-a161-12c4066746e2" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_7a02ce97-9f77-4632-b164-68a0a35a3f29" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_HawaiianElectricCompanyAndSubsidiariesMember_72d84225-96c3-4e4f-8470-f583bc5f2c2f" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_HawaiianElectricCompanyAndSubsidiariesMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_7a02ce97-9f77-4632-b164-68a0a35a3f29" xlink:to="loc_he_HawaiianElectricCompanyAndSubsidiariesMember_72d84225-96c3-4e4f-8470-f583bc5f2c2f" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_93afd1d9-cc1f-4c89-887d-6edab2fe082c" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_c3a79f6a-6f35-448f-899e-e78237bc2c00" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_93afd1d9-cc1f-4c89-887d-6edab2fe082c" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockSharesIssued_ea631ccd-fd63-4c9e-88af-ba124ea8c2a6" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockSharesIssued"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_93afd1d9-cc1f-4c89-887d-6edab2fe082c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockSharesIssued_ea631ccd-fd63-4c9e-88af-ba124ea8c2a6" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquity_cd20fa0f-1415-4883-a10e-416673a65900" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquity"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_93afd1d9-cc1f-4c89-887d-6edab2fe082c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquity_cd20fa0f-1415-4883-a10e-416673a65900" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAvailableToCommonStockholdersBasic_7359c81d-7d07-4657-a720-06037c3c6661" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAvailableToCommonStockholdersBasic"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_93afd1d9-cc1f-4c89-887d-6edab2fe082c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAvailableToCommonStockholdersBasic_7359c81d-7d07-4657-a720-06037c3c6661" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxPortionAttributableToParent_41ac1993-7c26-45d3-bf5a-424338fc054a" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxPortionAttributableToParent"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_93afd1d9-cc1f-4c89-887d-6edab2fe082c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxPortionAttributableToParent_41ac1993-7c26-45d3-bf5a-424338fc054a" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DividendsCommonStockCash_1c0e06a6-0dbc-4f32-9cbb-8a906e98b7ba" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_DividendsCommonStockCash"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_93afd1d9-cc1f-4c89-887d-6edab2fe082c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DividendsCommonStockCash_1c0e06a6-0dbc-4f32-9cbb-8a906e98b7ba" xlink:type="arc" order="5"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockSharesIssued_0c437a2f-89be-4171-99a7-29575b5b4473" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockSharesIssued"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquity_3795aa82-9d44-454e-bed9-fcd346472628" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquity"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.hei.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedStatementsofCashFlowsunauditedHECO" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#CondensedConsolidatedStatementsofCashFlowsunauditedHECO"/>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.hei.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedStatementsofCashFlowsunauditedHECO" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_d48ece82-45c4-4bd2-8136-58c53c3d5119" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_3330d716-a5fe-44f2-885e-782272c49ff9" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_d48ece82-45c4-4bd2-8136-58c53c3d5119" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_3330d716-a5fe-44f2-885e-782272c49ff9" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_7494f793-0a73-4b67-ba8a-5dca5ab472be" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2024/dei-2024.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_3330d716-a5fe-44f2-885e-782272c49ff9" xlink:to="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_7494f793-0a73-4b67-ba8a-5dca5ab472be" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_7494f793-0a73-4b67-ba8a-5dca5ab472be_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2024/dei-2024.xsd#dei_EntityDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_7494f793-0a73-4b67-ba8a-5dca5ab472be" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_7494f793-0a73-4b67-ba8a-5dca5ab472be_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_250ef355-3adc-443d-803c-b18a7364d3ac" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2024/dei-2024.xsd#dei_EntityDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_7494f793-0a73-4b67-ba8a-5dca5ab472be" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_250ef355-3adc-443d-803c-b18a7364d3ac" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_HawaiianElectricCompanyAndSubsidiariesMember_0ffa0106-a012-40ed-b56b-6daca3f0432c" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_HawaiianElectricCompanyAndSubsidiariesMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_250ef355-3adc-443d-803c-b18a7364d3ac" xlink:to="loc_he_HawaiianElectricCompanyAndSubsidiariesMember_0ffa0106-a012-40ed-b56b-6daca3f0432c" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract_52d32bd8-d45c-427b-8ad8-8073dec19180" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_d48ece82-45c4-4bd2-8136-58c53c3d5119" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract_52d32bd8-d45c-427b-8ad8-8073dec19180" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProfitLoss_de9a3724-1e61-44d0-9969-8e72ce885b46" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_ProfitLoss"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract_52d32bd8-d45c-427b-8ad8-8073dec19180" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProfitLoss_de9a3724-1e61-44d0-9969-8e72ce885b46" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_c9ba4f03-aa0d-4206-9a29-40f94b849f39" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract_52d32bd8-d45c-427b-8ad8-8073dec19180" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_c9ba4f03-aa0d-4206-9a29-40f94b849f39" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Depreciation_27f8da01-a1a8-44e9-aaa0-00df96ac7a30" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_Depreciation"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_c9ba4f03-aa0d-4206-9a29-40f94b849f39" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Depreciation_27f8da01-a1a8-44e9-aaa0-00df96ac7a30" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentForAmortization_1542f1e0-51a7-4865-913b-4c800b74f1c2" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_AdjustmentForAmortization"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_c9ba4f03-aa0d-4206-9a29-40f94b849f39" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentForAmortization_1542f1e0-51a7-4865-913b-4c800b74f1c2" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit_e88bfb29-1539-4c32-97fc-61ddad0ccfad" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_c9ba4f03-aa0d-4206-9a29-40f94b849f39" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit_e88bfb29-1539-4c32-97fc-61ddad0ccfad" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_StateRefundableCredit_ddae71d1-c3c1-466f-9647-aa13df612bf0" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_StateRefundableCredit"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_c9ba4f03-aa0d-4206-9a29-40f94b849f39" xlink:to="loc_he_StateRefundableCredit_ddae71d1-c3c1-466f-9647-aa13df612bf0" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProvisionForDoubtfulAccounts_267a7b0f-c93a-4d37-8119-19231ea16de2" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_ProvisionForDoubtfulAccounts"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_c9ba4f03-aa0d-4206-9a29-40f94b849f39" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProvisionForDoubtfulAccounts_267a7b0f-c93a-4d37-8119-19231ea16de2" xlink:type="arc" order="5"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesAllowanceForFundsUsedDuringConstructionCapitalizedCostOfEquity_b31da626-45ff-41ca-b487-088f587ea871" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesAllowanceForFundsUsedDuringConstructionCapitalizedCostOfEquity"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_c9ba4f03-aa0d-4206-9a29-40f94b849f39" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesAllowanceForFundsUsedDuringConstructionCapitalizedCostOfEquity_b31da626-45ff-41ca-b487-088f587ea871" xlink:type="arc" order="6"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherOperatingActivitiesCashFlowStatement_8c5c4866-4705-48ef-9fa6-8772f700ed63" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_OtherOperatingActivitiesCashFlowStatement"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_c9ba4f03-aa0d-4206-9a29-40f94b849f39" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherOperatingActivitiesCashFlowStatement_8c5c4866-4705-48ef-9fa6-8772f700ed63" xlink:type="arc" order="7"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract_e7c51a17-fb96-4cab-8d8a-498325a32a54" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_c9ba4f03-aa0d-4206-9a29-40f94b849f39" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract_e7c51a17-fb96-4cab-8d8a-498325a32a54" xlink:type="arc" order="8"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsReceivable_41977849-2626-485d-83c1-7e16c7fd19c0" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsReceivable"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract_e7c51a17-fb96-4cab-8d8a-498325a32a54" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsReceivable_41977849-2626-485d-83c1-7e16c7fd19c0" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInContractWithCustomerAsset_8f686367-e439-4651-91c7-a54c932d283d" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInContractWithCustomerAsset"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract_e7c51a17-fb96-4cab-8d8a-498325a32a54" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInContractWithCustomerAsset_8f686367-e439-4651-91c7-a54c932d283d" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInFuelInventories_cddb9a39-d860-4670-8fbf-bd748acac2ce" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInFuelInventories"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract_e7c51a17-fb96-4cab-8d8a-498325a32a54" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInFuelInventories_cddb9a39-d860-4670-8fbf-bd748acac2ce" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInRawMaterialsPackagingMaterialsAndSuppliesInventories_56707dbb-ddc2-491c-ac84-3efd1f888463" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInRawMaterialsPackagingMaterialsAndSuppliesInventories"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract_e7c51a17-fb96-4cab-8d8a-498325a32a54" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInRawMaterialsPackagingMaterialsAndSuppliesInventories_56707dbb-ddc2-491c-ac84-3efd1f888463" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherRegulatoryAssets_40a9e58d-2a00-4ad8-a5ec-6494e2d3af6a" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherRegulatoryAssets"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract_e7c51a17-fb96-4cab-8d8a-498325a32a54" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherRegulatoryAssets_40a9e58d-2a00-4ad8-a5ec-6494e2d3af6a" xlink:type="arc" order="5"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInRegulatoryLiabilities_36e602cd-2ef6-4804-aea6-387d3c489fad" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInRegulatoryLiabilities"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract_e7c51a17-fb96-4cab-8d8a-498325a32a54" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInRegulatoryLiabilities_36e602cd-2ef6-4804-aea6-387d3c489fad" xlink:type="arc" order="6"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsPayable_a883b747-9919-4696-9a67-0ce94fe8975f" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsPayable"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract_e7c51a17-fb96-4cab-8d8a-498325a32a54" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsPayable_a883b747-9919-4696-9a67-0ce94fe8975f" xlink:type="arc" order="7"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_IncreaseDecreaseInPrepaidAndAccruedIncomeTaxesAndUtilityRevenueTaxes_6d4cc1dc-47ec-48d9-9ee4-ae05e6085695" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_IncreaseDecreaseInPrepaidAndAccruedIncomeTaxesAndUtilityRevenueTaxes"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract_e7c51a17-fb96-4cab-8d8a-498325a32a54" xlink:to="loc_he_IncreaseDecreaseInPrepaidAndAccruedIncomeTaxesAndUtilityRevenueTaxes_6d4cc1dc-47ec-48d9-9ee4-ae05e6085695" xlink:type="arc" order="8"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInPensionAndPostretirementObligations_ce9eac84-8be5-4fb8-87f2-4d9a77abe3a4" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInPensionAndPostretirementObligations"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract_e7c51a17-fb96-4cab-8d8a-498325a32a54" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInPensionAndPostretirementObligations_ce9eac84-8be5-4fb8-87f2-4d9a77abe3a4" xlink:type="arc" order="9"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_IncreaseDecreaseInLossContingencyLiability_fcddc524-3a1b-40d3-bbb0-4e4bb497e56c" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_IncreaseDecreaseInLossContingencyLiability"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract_e7c51a17-fb96-4cab-8d8a-498325a32a54" xlink:to="loc_he_IncreaseDecreaseInLossContingencyLiability_fcddc524-3a1b-40d3-bbb0-4e4bb497e56c" xlink:type="arc" order="10"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherOperatingCapitalNet_0e3e4f9a-af4a-41d1-bf56-ad57ef56697c" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherOperatingCapitalNet"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract_e7c51a17-fb96-4cab-8d8a-498325a32a54" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherOperatingCapitalNet_0e3e4f9a-af4a-41d1-bf56-ad57ef56697c" xlink:type="arc" order="11"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities_df68c282-98b2-46d1-b056-b037fae70f5a" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract_52d32bd8-d45c-427b-8ad8-8073dec19180" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities_df68c282-98b2-46d1-b056-b037fae70f5a" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract_78724006-97b7-4947-8dd8-eef1181e6178" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_d48ece82-45c4-4bd2-8136-58c53c3d5119" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract_78724006-97b7-4947-8dd8-eef1181e6178" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment_7f8e1c66-4b78-46ce-80b5-0229f1d2187c" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract_78724006-97b7-4947-8dd8-eef1181e6178" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment_7f8e1c66-4b78-46ce-80b5-0229f1d2187c" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsForProceedsFromOtherInvestingActivities_9f983427-ba30-4c06-a3d2-322684b54b31" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsForProceedsFromOtherInvestingActivities"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract_78724006-97b7-4947-8dd8-eef1181e6178" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsForProceedsFromOtherInvestingActivities_9f983427-ba30-4c06-a3d2-322684b54b31" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivities_697b1492-05b8-4499-bddd-d56029d7c367" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivities"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract_78724006-97b7-4947-8dd8-eef1181e6178" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivities_697b1492-05b8-4499-bddd-d56029d7c367" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract_04eef4a5-1b14-43c1-98b4-6375fa9338e1" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_d48ece82-45c4-4bd2-8136-58c53c3d5119" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract_04eef4a5-1b14-43c1-98b4-6375fa9338e1" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsOfDividendsCommonStock_0fb4e867-0d81-48b5-86c5-aa0f5c67346e" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsOfDividendsCommonStock"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract_04eef4a5-1b14-43c1-98b4-6375fa9338e1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsOfDividendsCommonStock_0fb4e867-0d81-48b5-86c5-aa0f5c67346e" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsOfDividendsPreferredStockAndPreferenceStock_bf87250f-9577-4638-8638-03d27fca44d0" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsOfDividendsPreferredStockAndPreferenceStock"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract_04eef4a5-1b14-43c1-98b4-6375fa9338e1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsOfDividendsPreferredStockAndPreferenceStock_bf87250f-9577-4638-8638-03d27fca44d0" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfLongTermDebt_56cea432-ae94-455f-8173-8024da6b2aa2" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfLongTermDebt"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract_04eef4a5-1b14-43c1-98b4-6375fa9338e1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfLongTermDebt_56cea432-ae94-455f-8173-8024da6b2aa2" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromRepaymentsOfShortTermDebtMaturingInThreeMonthsOrLess_99cd597f-7886-442b-981d-f6f4dcdb890e" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromRepaymentsOfShortTermDebtMaturingInThreeMonthsOrLess"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract_04eef4a5-1b14-43c1-98b4-6375fa9338e1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromRepaymentsOfShortTermDebtMaturingInThreeMonthsOrLess_99cd597f-7886-442b-981d-f6f4dcdb890e" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_PaymentsForFinanceLeaseObligations_c2d1428a-fe7e-4bd2-9445-8f5b38022091" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_PaymentsForFinanceLeaseObligations"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract_04eef4a5-1b14-43c1-98b4-6375fa9338e1" xlink:to="loc_he_PaymentsForFinanceLeaseObligations_c2d1428a-fe7e-4bd2-9445-8f5b38022091" xlink:type="arc" order="5"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromPaymentsForOtherFinancingActivities_5ce8eaa4-aea6-45f4-9cc0-f0ac42e694b3" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromPaymentsForOtherFinancingActivities"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract_04eef4a5-1b14-43c1-98b4-6375fa9338e1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromPaymentsForOtherFinancingActivities_5ce8eaa4-aea6-45f4-9cc0-f0ac42e694b3" xlink:type="arc" order="6"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivities_ef00f68c-59e8-4c88-922b-44b57ba4536b" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivities"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract_04eef4a5-1b14-43c1-98b4-6375fa9338e1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivities_ef00f68c-59e8-4c88-922b-44b57ba4536b" xlink:type="arc" order="7"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalentsPeriodIncreaseDecreaseIncludingExchangeRateEffect_c3812ab7-04a3-47f7-af97-027a61c65a6f" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalentsPeriodIncreaseDecreaseIncludingExchangeRateEffect"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_d48ece82-45c4-4bd2-8136-58c53c3d5119" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalentsPeriodIncreaseDecreaseIncludingExchangeRateEffect_c3812ab7-04a3-47f7-af97-027a61c65a6f" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalents_3f5c9600-68b3-442d-8c4c-69331010fc7f" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalents"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_d48ece82-45c4-4bd2-8136-58c53c3d5119" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalents_3f5c9600-68b3-442d-8c4c-69331010fc7f" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalents_60b4946c-bece-4196-9c16-a75b4d1361a8" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalents"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalents_7bf8eb8f-d603-45f6-a48d-6548ef8a7a9a" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalents"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_d48ece82-45c4-4bd2-8136-58c53c3d5119" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalents_7bf8eb8f-d603-45f6-a48d-6548ef8a7a9a" xlink:type="arc" order="6"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue_c544dd50-8e79-40c3-815e-99e4b1f1b24f" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_d48ece82-45c4-4bd2-8136-58c53c3d5119" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue_c544dd50-8e79-40c3-815e-99e4b1f1b24f" xlink:type="arc" order="7"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.hei.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedStatementsofIncomeunauditedParenthetical" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#CondensedConsolidatedStatementsofIncomeunauditedParenthetical"/>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.hei.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedStatementsofIncomeunauditedParenthetical" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_b80ad582-b5d8-489d-a959-727fa180f1ba" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_ae5eab3b-13cb-425d-a805-2c278b7d7681" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_b80ad582-b5d8-489d-a959-727fa180f1ba" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_ae5eab3b-13cb-425d-a805-2c278b7d7681" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_d198bbde-ddcc-48a7-97e0-392147dad605" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_ae5eab3b-13cb-425d-a805-2c278b7d7681" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_d198bbde-ddcc-48a7-97e0-392147dad605" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_d198bbde-ddcc-48a7-97e0-392147dad605_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_d198bbde-ddcc-48a7-97e0-392147dad605" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_d198bbde-ddcc-48a7-97e0-392147dad605_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_ef5737cc-8faa-4e00-a99b-83b6075695f7" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_d198bbde-ddcc-48a7-97e0-392147dad605" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_ef5737cc-8faa-4e00-a99b-83b6075695f7" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_ElectricUtilitySegmentMember_d079a572-973b-4727-9728-3a6ec46b1efd" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_ElectricUtilitySegmentMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_ef5737cc-8faa-4e00-a99b-83b6075695f7" xlink:to="loc_he_ElectricUtilitySegmentMember_d079a572-973b-4727-9728-3a6ec46b1efd" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_BankingSegmentMember_4a5b022c-aa4b-481e-8321-c7ba15fd5a00" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_BankingSegmentMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_ef5737cc-8faa-4e00-a99b-83b6075695f7" xlink:to="loc_he_BankingSegmentMember_4a5b022c-aa4b-481e-8321-c7ba15fd5a00" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AllOtherSegmentsMember_5d0876d9-29ac-4ee4-a938-ee6f26a61f7e" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_AllOtherSegmentsMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_ef5737cc-8faa-4e00-a99b-83b6075695f7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AllOtherSegmentsMember_5d0876d9-29ac-4ee4-a938-ee6f26a61f7e" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_b4c28f25-84bc-4c68-baef-6df6c346a040" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2024/dei-2024.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_ae5eab3b-13cb-425d-a805-2c278b7d7681" xlink:to="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_b4c28f25-84bc-4c68-baef-6df6c346a040" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_b4c28f25-84bc-4c68-baef-6df6c346a040_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2024/dei-2024.xsd#dei_EntityDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_b4c28f25-84bc-4c68-baef-6df6c346a040" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_b4c28f25-84bc-4c68-baef-6df6c346a040_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_d96ff31e-7763-4579-b9df-716a19e2165b" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2024/dei-2024.xsd#dei_EntityDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_b4c28f25-84bc-4c68-baef-6df6c346a040" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_d96ff31e-7763-4579-b9df-716a19e2165b" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_HawaiianElectricCompanyAndSubsidiariesMember_df1ece42-b49a-49cc-b3ea-5afcc0f7df9d" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_HawaiianElectricCompanyAndSubsidiariesMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_d96ff31e-7763-4579-b9df-716a19e2165b" xlink:to="loc_he_HawaiianElectricCompanyAndSubsidiariesMember_df1ece42-b49a-49cc-b3ea-5afcc0f7df9d" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LossContingencyLossInPeriod_3edbaca1-436f-40b0-b044-8981005d93ee" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_LossContingencyLossInPeriod"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_b80ad582-b5d8-489d-a959-727fa180f1ba" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LossContingencyLossInPeriod_3edbaca1-436f-40b0-b044-8981005d93ee" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillImpairmentLoss_49f68455-49ef-4444-82a6-4b4c1062e7b6" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_GoodwillImpairmentLoss"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_b80ad582-b5d8-489d-a959-727fa180f1ba" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillImpairmentLoss_49f68455-49ef-4444-82a6-4b4c1062e7b6" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetImpairmentCharges_33c49f07-cada-4c26-b650-5614e262b3be" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_AssetImpairmentCharges"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_b80ad582-b5d8-489d-a959-727fa180f1ba" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetImpairmentCharges_33c49f07-cada-4c26-b650-5614e262b3be" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.hei.com/role/BasisofpresentationDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#BasisofpresentationDetails"/>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.hei.com/role/BasisofpresentationDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesLineItems_8ec6f7f6-e5a4-468d-b5df-06c83d51c6ea" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_LossContingenciesLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesTable_582eb525-b447-4a56-85be-6d345cb8c993" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_LossContingenciesTable"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesLineItems_8ec6f7f6-e5a4-468d-b5df-06c83d51c6ea" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesTable_582eb525-b447-4a56-85be-6d345cb8c993" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_e5ae3a8c-0e0d-40c1-bd48-3a06ed8bb8bc" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2024/dei-2024.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesTable_582eb525-b447-4a56-85be-6d345cb8c993" xlink:to="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_e5ae3a8c-0e0d-40c1-bd48-3a06ed8bb8bc" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_e5ae3a8c-0e0d-40c1-bd48-3a06ed8bb8bc_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2024/dei-2024.xsd#dei_EntityDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_e5ae3a8c-0e0d-40c1-bd48-3a06ed8bb8bc" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_e5ae3a8c-0e0d-40c1-bd48-3a06ed8bb8bc_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_6dcd1c45-8834-4006-ad5f-131bad3bcf4c" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2024/dei-2024.xsd#dei_EntityDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_e5ae3a8c-0e0d-40c1-bd48-3a06ed8bb8bc" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_6dcd1c45-8834-4006-ad5f-131bad3bcf4c" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_HawaiianElectricCompanyAndSubsidiariesMember_a015f5a9-b6b3-4520-a686-c27f63989c01" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_HawaiianElectricCompanyAndSubsidiariesMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_6dcd1c45-8834-4006-ad5f-131bad3bcf4c" xlink:to="loc_he_HawaiianElectricCompanyAndSubsidiariesMember_a015f5a9-b6b3-4520-a686-c27f63989c01" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesByNatureOfContingencyAxis_9ea79de2-27bb-4847-be54-02f517fe1255" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_LossContingenciesByNatureOfContingencyAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesTable_582eb525-b447-4a56-85be-6d345cb8c993" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesByNatureOfContingencyAxis_9ea79de2-27bb-4847-be54-02f517fe1255" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LossContingencyNatureDomain_9ea79de2-27bb-4847-be54-02f517fe1255_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_LossContingencyNatureDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesByNatureOfContingencyAxis_9ea79de2-27bb-4847-be54-02f517fe1255" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LossContingencyNatureDomain_9ea79de2-27bb-4847-be54-02f517fe1255_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LossContingencyNatureDomain_92ecf8d1-d4d5-43fd-a371-84c12877cf94" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_LossContingencyNatureDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesByNatureOfContingencyAxis_9ea79de2-27bb-4847-be54-02f517fe1255" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LossContingencyNatureDomain_92ecf8d1-d4d5-43fd-a371-84c12877cf94" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LossFromCatastrophesMember_55a35d08-df47-45f2-b855-85374dc399c9" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_LossFromCatastrophesMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LossContingencyNatureDomain_92ecf8d1-d4d5-43fd-a371-84c12877cf94" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LossFromCatastrophesMember_55a35d08-df47-45f2-b855-85374dc399c9" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_UnusualOrInfrequentItemAxis_de4f78f4-6570-4251-8d21-bbb90064b799" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_UnusualOrInfrequentItemAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesTable_582eb525-b447-4a56-85be-6d345cb8c993" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_UnusualOrInfrequentItemAxis_de4f78f4-6570-4251-8d21-bbb90064b799" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_UnusualOrInfrequentItemDomain_de4f78f4-6570-4251-8d21-bbb90064b799_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_UnusualOrInfrequentItemDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_UnusualOrInfrequentItemAxis_de4f78f4-6570-4251-8d21-bbb90064b799" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_UnusualOrInfrequentItemDomain_de4f78f4-6570-4251-8d21-bbb90064b799_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_UnusualOrInfrequentItemDomain_1f26917b-10ac-42e9-b491-7fa2bde5e947" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_UnusualOrInfrequentItemDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_UnusualOrInfrequentItemAxis_de4f78f4-6570-4251-8d21-bbb90064b799" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_UnusualOrInfrequentItemDomain_1f26917b-10ac-42e9-b491-7fa2bde5e947" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NaturalDisastersAndOtherCasualtyEventsMember_d30ebf75-49b2-4658-8b09-190228e4b986" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_NaturalDisastersAndOtherCasualtyEventsMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_UnusualOrInfrequentItemDomain_1f26917b-10ac-42e9-b491-7fa2bde5e947" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NaturalDisastersAndOtherCasualtyEventsMember_d30ebf75-49b2-4658-8b09-190228e4b986" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis_7e054c80-8c8e-4c92-9c97-2835dc987cee" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2024/elts/srt-2024.xsd#srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesTable_582eb525-b447-4a56-85be-6d345cb8c993" xlink:to="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis_7e054c80-8c8e-4c92-9c97-2835dc987cee" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_7e054c80-8c8e-4c92-9c97-2835dc987cee_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2024/elts/srt-2024.xsd#srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis_7e054c80-8c8e-4c92-9c97-2835dc987cee" xlink:to="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_7e054c80-8c8e-4c92-9c97-2835dc987cee_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_2a6d4f07-0ef5-46a7-a38e-a957a8424e56" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2024/elts/srt-2024.xsd#srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis_7e054c80-8c8e-4c92-9c97-2835dc987cee" xlink:to="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_2a6d4f07-0ef5-46a7-a38e-a957a8424e56" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ParentCompanyMember_e48e54eb-65a9-48e5-9ac9-1953488f78e7" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2024/elts/srt-2024.xsd#srt_ParentCompanyMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_2a6d4f07-0ef5-46a7-a38e-a957a8424e56" xlink:to="loc_srt_ParentCompanyMember_e48e54eb-65a9-48e5-9ac9-1953488f78e7" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsidiarySaleOfStockAxis_8be6c9ab-9d8b-451b-ae8f-596aa76b7a31" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_SubsidiarySaleOfStockAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesTable_582eb525-b447-4a56-85be-6d345cb8c993" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsidiarySaleOfStockAxis_8be6c9ab-9d8b-451b-ae8f-596aa76b7a31" xlink:type="arc" order="5"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SaleOfStockNameOfTransactionDomain_8be6c9ab-9d8b-451b-ae8f-596aa76b7a31_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_SaleOfStockNameOfTransactionDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsidiarySaleOfStockAxis_8be6c9ab-9d8b-451b-ae8f-596aa76b7a31" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SaleOfStockNameOfTransactionDomain_8be6c9ab-9d8b-451b-ae8f-596aa76b7a31_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SaleOfStockNameOfTransactionDomain_168f84c5-263f-470b-96b2-4aac302b05e9" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_SaleOfStockNameOfTransactionDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsidiarySaleOfStockAxis_8be6c9ab-9d8b-451b-ae8f-596aa76b7a31" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SaleOfStockNameOfTransactionDomain_168f84c5-263f-470b-96b2-4aac302b05e9" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OverAllotmentOptionMember_08d0ac48-e82a-4fd8-afe4-3a4411dd64f0" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_OverAllotmentOptionMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SaleOfStockNameOfTransactionDomain_168f84c5-263f-470b-96b2-4aac302b05e9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OverAllotmentOptionMember_08d0ac48-e82a-4fd8-afe4-3a4411dd64f0" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_LitigationCaseAxis_d8774bb1-4fe1-4d43-ae26-d7babea8e1c4" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2024/elts/srt-2024.xsd#srt_LitigationCaseAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesTable_582eb525-b447-4a56-85be-6d345cb8c993" xlink:to="loc_srt_LitigationCaseAxis_d8774bb1-4fe1-4d43-ae26-d7babea8e1c4" xlink:type="arc" order="6"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_LitigationCaseTypeDomain_d8774bb1-4fe1-4d43-ae26-d7babea8e1c4_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2024/elts/srt-2024.xsd#srt_LitigationCaseTypeDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_srt_LitigationCaseAxis_d8774bb1-4fe1-4d43-ae26-d7babea8e1c4" xlink:to="loc_srt_LitigationCaseTypeDomain_d8774bb1-4fe1-4d43-ae26-d7babea8e1c4_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_LitigationCaseTypeDomain_b642c48d-b477-4870-b0db-325e4f9ebdb7" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2024/elts/srt-2024.xsd#srt_LitigationCaseTypeDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_srt_LitigationCaseAxis_d8774bb1-4fe1-4d43-ae26-d7babea8e1c4" xlink:to="loc_srt_LitigationCaseTypeDomain_b642c48d-b477-4870-b0db-325e4f9ebdb7" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_TortRelatedLegalClaimsMember_f54e4e4d-ab05-41b3-9ce2-a1c42ab34a38" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_TortRelatedLegalClaimsMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_LitigationCaseTypeDomain_b642c48d-b477-4870-b0db-325e4f9ebdb7" xlink:to="loc_he_TortRelatedLegalClaimsMember_f54e4e4d-ab05-41b3-9ce2-a1c42ab34a38" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_bdd30a8e-67f2-4695-b4bb-8d445fba1c19" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesTable_582eb525-b447-4a56-85be-6d345cb8c993" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_bdd30a8e-67f2-4695-b4bb-8d445fba1c19" xlink:type="arc" order="7"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_bdd30a8e-67f2-4695-b4bb-8d445fba1c19_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_bdd30a8e-67f2-4695-b4bb-8d445fba1c19" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_bdd30a8e-67f2-4695-b4bb-8d445fba1c19_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_54ba48c5-5484-45be-b9f1-c12f679b90b3" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_bdd30a8e-67f2-4695-b4bb-8d445fba1c19" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_54ba48c5-5484-45be-b9f1-c12f679b90b3" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember_0a0b9b30-510c-4004-9c19-e8918a5031ac" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_54ba48c5-5484-45be-b9f1-c12f679b90b3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember_0a0b9b30-510c-4004-9c19-e8918a5031ac" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAvailableToCommonStockholdersBasic_32da0dfc-ac3c-484c-bf54-605351c71484" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAvailableToCommonStockholdersBasic"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesLineItems_8ec6f7f6-e5a4-468d-b5df-06c83d51c6ea" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAvailableToCommonStockholdersBasic_32da0dfc-ac3c-484c-bf54-605351c71484" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LossContingencyAccrualAtCarryingValue_b30cb115-fdaa-4b87-abaf-967b3e2f6fe3" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_LossContingencyAccrualAtCarryingValue"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesLineItems_8ec6f7f6-e5a4-468d-b5df-06c83d51c6ea" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LossContingencyAccrualAtCarryingValue_b30cb115-fdaa-4b87-abaf-967b3e2f6fe3" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_LitigationSettlementAmountAwardedToOtherPartyNumberOfInstallments_939f2296-31ab-4bd7-a185-d21e07bfcfea" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_LitigationSettlementAmountAwardedToOtherPartyNumberOfInstallments"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesLineItems_8ec6f7f6-e5a4-468d-b5df-06c83d51c6ea" xlink:to="loc_he_LitigationSettlementAmountAwardedToOtherPartyNumberOfInstallments_939f2296-31ab-4bd7-a185-d21e07bfcfea" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LossContingencyAccrualCarryingValueCurrent_87b96d98-2808-4c05-8878-77376ce88ea4" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_LossContingencyAccrualCarryingValueCurrent"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesLineItems_8ec6f7f6-e5a4-468d-b5df-06c83d51c6ea" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LossContingencyAccrualCarryingValueCurrent_87b96d98-2808-4c05-8878-77376ce88ea4" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LossContingencyAccrualCarryingValueNoncurrent_7ab00c13-281e-486b-bbb6-07fadda7d246" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_LossContingencyAccrualCarryingValueNoncurrent"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesLineItems_8ec6f7f6-e5a4-468d-b5df-06c83d51c6ea" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LossContingencyAccrualCarryingValueNoncurrent_7ab00c13-281e-486b-bbb6-07fadda7d246" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SaleOfStockNumberOfSharesIssuedInTransaction_71ccad3a-f902-4a25-8d1e-73f8d0906724" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_SaleOfStockNumberOfSharesIssuedInTransaction"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesLineItems_8ec6f7f6-e5a4-468d-b5df-06c83d51c6ea" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SaleOfStockNumberOfSharesIssuedInTransaction_71ccad3a-f902-4a25-8d1e-73f8d0906724" xlink:type="arc" order="5"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SaleOfStockConsiderationReceivedOnTransaction_e6caa800-bfde-4f94-9061-9cbf53fb4e2d" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_SaleOfStockConsiderationReceivedOnTransaction"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesLineItems_8ec6f7f6-e5a4-468d-b5df-06c83d51c6ea" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SaleOfStockConsiderationReceivedOnTransaction_e6caa800-bfde-4f94-9061-9cbf53fb4e2d" xlink:type="arc" order="6"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue_38033f1f-98bf-45c3-9f58-3ef6b72acf5e" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesLineItems_8ec6f7f6-e5a4-468d-b5df-06c83d51c6ea" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue_38033f1f-98bf-45c3-9f58-3ef6b72acf5e" xlink:type="arc" order="7"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.hei.com/role/MauiwindstormandwildfiresNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#MauiwindstormandwildfiresNarrativeDetails"/>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.hei.com/role/MauiwindstormandwildfiresNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesGeneralDisclosuresLineItems_b2ba3091-cfe7-4f67-9122-1c7e003f6d97" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesGeneralDisclosuresLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesGeneralDisclosuresTable_3e7debee-f15a-4a45-818e-511f23e9341d" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesGeneralDisclosuresTable"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesGeneralDisclosuresLineItems_b2ba3091-cfe7-4f67-9122-1c7e003f6d97" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesGeneralDisclosuresTable_3e7debee-f15a-4a45-818e-511f23e9341d" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_UnusualOrInfrequentItemAxis_bd08b502-c37c-4f6a-8932-f888b32d82cb" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_UnusualOrInfrequentItemAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesGeneralDisclosuresTable_3e7debee-f15a-4a45-818e-511f23e9341d" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_UnusualOrInfrequentItemAxis_bd08b502-c37c-4f6a-8932-f888b32d82cb" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_UnusualOrInfrequentItemDomain_bd08b502-c37c-4f6a-8932-f888b32d82cb_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_UnusualOrInfrequentItemDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_UnusualOrInfrequentItemAxis_bd08b502-c37c-4f6a-8932-f888b32d82cb" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_UnusualOrInfrequentItemDomain_bd08b502-c37c-4f6a-8932-f888b32d82cb_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_UnusualOrInfrequentItemDomain_869a419f-5804-43ff-9e14-f4dfd033af86" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_UnusualOrInfrequentItemDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_UnusualOrInfrequentItemAxis_bd08b502-c37c-4f6a-8932-f888b32d82cb" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_UnusualOrInfrequentItemDomain_869a419f-5804-43ff-9e14-f4dfd033af86" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NaturalDisastersAndOtherCasualtyEventsMember_5504f144-270f-4166-8e77-3dc3c7722b28" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_NaturalDisastersAndOtherCasualtyEventsMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_UnusualOrInfrequentItemDomain_869a419f-5804-43ff-9e14-f4dfd033af86" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NaturalDisastersAndOtherCasualtyEventsMember_5504f144-270f-4166-8e77-3dc3c7722b28" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_5c805885-8b74-4807-ba64-a02980263a6f" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2024/dei-2024.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesGeneralDisclosuresTable_3e7debee-f15a-4a45-818e-511f23e9341d" xlink:to="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_5c805885-8b74-4807-ba64-a02980263a6f" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_5c805885-8b74-4807-ba64-a02980263a6f_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2024/dei-2024.xsd#dei_EntityDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_5c805885-8b74-4807-ba64-a02980263a6f" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_5c805885-8b74-4807-ba64-a02980263a6f_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_00cf127d-f25c-4d2e-b5dd-1f6576caac5c" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2024/dei-2024.xsd#dei_EntityDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_5c805885-8b74-4807-ba64-a02980263a6f" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_00cf127d-f25c-4d2e-b5dd-1f6576caac5c" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_HawaiianElectricCompanyAndSubsidiariesMember_9e622062-b61d-45df-9e80-05e0e3865f38" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_HawaiianElectricCompanyAndSubsidiariesMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_00cf127d-f25c-4d2e-b5dd-1f6576caac5c" xlink:to="loc_he_HawaiianElectricCompanyAndSubsidiariesMember_9e622062-b61d-45df-9e80-05e0e3865f38" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_616a1b7d-e22a-49c9-81cd-19aa21d1059c" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesGeneralDisclosuresTable_3e7debee-f15a-4a45-818e-511f23e9341d" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_616a1b7d-e22a-49c9-81cd-19aa21d1059c" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_616a1b7d-e22a-49c9-81cd-19aa21d1059c_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_616a1b7d-e22a-49c9-81cd-19aa21d1059c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_616a1b7d-e22a-49c9-81cd-19aa21d1059c_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_88e60795-4cdd-4fff-950d-3577edeb4eba" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_616a1b7d-e22a-49c9-81cd-19aa21d1059c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_88e60795-4cdd-4fff-950d-3577edeb4eba" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember_d228767e-7c20-4fa3-8dc1-1461642bfc0b" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_88e60795-4cdd-4fff-950d-3577edeb4eba" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember_d228767e-7c20-4fa3-8dc1-1461642bfc0b" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_CounterpartyNameAxis_ee1a9e7d-5f34-4e10-b8e6-a204f536a816" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2024/elts/srt-2024.xsd#srt_CounterpartyNameAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesGeneralDisclosuresTable_3e7debee-f15a-4a45-818e-511f23e9341d" xlink:to="loc_srt_CounterpartyNameAxis_ee1a9e7d-5f34-4e10-b8e6-a204f536a816" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain_ee1a9e7d-5f34-4e10-b8e6-a204f536a816_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2024/elts/srt-2024.xsd#srt_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_srt_CounterpartyNameAxis_ee1a9e7d-5f34-4e10-b8e6-a204f536a816" xlink:to="loc_srt_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain_ee1a9e7d-5f34-4e10-b8e6-a204f536a816_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain_93ca720c-324c-437d-b7c2-04d26e581876" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2024/elts/srt-2024.xsd#srt_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_srt_CounterpartyNameAxis_ee1a9e7d-5f34-4e10-b8e6-a204f536a816" xlink:to="loc_srt_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain_93ca720c-324c-437d-b7c2-04d26e581876" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_SpectrumOceanicLLCMember_9320f334-eb9c-4447-ac24-2c8d8d4d5730" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_SpectrumOceanicLLCMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain_93ca720c-324c-437d-b7c2-04d26e581876" xlink:to="loc_he_SpectrumOceanicLLCMember_9320f334-eb9c-4447-ac24-2c8d8d4d5730" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_SubrogationInsurersMember_e3fe5bf7-5cb1-400c-95ad-bd174286adf6" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_SubrogationInsurersMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain_93ca720c-324c-437d-b7c2-04d26e581876" xlink:to="loc_he_SubrogationInsurersMember_e3fe5bf7-5cb1-400c-95ad-bd174286adf6" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_CountyOfMauiMember_2fc7da80-c327-4cec-a83e-06f68ae7a7fc" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_CountyOfMauiMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain_93ca720c-324c-437d-b7c2-04d26e581876" xlink:to="loc_he_CountyOfMauiMember_2fc7da80-c327-4cec-a83e-06f68ae7a7fc" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_HawaiianElectricCompanyIncAndOtherDefendantsMember_fddb348c-96a9-4a56-88f5-897db520618c" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_HawaiianElectricCompanyIncAndOtherDefendantsMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain_93ca720c-324c-437d-b7c2-04d26e581876" xlink:to="loc_he_HawaiianElectricCompanyIncAndOtherDefendantsMember_fddb348c-96a9-4a56-88f5-897db520618c" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_LitigationCaseAxis_cbe1a02a-5013-4950-9786-ba18c8db6e59" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2024/elts/srt-2024.xsd#srt_LitigationCaseAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesGeneralDisclosuresTable_3e7debee-f15a-4a45-818e-511f23e9341d" xlink:to="loc_srt_LitigationCaseAxis_cbe1a02a-5013-4950-9786-ba18c8db6e59" xlink:type="arc" order="5"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_LitigationCaseTypeDomain_cbe1a02a-5013-4950-9786-ba18c8db6e59_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2024/elts/srt-2024.xsd#srt_LitigationCaseTypeDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_srt_LitigationCaseAxis_cbe1a02a-5013-4950-9786-ba18c8db6e59" xlink:to="loc_srt_LitigationCaseTypeDomain_cbe1a02a-5013-4950-9786-ba18c8db6e59_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_LitigationCaseTypeDomain_a22c4e47-1233-421f-83a4-41c34afce709" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2024/elts/srt-2024.xsd#srt_LitigationCaseTypeDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_srt_LitigationCaseAxis_cbe1a02a-5013-4950-9786-ba18c8db6e59" xlink:to="loc_srt_LitigationCaseTypeDomain_a22c4e47-1233-421f-83a4-41c34afce709" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_TortRelatedLegalClaimsMember_046c11ca-26f5-4d1d-8b0e-3e2ed7005f4e" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_TortRelatedLegalClaimsMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_LitigationCaseTypeDomain_a22c4e47-1233-421f-83a4-41c34afce709" xlink:to="loc_he_TortRelatedLegalClaimsMember_046c11ca-26f5-4d1d-8b0e-3e2ed7005f4e" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_MauiWildfireNegligenceMember_3906ce88-cbfe-4c75-8698-3662429fe6ac" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_MauiWildfireNegligenceMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_LitigationCaseTypeDomain_a22c4e47-1233-421f-83a4-41c34afce709" xlink:to="loc_he_MauiWildfireNegligenceMember_3906ce88-cbfe-4c75-8698-3662429fe6ac" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_ShareholderDerivativeActionsNorthernDistrictOfCaliforniaMember_15150083-70ee-4c19-be3d-3b19719e5bf8" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_ShareholderDerivativeActionsNorthernDistrictOfCaliforniaMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_LitigationCaseTypeDomain_a22c4e47-1233-421f-83a4-41c34afce709" xlink:to="loc_he_ShareholderDerivativeActionsNorthernDistrictOfCaliforniaMember_15150083-70ee-4c19-be3d-3b19719e5bf8" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_ShareholderDerivativeActionsDistrictOfHawaiiMember_918ef644-9eb7-4242-b0e7-6c914d70fc5d" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_ShareholderDerivativeActionsDistrictOfHawaiiMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_LitigationCaseTypeDomain_a22c4e47-1233-421f-83a4-41c34afce709" xlink:to="loc_he_ShareholderDerivativeActionsDistrictOfHawaiiMember_918ef644-9eb7-4242-b0e7-6c914d70fc5d" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesByNatureOfContingencyAxis_c92daa4b-42c5-447a-96ed-4c78e9cf3eef" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_LossContingenciesByNatureOfContingencyAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesGeneralDisclosuresTable_3e7debee-f15a-4a45-818e-511f23e9341d" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesByNatureOfContingencyAxis_c92daa4b-42c5-447a-96ed-4c78e9cf3eef" xlink:type="arc" order="6"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LossContingencyNatureDomain_c92daa4b-42c5-447a-96ed-4c78e9cf3eef_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_LossContingencyNatureDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesByNatureOfContingencyAxis_c92daa4b-42c5-447a-96ed-4c78e9cf3eef" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LossContingencyNatureDomain_c92daa4b-42c5-447a-96ed-4c78e9cf3eef_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LossContingencyNatureDomain_8034dfa4-14e6-4428-a471-4eb6228e8895" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_LossContingencyNatureDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesByNatureOfContingencyAxis_c92daa4b-42c5-447a-96ed-4c78e9cf3eef" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LossContingencyNatureDomain_8034dfa4-14e6-4428-a471-4eb6228e8895" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LossFromCatastrophesMember_937eb139-0848-411e-b06d-70fad8953b76" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_LossFromCatastrophesMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LossContingencyNatureDomain_8034dfa4-14e6-4428-a471-4eb6228e8895" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LossFromCatastrophesMember_937eb139-0848-411e-b06d-70fad8953b76" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_LossFromCatastrophesWildfireTortRelatedClaimsMember_5265d440-a628-450e-8e66-4971bea70b84" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_LossFromCatastrophesWildfireTortRelatedClaimsMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LossContingencyNatureDomain_8034dfa4-14e6-4428-a471-4eb6228e8895" xlink:to="loc_he_LossFromCatastrophesWildfireTortRelatedClaimsMember_5265d440-a628-450e-8e66-4971bea70b84" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_InsuranceClaimsLegalRelatedRecoveriesMember_10e49d5f-7c03-4c8b-8c7a-be9c8b9e8698" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_InsuranceClaimsLegalRelatedRecoveriesMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LossContingencyNatureDomain_8034dfa4-14e6-4428-a471-4eb6228e8895" xlink:to="loc_he_InsuranceClaimsLegalRelatedRecoveriesMember_10e49d5f-7c03-4c8b-8c7a-be9c8b9e8698" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IndemnificationGuaranteeMember_468db7d6-d168-4e4c-b6a5-d311505c3d1d" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_IndemnificationGuaranteeMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LossContingencyNatureDomain_8034dfa4-14e6-4428-a471-4eb6228e8895" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IndemnificationGuaranteeMember_468db7d6-d168-4e4c-b6a5-d311505c3d1d" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RegulatoryAssets_22c7aa32-6a79-481f-9d6e-1720dbe0398a" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_RegulatoryAssets"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesGeneralDisclosuresLineItems_b2ba3091-cfe7-4f67-9122-1c7e003f6d97" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RegulatoryAssets_22c7aa32-6a79-481f-9d6e-1720dbe0398a" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InsuranceRecoveries_679d3e68-b73d-4548-aa0b-442e29ca35eb" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_InsuranceRecoveries"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesGeneralDisclosuresLineItems_b2ba3091-cfe7-4f67-9122-1c7e003f6d97" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InsuranceRecoveries_679d3e68-b73d-4548-aa0b-442e29ca35eb" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_LossContingencyPropertyInsurancePolicyLimit_277bdc0f-a8ee-47c4-a6b5-728aa74fd7d1" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_LossContingencyPropertyInsurancePolicyLimit"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesGeneralDisclosuresLineItems_b2ba3091-cfe7-4f67-9122-1c7e003f6d97" xlink:to="loc_he_LossContingencyPropertyInsurancePolicyLimit_277bdc0f-a8ee-47c4-a6b5-728aa74fd7d1" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_LossContingencyPropertyInsurancePolicyLimitRetentionForGenerationAssets_b4dd5a81-67d4-49d5-aded-ebd376be2a1d" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_LossContingencyPropertyInsurancePolicyLimitRetentionForGenerationAssets"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesGeneralDisclosuresLineItems_b2ba3091-cfe7-4f67-9122-1c7e003f6d97" xlink:to="loc_he_LossContingencyPropertyInsurancePolicyLimitRetentionForGenerationAssets_b4dd5a81-67d4-49d5-aded-ebd376be2a1d" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LossContingencyNewClaimsFiledNumber_e0c9499d-d4a0-4236-93c7-7675c8ea130d" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_LossContingencyNewClaimsFiledNumber"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesGeneralDisclosuresLineItems_b2ba3091-cfe7-4f67-9122-1c7e003f6d97" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LossContingencyNewClaimsFiledNumber_e0c9499d-d4a0-4236-93c7-7675c8ea130d" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LossContingencyPendingClaimsNumber_207ccaf2-3fd0-4da9-a7f0-dc511076f158" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_LossContingencyPendingClaimsNumber"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesGeneralDisclosuresLineItems_b2ba3091-cfe7-4f67-9122-1c7e003f6d97" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LossContingencyPendingClaimsNumber_207ccaf2-3fd0-4da9-a7f0-dc511076f158" xlink:type="arc" order="5"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LossContingencyNumberOfPlaintiffs_40d3a40c-c0a2-4035-ba6b-7550869ccd9e" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_LossContingencyNumberOfPlaintiffs"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesGeneralDisclosuresLineItems_b2ba3091-cfe7-4f67-9122-1c7e003f6d97" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LossContingencyNumberOfPlaintiffs_40d3a40c-c0a2-4035-ba6b-7550869ccd9e" xlink:type="arc" order="6"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_UnusualOrInfrequentItemHumanitarianAidExpectedFundingAmount_cd4baa7e-cd6e-4495-b62f-a49dd8fe7fde" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_UnusualOrInfrequentItemHumanitarianAidExpectedFundingAmount"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesGeneralDisclosuresLineItems_b2ba3091-cfe7-4f67-9122-1c7e003f6d97" xlink:to="loc_he_UnusualOrInfrequentItemHumanitarianAidExpectedFundingAmount_cd4baa7e-cd6e-4495-b62f-a49dd8fe7fde" xlink:type="arc" order="7"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_UnusualOrInfrequentItemHumanitarianAidExpectedBeneficiaryAmount_f6b36202-b728-459c-beec-be8ad28d3929" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_UnusualOrInfrequentItemHumanitarianAidExpectedBeneficiaryAmount"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesGeneralDisclosuresLineItems_b2ba3091-cfe7-4f67-9122-1c7e003f6d97" xlink:to="loc_he_UnusualOrInfrequentItemHumanitarianAidExpectedBeneficiaryAmount_f6b36202-b728-459c-beec-be8ad28d3929" xlink:type="arc" order="8"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_HumanitarianAidFundCommittedContribution_ec207030-916d-455e-ae97-a0c88a2aed30" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_HumanitarianAidFundCommittedContribution"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesGeneralDisclosuresLineItems_b2ba3091-cfe7-4f67-9122-1c7e003f6d97" xlink:to="loc_he_HumanitarianAidFundCommittedContribution_ec207030-916d-455e-ae97-a0c88a2aed30" xlink:type="arc" order="9"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_HumanitarianAidFundNumberOfDeathRelatedClaimForms_f039a162-8f04-45fd-a17d-c568f1aac346" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_HumanitarianAidFundNumberOfDeathRelatedClaimForms"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesGeneralDisclosuresLineItems_b2ba3091-cfe7-4f67-9122-1c7e003f6d97" xlink:to="loc_he_HumanitarianAidFundNumberOfDeathRelatedClaimForms_f039a162-8f04-45fd-a17d-c568f1aac346" xlink:type="arc" order="10"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_HumanitarianAidFundNumberOfPhysicalInjuryRelatedClaimForms_baa480b3-c8a6-48e8-b489-0b1d90d2ca7d" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_HumanitarianAidFundNumberOfPhysicalInjuryRelatedClaimForms"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesGeneralDisclosuresLineItems_b2ba3091-cfe7-4f67-9122-1c7e003f6d97" xlink:to="loc_he_HumanitarianAidFundNumberOfPhysicalInjuryRelatedClaimForms_baa480b3-c8a6-48e8-b489-0b1d90d2ca7d" xlink:type="arc" order="11"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LossContingencyClaimsSettledNumber_158c0cf5-f7fa-445d-87e4-7fdc173545d2" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_LossContingencyClaimsSettledNumber"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesGeneralDisclosuresLineItems_b2ba3091-cfe7-4f67-9122-1c7e003f6d97" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LossContingencyClaimsSettledNumber_158c0cf5-f7fa-445d-87e4-7fdc173545d2" xlink:type="arc" order="12"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_LossContingencyNumberOfLawyersRepresentingPlaintiffs_89b433ce-ba42-4919-b31f-9551ae835ba6" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_LossContingencyNumberOfLawyersRepresentingPlaintiffs"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesGeneralDisclosuresLineItems_b2ba3091-cfe7-4f67-9122-1c7e003f6d97" xlink:to="loc_he_LossContingencyNumberOfLawyersRepresentingPlaintiffs_89b433ce-ba42-4919-b31f-9551ae835ba6" xlink:type="arc" order="13"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LitigationSettlementAmountAwardedToOtherParty_12d49159-8369-4bca-aba0-dbaff01ceb92" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_LitigationSettlementAmountAwardedToOtherParty"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesGeneralDisclosuresLineItems_b2ba3091-cfe7-4f67-9122-1c7e003f6d97" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LitigationSettlementAmountAwardedToOtherParty_12d49159-8369-4bca-aba0-dbaff01ceb92" xlink:type="arc" order="14"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_LitigationSettlementAmountAwardedToOtherPartyNumberOfInstallments_f677a374-f727-41a6-8b19-599978088710" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_LitigationSettlementAmountAwardedToOtherPartyNumberOfInstallments"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesGeneralDisclosuresLineItems_b2ba3091-cfe7-4f67-9122-1c7e003f6d97" xlink:to="loc_he_LitigationSettlementAmountAwardedToOtherPartyNumberOfInstallments_f677a374-f727-41a6-8b19-599978088710" xlink:type="arc" order="15"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_LitigationSettlementDiscountRate_4a503020-d0ca-4f43-a26c-befe51cd3549" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_LitigationSettlementDiscountRate"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesGeneralDisclosuresLineItems_b2ba3091-cfe7-4f67-9122-1c7e003f6d97" xlink:to="loc_he_LitigationSettlementDiscountRate_4a503020-d0ca-4f43-a26c-befe51cd3549" xlink:type="arc" order="16"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LossContingencyAccrualCarryingValueCurrent_5d090f09-92a8-4bf9-8aa7-636656ed8a99" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_LossContingencyAccrualCarryingValueCurrent"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesGeneralDisclosuresLineItems_b2ba3091-cfe7-4f67-9122-1c7e003f6d97" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LossContingencyAccrualCarryingValueCurrent_5d090f09-92a8-4bf9-8aa7-636656ed8a99" xlink:type="arc" order="17"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_LitigationSettlementFeeExpenseAccrued_6bdaf950-2a12-4c4e-8a2c-de1bab725337" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_LitigationSettlementFeeExpenseAccrued"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesGeneralDisclosuresLineItems_b2ba3091-cfe7-4f67-9122-1c7e003f6d97" xlink:to="loc_he_LitigationSettlementFeeExpenseAccrued_6bdaf950-2a12-4c4e-8a2c-de1bab725337" xlink:type="arc" order="18"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_LitigationSettlementAmountAwardedToOtherPartyReservedToResolveClaimsByNonparticipatingPlaintiffs_efb03658-b5ce-4adb-98c1-e52ed8bdaa64" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_LitigationSettlementAmountAwardedToOtherPartyReservedToResolveClaimsByNonparticipatingPlaintiffs"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesGeneralDisclosuresLineItems_b2ba3091-cfe7-4f67-9122-1c7e003f6d97" xlink:to="loc_he_LitigationSettlementAmountAwardedToOtherPartyReservedToResolveClaimsByNonparticipatingPlaintiffs_efb03658-b5ce-4adb-98c1-e52ed8bdaa64" xlink:type="arc" order="19"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LossContingencyAccrualAtCarryingValue_2bc590b2-dfc7-4934-b5a1-873db7e2e7e4" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_LossContingencyAccrualAtCarryingValue"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesGeneralDisclosuresLineItems_b2ba3091-cfe7-4f67-9122-1c7e003f6d97" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LossContingencyAccrualAtCarryingValue_2bc590b2-dfc7-4934-b5a1-873db7e2e7e4" xlink:type="arc" order="20"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LossContingencyAccrualCarryingValueNoncurrent_8fa6946e-f141-4174-be39-1b5f83dcba4f" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_LossContingencyAccrualCarryingValueNoncurrent"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesGeneralDisclosuresLineItems_b2ba3091-cfe7-4f67-9122-1c7e003f6d97" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LossContingencyAccrualCarryingValueNoncurrent_8fa6946e-f141-4174-be39-1b5f83dcba4f" xlink:type="arc" order="21"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LossContingencyReceivable_25fb4f6b-5e05-405f-bf49-7c157944b413" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_LossContingencyReceivable"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesGeneralDisclosuresLineItems_b2ba3091-cfe7-4f67-9122-1c7e003f6d97" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LossContingencyReceivable_25fb4f6b-5e05-405f-bf49-7c157944b413" xlink:type="arc" order="22"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_LossContingencyExcessLiabilityInsurance_07da625e-5a17-4b7e-a389-07c1ccd8d752" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_LossContingencyExcessLiabilityInsurance"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesGeneralDisclosuresLineItems_b2ba3091-cfe7-4f67-9122-1c7e003f6d97" xlink:to="loc_he_LossContingencyExcessLiabilityInsurance_07da625e-5a17-4b7e-a389-07c1ccd8d752" xlink:type="arc" order="23"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_LossContingencyMiscellaneousProfessionalLiabilityInsurance_eb841202-a598-42fe-994c-1acc7be11a47" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_LossContingencyMiscellaneousProfessionalLiabilityInsurance"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesGeneralDisclosuresLineItems_b2ba3091-cfe7-4f67-9122-1c7e003f6d97" xlink:to="loc_he_LossContingencyMiscellaneousProfessionalLiabilityInsurance_eb841202-a598-42fe-994c-1acc7be11a47" xlink:type="arc" order="24"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_LossContingencyExcessLiabilityInsuranceRetentionAmount_83d015f7-1e95-456d-9f27-a71fe8c709e1" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_LossContingencyExcessLiabilityInsuranceRetentionAmount"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesGeneralDisclosuresLineItems_b2ba3091-cfe7-4f67-9122-1c7e003f6d97" xlink:to="loc_he_LossContingencyExcessLiabilityInsuranceRetentionAmount_83d015f7-1e95-456d-9f27-a71fe8c709e1" xlink:type="arc" order="25"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_LossContingencyMiscellaneousProfessionalLiabilityInsuranceRetentionAmount_2a200f78-ab17-4898-ab17-c7f51ba2cc3e" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_LossContingencyMiscellaneousProfessionalLiabilityInsuranceRetentionAmount"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesGeneralDisclosuresLineItems_b2ba3091-cfe7-4f67-9122-1c7e003f6d97" xlink:to="loc_he_LossContingencyMiscellaneousProfessionalLiabilityInsuranceRetentionAmount_2a200f78-ab17-4898-ab17-c7f51ba2cc3e" xlink:type="arc" order="26"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_LossContingencyDirectorsAndOfficersLiabilityInsurance_3b55794e-ff8e-47a7-9c6d-48e04ff2e106" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_LossContingencyDirectorsAndOfficersLiabilityInsurance"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesGeneralDisclosuresLineItems_b2ba3091-cfe7-4f67-9122-1c7e003f6d97" xlink:to="loc_he_LossContingencyDirectorsAndOfficersLiabilityInsurance_3b55794e-ff8e-47a7-9c6d-48e04ff2e106" xlink:type="arc" order="27"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_LossContingencyDirectorsAndOfficersLiabilityInsuranceRetentionAmount_13144983-43ea-4ea6-80e9-4aa152873418" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_LossContingencyDirectorsAndOfficersLiabilityInsuranceRetentionAmount"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesGeneralDisclosuresLineItems_b2ba3091-cfe7-4f67-9122-1c7e003f6d97" xlink:to="loc_he_LossContingencyDirectorsAndOfficersLiabilityInsuranceRetentionAmount_13144983-43ea-4ea6-80e9-4aa152873418" xlink:type="arc" order="28"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_InsuranceReimbursementReceivable_406b3dcf-67ff-4142-81f4-b69a5f493ba8" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_InsuranceReimbursementReceivable"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesGeneralDisclosuresLineItems_b2ba3091-cfe7-4f67-9122-1c7e003f6d97" xlink:to="loc_he_InsuranceReimbursementReceivable_406b3dcf-67ff-4142-81f4-b69a5f493ba8" xlink:type="arc" order="29"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_UnusualOrInfrequentItemLossGross_b533ebff-ceff-420b-807e-a89ea6ab994f" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_UnusualOrInfrequentItemLossGross"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesGeneralDisclosuresLineItems_b2ba3091-cfe7-4f67-9122-1c7e003f6d97" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_UnusualOrInfrequentItemLossGross_b533ebff-ceff-420b-807e-a89ea6ab994f" xlink:type="arc" order="30"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.hei.com/role/MauiwindstormandwildfiresUtilitiesChargedDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#MauiwindstormandwildfiresUtilitiesChargedDetails"/>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.hei.com/role/MauiwindstormandwildfiresUtilitiesChargedDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesGeneralDisclosuresLineItems_3f82a2cf-757d-49f9-9576-77262e19bc29" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesGeneralDisclosuresLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesGeneralDisclosuresTable_e38217a8-3f1d-46cb-a2a8-01cbec5eb1e5" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesGeneralDisclosuresTable"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesGeneralDisclosuresLineItems_3f82a2cf-757d-49f9-9576-77262e19bc29" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesGeneralDisclosuresTable_e38217a8-3f1d-46cb-a2a8-01cbec5eb1e5" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_UnusualOrInfrequentItemAxis_ee9213b3-73b5-4c5c-ba68-0ec3564939be" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_UnusualOrInfrequentItemAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesGeneralDisclosuresTable_e38217a8-3f1d-46cb-a2a8-01cbec5eb1e5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_UnusualOrInfrequentItemAxis_ee9213b3-73b5-4c5c-ba68-0ec3564939be" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_UnusualOrInfrequentItemDomain_ee9213b3-73b5-4c5c-ba68-0ec3564939be_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_UnusualOrInfrequentItemDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_UnusualOrInfrequentItemAxis_ee9213b3-73b5-4c5c-ba68-0ec3564939be" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_UnusualOrInfrequentItemDomain_ee9213b3-73b5-4c5c-ba68-0ec3564939be_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_UnusualOrInfrequentItemDomain_29789eb6-216d-4e59-a218-38c149226699" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_UnusualOrInfrequentItemDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_UnusualOrInfrequentItemAxis_ee9213b3-73b5-4c5c-ba68-0ec3564939be" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_UnusualOrInfrequentItemDomain_29789eb6-216d-4e59-a218-38c149226699" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NaturalDisastersAndOtherCasualtyEventsMember_d06ce396-46ab-47ac-8bca-caa7ddd0ca0d" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_NaturalDisastersAndOtherCasualtyEventsMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_UnusualOrInfrequentItemDomain_29789eb6-216d-4e59-a218-38c149226699" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NaturalDisastersAndOtherCasualtyEventsMember_d06ce396-46ab-47ac-8bca-caa7ddd0ca0d" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_6d219696-8e72-400f-806f-e538f4581c9e" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2024/dei-2024.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesGeneralDisclosuresTable_e38217a8-3f1d-46cb-a2a8-01cbec5eb1e5" xlink:to="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_6d219696-8e72-400f-806f-e538f4581c9e" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_6d219696-8e72-400f-806f-e538f4581c9e_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2024/dei-2024.xsd#dei_EntityDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_6d219696-8e72-400f-806f-e538f4581c9e" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_6d219696-8e72-400f-806f-e538f4581c9e_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_0a25085b-39c3-44d0-8ac7-febdae4c9af1" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2024/dei-2024.xsd#dei_EntityDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_6d219696-8e72-400f-806f-e538f4581c9e" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_0a25085b-39c3-44d0-8ac7-febdae4c9af1" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_HawaiianElectricCompanyAndSubsidiariesMember_4236f11b-d4db-47e3-be7f-e7748eb90651" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_HawaiianElectricCompanyAndSubsidiariesMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_0a25085b-39c3-44d0-8ac7-febdae4c9af1" xlink:to="loc_he_HawaiianElectricCompanyAndSubsidiariesMember_4236f11b-d4db-47e3-be7f-e7748eb90651" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesByNatureOfContingencyAxis_c55ac0b0-f3f9-4486-8684-3d4248aa59dc" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_LossContingenciesByNatureOfContingencyAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesGeneralDisclosuresTable_e38217a8-3f1d-46cb-a2a8-01cbec5eb1e5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesByNatureOfContingencyAxis_c55ac0b0-f3f9-4486-8684-3d4248aa59dc" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LossContingencyNatureDomain_c55ac0b0-f3f9-4486-8684-3d4248aa59dc_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_LossContingencyNatureDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesByNatureOfContingencyAxis_c55ac0b0-f3f9-4486-8684-3d4248aa59dc" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LossContingencyNatureDomain_c55ac0b0-f3f9-4486-8684-3d4248aa59dc_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LossContingencyNatureDomain_32500126-87c2-44ed-a7f9-fbc469574e81" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_LossContingencyNatureDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesByNatureOfContingencyAxis_c55ac0b0-f3f9-4486-8684-3d4248aa59dc" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LossContingencyNatureDomain_32500126-87c2-44ed-a7f9-fbc469574e81" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LossFromCatastrophesMember_a2c67c0e-d310-4039-811c-d1e1bb03a754" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_LossFromCatastrophesMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LossContingencyNatureDomain_32500126-87c2-44ed-a7f9-fbc469574e81" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LossFromCatastrophesMember_a2c67c0e-d310-4039-811c-d1e1bb03a754" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_LossFromCatastrophesLegalExpensesMember_2e8858ab-6dd8-459e-a891-b2d1e0df2e53" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_LossFromCatastrophesLegalExpensesMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LossFromCatastrophesMember_a2c67c0e-d310-4039-811c-d1e1bb03a754" xlink:to="loc_he_LossFromCatastrophesLegalExpensesMember_2e8858ab-6dd8-459e-a891-b2d1e0df2e53" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_LossFromCatastrophesWildfireTortRelatedClaimsMember_9b240905-0f45-4f35-a7ca-9d6016d34701" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_LossFromCatastrophesWildfireTortRelatedClaimsMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LossFromCatastrophesMember_a2c67c0e-d310-4039-811c-d1e1bb03a754" xlink:to="loc_he_LossFromCatastrophesWildfireTortRelatedClaimsMember_9b240905-0f45-4f35-a7ca-9d6016d34701" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_LossFromCatastrophesOtherExpenseMember_9bc049fe-89ab-47e7-804b-79fe83b26f20" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_LossFromCatastrophesOtherExpenseMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LossFromCatastrophesMember_a2c67c0e-d310-4039-811c-d1e1bb03a754" xlink:to="loc_he_LossFromCatastrophesOtherExpenseMember_9bc049fe-89ab-47e7-804b-79fe83b26f20" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LossFromCatastrophes_87630f6f-173f-4364-9546-6a524313b436" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_LossFromCatastrophes"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesGeneralDisclosuresLineItems_3f82a2cf-757d-49f9-9576-77262e19bc29" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LossFromCatastrophes_87630f6f-173f-4364-9546-6a524313b436" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InsuranceRecoveries_06680282-ccae-49d4-9682-fcac84d0a3e0" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_InsuranceRecoveries"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesGeneralDisclosuresLineItems_3f82a2cf-757d-49f9-9576-77262e19bc29" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InsuranceRecoveries_06680282-ccae-49d4-9682-fcac84d0a3e0" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_LossContingenciesIncrementalNonLaborExpensesDeferredAccountingTreatment_29da9f2a-cadb-4185-b087-218cf7e24abc" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_LossContingenciesIncrementalNonLaborExpensesDeferredAccountingTreatment"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesGeneralDisclosuresLineItems_3f82a2cf-757d-49f9-9576-77262e19bc29" xlink:to="loc_he_LossContingenciesIncrementalNonLaborExpensesDeferredAccountingTreatment_29da9f2a-cadb-4185-b087-218cf7e24abc" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_LossContingenciesNetOfRecoveriesAndReclassificationsOfPayments_1d8b8861-fc2c-4549-89c4-6c35649a8c31" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_LossContingenciesNetOfRecoveriesAndReclassificationsOfPayments"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesGeneralDisclosuresLineItems_3f82a2cf-757d-49f9-9576-77262e19bc29" xlink:to="loc_he_LossContingenciesNetOfRecoveriesAndReclassificationsOfPayments_1d8b8861-fc2c-4549-89c4-6c35649a8c31" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.hei.com/role/SegmentfinancialinformationSegmentFinancialInformationDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#SegmentfinancialinformationSegmentFinancialInformationDetails"/>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.hei.com/role/SegmentfinancialinformationSegmentFinancialInformationDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_241edbb9-f421-4fbc-9d7c-a5c0566d669f" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable_5e24e017-c6af-404d-95e3-486a186ad385" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_241edbb9-f421-4fbc-9d7c-a5c0566d669f" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable_5e24e017-c6af-404d-95e3-486a186ad385" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_3c5d0bae-b570-467d-a1aa-b724fd40c0c5" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable_5e24e017-c6af-404d-95e3-486a186ad385" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_3c5d0bae-b570-467d-a1aa-b724fd40c0c5" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_3c5d0bae-b570-467d-a1aa-b724fd40c0c5_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_3c5d0bae-b570-467d-a1aa-b724fd40c0c5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_3c5d0bae-b570-467d-a1aa-b724fd40c0c5_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_bd5f3a6a-0791-4b8d-bea5-f78608e46c75" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_3c5d0bae-b570-467d-a1aa-b724fd40c0c5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_bd5f3a6a-0791-4b8d-bea5-f78608e46c75" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_ElectricUtilitySegmentMember_3329c2d9-89b7-401a-b666-fe9ef8cbd99d" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_ElectricUtilitySegmentMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_bd5f3a6a-0791-4b8d-bea5-f78608e46c75" xlink:to="loc_he_ElectricUtilitySegmentMember_3329c2d9-89b7-401a-b666-fe9ef8cbd99d" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_BankingSegmentMember_d8ccb2fc-523a-448d-9408-50d8e7c9d044" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_BankingSegmentMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_bd5f3a6a-0791-4b8d-bea5-f78608e46c75" xlink:to="loc_he_BankingSegmentMember_d8ccb2fc-523a-448d-9408-50d8e7c9d044" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AllOtherSegmentsMember_a0e13a32-b5bd-481f-8a7a-1ec465dc460c" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_AllOtherSegmentsMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_bd5f3a6a-0791-4b8d-bea5-f78608e46c75" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AllOtherSegmentsMember_a0e13a32-b5bd-481f-8a7a-1ec465dc460c" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Revenues_e0c43038-a0db-49b7-8dd4-0927c85540bb" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_Revenues"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_241edbb9-f421-4fbc-9d7c-a5c0566d669f" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Revenues_e0c43038-a0db-49b7-8dd4-0927c85540bb" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesExtraordinaryItemsNoncontrollingInterest_d3a71862-7e17-4673-b627-8b3bf2719f10" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesExtraordinaryItemsNoncontrollingInterest"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_241edbb9-f421-4fbc-9d7c-a5c0566d669f" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesExtraordinaryItemsNoncontrollingInterest_d3a71862-7e17-4673-b627-8b3bf2719f10" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit_4042ea5a-9b9c-4251-9f89-d36c1cfb1cf9" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_241edbb9-f421-4fbc-9d7c-a5c0566d669f" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit_4042ea5a-9b9c-4251-9f89-d36c1cfb1cf9" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_49fb716f-b52f-441b-afd9-50cc16128e04" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_241edbb9-f421-4fbc-9d7c-a5c0566d669f" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_49fb716f-b52f-441b-afd9-50cc16128e04" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockDividendsIncomeStatementImpact_f3a855ca-d473-4dee-bd54-3f4820913629" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockDividendsIncomeStatementImpact"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_241edbb9-f421-4fbc-9d7c-a5c0566d669f" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockDividendsIncomeStatementImpact_f3a855ca-d473-4dee-bd54-3f4820913629" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAvailableToCommonStockholdersBasic_97a97035-1b44-49b7-a47a-49835255ae37" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAvailableToCommonStockholdersBasic"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_241edbb9-f421-4fbc-9d7c-a5c0566d669f" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAvailableToCommonStockholdersBasic_97a97035-1b44-49b7-a47a-49835255ae37" xlink:type="arc" order="5"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Assets_1fff34cc-5612-40f6-81b1-a5a0a53f788b" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_Assets"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_241edbb9-f421-4fbc-9d7c-a5c0566d669f" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Assets_1fff34cc-5612-40f6-81b1-a5a0a53f788b" xlink:type="arc" order="6"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.hei.com/role/ElectricutilitysegmentConsolidatedVariableInterestEntitiesDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#ElectricutilitysegmentConsolidatedVariableInterestEntitiesDetails"/>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.hei.com/role/ElectricutilitysegmentConsolidatedVariableInterestEntitiesDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityLineItems_bca5a7af-8d5f-4aae-8be9-be70e8469a80" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfVariableInterestEntitiesTable_f70cb807-c086-4b0c-82f4-dbe0bc97fd08" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfVariableInterestEntitiesTable"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityLineItems_bca5a7af-8d5f-4aae-8be9-be70e8469a80" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfVariableInterestEntitiesTable_f70cb807-c086-4b0c-82f4-dbe0bc97fd08" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis_e67aa862-63ab-44f1-a4aa-398d7f5166ad" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2024/elts/srt-2024.xsd#srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfVariableInterestEntitiesTable_f70cb807-c086-4b0c-82f4-dbe0bc97fd08" xlink:to="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis_e67aa862-63ab-44f1-a4aa-398d7f5166ad" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_e67aa862-63ab-44f1-a4aa-398d7f5166ad_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2024/elts/srt-2024.xsd#srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis_e67aa862-63ab-44f1-a4aa-398d7f5166ad" xlink:to="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_e67aa862-63ab-44f1-a4aa-398d7f5166ad_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_7c35b614-40b3-4ec4-92a7-d996d8562014" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2024/elts/srt-2024.xsd#srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis_e67aa862-63ab-44f1-a4aa-398d7f5166ad" xlink:to="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_7c35b614-40b3-4ec4-92a7-d996d8562014" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityPrimaryBeneficiaryMember_b014b9db-5434-404b-9453-88f1a88f55b2" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityPrimaryBeneficiaryMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_7c35b614-40b3-4ec4-92a7-d996d8562014" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityPrimaryBeneficiaryMember_b014b9db-5434-404b-9453-88f1a88f55b2" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccountsReceivableNet_5e6de438-16bc-4a5b-ad24-c146baef06eb" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_AccountsReceivableNet"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityLineItems_bca5a7af-8d5f-4aae-8be9-be70e8469a80" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccountsReceivableNet_5e6de438-16bc-4a5b-ad24-c146baef06eb" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.hei.com/role/ElectricutilitysegmentUnconsolidatedVariableInterestEntitiesDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#ElectricutilitysegmentUnconsolidatedVariableInterestEntitiesDetails"/>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.hei.com/role/ElectricutilitysegmentUnconsolidatedVariableInterestEntitiesDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityLineItems_3303f792-07e8-4e16-9ad3-1dea7318f6ea" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfVariableInterestEntitiesTable_2f9dad30-ec62-46da-8b81-c92b35bfcbf2" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfVariableInterestEntitiesTable"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityLineItems_3303f792-07e8-4e16-9ad3-1dea7318f6ea" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfVariableInterestEntitiesTable_2f9dad30-ec62-46da-8b81-c92b35bfcbf2" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis_052e963f-dd0c-447a-8db1-852e67f5f4ca" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2024/elts/srt-2024.xsd#srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfVariableInterestEntitiesTable_2f9dad30-ec62-46da-8b81-c92b35bfcbf2" xlink:to="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis_052e963f-dd0c-447a-8db1-852e67f5f4ca" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_052e963f-dd0c-447a-8db1-852e67f5f4ca_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2024/elts/srt-2024.xsd#srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis_052e963f-dd0c-447a-8db1-852e67f5f4ca" xlink:to="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_052e963f-dd0c-447a-8db1-852e67f5f4ca_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_c92b4149-b363-4344-97bf-62db421401d9" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2024/elts/srt-2024.xsd#srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis_052e963f-dd0c-447a-8db1-852e67f5f4ca" xlink:to="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_c92b4149-b363-4344-97bf-62db421401d9" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_SubsidiariesMember_9c4cc554-1813-4417-97b3-7c8c1af866dc" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2024/elts/srt-2024.xsd#srt_SubsidiariesMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_c92b4149-b363-4344-97bf-62db421401d9" xlink:to="loc_srt_SubsidiariesMember_9c4cc554-1813-4417-97b3-7c8c1af866dc" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_PowerPurchaseAgreementAbstract_95e3e72d-c1d9-4f69-b340-9a128b5cdcdb" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_PowerPurchaseAgreementAbstract"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityLineItems_3303f792-07e8-4e16-9ad3-1dea7318f6ea" xlink:to="loc_he_PowerPurchaseAgreementAbstract_95e3e72d-c1d9-4f69-b340-9a128b5cdcdb" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_NumberOfPowerPurchaseAgreements_a442f9ab-73ca-416a-aaf7-a5ecf5eb9b5e" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_NumberOfPowerPurchaseAgreements"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_he_PowerPurchaseAgreementAbstract_95e3e72d-c1d9-4f69-b340-9a128b5cdcdb" xlink:to="loc_he_NumberOfPowerPurchaseAgreements_a442f9ab-73ca-416a-aaf7-a5ecf5eb9b5e" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_VariableInterestEntityNumberOfConsolidatedVIEs_9538f6bd-bd41-4086-b5ac-4eda3c025a24" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_VariableInterestEntityNumberOfConsolidatedVIEs"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_he_PowerPurchaseAgreementAbstract_95e3e72d-c1d9-4f69-b340-9a128b5cdcdb" xlink:to="loc_he_VariableInterestEntityNumberOfConsolidatedVIEs_9538f6bd-bd41-4086-b5ac-4eda3c025a24" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.hei.com/role/ElectricutilitysegmentCommitmentsandcontingenciesDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#ElectricutilitysegmentCommitmentsandcontingenciesDetails"/>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.hei.com/role/ElectricutilitysegmentCommitmentsandcontingenciesDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentLineItems_8adc96b7-8960-47a8-985f-d5a60e6ea47a" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentTable_5264e83b-6d67-4174-9344-bfa21e39a812" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentTable"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentLineItems_8adc96b7-8960-47a8-985f-d5a60e6ea47a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentTable_5264e83b-6d67-4174-9344-bfa21e39a812" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_CounterpartyNameAxis_8db1e73b-e205-4897-bae9-c1e38ae87e8a" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2024/elts/srt-2024.xsd#srt_CounterpartyNameAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentTable_5264e83b-6d67-4174-9344-bfa21e39a812" xlink:to="loc_srt_CounterpartyNameAxis_8db1e73b-e205-4897-bae9-c1e38ae87e8a" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain_8db1e73b-e205-4897-bae9-c1e38ae87e8a_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2024/elts/srt-2024.xsd#srt_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_srt_CounterpartyNameAxis_8db1e73b-e205-4897-bae9-c1e38ae87e8a" xlink:to="loc_srt_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain_8db1e73b-e205-4897-bae9-c1e38ae87e8a_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain_8546a1c8-4e27-4845-b51f-01b7da8a6da9" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2024/elts/srt-2024.xsd#srt_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_srt_CounterpartyNameAxis_8db1e73b-e205-4897-bae9-c1e38ae87e8a" xlink:to="loc_srt_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain_8546a1c8-4e27-4845-b51f-01b7da8a6da9" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_HuHonuaBioenergyLLCMember_30cc74dc-f597-4058-8581-fa1cae5d59da" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_HuHonuaBioenergyLLCMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain_8546a1c8-4e27-4845-b51f-01b7da8a6da9" xlink:to="loc_he_HuHonuaBioenergyLLCMember_30cc74dc-f597-4058-8581-fa1cae5d59da" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_MolokaiNewEnergyPartnersMember_c65f3a95-2a7c-43bd-8626-81c553211683" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_MolokaiNewEnergyPartnersMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain_8546a1c8-4e27-4845-b51f-01b7da8a6da9" xlink:to="loc_he_MolokaiNewEnergyPartnersMember_c65f3a95-2a7c-43bd-8626-81c553211683" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_JamesCampbellCompanyMember_b41d5cc7-1842-4a6e-a5e1-fe972bf20648" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_JamesCampbellCompanyMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain_8546a1c8-4e27-4845-b51f-01b7da8a6da9" xlink:to="loc_he_JamesCampbellCompanyMember_b41d5cc7-1842-4a6e-a5e1-fe972bf20648" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_AESHawaiianIncMember_e48d4164-4272-496b-a21f-aa6454e2ef3a" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_AESHawaiianIncMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain_8546a1c8-4e27-4845-b51f-01b7da8a6da9" xlink:to="loc_he_AESHawaiianIncMember_e48d4164-4272-496b-a21f-aa6454e2ef3a" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_Stage1And2RenewablePPAsMember_989a9978-beca-4b60-acb2-0d1a5177ce06" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_Stage1And2RenewablePPAsMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain_8546a1c8-4e27-4845-b51f-01b7da8a6da9" xlink:to="loc_he_Stage1And2RenewablePPAsMember_989a9978-beca-4b60-acb2-0d1a5177ce06" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_fd297d09-0d0f-47a8-ae1a-74e533d654f4" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2024/dei-2024.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentTable_5264e83b-6d67-4174-9344-bfa21e39a812" xlink:to="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_fd297d09-0d0f-47a8-ae1a-74e533d654f4" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_fd297d09-0d0f-47a8-ae1a-74e533d654f4_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2024/dei-2024.xsd#dei_EntityDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_fd297d09-0d0f-47a8-ae1a-74e533d654f4" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_fd297d09-0d0f-47a8-ae1a-74e533d654f4_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_f68a0d31-c27f-4c52-897b-1f5a2bfa022b" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2024/dei-2024.xsd#dei_EntityDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_fd297d09-0d0f-47a8-ae1a-74e533d654f4" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_f68a0d31-c27f-4c52-897b-1f5a2bfa022b" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_MauiElectricCompanyLimitedMember_6122aa33-7056-473d-8e15-233d7236e444" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_MauiElectricCompanyLimitedMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_f68a0d31-c27f-4c52-897b-1f5a2bfa022b" xlink:to="loc_he_MauiElectricCompanyLimitedMember_6122aa33-7056-473d-8e15-233d7236e444" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_HawaiianElectricParentMember_5a838012-bc7e-46d2-9d9f-f76b9ff7fc34" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_HawaiianElectricParentMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_f68a0d31-c27f-4c52-897b-1f5a2bfa022b" xlink:to="loc_he_HawaiianElectricParentMember_5a838012-bc7e-46d2-9d9f-f76b9ff7fc34" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_HawaiianElectricCompanyAndSubsidiariesMember_7e7c8ac5-f82d-4feb-94ae-4a9c507b92aa" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_HawaiianElectricCompanyAndSubsidiariesMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_f68a0d31-c27f-4c52-897b-1f5a2bfa022b" xlink:to="loc_he_HawaiianElectricCompanyAndSubsidiariesMember_7e7c8ac5-f82d-4feb-94ae-4a9c507b92aa" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EnvironmentalRemediationContingencyAxis_c952dc12-45db-4fa3-9d85-b72ec25e3041" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_EnvironmentalRemediationContingencyAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentTable_5264e83b-6d67-4174-9344-bfa21e39a812" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EnvironmentalRemediationContingencyAxis_c952dc12-45db-4fa3-9d85-b72ec25e3041" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EnvironmentalRemediationContingencyDomain_c952dc12-45db-4fa3-9d85-b72ec25e3041_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_EnvironmentalRemediationContingencyDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EnvironmentalRemediationContingencyAxis_c952dc12-45db-4fa3-9d85-b72ec25e3041" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EnvironmentalRemediationContingencyDomain_c952dc12-45db-4fa3-9d85-b72ec25e3041_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EnvironmentalRemediationContingencyDomain_7bc4f04c-aae3-47eb-a21c-935c57550250" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_EnvironmentalRemediationContingencyDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EnvironmentalRemediationContingencyAxis_c952dc12-45db-4fa3-9d85-b72ec25e3041" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EnvironmentalRemediationContingencyDomain_7bc4f04c-aae3-47eb-a21c-935c57550250" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_PCBContaminationMember_bb66675d-e78f-4eee-abce-3181ca888b28" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_PCBContaminationMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EnvironmentalRemediationContingencyDomain_7bc4f04c-aae3-47eb-a21c-935c57550250" xlink:to="loc_he_PCBContaminationMember_bb66675d-e78f-4eee-abce-3181ca888b28" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_KapoleiPetroleumContaminationMember_79a67371-d689-49e3-82ae-3a893d086f61" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_KapoleiPetroleumContaminationMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EnvironmentalRemediationContingencyDomain_7bc4f04c-aae3-47eb-a21c-935c57550250" xlink:to="loc_he_KapoleiPetroleumContaminationMember_79a67371-d689-49e3-82ae-3a893d086f61" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentMinimumPowerVolumeRequired_b98b9054-59ac-48ac-b773-fcdab95daf59" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentMinimumPowerVolumeRequired"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentLineItems_8adc96b7-8960-47a8-985f-d5a60e6ea47a" xlink:to="loc_he_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentMinimumPowerVolumeRequired_b98b9054-59ac-48ac-b773-fcdab95daf59" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LossContingencyNumberOfDefendants_4b525368-cb5c-4675-9a7d-c80572305873" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_LossContingencyNumberOfDefendants"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentLineItems_8adc96b7-8960-47a8-985f-d5a60e6ea47a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LossContingencyNumberOfDefendants_4b525368-cb5c-4675-9a7d-c80572305873" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_LongTermContractForPurchaseOfElectricPowerTotalContractedPVCapacity_487634ac-ded7-455a-9bef-2827e437e5b1" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_LongTermContractForPurchaseOfElectricPowerTotalContractedPVCapacity"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentLineItems_8adc96b7-8960-47a8-985f-d5a60e6ea47a" xlink:to="loc_he_LongTermContractForPurchaseOfElectricPowerTotalContractedPVCapacity_487634ac-ded7-455a-9bef-2827e437e5b1" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_LongTermContractForPurchaseOfElectricPowerTotalAnnualPayment_5704a4d8-2666-4e1b-974f-fcf7369c4a56" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_LongTermContractForPurchaseOfElectricPowerTotalAnnualPayment"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentLineItems_8adc96b7-8960-47a8-985f-d5a60e6ea47a" xlink:to="loc_he_LongTermContractForPurchaseOfElectricPowerTotalAnnualPayment_5704a4d8-2666-4e1b-974f-fcf7369c4a56" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiability_2e078986-c799-4b4e-98aa-f5a8ecad5f44" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiability"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentLineItems_8adc96b7-8960-47a8-985f-d5a60e6ea47a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiability_2e078986-c799-4b4e-98aa-f5a8ecad5f44" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseRightOfUseAsset_44145d7b-bcd2-412c-958a-ad72e109910d" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeaseRightOfUseAsset"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentLineItems_8adc96b7-8960-47a8-985f-d5a60e6ea47a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseRightOfUseAsset_44145d7b-bcd2-412c-958a-ad72e109910d" xlink:type="arc" order="5"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_LongTermContractForPurchaseOfElectricPowerTotalContractedBatteryEnergyStorageSystemCapacity_de075568-a310-4c67-8b27-b0b4be95f373" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_LongTermContractForPurchaseOfElectricPowerTotalContractedBatteryEnergyStorageSystemCapacity"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentLineItems_8adc96b7-8960-47a8-985f-d5a60e6ea47a" xlink:to="loc_he_LongTermContractForPurchaseOfElectricPowerTotalContractedBatteryEnergyStorageSystemCapacity_de075568-a310-4c67-8b27-b0b4be95f373" xlink:type="arc" order="6"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_LongTermContractForPurchaseOfElectricPowerMaximumPowerVolumeDelivered_f2a0f4ee-f628-4c72-bf6e-c93743915b33" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_LongTermContractForPurchaseOfElectricPowerMaximumPowerVolumeDelivered"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentLineItems_8adc96b7-8960-47a8-985f-d5a60e6ea47a" xlink:to="loc_he_LongTermContractForPurchaseOfElectricPowerMaximumPowerVolumeDelivered_f2a0f4ee-f628-4c72-bf6e-c93743915b33" xlink:type="arc" order="7"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_ReserveForAdditionalInvestigationAndEstimatedCleanUpCosts_a0cab14c-9776-4d91-837c-4575524b6c2d" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_ReserveForAdditionalInvestigationAndEstimatedCleanUpCosts"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentLineItems_8adc96b7-8960-47a8-985f-d5a60e6ea47a" xlink:to="loc_he_ReserveForAdditionalInvestigationAndEstimatedCleanUpCosts_a0cab14c-9776-4d91-837c-4575524b6c2d" xlink:type="arc" order="8"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_EnvironmentalLossContingencyStatementOfFinancialPositionExtensibleEnumerationNotDisclosedFlag_8cf3d7e4-c4d8-4837-9b30-97eee3e32555" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_EnvironmentalLossContingencyStatementOfFinancialPositionExtensibleEnumerationNotDisclosedFlag"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentLineItems_8adc96b7-8960-47a8-985f-d5a60e6ea47a" xlink:to="loc_he_EnvironmentalLossContingencyStatementOfFinancialPositionExtensibleEnumerationNotDisclosedFlag_8cf3d7e4-c4d8-4837-9b30-97eee3e32555" xlink:type="arc" order="9"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccrualForEnvironmentalLossContingencies_62d5a8c4-8122-4816-89af-a7c4fa611cbf" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_AccrualForEnvironmentalLossContingencies"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentLineItems_8adc96b7-8960-47a8-985f-d5a60e6ea47a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccrualForEnvironmentalLossContingencies_62d5a8c4-8122-4816-89af-a7c4fa611cbf" xlink:type="arc" order="10"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EnvironmentalRemediationExpense_804e7c4e-cca8-4536-950b-b63173414972" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_EnvironmentalRemediationExpense"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentLineItems_8adc96b7-8960-47a8-985f-d5a60e6ea47a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EnvironmentalRemediationExpense_804e7c4e-cca8-4536-950b-b63173414972" xlink:type="arc" order="11"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_NoticePeriodPreCursorToCitizensSuit_0194d47a-3148-4b58-9637-37aef0654f9c" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_NoticePeriodPreCursorToCitizensSuit"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentLineItems_8adc96b7-8960-47a8-985f-d5a60e6ea47a" xlink:to="loc_he_NoticePeriodPreCursorToCitizensSuit_0194d47a-3148-4b58-9637-37aef0654f9c" xlink:type="arc" order="12"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PurchaseObligation_6dcfe375-2b7e-47d9-9b68-0f8b1d67d9c7" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_PurchaseObligation"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentLineItems_8adc96b7-8960-47a8-985f-d5a60e6ea47a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PurchaseObligation_6dcfe375-2b7e-47d9-9b68-0f8b1d67d9c7" xlink:type="arc" order="13"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_NumberOfPowerPurchaseAgreements_e8063ee1-74bf-4189-a8e3-fda4dd88f949" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_NumberOfPowerPurchaseAgreements"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentLineItems_8adc96b7-8960-47a8-985f-d5a60e6ea47a" xlink:to="loc_he_NumberOfPowerPurchaseAgreements_e8063ee1-74bf-4189-a8e3-fda4dd88f949" xlink:type="arc" order="14"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.hei.com/role/ElectricutilitysegmentPurchasesfromIPPsDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#ElectricutilitysegmentPurchasesfromIPPsDetails"/>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.hei.com/role/ElectricutilitysegmentPurchasesfromIPPsDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_RegulatoryProjectsAndLegalObligationsLineItems_eb8071f8-31e6-4c2c-b5e9-cf2a7d1811da" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_RegulatoryProjectsAndLegalObligationsLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_RegulatoryProjectsAndLegalObligationsTable_bdbd255d-2ae4-4f83-b858-a5ca893671b3" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_RegulatoryProjectsAndLegalObligationsTable"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_he_RegulatoryProjectsAndLegalObligationsLineItems_eb8071f8-31e6-4c2c-b5e9-cf2a7d1811da" xlink:to="loc_he_RegulatoryProjectsAndLegalObligationsTable_bdbd255d-2ae4-4f83-b858-a5ca893671b3" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_MajorVendorAxis_25db008f-70db-4dcb-abc0-26862f4e19b3" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_MajorVendorAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_he_RegulatoryProjectsAndLegalObligationsTable_bdbd255d-2ae4-4f83-b858-a5ca893671b3" xlink:to="loc_he_MajorVendorAxis_25db008f-70db-4dcb-abc0-26862f4e19b3" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_MajorVendorDomain_25db008f-70db-4dcb-abc0-26862f4e19b3_default" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_MajorVendorDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_he_MajorVendorAxis_25db008f-70db-4dcb-abc0-26862f4e19b3" xlink:to="loc_he_MajorVendorDomain_25db008f-70db-4dcb-abc0-26862f4e19b3_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_MajorVendorDomain_366c3a24-da62-4efd-9173-76ebf10ae250" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_MajorVendorDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_he_MajorVendorAxis_25db008f-70db-4dcb-abc0-26862f4e19b3" xlink:to="loc_he_MajorVendorDomain_366c3a24-da62-4efd-9173-76ebf10ae250" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_KalaeloaPartnersLPMember_8fed216a-1450-4c88-9588-1493dcd4060e" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_KalaeloaPartnersLPMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_he_MajorVendorDomain_366c3a24-da62-4efd-9173-76ebf10ae250" xlink:to="loc_he_KalaeloaPartnersLPMember_8fed216a-1450-4c88-9588-1493dcd4060e" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_HpowerMember_0c3a53cb-9729-4203-b89d-fe6ee268d56e" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_HpowerMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_he_MajorVendorDomain_366c3a24-da62-4efd-9173-76ebf10ae250" xlink:to="loc_he_HpowerMember_0c3a53cb-9729-4203-b89d-fe6ee268d56e" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_PunaGeothermalVentureMember_1c2fc644-ded8-4ffd-90f6-03710be989d7" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_PunaGeothermalVentureMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_he_MajorVendorDomain_366c3a24-da62-4efd-9173-76ebf10ae250" xlink:to="loc_he_PunaGeothermalVentureMember_1c2fc644-ded8-4ffd-90f6-03710be989d7" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_HamakuaEnergyLLCMember_b7d3c044-8211-49c5-ab5e-27941bf78b2f" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_HamakuaEnergyLLCMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_he_MajorVendorDomain_366c3a24-da62-4efd-9173-76ebf10ae250" xlink:to="loc_he_HamakuaEnergyLLCMember_b7d3c044-8211-49c5-ab5e-27941bf78b2f" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_KapoleiEnergyStorageMember_1338a054-e953-4f2e-9bf2-731d692221f9" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_KapoleiEnergyStorageMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_he_MajorVendorDomain_366c3a24-da62-4efd-9173-76ebf10ae250" xlink:to="loc_he_KapoleiEnergyStorageMember_1338a054-e953-4f2e-9bf2-731d692221f9" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_WindIndependentPowerProducersMember_33d91ace-f5e1-4418-8735-5ebd3245ada1" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_WindIndependentPowerProducersMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_he_MajorVendorDomain_366c3a24-da62-4efd-9173-76ebf10ae250" xlink:to="loc_he_WindIndependentPowerProducersMember_33d91ace-f5e1-4418-8735-5ebd3245ada1" xlink:type="arc" order="5"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_SolarIndependentPowerProducerMember_f84dcfe7-7aea-49a2-8e54-08ef191eda9e" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_SolarIndependentPowerProducerMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_he_MajorVendorDomain_366c3a24-da62-4efd-9173-76ebf10ae250" xlink:to="loc_he_SolarIndependentPowerProducerMember_f84dcfe7-7aea-49a2-8e54-08ef191eda9e" xlink:type="arc" order="6"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_OtherIndependentPowerProducersMember_95d2b3bd-3911-41a3-8a12-0e9d182176ba" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_OtherIndependentPowerProducersMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_he_MajorVendorDomain_366c3a24-da62-4efd-9173-76ebf10ae250" xlink:to="loc_he_OtherIndependentPowerProducersMember_95d2b3bd-3911-41a3-8a12-0e9d182176ba" xlink:type="arc" order="7"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_d76edf8b-2067-43d5-bb34-8c68d5cf3efd" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2024/dei-2024.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_he_RegulatoryProjectsAndLegalObligationsTable_bdbd255d-2ae4-4f83-b858-a5ca893671b3" xlink:to="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_d76edf8b-2067-43d5-bb34-8c68d5cf3efd" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_d76edf8b-2067-43d5-bb34-8c68d5cf3efd_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2024/dei-2024.xsd#dei_EntityDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_d76edf8b-2067-43d5-bb34-8c68d5cf3efd" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_d76edf8b-2067-43d5-bb34-8c68d5cf3efd_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_9d0ab512-2c45-4b4f-99bd-37158d4a74f0" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2024/dei-2024.xsd#dei_EntityDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_d76edf8b-2067-43d5-bb34-8c68d5cf3efd" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_9d0ab512-2c45-4b4f-99bd-37158d4a74f0" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_HawaiianElectricParentMember_d016709c-862c-43a5-8aef-9a9210b6dfb0" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_HawaiianElectricParentMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_9d0ab512-2c45-4b4f-99bd-37158d4a74f0" xlink:to="loc_he_HawaiianElectricParentMember_d016709c-862c-43a5-8aef-9a9210b6dfb0" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_UtilitiesOperatingExpensePurchasedPower_2568dbdc-3685-4d7e-af96-212a920485ab" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_UtilitiesOperatingExpensePurchasedPower"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_he_RegulatoryProjectsAndLegalObligationsLineItems_eb8071f8-31e6-4c2c-b5e9-cf2a7d1811da" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_UtilitiesOperatingExpensePurchasedPower_2568dbdc-3685-4d7e-af96-212a920485ab" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.hei.com/role/ElectricutilitysegmentUtilityProjectsDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#ElectricutilitysegmentUtilityProjectsDetails"/>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.hei.com/role/ElectricutilitysegmentUtilityProjectsDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesGeneralDisclosuresLineItems_085683e6-f4be-462c-904b-676e4689583f" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesGeneralDisclosuresLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesGeneralDisclosuresTable_e719f07a-cd0b-4888-961a-2f26a00ea170" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesGeneralDisclosuresTable"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesGeneralDisclosuresLineItems_085683e6-f4be-462c-904b-676e4689583f" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesGeneralDisclosuresTable_e719f07a-cd0b-4888-961a-2f26a00ea170" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CapitalizedCostsOfUnprovedPropertiesExcludedFromAmortizationByPropertyOrProjectAxis_f553fff0-ee45-4465-a822-b3c79c49face" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_CapitalizedCostsOfUnprovedPropertiesExcludedFromAmortizationByPropertyOrProjectAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesGeneralDisclosuresTable_e719f07a-cd0b-4888-961a-2f26a00ea170" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CapitalizedCostsOfUnprovedPropertiesExcludedFromAmortizationByPropertyOrProjectAxis_f553fff0-ee45-4465-a822-b3c79c49face" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProjectMember_f553fff0-ee45-4465-a822-b3c79c49face_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_ProjectMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CapitalizedCostsOfUnprovedPropertiesExcludedFromAmortizationByPropertyOrProjectAxis_f553fff0-ee45-4465-a822-b3c79c49face" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProjectMember_f553fff0-ee45-4465-a822-b3c79c49face_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProjectMember_a3da2443-8675-4631-ac46-d61b29e3db75" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_ProjectMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CapitalizedCostsOfUnprovedPropertiesExcludedFromAmortizationByPropertyOrProjectAxis_f553fff0-ee45-4465-a822-b3c79c49face" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProjectMember_a3da2443-8675-4631-ac46-d61b29e3db75" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_WaenaSwitchyardSynchronousCondenserProjectMember_f409b7f8-0704-4e82-9913-e08bf8f594c3" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_WaenaSwitchyardSynchronousCondenserProjectMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ProjectMember_a3da2443-8675-4631-ac46-d61b29e3db75" xlink:to="loc_he_WaenaSwitchyardSynchronousCondenserProjectMember_f409b7f8-0704-4e82-9913-e08bf8f594c3" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_WaenaBatteryEnergyStorageSystemProjectMember_bc317ba9-8458-47d8-b7b2-7214800c1eca" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_WaenaBatteryEnergyStorageSystemProjectMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ProjectMember_a3da2443-8675-4631-ac46-d61b29e3db75" xlink:to="loc_he_WaenaBatteryEnergyStorageSystemProjectMember_bc317ba9-8458-47d8-b7b2-7214800c1eca" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_ClimateAdaptationTransmissionAndDistributionResilienceProgramMember_15d64ed9-ec76-4418-baa6-08bf4160acf8" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_ClimateAdaptationTransmissionAndDistributionResilienceProgramMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ProjectMember_a3da2443-8675-4631-ac46-d61b29e3db75" xlink:to="loc_he_ClimateAdaptationTransmissionAndDistributionResilienceProgramMember_15d64ed9-ec76-4418-baa6-08bf4160acf8" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_07fe784f-98d8-40b2-8ed6-45cdf421f0d7" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2024/dei-2024.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesGeneralDisclosuresTable_e719f07a-cd0b-4888-961a-2f26a00ea170" xlink:to="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_07fe784f-98d8-40b2-8ed6-45cdf421f0d7" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_07fe784f-98d8-40b2-8ed6-45cdf421f0d7_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2024/dei-2024.xsd#dei_EntityDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_07fe784f-98d8-40b2-8ed6-45cdf421f0d7" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_07fe784f-98d8-40b2-8ed6-45cdf421f0d7_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_fb280c2c-a0e2-4592-a7ae-f4f17064a233" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2024/dei-2024.xsd#dei_EntityDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_07fe784f-98d8-40b2-8ed6-45cdf421f0d7" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_fb280c2c-a0e2-4592-a7ae-f4f17064a233" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_HawaiianElectricCompanyAndSubsidiariesMember_5ffc002b-3ef0-46db-a03d-a6c838674f55" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_HawaiianElectricCompanyAndSubsidiariesMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_fb280c2c-a0e2-4592-a7ae-f4f17064a233" xlink:to="loc_he_HawaiianElectricCompanyAndSubsidiariesMember_5ffc002b-3ef0-46db-a03d-a6c838674f55" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_PublicUtilitiesRenewableEnergyGenerationProjectNumberOfExtendedTransmissionLines_f7bd267a-412c-4bf7-b522-028b0bfa3101" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_PublicUtilitiesRenewableEnergyGenerationProjectNumberOfExtendedTransmissionLines"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesGeneralDisclosuresLineItems_085683e6-f4be-462c-904b-676e4689583f" xlink:to="loc_he_PublicUtilitiesRenewableEnergyGenerationProjectNumberOfExtendedTransmissionLines_f7bd267a-412c-4bf7-b522-028b0bfa3101" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_NumberOfKilovolts_86d4e644-14a2-4ec1-8993-d29a9cc4e4d7" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_NumberOfKilovolts"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesGeneralDisclosuresLineItems_085683e6-f4be-462c-904b-676e4689583f" xlink:to="loc_he_NumberOfKilovolts_86d4e644-14a2-4ec1-8993-d29a9cc4e4d7" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_PublicUtilitiesRenewableEnergyGenerationProjectNumberOfGeneratingUnitsConvertingToSynchronousCondensers_db7843df-77eb-46b7-b191-d39ae8546aa7" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_PublicUtilitiesRenewableEnergyGenerationProjectNumberOfGeneratingUnitsConvertingToSynchronousCondensers"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesGeneralDisclosuresLineItems_085683e6-f4be-462c-904b-676e4689583f" xlink:to="loc_he_PublicUtilitiesRenewableEnergyGenerationProjectNumberOfGeneratingUnitsConvertingToSynchronousCondensers_db7843df-77eb-46b7-b191-d39ae8546aa7" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_PublicUtilitiesRenewableEnergyGenerationProjectApprovedFunds_e95fa32b-9f49-4b9c-92e9-48da0f275b1c" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_PublicUtilitiesRenewableEnergyGenerationProjectApprovedFunds"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesGeneralDisclosuresLineItems_085683e6-f4be-462c-904b-676e4689583f" xlink:to="loc_he_PublicUtilitiesRenewableEnergyGenerationProjectApprovedFunds_e95fa32b-9f49-4b9c-92e9-48da0f275b1c" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_PublicUtilitiesRenewableEnergyGenerationProjectIncurredCost_bde60bc3-eb90-4f71-a683-e058cd2cbea3" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_PublicUtilitiesRenewableEnergyGenerationProjectIncurredCost"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesGeneralDisclosuresLineItems_085683e6-f4be-462c-904b-676e4689583f" xlink:to="loc_he_PublicUtilitiesRenewableEnergyGenerationProjectIncurredCost_bde60bc3-eb90-4f71-a683-e058cd2cbea3" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_LongTermContractForPurchaseOfElectricPowerTotalContractedBatteryEnergyStorageSystemCapacity_cb97f79b-47c1-44b7-95f4-1379d4ab3d6f" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_LongTermContractForPurchaseOfElectricPowerTotalContractedBatteryEnergyStorageSystemCapacity"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesGeneralDisclosuresLineItems_085683e6-f4be-462c-904b-676e4689583f" xlink:to="loc_he_LongTermContractForPurchaseOfElectricPowerTotalContractedBatteryEnergyStorageSystemCapacity_cb97f79b-47c1-44b7-95f4-1379d4ab3d6f" xlink:type="arc" order="5"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_PublicUtilitiesElectricGridProjectApprovedFunds_5d0123ee-0c4c-47cc-81d2-6804681b291a" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_PublicUtilitiesElectricGridProjectApprovedFunds"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesGeneralDisclosuresLineItems_085683e6-f4be-462c-904b-676e4689583f" xlink:to="loc_he_PublicUtilitiesElectricGridProjectApprovedFunds_5d0123ee-0c4c-47cc-81d2-6804681b291a" xlink:type="arc" order="6"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_PublicUtilitiesElectricGridProjectPeriod_4e78a9b6-9034-46da-b448-4a7e76fa5432" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_PublicUtilitiesElectricGridProjectPeriod"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesGeneralDisclosuresLineItems_085683e6-f4be-462c-904b-676e4689583f" xlink:to="loc_he_PublicUtilitiesElectricGridProjectPeriod_4e78a9b6-9034-46da-b448-4a7e76fa5432" xlink:type="arc" order="7"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_PublicUtilitiesProjectCostRecoveryCap_410ea32a-3ca2-4d5c-b9e5-1278451c42c1" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_PublicUtilitiesProjectCostRecoveryCap"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesGeneralDisclosuresLineItems_085683e6-f4be-462c-904b-676e4689583f" xlink:to="loc_he_PublicUtilitiesProjectCostRecoveryCap_410ea32a-3ca2-4d5c-b9e5-1278451c42c1" xlink:type="arc" order="8"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_PublicUtilitiesProjectCostsIncurred_83e5ba21-c9f5-48fa-8efe-2ffc048f9e8a" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_PublicUtilitiesProjectCostsIncurred"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesGeneralDisclosuresLineItems_085683e6-f4be-462c-904b-676e4689583f" xlink:to="loc_he_PublicUtilitiesProjectCostsIncurred_83e5ba21-c9f5-48fa-8efe-2ffc048f9e8a" xlink:type="arc" order="9"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.hei.com/role/ElectricutilitysegmentRegulatoryProceedingsDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#ElectricutilitysegmentRegulatoryProceedingsDetails"/>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.hei.com/role/ElectricutilitysegmentRegulatoryProceedingsDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_RegulatoryProjectsAndLegalObligationsLineItems_f990f0ed-bc4c-4c67-99c7-0bdecd9c894b" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_RegulatoryProjectsAndLegalObligationsLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_RegulatoryProjectsAndLegalObligationsTable_30c6e951-bb60-4a76-8757-f29e907b26fa" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_RegulatoryProjectsAndLegalObligationsTable"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_he_RegulatoryProjectsAndLegalObligationsLineItems_f990f0ed-bc4c-4c67-99c7-0bdecd9c894b" xlink:to="loc_he_RegulatoryProjectsAndLegalObligationsTable_30c6e951-bb60-4a76-8757-f29e907b26fa" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CapitalizedCostsOfUnprovedPropertiesExcludedFromAmortizationByPropertyOrProjectAxis_ac5ccfd3-6da8-4484-8c3c-f5b72b9d4bf2" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_CapitalizedCostsOfUnprovedPropertiesExcludedFromAmortizationByPropertyOrProjectAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_he_RegulatoryProjectsAndLegalObligationsTable_30c6e951-bb60-4a76-8757-f29e907b26fa" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CapitalizedCostsOfUnprovedPropertiesExcludedFromAmortizationByPropertyOrProjectAxis_ac5ccfd3-6da8-4484-8c3c-f5b72b9d4bf2" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProjectMember_ac5ccfd3-6da8-4484-8c3c-f5b72b9d4bf2_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_ProjectMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CapitalizedCostsOfUnprovedPropertiesExcludedFromAmortizationByPropertyOrProjectAxis_ac5ccfd3-6da8-4484-8c3c-f5b72b9d4bf2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProjectMember_ac5ccfd3-6da8-4484-8c3c-f5b72b9d4bf2_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProjectMember_6f4a048b-7825-4478-9e54-02db8c1bb4c4" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_ProjectMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CapitalizedCostsOfUnprovedPropertiesExcludedFromAmortizationByPropertyOrProjectAxis_ac5ccfd3-6da8-4484-8c3c-f5b72b9d4bf2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProjectMember_6f4a048b-7825-4478-9e54-02db8c1bb4c4" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_SchofieldGenerationStationMember_2e4feac5-0d3a-4fec-a901-9269ab1e2e38" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_SchofieldGenerationStationMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ProjectMember_6f4a048b-7825-4478-9e54-02db8c1bb4c4" xlink:to="loc_he_SchofieldGenerationStationMember_2e4feac5-0d3a-4fec-a901-9269ab1e2e38" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_WestLochPVProjectMember_7a53b0aa-f4db-475f-8f2d-ebd3cd09f6ea" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_WestLochPVProjectMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ProjectMember_6f4a048b-7825-4478-9e54-02db8c1bb4c4" xlink:to="loc_he_WestLochPVProjectMember_7a53b0aa-f4db-475f-8f2d-ebd3cd09f6ea" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_GridModernizationStrategyPhase1ProjectMember_7d058c29-9310-44e7-859e-082209e7cbcb" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_GridModernizationStrategyPhase1ProjectMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ProjectMember_6f4a048b-7825-4478-9e54-02db8c1bb4c4" xlink:to="loc_he_GridModernizationStrategyPhase1ProjectMember_7d058c29-9310-44e7-859e-082209e7cbcb" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_WaiawaUFLSProjectMember_a01fcaff-1d90-4eb9-8f28-240e61804230" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_WaiawaUFLSProjectMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ProjectMember_6f4a048b-7825-4478-9e54-02db8c1bb4c4" xlink:to="loc_he_WaiawaUFLSProjectMember_a01fcaff-1d90-4eb9-8f28-240e61804230" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_ERPEAMImplementationProjectMember_71db0ac7-1001-4749-9985-e121b4811317" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_ERPEAMImplementationProjectMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ProjectMember_6f4a048b-7825-4478-9e54-02db8c1bb4c4" xlink:to="loc_he_ERPEAMImplementationProjectMember_71db0ac7-1001-4749-9985-e121b4811317" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_WaenaSwitchyardSynchronousProjectMember_f16d9925-e85e-4649-b11a-eb942244ab84" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_WaenaSwitchyardSynchronousProjectMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ProjectMember_6f4a048b-7825-4478-9e54-02db8c1bb4c4" xlink:to="loc_he_WaenaSwitchyardSynchronousProjectMember_f16d9925-e85e-4649-b11a-eb942244ab84" xlink:type="arc" order="5"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_3c316110-62b5-4e1d-83d4-ba0f07f99fcc" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2024/dei-2024.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_he_RegulatoryProjectsAndLegalObligationsTable_30c6e951-bb60-4a76-8757-f29e907b26fa" xlink:to="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_3c316110-62b5-4e1d-83d4-ba0f07f99fcc" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_3c316110-62b5-4e1d-83d4-ba0f07f99fcc_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2024/dei-2024.xsd#dei_EntityDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_3c316110-62b5-4e1d-83d4-ba0f07f99fcc" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_3c316110-62b5-4e1d-83d4-ba0f07f99fcc_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_deaf5bfa-3339-4dd4-a777-a82c4646e898" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2024/dei-2024.xsd#dei_EntityDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_3c316110-62b5-4e1d-83d4-ba0f07f99fcc" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_deaf5bfa-3339-4dd4-a777-a82c4646e898" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_HawaiianElectricCompanyAndSubsidiariesMember_8ed3370e-493e-4dff-93de-d412d638e61e" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_HawaiianElectricCompanyAndSubsidiariesMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_deaf5bfa-3339-4dd4-a777-a82c4646e898" xlink:to="loc_he_HawaiianElectricCompanyAndSubsidiariesMember_8ed3370e-493e-4dff-93de-d412d638e61e" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_HawaiianElectricParentMember_d186db44-3fce-4862-bbd3-2cef98889f82" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_HawaiianElectricParentMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_he_HawaiianElectricCompanyAndSubsidiariesMember_8ed3370e-493e-4dff-93de-d412d638e61e" xlink:to="loc_he_HawaiianElectricParentMember_d186db44-3fce-4862-bbd3-2cef98889f82" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_HawaiiElectricLightCompanyIncMember_8841c9ff-ac48-49b0-af93-4f201bccb78c" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_HawaiiElectricLightCompanyIncMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_he_HawaiianElectricCompanyAndSubsidiariesMember_8ed3370e-493e-4dff-93de-d412d638e61e" xlink:to="loc_he_HawaiiElectricLightCompanyIncMember_8841c9ff-ac48-49b0-af93-4f201bccb78c" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_MauiElectricCompanyLimitedMember_bfdb7c93-1573-429c-aca9-d8eb65a85d51" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_MauiElectricCompanyLimitedMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_he_HawaiianElectricCompanyAndSubsidiariesMember_8ed3370e-493e-4dff-93de-d412d638e61e" xlink:to="loc_he_MauiElectricCompanyLimitedMember_bfdb7c93-1573-429c-aca9-d8eb65a85d51" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_UnusualOrInfrequentItemAxis_59af9700-c47e-40b0-8662-d2da911f1d69" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_UnusualOrInfrequentItemAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_he_RegulatoryProjectsAndLegalObligationsTable_30c6e951-bb60-4a76-8757-f29e907b26fa" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_UnusualOrInfrequentItemAxis_59af9700-c47e-40b0-8662-d2da911f1d69" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_UnusualOrInfrequentItemDomain_59af9700-c47e-40b0-8662-d2da911f1d69_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_UnusualOrInfrequentItemDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_UnusualOrInfrequentItemAxis_59af9700-c47e-40b0-8662-d2da911f1d69" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_UnusualOrInfrequentItemDomain_59af9700-c47e-40b0-8662-d2da911f1d69_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_UnusualOrInfrequentItemDomain_c64b8d27-8ebf-418e-a5a7-071e0bbbdacf" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_UnusualOrInfrequentItemDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_UnusualOrInfrequentItemAxis_59af9700-c47e-40b0-8662-d2da911f1d69" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_UnusualOrInfrequentItemDomain_c64b8d27-8ebf-418e-a5a7-071e0bbbdacf" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NaturalDisastersAndOtherCasualtyEventsMember_21457687-f496-4801-af48-7ce2fd8405f8" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_NaturalDisastersAndOtherCasualtyEventsMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_UnusualOrInfrequentItemDomain_c64b8d27-8ebf-418e-a5a7-071e0bbbdacf" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NaturalDisastersAndOtherCasualtyEventsMember_21457687-f496-4801-af48-7ce2fd8405f8" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_COVID19Member_27dfb279-57ed-457c-88b1-d2f67672346e" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_COVID19Member"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_UnusualOrInfrequentItemDomain_c64b8d27-8ebf-418e-a5a7-071e0bbbdacf" xlink:to="loc_he_COVID19Member_27dfb279-57ed-457c-88b1-d2f67672346e" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RegulatoryAssetAxis_1ad29ff0-9910-4458-9b3b-b6c4c0825906" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_RegulatoryAssetAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_he_RegulatoryProjectsAndLegalObligationsTable_30c6e951-bb60-4a76-8757-f29e907b26fa" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RegulatoryAssetAxis_1ad29ff0-9910-4458-9b3b-b6c4c0825906" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RegulatoryAssetDomain_1ad29ff0-9910-4458-9b3b-b6c4c0825906_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_RegulatoryAssetDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RegulatoryAssetAxis_1ad29ff0-9910-4458-9b3b-b6c4c0825906" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RegulatoryAssetDomain_1ad29ff0-9910-4458-9b3b-b6c4c0825906_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RegulatoryAssetDomain_373fcd16-356a-46db-9657-47aecca6967c" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_RegulatoryAssetDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RegulatoryAssetAxis_1ad29ff0-9910-4458-9b3b-b6c4c0825906" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RegulatoryAssetDomain_373fcd16-356a-46db-9657-47aecca6967c" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_HonoluluGeneratingUnits8And9Member_bc1ac5ed-1a1c-4313-bed3-099e9277ab26" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_HonoluluGeneratingUnits8And9Member"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RegulatoryAssetDomain_373fcd16-356a-46db-9657-47aecca6967c" xlink:to="loc_he_HonoluluGeneratingUnits8And9Member_bc1ac5ed-1a1c-4313-bed3-099e9277ab26" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_SuspensionOfDisconnectionsMember_d19543c4-0f82-465a-a4ff-92bb90465b43" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_SuspensionOfDisconnectionsMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RegulatoryAssetDomain_373fcd16-356a-46db-9657-47aecca6967c" xlink:to="loc_he_SuspensionOfDisconnectionsMember_d19543c4-0f82-465a-a4ff-92bb90465b43" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_PublicUtilitiesNumberOfPerformanceIncentiveMechanisms_6ce4c15d-a474-4c8e-bc04-35fa3d276264" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_PublicUtilitiesNumberOfPerformanceIncentiveMechanisms"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_he_RegulatoryProjectsAndLegalObligationsLineItems_f990f0ed-bc4c-4c67-99c7-0bdecd9c894b" xlink:to="loc_he_PublicUtilitiesNumberOfPerformanceIncentiveMechanisms_6ce4c15d-a474-4c8e-bc04-35fa3d276264" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_PublicUtilitiesAnnualRevenueAdjustmentMechanismMultiYearRatePeriod_239b3326-23ef-4f07-99e9-cddabeb30849" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_PublicUtilitiesAnnualRevenueAdjustmentMechanismMultiYearRatePeriod"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_he_RegulatoryProjectsAndLegalObligationsLineItems_f990f0ed-bc4c-4c67-99c7-0bdecd9c894b" xlink:to="loc_he_PublicUtilitiesAnnualRevenueAdjustmentMechanismMultiYearRatePeriod_239b3326-23ef-4f07-99e9-cddabeb30849" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_PublicUtilitiesCustomerDividendNegativeAdjustmentPercentage_e16ddd3c-66c9-4753-8eb8-fb5b53ade969" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_PublicUtilitiesCustomerDividendNegativeAdjustmentPercentage"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_he_RegulatoryProjectsAndLegalObligationsLineItems_f990f0ed-bc4c-4c67-99c7-0bdecd9c894b" xlink:to="loc_he_PublicUtilitiesCustomerDividendNegativeAdjustmentPercentage_e16ddd3c-66c9-4753-8eb8-fb5b53ade969" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_PublicUtilitiesSavingsCommitmentLiabilityAnnualRate_4d84bc93-c229-4c83-bef8-c97ee0ad6e9b" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_PublicUtilitiesSavingsCommitmentLiabilityAnnualRate"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_he_RegulatoryProjectsAndLegalObligationsLineItems_f990f0ed-bc4c-4c67-99c7-0bdecd9c894b" xlink:to="loc_he_PublicUtilitiesSavingsCommitmentLiabilityAnnualRate_4d84bc93-c229-4c83-bef8-c97ee0ad6e9b" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_PublicUtilitiesEarningsSharingMechanismActualReturnOnEquityDeadBandPercentageAboveOrBelowTarget_891c8d72-8d3e-4766-a3e8-2315f25f2ce8" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_PublicUtilitiesEarningsSharingMechanismActualReturnOnEquityDeadBandPercentageAboveOrBelowTarget"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_he_RegulatoryProjectsAndLegalObligationsLineItems_f990f0ed-bc4c-4c67-99c7-0bdecd9c894b" xlink:to="loc_he_PublicUtilitiesEarningsSharingMechanismActualReturnOnEquityDeadBandPercentageAboveOrBelowTarget_891c8d72-8d3e-4766-a3e8-2315f25f2ce8" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesApprovedReturnOnEquityPercentage_f761e951-9d0a-46bc-801e-7b1f45dd6e27" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesApprovedReturnOnEquityPercentage"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_he_RegulatoryProjectsAndLegalObligationsLineItems_f990f0ed-bc4c-4c67-99c7-0bdecd9c894b" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesApprovedReturnOnEquityPercentage_f761e951-9d0a-46bc-801e-7b1f45dd6e27" xlink:type="arc" order="5"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_PublicUtilitiesEarningsSharingMechanismSharingBetweenCustomersAndUtilitiesPercentage_ca277429-a96a-4c16-b65d-05e845e86621" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_PublicUtilitiesEarningsSharingMechanismSharingBetweenCustomersAndUtilitiesPercentage"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_he_RegulatoryProjectsAndLegalObligationsLineItems_f990f0ed-bc4c-4c67-99c7-0bdecd9c894b" xlink:to="loc_he_PublicUtilitiesEarningsSharingMechanismSharingBetweenCustomersAndUtilitiesPercentage_ca277429-a96a-4c16-b65d-05e845e86621" xlink:type="arc" order="6"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_PublicUtilitiesEarningsSharingMechanismActualEarningsAboveOrBelowDeadBand_5bb4e8db-b9ab-4db1-98eb-683883daba41" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_PublicUtilitiesEarningsSharingMechanismActualEarningsAboveOrBelowDeadBand"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_he_RegulatoryProjectsAndLegalObligationsLineItems_f990f0ed-bc4c-4c67-99c7-0bdecd9c894b" xlink:to="loc_he_PublicUtilitiesEarningsSharingMechanismActualEarningsAboveOrBelowDeadBand_5bb4e8db-b9ab-4db1-98eb-683883daba41" xlink:type="arc" order="7"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_PublicUtilitiesEarningsSharingMechanismPercentageSharingForAnyFurtherDifference_67596898-f3ac-4289-8db5-5bc5a9820851" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_PublicUtilitiesEarningsSharingMechanismPercentageSharingForAnyFurtherDifference"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_he_RegulatoryProjectsAndLegalObligationsLineItems_f990f0ed-bc4c-4c67-99c7-0bdecd9c894b" xlink:to="loc_he_PublicUtilitiesEarningsSharingMechanismPercentageSharingForAnyFurtherDifference_67596898-f3ac-4289-8db5-5bc5a9820851" xlink:type="arc" order="8"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_PublicUtilitiesSolarProjectMajorProjectInterimRecoveryAndExceptionalProjectRecoveryMechanismRequestedAmount_4141c081-8b36-4f15-80e4-844d578340cd" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_PublicUtilitiesSolarProjectMajorProjectInterimRecoveryAndExceptionalProjectRecoveryMechanismRequestedAmount"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_he_RegulatoryProjectsAndLegalObligationsLineItems_f990f0ed-bc4c-4c67-99c7-0bdecd9c894b" xlink:to="loc_he_PublicUtilitiesSolarProjectMajorProjectInterimRecoveryAndExceptionalProjectRecoveryMechanismRequestedAmount_4141c081-8b36-4f15-80e4-844d578340cd" xlink:type="arc" order="9"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_PublicUtilitiesSolarProjectMajorProjectInterimRecoveryRequestedAmount_99868c30-a19e-4a7a-87e8-45a3ff2707e3" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_PublicUtilitiesSolarProjectMajorProjectInterimRecoveryRequestedAmount"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_he_RegulatoryProjectsAndLegalObligationsLineItems_f990f0ed-bc4c-4c67-99c7-0bdecd9c894b" xlink:to="loc_he_PublicUtilitiesSolarProjectMajorProjectInterimRecoveryRequestedAmount_99868c30-a19e-4a7a-87e8-45a3ff2707e3" xlink:type="arc" order="10"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_PublicUtilitiesSolarProjectExceptionalProjectRecoveryMechanismRequestedAmount_fbb0705f-2dbb-48af-b273-1982e0835dc5" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_PublicUtilitiesSolarProjectExceptionalProjectRecoveryMechanismRequestedAmount"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_he_RegulatoryProjectsAndLegalObligationsLineItems_f990f0ed-bc4c-4c67-99c7-0bdecd9c894b" xlink:to="loc_he_PublicUtilitiesSolarProjectExceptionalProjectRecoveryMechanismRequestedAmount_fbb0705f-2dbb-48af-b273-1982e0835dc5" xlink:type="arc" order="11"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_PublicUtilitiesExceptionalProjectRecoveryMechanismNumberOfProjectsApproved_1a15602c-b4e3-40bd-85e4-ca337a6c4602" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_PublicUtilitiesExceptionalProjectRecoveryMechanismNumberOfProjectsApproved"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_he_RegulatoryProjectsAndLegalObligationsLineItems_f990f0ed-bc4c-4c67-99c7-0bdecd9c894b" xlink:to="loc_he_PublicUtilitiesExceptionalProjectRecoveryMechanismNumberOfProjectsApproved_1a15602c-b4e3-40bd-85e4-ca337a6c4602" xlink:type="arc" order="12"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_PublicUtilitiesExceptionalProjectRecoveryMechanismCapitalCosts_4878f344-00ce-40b3-9bca-484b4a5010d0" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_PublicUtilitiesExceptionalProjectRecoveryMechanismCapitalCosts"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_he_RegulatoryProjectsAndLegalObligationsLineItems_f990f0ed-bc4c-4c67-99c7-0bdecd9c894b" xlink:to="loc_he_PublicUtilitiesExceptionalProjectRecoveryMechanismCapitalCosts_4878f344-00ce-40b3-9bca-484b4a5010d0" xlink:type="arc" order="13"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_PublicUtilitiesExceptionalProjectRecoveryMechanismNumberOfProjects_4bf6282c-bae6-40a6-930c-faf16564cc37" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_PublicUtilitiesExceptionalProjectRecoveryMechanismNumberOfProjects"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_he_RegulatoryProjectsAndLegalObligationsLineItems_f990f0ed-bc4c-4c67-99c7-0bdecd9c894b" xlink:to="loc_he_PublicUtilitiesExceptionalProjectRecoveryMechanismNumberOfProjects_4bf6282c-bae6-40a6-930c-faf16564cc37" xlink:type="arc" order="14"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_PublicUtilitiesExceptionalProjectRecoveryMechanismEstimatedCapitalCosts_406c9b9f-8e6a-483b-801d-f6daf9298ee8" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_PublicUtilitiesExceptionalProjectRecoveryMechanismEstimatedCapitalCosts"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_he_RegulatoryProjectsAndLegalObligationsLineItems_f990f0ed-bc4c-4c67-99c7-0bdecd9c894b" xlink:to="loc_he_PublicUtilitiesExceptionalProjectRecoveryMechanismEstimatedCapitalCosts_406c9b9f-8e6a-483b-801d-f6daf9298ee8" xlink:type="arc" order="15"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_PublicUtilitiesPilotProcessProposalPeriod_f7eba6e9-818e-43b3-b353-29a0e36e17cf" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_PublicUtilitiesPilotProcessProposalPeriod"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_he_RegulatoryProjectsAndLegalObligationsLineItems_f990f0ed-bc4c-4c67-99c7-0bdecd9c894b" xlink:to="loc_he_PublicUtilitiesPilotProcessProposalPeriod_f7eba6e9-818e-43b3-b353-29a0e36e17cf" xlink:type="arc" order="16"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_PublicUtilitiesModifiedPilotProcessProposalPeriod_7abffeee-1854-44ca-9645-f3ab2ad280d0" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_PublicUtilitiesModifiedPilotProcessProposalPeriod"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_he_RegulatoryProjectsAndLegalObligationsLineItems_f990f0ed-bc4c-4c67-99c7-0bdecd9c894b" xlink:to="loc_he_PublicUtilitiesModifiedPilotProcessProposalPeriod_7abffeee-1854-44ca-9645-f3ab2ad280d0" xlink:type="arc" order="17"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_PublicUtilitiesPilotProcessAnnualCap_64551b83-a591-4dcb-bc95-438d817d6476" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_PublicUtilitiesPilotProcessAnnualCap"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_he_RegulatoryProjectsAndLegalObligationsLineItems_f990f0ed-bc4c-4c67-99c7-0bdecd9c894b" xlink:to="loc_he_PublicUtilitiesPilotProcessAnnualCap_64551b83-a591-4dcb-bc95-438d817d6476" xlink:type="arc" order="18"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_PublicUtilitiesPilotUpdatePriorYearDeferredCostRecoveryApproved_707b7ec6-6dc7-4422-8a05-362e36402be0" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_PublicUtilitiesPilotUpdatePriorYearDeferredCostRecoveryApproved"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_he_RegulatoryProjectsAndLegalObligationsLineItems_f990f0ed-bc4c-4c67-99c7-0bdecd9c894b" xlink:to="loc_he_PublicUtilitiesPilotUpdatePriorYearDeferredCostRecoveryApproved_707b7ec6-6dc7-4422-8a05-362e36402be0" xlink:type="arc" order="19"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_PublicUtilityDecouplingOrderPerformanceIncentiveMechanismServiceReliabilityTargetPerformanceHistoricalMeasurementPeriod_8a8019fc-7796-4a41-bb9f-b9e6b8a70405" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_PublicUtilityDecouplingOrderPerformanceIncentiveMechanismServiceReliabilityTargetPerformanceHistoricalMeasurementPeriod"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_he_RegulatoryProjectsAndLegalObligationsLineItems_f990f0ed-bc4c-4c67-99c7-0bdecd9c894b" xlink:to="loc_he_PublicUtilityDecouplingOrderPerformanceIncentiveMechanismServiceReliabilityTargetPerformanceHistoricalMeasurementPeriod_8a8019fc-7796-4a41-bb9f-b9e6b8a70405" xlink:type="arc" order="20"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_PublicUtilityDecouplingOrderPerformanceIncentiveMechanismServiceReliabilityMaximumPenaltyPercentOfReturnOnEquity_432f602d-e70f-4d74-886d-0631c3b5b0a0" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_PublicUtilityDecouplingOrderPerformanceIncentiveMechanismServiceReliabilityMaximumPenaltyPercentOfReturnOnEquity"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_he_RegulatoryProjectsAndLegalObligationsLineItems_f990f0ed-bc4c-4c67-99c7-0bdecd9c894b" xlink:to="loc_he_PublicUtilityDecouplingOrderPerformanceIncentiveMechanismServiceReliabilityMaximumPenaltyPercentOfReturnOnEquity_432f602d-e70f-4d74-886d-0631c3b5b0a0" xlink:type="arc" order="21"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_PublicUtilityDecouplingOrderPerformanceIncentiveMechanismServiceReliabilityMaximumPenaltyPendingAdjustedAmount_4734d024-11b4-4fab-9b3f-e07ac22eeaac" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_PublicUtilityDecouplingOrderPerformanceIncentiveMechanismServiceReliabilityMaximumPenaltyPendingAdjustedAmount"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_he_RegulatoryProjectsAndLegalObligationsLineItems_f990f0ed-bc4c-4c67-99c7-0bdecd9c894b" xlink:to="loc_he_PublicUtilityDecouplingOrderPerformanceIncentiveMechanismServiceReliabilityMaximumPenaltyPendingAdjustedAmount_4734d024-11b4-4fab-9b3f-e07ac22eeaac" xlink:type="arc" order="22"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_PublicUtilityDecouplingOrderPerformanceIncentiveMechanismServiceReliabilityEstimatedPenalties_ae61f023-7fb4-4593-8a3b-b238eedc63eb" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_PublicUtilityDecouplingOrderPerformanceIncentiveMechanismServiceReliabilityEstimatedPenalties"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_he_RegulatoryProjectsAndLegalObligationsLineItems_f990f0ed-bc4c-4c67-99c7-0bdecd9c894b" xlink:to="loc_he_PublicUtilityDecouplingOrderPerformanceIncentiveMechanismServiceReliabilityEstimatedPenalties_ae61f023-7fb4-4593-8a3b-b238eedc63eb" xlink:type="arc" order="23"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_PublicUtilityDecouplingOrderPerformanceIncentiveMechanismCallCenterPerformanceDeadBandPercentageAboveOrBelowTarget_6f53af06-3cc8-4732-ac38-49680b5c9f58" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_PublicUtilityDecouplingOrderPerformanceIncentiveMechanismCallCenterPerformanceDeadBandPercentageAboveOrBelowTarget"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_he_RegulatoryProjectsAndLegalObligationsLineItems_f990f0ed-bc4c-4c67-99c7-0bdecd9c894b" xlink:to="loc_he_PublicUtilityDecouplingOrderPerformanceIncentiveMechanismCallCenterPerformanceDeadBandPercentageAboveOrBelowTarget_6f53af06-3cc8-4732-ac38-49680b5c9f58" xlink:type="arc" order="24"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_PublicUtilityDecouplingOrderCallCenterPerformanceMaximumPenaltyPercent_e184ba63-aa02-44fa-b7dd-ef33758018e0" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_PublicUtilityDecouplingOrderCallCenterPerformanceMaximumPenaltyPercent"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_he_RegulatoryProjectsAndLegalObligationsLineItems_f990f0ed-bc4c-4c67-99c7-0bdecd9c894b" xlink:to="loc_he_PublicUtilityDecouplingOrderCallCenterPerformanceMaximumPenaltyPercent_e184ba63-aa02-44fa-b7dd-ef33758018e0" xlink:type="arc" order="25"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_PublicUtilityDecouplingOrderCallCenterPerformanceMaximumPenaltyPendingAdjustedAmount_7388370a-ce92-40e0-b6d9-635d0fe1ce9d" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_PublicUtilityDecouplingOrderCallCenterPerformanceMaximumPenaltyPendingAdjustedAmount"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_he_RegulatoryProjectsAndLegalObligationsLineItems_f990f0ed-bc4c-4c67-99c7-0bdecd9c894b" xlink:to="loc_he_PublicUtilityDecouplingOrderCallCenterPerformanceMaximumPenaltyPendingAdjustedAmount_7388370a-ce92-40e0-b6d9-635d0fe1ce9d" xlink:type="arc" order="26"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_NumberOfPowerPurchaseAgreements_2ce0718a-74f9-4110-a307-447a7396d1af" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_NumberOfPowerPurchaseAgreements"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_he_RegulatoryProjectsAndLegalObligationsLineItems_f990f0ed-bc4c-4c67-99c7-0bdecd9c894b" xlink:to="loc_he_NumberOfPowerPurchaseAgreements_2ce0718a-74f9-4110-a307-447a7396d1af" xlink:type="arc" order="27"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_NumberOfIncentiveEarnedPowerPurchaseAgreements_63b9ba7f-de37-4e45-93cb-4ccca9956fbf" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_NumberOfIncentiveEarnedPowerPurchaseAgreements"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_he_RegulatoryProjectsAndLegalObligationsLineItems_f990f0ed-bc4c-4c67-99c7-0bdecd9c894b" xlink:to="loc_he_NumberOfIncentiveEarnedPowerPurchaseAgreements_63b9ba7f-de37-4e45-93cb-4ccca9956fbf" xlink:type="arc" order="28"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_PublicUtilityIncentivesAccrued_065f3e09-e014-45d3-8997-97a7aa5ae19f" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_PublicUtilityIncentivesAccrued"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_he_RegulatoryProjectsAndLegalObligationsLineItems_f990f0ed-bc4c-4c67-99c7-0bdecd9c894b" xlink:to="loc_he_PublicUtilityIncentivesAccrued_065f3e09-e014-45d3-8997-97a7aa5ae19f" xlink:type="arc" order="29"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_PublicUtilitiesRPSAPerformanceIncentiveMechanismRewardThresholdInterpolatedRPSRateGoalYearOneAndTwo_24748bc4-72fa-410b-991e-1a519c68d85e" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_PublicUtilitiesRPSAPerformanceIncentiveMechanismRewardThresholdInterpolatedRPSRateGoalYearOneAndTwo"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_he_RegulatoryProjectsAndLegalObligationsLineItems_f990f0ed-bc4c-4c67-99c7-0bdecd9c894b" xlink:to="loc_he_PublicUtilitiesRPSAPerformanceIncentiveMechanismRewardThresholdInterpolatedRPSRateGoalYearOneAndTwo_24748bc4-72fa-410b-991e-1a519c68d85e" xlink:type="arc" order="30"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_PublicUtilitiesRPSAPerformanceIncentiveMechanismRewardThresholdInterpolatedRPSRateGoalYearThree_4442a89a-0067-4d5d-ab9f-38af26ed8f14" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_PublicUtilitiesRPSAPerformanceIncentiveMechanismRewardThresholdInterpolatedRPSRateGoalYearThree"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_he_RegulatoryProjectsAndLegalObligationsLineItems_f990f0ed-bc4c-4c67-99c7-0bdecd9c894b" xlink:to="loc_he_PublicUtilitiesRPSAPerformanceIncentiveMechanismRewardThresholdInterpolatedRPSRateGoalYearThree_4442a89a-0067-4d5d-ab9f-38af26ed8f14" xlink:type="arc" order="31"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_PublicUtilitiesRPSAPerformanceIncentiveMechanismRewardThresholdInterpolatedRPSRateGoalAfterYearThree_f5e89d03-c985-437a-ab82-a3bd7fa28787" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_PublicUtilitiesRPSAPerformanceIncentiveMechanismRewardThresholdInterpolatedRPSRateGoalAfterYearThree"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_he_RegulatoryProjectsAndLegalObligationsLineItems_f990f0ed-bc4c-4c67-99c7-0bdecd9c894b" xlink:to="loc_he_PublicUtilitiesRPSAPerformanceIncentiveMechanismRewardThresholdInterpolatedRPSRateGoalAfterYearThree_f5e89d03-c985-437a-ab82-a3bd7fa28787" xlink:type="arc" order="32"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_PublicUtilitiesRPSAPerformanceIncentiveMechanismFailureToMeetRPSTargetsPenaltyRate_05b2daa3-f043-45a4-a23b-850bb0397954" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_PublicUtilitiesRPSAPerformanceIncentiveMechanismFailureToMeetRPSTargetsPenaltyRate"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_he_RegulatoryProjectsAndLegalObligationsLineItems_f990f0ed-bc4c-4c67-99c7-0bdecd9c894b" xlink:to="loc_he_PublicUtilitiesRPSAPerformanceIncentiveMechanismFailureToMeetRPSTargetsPenaltyRate_05b2daa3-f043-45a4-a23b-850bb0397954" xlink:type="arc" order="33"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_PublicUtilitiesRenewablePortfolioStandardPerformanceIncentiveMechanismAccruedEstimatedRewards_75f8dab0-e753-4d31-8be9-262c02887238" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_PublicUtilitiesRenewablePortfolioStandardPerformanceIncentiveMechanismAccruedEstimatedRewards"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_he_RegulatoryProjectsAndLegalObligationsLineItems_f990f0ed-bc4c-4c67-99c7-0bdecd9c894b" xlink:to="loc_he_PublicUtilitiesRenewablePortfolioStandardPerformanceIncentiveMechanismAccruedEstimatedRewards_75f8dab0-e753-4d31-8be9-262c02887238" xlink:type="arc" order="34"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_PublicUtilitiesGridServicesProcurementPerformanceIncentiveMechanismAccruedEstimatedRewards_51d8f7a8-3b9e-4634-b6fd-2c22d23bb159" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_PublicUtilitiesGridServicesProcurementPerformanceIncentiveMechanismAccruedEstimatedRewards"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_he_RegulatoryProjectsAndLegalObligationsLineItems_f990f0ed-bc4c-4c67-99c7-0bdecd9c894b" xlink:to="loc_he_PublicUtilitiesGridServicesProcurementPerformanceIncentiveMechanismAccruedEstimatedRewards_51d8f7a8-3b9e-4634-b6fd-2c22d23bb159" xlink:type="arc" order="35"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_PublicUtilitiesInterconnectionApprovalPerformanceIncentiveMechanismAnnualMaximumReward_2b0c84ca-9c47-4965-bd68-eaa3686aef82" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_PublicUtilitiesInterconnectionApprovalPerformanceIncentiveMechanismAnnualMaximumReward"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_he_RegulatoryProjectsAndLegalObligationsLineItems_f990f0ed-bc4c-4c67-99c7-0bdecd9c894b" xlink:to="loc_he_PublicUtilitiesInterconnectionApprovalPerformanceIncentiveMechanismAnnualMaximumReward_2b0c84ca-9c47-4965-bd68-eaa3686aef82" xlink:type="arc" order="36"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_PublicUtilitiesInterconnectionApprovalPerformanceIncentiveMechanismAnnualMaximumPenalty_c4b51f07-d257-40d4-88f2-009a4b27bc86" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_PublicUtilitiesInterconnectionApprovalPerformanceIncentiveMechanismAnnualMaximumPenalty"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_he_RegulatoryProjectsAndLegalObligationsLineItems_f990f0ed-bc4c-4c67-99c7-0bdecd9c894b" xlink:to="loc_he_PublicUtilitiesInterconnectionApprovalPerformanceIncentiveMechanismAnnualMaximumPenalty_c4b51f07-d257-40d4-88f2-009a4b27bc86" xlink:type="arc" order="37"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_PublicUtilitiesInterconnectionApprovalPerformanceIncentiveMechanismAccruedEstimatedRewards_5f6ae096-7822-45ff-8be4-88fc71721855" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_PublicUtilitiesInterconnectionApprovalPerformanceIncentiveMechanismAccruedEstimatedRewards"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_he_RegulatoryProjectsAndLegalObligationsLineItems_f990f0ed-bc4c-4c67-99c7-0bdecd9c894b" xlink:to="loc_he_PublicUtilitiesInterconnectionApprovalPerformanceIncentiveMechanismAccruedEstimatedRewards_5f6ae096-7822-45ff-8be4-88fc71721855" xlink:type="arc" order="38"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_PublicUtilitiesLowToModerateIncomeEnergyEfficiencyPerformanceIncentiveMechanismMaximumReward_22bf81cd-d8ba-4497-87d8-943ecdb6f856" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_PublicUtilitiesLowToModerateIncomeEnergyEfficiencyPerformanceIncentiveMechanismMaximumReward"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_he_RegulatoryProjectsAndLegalObligationsLineItems_f990f0ed-bc4c-4c67-99c7-0bdecd9c894b" xlink:to="loc_he_PublicUtilitiesLowToModerateIncomeEnergyEfficiencyPerformanceIncentiveMechanismMaximumReward_22bf81cd-d8ba-4497-87d8-943ecdb6f856" xlink:type="arc" order="39"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_PublicUtilitiesLowToModerateIncomeEnergyEfficiencyPerformanceIncentiveMechanismAccruedAward_2beaf298-9b36-4021-a8ab-9c30d82ed600" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_PublicUtilitiesLowToModerateIncomeEnergyEfficiencyPerformanceIncentiveMechanismAccruedAward"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_he_RegulatoryProjectsAndLegalObligationsLineItems_f990f0ed-bc4c-4c67-99c7-0bdecd9c894b" xlink:to="loc_he_PublicUtilitiesLowToModerateIncomeEnergyEfficiencyPerformanceIncentiveMechanismAccruedAward_2beaf298-9b36-4021-a8ab-9c30d82ed600" xlink:type="arc" order="40"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_PublicUtilitiesAdvancedMeteringInfrastructureUtilizationPerformanceIncentiveMechanismAnnualMaximumReward_9c1dcddb-54d0-47ef-96d3-64f6494a2115" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_PublicUtilitiesAdvancedMeteringInfrastructureUtilizationPerformanceIncentiveMechanismAnnualMaximumReward"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_he_RegulatoryProjectsAndLegalObligationsLineItems_f990f0ed-bc4c-4c67-99c7-0bdecd9c894b" xlink:to="loc_he_PublicUtilitiesAdvancedMeteringInfrastructureUtilizationPerformanceIncentiveMechanismAnnualMaximumReward_9c1dcddb-54d0-47ef-96d3-64f6494a2115" xlink:type="arc" order="41"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_PublicUtilityDecouplingOrderPerformanceIncentiveMechanismGenerationCausedSystemAverageInterruptionTargetPerformanceHistoricalMeasurementPeriod_af18d08b-a8de-4cd5-83da-647b7f84d499" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_PublicUtilityDecouplingOrderPerformanceIncentiveMechanismGenerationCausedSystemAverageInterruptionTargetPerformanceHistoricalMeasurementPeriod"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_he_RegulatoryProjectsAndLegalObligationsLineItems_f990f0ed-bc4c-4c67-99c7-0bdecd9c894b" xlink:to="loc_he_PublicUtilityDecouplingOrderPerformanceIncentiveMechanismGenerationCausedSystemAverageInterruptionTargetPerformanceHistoricalMeasurementPeriod_af18d08b-a8de-4cd5-83da-647b7f84d499" xlink:type="arc" order="42"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_PublicUtilityDecouplingOrderPerformanceIncentiveMechanismGenerationCausedSystemAverageInterruptionMaximumPenaltyPercentOfReturnOnEquity_3d00194c-b9ab-4043-b85b-9843a84c9a24" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_PublicUtilityDecouplingOrderPerformanceIncentiveMechanismGenerationCausedSystemAverageInterruptionMaximumPenaltyPercentOfReturnOnEquity"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_he_RegulatoryProjectsAndLegalObligationsLineItems_f990f0ed-bc4c-4c67-99c7-0bdecd9c894b" xlink:to="loc_he_PublicUtilityDecouplingOrderPerformanceIncentiveMechanismGenerationCausedSystemAverageInterruptionMaximumPenaltyPercentOfReturnOnEquity_3d00194c-b9ab-4043-b85b-9843a84c9a24" xlink:type="arc" order="43"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_PublicUtilityDecouplingOrderPerformanceIncentiveMechanismGenerationCausedSystemAverageInterruptionMaximumPenaltyPendingAdjustedAmount_dee2e802-d3de-4b95-9f09-632e79f52988" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_PublicUtilityDecouplingOrderPerformanceIncentiveMechanismGenerationCausedSystemAverageInterruptionMaximumPenaltyPendingAdjustedAmount"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_he_RegulatoryProjectsAndLegalObligationsLineItems_f990f0ed-bc4c-4c67-99c7-0bdecd9c894b" xlink:to="loc_he_PublicUtilityDecouplingOrderPerformanceIncentiveMechanismGenerationCausedSystemAverageInterruptionMaximumPenaltyPendingAdjustedAmount_dee2e802-d3de-4b95-9f09-632e79f52988" xlink:type="arc" order="44"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_PublicUtilityDecouplingOrderPerformanceIncentiveMechanismGenerationCausedSystemAverageInterruptionTargetPerformancePeriod_a81dfdfb-b4e3-4bb5-b0f7-24c6e0c0d430" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_PublicUtilityDecouplingOrderPerformanceIncentiveMechanismGenerationCausedSystemAverageInterruptionTargetPerformancePeriod"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_he_RegulatoryProjectsAndLegalObligationsLineItems_f990f0ed-bc4c-4c67-99c7-0bdecd9c894b" xlink:to="loc_he_PublicUtilityDecouplingOrderPerformanceIncentiveMechanismGenerationCausedSystemAverageInterruptionTargetPerformancePeriod_a81dfdfb-b4e3-4bb5-b0f7-24c6e0c0d430" xlink:type="arc" order="45"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_PublicUtilityDecouplingOrderPerformanceIncentiveMechanismGenerationCausedSystemAverageInterruptionTargetDeadbandPeriod_7fef0ca8-f178-42fc-8900-d733c2204a1a" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_PublicUtilityDecouplingOrderPerformanceIncentiveMechanismGenerationCausedSystemAverageInterruptionTargetDeadbandPeriod"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_he_RegulatoryProjectsAndLegalObligationsLineItems_f990f0ed-bc4c-4c67-99c7-0bdecd9c894b" xlink:to="loc_he_PublicUtilityDecouplingOrderPerformanceIncentiveMechanismGenerationCausedSystemAverageInterruptionTargetDeadbandPeriod_7fef0ca8-f178-42fc-8900-d733c2204a1a" xlink:type="arc" order="46"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_PublicUtilitiesRetainedPercentageOfSavings_c796bee4-aef9-4ef6-a60f-c8c7c42aee9d" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_PublicUtilitiesRetainedPercentageOfSavings"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_he_RegulatoryProjectsAndLegalObligationsLineItems_f990f0ed-bc4c-4c67-99c7-0bdecd9c894b" xlink:to="loc_he_PublicUtilitiesRetainedPercentageOfSavings_c796bee4-aef9-4ef6-a60f-c8c7c42aee9d" xlink:type="arc" order="47"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_PublicUtilitiesAccruedEarnedRewardsNetOfPenalties_4f1d237b-cbcd-4b73-a32f-eba58b866e78" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_PublicUtilitiesAccruedEarnedRewardsNetOfPenalties"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_he_RegulatoryProjectsAndLegalObligationsLineItems_f990f0ed-bc4c-4c67-99c7-0bdecd9c894b" xlink:to="loc_he_PublicUtilitiesAccruedEarnedRewardsNetOfPenalties_4f1d237b-cbcd-4b73-a32f-eba58b866e78" xlink:type="arc" order="48"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_PublicUtilityIncentivesAccrued_960d8fb0-0584-42d7-bcef-cffd4cc3a9c9" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_PublicUtilityIncentivesAccrued"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_PublicUtilityERPEAMProjectServicePeriod_73401cfb-b41a-4ffe-beaa-e5eaf4b2b006" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_PublicUtilityERPEAMProjectServicePeriod"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_he_RegulatoryProjectsAndLegalObligationsLineItems_f990f0ed-bc4c-4c67-99c7-0bdecd9c894b" xlink:to="loc_he_PublicUtilityERPEAMProjectServicePeriod_73401cfb-b41a-4ffe-beaa-e5eaf4b2b006" xlink:type="arc" order="50"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_PublicUtilityERPEAMRequiredPassthroughSavingsOver12Years_2a3db0fb-bc10-4fe4-b22f-1b1194f608d0" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_PublicUtilityERPEAMRequiredPassthroughSavingsOver12Years"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_he_RegulatoryProjectsAndLegalObligationsLineItems_f990f0ed-bc4c-4c67-99c7-0bdecd9c894b" xlink:to="loc_he_PublicUtilityERPEAMRequiredPassthroughSavingsOver12Years_2a3db0fb-bc10-4fe4-b22f-1b1194f608d0" xlink:type="arc" order="51"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_PublicUtilityERPEAMSystemFutureOperationAndMaintenanceExpenseReductions_bf6b0db0-8283-4803-a09b-3471a68042bd" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_PublicUtilityERPEAMSystemFutureOperationAndMaintenanceExpenseReductions"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_he_RegulatoryProjectsAndLegalObligationsLineItems_f990f0ed-bc4c-4c67-99c7-0bdecd9c894b" xlink:to="loc_he_PublicUtilityERPEAMSystemFutureOperationAndMaintenanceExpenseReductions_bf6b0db0-8283-4803-a09b-3471a68042bd" xlink:type="arc" order="52"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_PublicUtilityERPEAMSystemFutureCostAvoidanceRelatedToCapitalCostAndTaxCost_dbe66f57-d3ef-4d35-a06e-1ad2a7833224" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_PublicUtilityERPEAMSystemFutureCostAvoidanceRelatedToCapitalCostAndTaxCost"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_he_RegulatoryProjectsAndLegalObligationsLineItems_f990f0ed-bc4c-4c67-99c7-0bdecd9c894b" xlink:to="loc_he_PublicUtilityERPEAMSystemFutureCostAvoidanceRelatedToCapitalCostAndTaxCost_dbe66f57-d3ef-4d35-a06e-1ad2a7833224" xlink:type="arc" order="53"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RegulatoryLiabilityAmortizationPeriod_18d0af8a-a564-46db-bc30-8391f29c799d" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_RegulatoryLiabilityAmortizationPeriod"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_he_RegulatoryProjectsAndLegalObligationsLineItems_f990f0ed-bc4c-4c67-99c7-0bdecd9c894b" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RegulatoryLiabilityAmortizationPeriod_18d0af8a-a564-46db-bc30-8391f29c799d" xlink:type="arc" order="54"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_PublicUtilityERPEAMRegulatoryLiabilityForOperationAndMaintenanceExpenseReductions_decd6c32-20a1-4f7a-b6b1-009f6224ec22" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_PublicUtilityERPEAMRegulatoryLiabilityForOperationAndMaintenanceExpenseReductions"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_he_RegulatoryProjectsAndLegalObligationsLineItems_f990f0ed-bc4c-4c67-99c7-0bdecd9c894b" xlink:to="loc_he_PublicUtilityERPEAMRegulatoryLiabilityForOperationAndMaintenanceExpenseReductions_decd6c32-20a1-4f7a-b6b1-009f6224ec22" xlink:type="arc" order="55"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_PublicUtilitiesInRegulatoryAssets_38673010-5c03-4c17-bbea-a5a10a632914" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_PublicUtilitiesInRegulatoryAssets"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_he_RegulatoryProjectsAndLegalObligationsLineItems_f990f0ed-bc4c-4c67-99c7-0bdecd9c894b" xlink:to="loc_he_PublicUtilitiesInRegulatoryAssets_38673010-5c03-4c17-bbea-a5a10a632914" xlink:type="arc" order="56"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_RecoveryOfDeferralCostsCARESActPeriod_7dc73bda-1899-46c6-808b-63d0ec7ee4da" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_RecoveryOfDeferralCostsCARESActPeriod"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_he_RegulatoryProjectsAndLegalObligationsLineItems_f990f0ed-bc4c-4c67-99c7-0bdecd9c894b" xlink:to="loc_he_RecoveryOfDeferralCostsCARESActPeriod_7dc73bda-1899-46c6-808b-63d0ec7ee4da" xlink:type="arc" order="57"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RegulatoryAssetAmortizationPeriod_8f8047c5-8266-4caf-a833-d506a1878b17" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_RegulatoryAssetAmortizationPeriod"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_he_RegulatoryProjectsAndLegalObligationsLineItems_f990f0ed-bc4c-4c67-99c7-0bdecd9c894b" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RegulatoryAssetAmortizationPeriod_8f8047c5-8266-4caf-a833-d506a1878b17" xlink:type="arc" order="58"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RegulatoryAssets_ab485346-9e94-447b-8080-437674168a67" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_RegulatoryAssets"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_he_RegulatoryProjectsAndLegalObligationsLineItems_f990f0ed-bc4c-4c67-99c7-0bdecd9c894b" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RegulatoryAssets_ab485346-9e94-447b-8080-437674168a67" xlink:type="arc" order="59"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.hei.com/role/ElectricutilitysegmentAnnualDecouplingFilingsSummaryDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#ElectricutilitysegmentAnnualDecouplingFilingsSummaryDetails"/>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.hei.com/role/ElectricutilitysegmentAnnualDecouplingFilingsSummaryDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_RegulatoryProjectsAndLegalObligationsLineItems_b9ed33b2-dd49-43e6-8d88-25d31059fb3b" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_RegulatoryProjectsAndLegalObligationsLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_RegulatoryProjectsAndLegalObligationsTable_6840a75d-9f34-4a7c-acaf-2784e397dbc1" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_RegulatoryProjectsAndLegalObligationsTable"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_he_RegulatoryProjectsAndLegalObligationsLineItems_b9ed33b2-dd49-43e6-8d88-25d31059fb3b" xlink:to="loc_he_RegulatoryProjectsAndLegalObligationsTable_6840a75d-9f34-4a7c-acaf-2784e397dbc1" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_ab68fe47-86cb-4b15-8d84-d07fe4343aee" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2024/dei-2024.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_he_RegulatoryProjectsAndLegalObligationsTable_6840a75d-9f34-4a7c-acaf-2784e397dbc1" xlink:to="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_ab68fe47-86cb-4b15-8d84-d07fe4343aee" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_ab68fe47-86cb-4b15-8d84-d07fe4343aee_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2024/dei-2024.xsd#dei_EntityDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_ab68fe47-86cb-4b15-8d84-d07fe4343aee" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_ab68fe47-86cb-4b15-8d84-d07fe4343aee_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_68f1843d-1d07-49d5-87d6-7ec24427c615" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2024/dei-2024.xsd#dei_EntityDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_ab68fe47-86cb-4b15-8d84-d07fe4343aee" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_68f1843d-1d07-49d5-87d6-7ec24427c615" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_HawaiianElectricParentMember_d4f7a74b-dade-4a30-8f75-f1d0a5f5469a" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_HawaiianElectricParentMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_68f1843d-1d07-49d5-87d6-7ec24427c615" xlink:to="loc_he_HawaiianElectricParentMember_d4f7a74b-dade-4a30-8f75-f1d0a5f5469a" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_HawaiiElectricLightCompanyIncMember_17e39b8d-b52e-4f9b-9690-f4066ee81820" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_HawaiiElectricLightCompanyIncMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_68f1843d-1d07-49d5-87d6-7ec24427c615" xlink:to="loc_he_HawaiiElectricLightCompanyIncMember_17e39b8d-b52e-4f9b-9690-f4066ee81820" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_MauiElectricCompanyLimitedMember_3405a928-11c8-42a9-892b-38bc6c0e6154" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_MauiElectricCompanyLimitedMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_68f1843d-1d07-49d5-87d6-7ec24427c615" xlink:to="loc_he_MauiElectricCompanyLimitedMember_3405a928-11c8-42a9-892b-38bc6c0e6154" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_6c3f6a1e-30ba-457c-ae83-dd4c66b4634a" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_he_RegulatoryProjectsAndLegalObligationsTable_6840a75d-9f34-4a7c-acaf-2784e397dbc1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_6c3f6a1e-30ba-457c-ae83-dd4c66b4634a" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_6c3f6a1e-30ba-457c-ae83-dd4c66b4634a_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_6c3f6a1e-30ba-457c-ae83-dd4c66b4634a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_6c3f6a1e-30ba-457c-ae83-dd4c66b4634a_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_fab9a7ec-c7bb-4d2a-81e4-26a2032594eb" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_6c3f6a1e-30ba-457c-ae83-dd4c66b4634a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_fab9a7ec-c7bb-4d2a-81e4-26a2032594eb" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember_75956a66-0e99-4e8f-bd50-b7e032e25b97" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_fab9a7ec-c7bb-4d2a-81e4-26a2032594eb" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember_75956a66-0e99-4e8f-bd50-b7e032e25b97" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_PublicUtilitiesAnnualRevenueAdjustmentRevenues_1969478a-90a0-4bc1-ae59-2945e13a5944" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_PublicUtilitiesAnnualRevenueAdjustmentRevenues"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_he_RegulatoryProjectsAndLegalObligationsLineItems_b9ed33b2-dd49-43e6-8d88-25d31059fb3b" xlink:to="loc_he_PublicUtilitiesAnnualRevenueAdjustmentRevenues_1969478a-90a0-4bc1-ae59-2945e13a5944" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_PublicUtilitiesAnnualRevenueAdjustmentManagementAuditSavingsCommitment_302e8142-aa65-44e4-81da-83a8882257e8" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_PublicUtilitiesAnnualRevenueAdjustmentManagementAuditSavingsCommitment"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_he_RegulatoryProjectsAndLegalObligationsLineItems_b9ed33b2-dd49-43e6-8d88-25d31059fb3b" xlink:to="loc_he_PublicUtilitiesAnnualRevenueAdjustmentManagementAuditSavingsCommitment_302e8142-aa65-44e4-81da-83a8882257e8" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_PublicUtilitiesAnnualRevenueAdjustmentNetIncrementalRevenues_cf5e3bb8-9fc3-406a-8d28-d6b70c2851e8" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_PublicUtilitiesAnnualRevenueAdjustmentNetIncrementalRevenues"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_he_RegulatoryProjectsAndLegalObligationsLineItems_b9ed33b2-dd49-43e6-8d88-25d31059fb3b" xlink:to="loc_he_PublicUtilitiesAnnualRevenueAdjustmentNetIncrementalRevenues_cf5e3bb8-9fc3-406a-8d28-d6b70c2851e8" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_PublicUtilityAnnualIncrementalRateAdjustmentMechanismAdjustedRevenue_a5224801-6036-43b9-a419-e687540579ea" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_PublicUtilityAnnualIncrementalRateAdjustmentMechanismAdjustedRevenue"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_he_RegulatoryProjectsAndLegalObligationsLineItems_b9ed33b2-dd49-43e6-8d88-25d31059fb3b" xlink:to="loc_he_PublicUtilityAnnualIncrementalRateAdjustmentMechanismAdjustedRevenue_a5224801-6036-43b9-a419-e687540579ea" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_PublicUtilityIncreaseDecreaseInAccruedEarningsSharingCreditsToBeRefunded_ec51fffc-7eac-4ace-a86b-3161899f9172" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_PublicUtilityIncreaseDecreaseInAccruedEarningsSharingCreditsToBeRefunded"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_he_RegulatoryProjectsAndLegalObligationsLineItems_b9ed33b2-dd49-43e6-8d88-25d31059fb3b" xlink:to="loc_he_PublicUtilityIncreaseDecreaseInAccruedEarningsSharingCreditsToBeRefunded_ec51fffc-7eac-4ace-a86b-3161899f9172" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_PublicUtilitiesDecouplingFilingPerformanceIncentiveMechanismNet_f0afba57-f9e7-426f-815c-437711e5af4a" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_PublicUtilitiesDecouplingFilingPerformanceIncentiveMechanismNet"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_he_RegulatoryProjectsAndLegalObligationsLineItems_b9ed33b2-dd49-43e6-8d88-25d31059fb3b" xlink:to="loc_he_PublicUtilitiesDecouplingFilingPerformanceIncentiveMechanismNet_f0afba57-f9e7-426f-815c-437711e5af4a" xlink:type="arc" order="5"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_PublicUtilityNetReceivableUnderTariff_fb22ecfc-9225-4939-bb2f-529a4f7e4a4f" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_PublicUtilityNetReceivableUnderTariff"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_he_RegulatoryProjectsAndLegalObligationsLineItems_b9ed33b2-dd49-43e6-8d88-25d31059fb3b" xlink:to="loc_he_PublicUtilityNetReceivableUnderTariff_fb22ecfc-9225-4939-bb2f-529a4f7e4a4f" xlink:type="arc" order="6"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.hei.com/role/ElectricutilitysegmentCondensedConsolidatingStatementofIncomeDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#ElectricutilitysegmentCondensedConsolidatingStatementofIncomeDetails"/>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.hei.com/role/ElectricutilitysegmentCondensedConsolidatingStatementofIncomeDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_CondensedIncomeStatementsCaptionsLineItems_5559a8bc-f17e-4602-bb17-e658012d0fe6" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2024/elts/srt-2024.xsd#srt_CondensedIncomeStatementsCaptionsLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_CondensedIncomeStatementTable_6d496c8a-6ae5-480f-9719-0a0003535d9b" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2024/elts/srt-2024.xsd#srt_CondensedIncomeStatementTable"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedIncomeStatementsCaptionsLineItems_5559a8bc-f17e-4602-bb17-e658012d0fe6" xlink:to="loc_srt_CondensedIncomeStatementTable_6d496c8a-6ae5-480f-9719-0a0003535d9b" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis_76c2f2a3-9e32-4f0c-a888-ad74f7215192" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2024/elts/srt-2024.xsd#srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedIncomeStatementTable_6d496c8a-6ae5-480f-9719-0a0003535d9b" xlink:to="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis_76c2f2a3-9e32-4f0c-a888-ad74f7215192" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_76c2f2a3-9e32-4f0c-a888-ad74f7215192_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2024/elts/srt-2024.xsd#srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis_76c2f2a3-9e32-4f0c-a888-ad74f7215192" xlink:to="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_76c2f2a3-9e32-4f0c-a888-ad74f7215192_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_ac6153da-ad46-48b3-887b-9b799021ba94" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2024/elts/srt-2024.xsd#srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis_76c2f2a3-9e32-4f0c-a888-ad74f7215192" xlink:to="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_ac6153da-ad46-48b3-887b-9b799021ba94" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ParentCompanyMember_539254ba-18d2-4367-9a6e-86c1401db5fc" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2024/elts/srt-2024.xsd#srt_ParentCompanyMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_ac6153da-ad46-48b3-887b-9b799021ba94" xlink:to="loc_srt_ParentCompanyMember_539254ba-18d2-4367-9a6e-86c1401db5fc" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_HawaiiElectricLightCompanyIncMember_dd4ffc15-0dcb-4441-a334-f5d99931e068" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_HawaiiElectricLightCompanyIncMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_ac6153da-ad46-48b3-887b-9b799021ba94" xlink:to="loc_he_HawaiiElectricLightCompanyIncMember_dd4ffc15-0dcb-4441-a334-f5d99931e068" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_MauiElectricCompanyLimitedMember_d5ebfb7a-0b48-419e-900d-effa5137754f" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_MauiElectricCompanyLimitedMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_ac6153da-ad46-48b3-887b-9b799021ba94" xlink:to="loc_he_MauiElectricCompanyLimitedMember_d5ebfb7a-0b48-419e-900d-effa5137754f" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_OtherSubsidiariesMember_25def1c1-b35e-4e22-b7b6-65aac575898e" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_OtherSubsidiariesMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_ac6153da-ad46-48b3-887b-9b799021ba94" xlink:to="loc_he_OtherSubsidiariesMember_25def1c1-b35e-4e22-b7b6-65aac575898e" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsAxis_6a97fa80-85c7-484f-9ab7-54a7250c9693" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2024/elts/srt-2024.xsd#srt_ConsolidationItemsAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedIncomeStatementTable_6d496c8a-6ae5-480f-9719-0a0003535d9b" xlink:to="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsAxis_6a97fa80-85c7-484f-9ab7-54a7250c9693" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain_6a97fa80-85c7-484f-9ab7-54a7250c9693_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2024/elts/srt-2024.xsd#srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsAxis_6a97fa80-85c7-484f-9ab7-54a7250c9693" xlink:to="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain_6a97fa80-85c7-484f-9ab7-54a7250c9693_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain_c316c31c-fe5a-475a-9509-86ff4676421d" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2024/elts/srt-2024.xsd#srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsAxis_6a97fa80-85c7-484f-9ab7-54a7250c9693" xlink:to="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain_c316c31c-fe5a-475a-9509-86ff4676421d" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ReportableLegalEntitiesMember_7ad7bfe3-0294-4e17-8569-85c27021eaf1" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2024/elts/srt-2024.xsd#srt_ReportableLegalEntitiesMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain_c316c31c-fe5a-475a-9509-86ff4676421d" xlink:to="loc_srt_ReportableLegalEntitiesMember_7ad7bfe3-0294-4e17-8569-85c27021eaf1" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ConsolidationEliminationsMember_ce013de3-24d2-4e8b-b399-eb6ddf244f2e" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2024/elts/srt-2024.xsd#srt_ConsolidationEliminationsMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain_c316c31c-fe5a-475a-9509-86ff4676421d" xlink:to="loc_srt_ConsolidationEliminationsMember_ce013de3-24d2-4e8b-b399-eb6ddf244f2e" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_ed783c4f-c02e-4b09-b925-6bf4a2146e53" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2024/dei-2024.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedIncomeStatementTable_6d496c8a-6ae5-480f-9719-0a0003535d9b" xlink:to="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_ed783c4f-c02e-4b09-b925-6bf4a2146e53" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_ed783c4f-c02e-4b09-b925-6bf4a2146e53_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2024/dei-2024.xsd#dei_EntityDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_ed783c4f-c02e-4b09-b925-6bf4a2146e53" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_ed783c4f-c02e-4b09-b925-6bf4a2146e53_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_42ba5b23-d04f-4054-a108-ab2723ab8b7b" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2024/dei-2024.xsd#dei_EntityDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_ed783c4f-c02e-4b09-b925-6bf4a2146e53" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_42ba5b23-d04f-4054-a108-ab2723ab8b7b" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_HawaiianElectricCompanyAndSubsidiariesMember_5652a582-f141-4d94-a9bc-1372ed35ab97" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_HawaiianElectricCompanyAndSubsidiariesMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_42ba5b23-d04f-4054-a108-ab2723ab8b7b" xlink:to="loc_he_HawaiianElectricCompanyAndSubsidiariesMember_5652a582-f141-4d94-a9bc-1372ed35ab97" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Revenues_579e0033-f25e-4cab-8cff-de5cb24c7653" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_Revenues"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedIncomeStatementsCaptionsLineItems_5559a8bc-f17e-4602-bb17-e658012d0fe6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Revenues_579e0033-f25e-4cab-8cff-de5cb24c7653" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_UtilitiesOperatingExpenseAbstract_83f81280-40b7-45f1-b996-adc964f26af1" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_UtilitiesOperatingExpenseAbstract"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedIncomeStatementsCaptionsLineItems_5559a8bc-f17e-4602-bb17-e658012d0fe6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_UtilitiesOperatingExpenseAbstract_83f81280-40b7-45f1-b996-adc964f26af1" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_UtilitiesOperatingExpenseFuelUsed_7756f5da-d45c-4363-ab6a-8a22337dd34b" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_UtilitiesOperatingExpenseFuelUsed"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_UtilitiesOperatingExpenseAbstract_83f81280-40b7-45f1-b996-adc964f26af1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_UtilitiesOperatingExpenseFuelUsed_7756f5da-d45c-4363-ab6a-8a22337dd34b" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_UtilitiesOperatingExpensePurchasedPower_809e949a-0855-4964-945b-752bd5601a79" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_UtilitiesOperatingExpensePurchasedPower"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_UtilitiesOperatingExpenseAbstract_83f81280-40b7-45f1-b996-adc964f26af1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_UtilitiesOperatingExpensePurchasedPower_809e949a-0855-4964-945b-752bd5601a79" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_UtilitiesOperatingExpenseMaintenanceAndOperations_b7231ca0-a711-42c9-889e-565e2f5b3f70" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_UtilitiesOperatingExpenseMaintenanceAndOperations"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_UtilitiesOperatingExpenseAbstract_83f81280-40b7-45f1-b996-adc964f26af1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_UtilitiesOperatingExpenseMaintenanceAndOperations_b7231ca0-a711-42c9-889e-565e2f5b3f70" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LossContingencyLossInPeriod_377ed40f-371c-46f7-a6b9-0ca49b362930" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_LossContingencyLossInPeriod"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_UtilitiesOperatingExpenseAbstract_83f81280-40b7-45f1-b996-adc964f26af1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LossContingencyLossInPeriod_377ed40f-371c-46f7-a6b9-0ca49b362930" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_UtilitiesOperatingExpenseDepreciationAndAmortization_0ddf634c-a826-4306-8500-9954962cb73a" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_UtilitiesOperatingExpenseDepreciationAndAmortization"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_UtilitiesOperatingExpenseAbstract_83f81280-40b7-45f1-b996-adc964f26af1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_UtilitiesOperatingExpenseDepreciationAndAmortization_0ddf634c-a826-4306-8500-9954962cb73a" xlink:type="arc" order="5"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_UtilitiesOperatingExpenseOtherTaxes_9d396f3f-e428-4eba-818a-818b5fcad3af" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_UtilitiesOperatingExpenseOtherTaxes"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_UtilitiesOperatingExpenseAbstract_83f81280-40b7-45f1-b996-adc964f26af1" xlink:to="loc_he_UtilitiesOperatingExpenseOtherTaxes_9d396f3f-e428-4eba-818a-818b5fcad3af" xlink:type="arc" order="6"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CostsAndExpenses_d6b9b6b7-bb96-4902-b785-05d2d8965396" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_CostsAndExpenses"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_UtilitiesOperatingExpenseAbstract_83f81280-40b7-45f1-b996-adc964f26af1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CostsAndExpenses_d6b9b6b7-bb96-4902-b785-05d2d8965396" xlink:type="arc" order="7"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss_9cb1ac69-86c1-4aaf-a465-135389a0e3f3" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedIncomeStatementsCaptionsLineItems_5559a8bc-f17e-4602-bb17-e658012d0fe6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss_9cb1ac69-86c1-4aaf-a465-135389a0e3f3" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesAllowanceForFundsUsedDuringConstructionCapitalizedCostOfEquity_28b00fff-ff3c-42d7-aa8e-16b38f29b554" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesAllowanceForFundsUsedDuringConstructionCapitalizedCostOfEquity"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedIncomeStatementsCaptionsLineItems_5559a8bc-f17e-4602-bb17-e658012d0fe6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesAllowanceForFundsUsedDuringConstructionCapitalizedCostOfEquity_28b00fff-ff3c-42d7-aa8e-16b38f29b554" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_EquityInEarningsOfSubsidiaries_33ff1d18-4000-4ddd-9970-42d6fa9de31a" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_EquityInEarningsOfSubsidiaries"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedIncomeStatementsCaptionsLineItems_5559a8bc-f17e-4602-bb17-e658012d0fe6" xlink:to="loc_he_EquityInEarningsOfSubsidiaries_33ff1d18-4000-4ddd-9970-42d6fa9de31a" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetPeriodicDefinedBenefitsExpenseReversalOfExpenseExcludingServiceCostComponent_3e7bf120-8afa-4ae8-a158-c141c64d81a7" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_NetPeriodicDefinedBenefitsExpenseReversalOfExpenseExcludingServiceCostComponent"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedIncomeStatementsCaptionsLineItems_5559a8bc-f17e-4602-bb17-e658012d0fe6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetPeriodicDefinedBenefitsExpenseReversalOfExpenseExcludingServiceCostComponent_3e7bf120-8afa-4ae8-a158-c141c64d81a7" xlink:type="arc" order="5"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_InterestExpenseAndOtherCharges_23964ae6-fd0b-480e-b930-8fd0b1a33baa" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_InterestExpenseAndOtherCharges"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedIncomeStatementsCaptionsLineItems_5559a8bc-f17e-4602-bb17-e658012d0fe6" xlink:to="loc_he_InterestExpenseAndOtherCharges_23964ae6-fd0b-480e-b930-8fd0b1a33baa" xlink:type="arc" order="6"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterestCostsCapitalizedAdjustment_a231b726-1f1c-42e0-a95d-0a78d23ee6d3" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_InterestCostsCapitalizedAdjustment"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedIncomeStatementsCaptionsLineItems_5559a8bc-f17e-4602-bb17-e658012d0fe6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InterestCostsCapitalizedAdjustment_a231b726-1f1c-42e0-a95d-0a78d23ee6d3" xlink:type="arc" order="7"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentIncomeInterest_86dba3e1-4e69-47ea-a050-05d5ed0f9d2a" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_InvestmentIncomeInterest"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedIncomeStatementsCaptionsLineItems_5559a8bc-f17e-4602-bb17-e658012d0fe6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentIncomeInterest_86dba3e1-4e69-47ea-a050-05d5ed0f9d2a" xlink:type="arc" order="8"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesExtraordinaryItemsNoncontrollingInterest_c50ba805-c18c-4575-8222-c88ecf925eb6" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesExtraordinaryItemsNoncontrollingInterest"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedIncomeStatementsCaptionsLineItems_5559a8bc-f17e-4602-bb17-e658012d0fe6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesExtraordinaryItemsNoncontrollingInterest_c50ba805-c18c-4575-8222-c88ecf925eb6" xlink:type="arc" order="9"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit_9750e3c5-ebbc-41ca-a0ac-da8c7c82d372" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedIncomeStatementsCaptionsLineItems_5559a8bc-f17e-4602-bb17-e658012d0fe6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit_9750e3c5-ebbc-41ca-a0ac-da8c7c82d372" xlink:type="arc" order="10"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProfitLoss_c2aa2ef2-add4-4eca-a372-52fe1d8c6c30" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_ProfitLoss"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedIncomeStatementsCaptionsLineItems_5559a8bc-f17e-4602-bb17-e658012d0fe6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProfitLoss_c2aa2ef2-add4-4eca-a372-52fe1d8c6c30" xlink:type="arc" order="11"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestInNetIncomeLossPreferredUnitHoldersRedeemable_a07a12b8-e960-4742-a1e1-f435acada954" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestInNetIncomeLossPreferredUnitHoldersRedeemable"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedIncomeStatementsCaptionsLineItems_5559a8bc-f17e-4602-bb17-e658012d0fe6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestInNetIncomeLossPreferredUnitHoldersRedeemable_a07a12b8-e960-4742-a1e1-f435acada954" xlink:type="arc" order="12"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_ae4521f0-2f8a-4167-85df-396b8d7dfdfb" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedIncomeStatementsCaptionsLineItems_5559a8bc-f17e-4602-bb17-e658012d0fe6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_ae4521f0-2f8a-4167-85df-396b8d7dfdfb" xlink:type="arc" order="13"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockDividendsIncomeStatementImpact_91416afb-101e-437b-b154-f712b838f805" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockDividendsIncomeStatementImpact"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedIncomeStatementsCaptionsLineItems_5559a8bc-f17e-4602-bb17-e658012d0fe6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockDividendsIncomeStatementImpact_91416afb-101e-437b-b154-f712b838f805" xlink:type="arc" order="14"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAvailableToCommonStockholdersBasic_410163cf-2fae-474b-9fac-b53661e51e08" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAvailableToCommonStockholdersBasic"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedIncomeStatementsCaptionsLineItems_5559a8bc-f17e-4602-bb17-e658012d0fe6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAvailableToCommonStockholdersBasic_410163cf-2fae-474b-9fac-b53661e51e08" xlink:type="arc" order="15"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.hei.com/role/ElectricutilitysegmentCondensedConsolidatingStatementofComprehensiveIncomeDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#ElectricutilitysegmentCondensedConsolidatingStatementofComprehensiveIncomeDetails"/>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.hei.com/role/ElectricutilitysegmentCondensedConsolidatingStatementofComprehensiveIncomeDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_CondensedStatementOfIncomeCaptionsLineItems_a3d4f46c-c37c-44a7-bbae-f1e55e9dfd43" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2024/elts/srt-2024.xsd#srt_CondensedStatementOfIncomeCaptionsLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_CondensedStatementOfComprehensiveIncomeTable_e6cc19b5-6585-410d-9bb5-a0a56d169ca8" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2024/elts/srt-2024.xsd#srt_CondensedStatementOfComprehensiveIncomeTable"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedStatementOfIncomeCaptionsLineItems_a3d4f46c-c37c-44a7-bbae-f1e55e9dfd43" xlink:to="loc_srt_CondensedStatementOfComprehensiveIncomeTable_e6cc19b5-6585-410d-9bb5-a0a56d169ca8" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis_075df124-6cb1-455e-b5f4-58562580c2a2" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2024/elts/srt-2024.xsd#srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedStatementOfComprehensiveIncomeTable_e6cc19b5-6585-410d-9bb5-a0a56d169ca8" xlink:to="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis_075df124-6cb1-455e-b5f4-58562580c2a2" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_075df124-6cb1-455e-b5f4-58562580c2a2_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2024/elts/srt-2024.xsd#srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis_075df124-6cb1-455e-b5f4-58562580c2a2" xlink:to="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_075df124-6cb1-455e-b5f4-58562580c2a2_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_2cc08f4d-96bb-4e95-a3cf-f24eb8d1e56e" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2024/elts/srt-2024.xsd#srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis_075df124-6cb1-455e-b5f4-58562580c2a2" xlink:to="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_2cc08f4d-96bb-4e95-a3cf-f24eb8d1e56e" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ParentCompanyMember_79a9265a-d728-42dc-9e7b-86958f2db8a3" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2024/elts/srt-2024.xsd#srt_ParentCompanyMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_2cc08f4d-96bb-4e95-a3cf-f24eb8d1e56e" xlink:to="loc_srt_ParentCompanyMember_79a9265a-d728-42dc-9e7b-86958f2db8a3" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_HawaiiElectricLightCompanyIncMember_2075fa6f-0d3a-45e0-98bc-e815930a23bc" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_HawaiiElectricLightCompanyIncMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_2cc08f4d-96bb-4e95-a3cf-f24eb8d1e56e" xlink:to="loc_he_HawaiiElectricLightCompanyIncMember_2075fa6f-0d3a-45e0-98bc-e815930a23bc" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_MauiElectricCompanyLimitedMember_37a30759-58b9-41ec-828c-d5fcd6f1e27a" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_MauiElectricCompanyLimitedMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_2cc08f4d-96bb-4e95-a3cf-f24eb8d1e56e" xlink:to="loc_he_MauiElectricCompanyLimitedMember_37a30759-58b9-41ec-828c-d5fcd6f1e27a" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_OtherSubsidiariesMember_66394e24-6011-481a-a4b0-3fafd0211f8e" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_OtherSubsidiariesMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_2cc08f4d-96bb-4e95-a3cf-f24eb8d1e56e" xlink:to="loc_he_OtherSubsidiariesMember_66394e24-6011-481a-a4b0-3fafd0211f8e" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsAxis_6b166d79-3c22-4d4d-a7a4-e022906122fa" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2024/elts/srt-2024.xsd#srt_ConsolidationItemsAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedStatementOfComprehensiveIncomeTable_e6cc19b5-6585-410d-9bb5-a0a56d169ca8" xlink:to="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsAxis_6b166d79-3c22-4d4d-a7a4-e022906122fa" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain_6b166d79-3c22-4d4d-a7a4-e022906122fa_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2024/elts/srt-2024.xsd#srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsAxis_6b166d79-3c22-4d4d-a7a4-e022906122fa" xlink:to="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain_6b166d79-3c22-4d4d-a7a4-e022906122fa_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain_ffdebefa-4893-42a1-bae4-59bbdff43ae0" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2024/elts/srt-2024.xsd#srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsAxis_6b166d79-3c22-4d4d-a7a4-e022906122fa" xlink:to="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain_ffdebefa-4893-42a1-bae4-59bbdff43ae0" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ReportableLegalEntitiesMember_f77e4a4b-9d6c-425f-965a-edf7f71b10ca" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2024/elts/srt-2024.xsd#srt_ReportableLegalEntitiesMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain_ffdebefa-4893-42a1-bae4-59bbdff43ae0" xlink:to="loc_srt_ReportableLegalEntitiesMember_f77e4a4b-9d6c-425f-965a-edf7f71b10ca" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ConsolidationEliminationsMember_77c62fd7-a605-4a55-a024-0dcdf91134c9" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2024/elts/srt-2024.xsd#srt_ConsolidationEliminationsMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain_ffdebefa-4893-42a1-bae4-59bbdff43ae0" xlink:to="loc_srt_ConsolidationEliminationsMember_77c62fd7-a605-4a55-a024-0dcdf91134c9" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_3dbe6b52-0d51-4c97-a4e2-1281deb95bbf" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2024/dei-2024.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedStatementOfComprehensiveIncomeTable_e6cc19b5-6585-410d-9bb5-a0a56d169ca8" xlink:to="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_3dbe6b52-0d51-4c97-a4e2-1281deb95bbf" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_3dbe6b52-0d51-4c97-a4e2-1281deb95bbf_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2024/dei-2024.xsd#dei_EntityDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_3dbe6b52-0d51-4c97-a4e2-1281deb95bbf" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_3dbe6b52-0d51-4c97-a4e2-1281deb95bbf_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_c3c6fc83-e984-40a8-8e85-a0d5bf9e1492" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2024/dei-2024.xsd#dei_EntityDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_3dbe6b52-0d51-4c97-a4e2-1281deb95bbf" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_c3c6fc83-e984-40a8-8e85-a0d5bf9e1492" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_HawaiianElectricCompanyAndSubsidiariesMember_12c29ff9-ad09-45ac-a172-857a28b8f925" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_HawaiianElectricCompanyAndSubsidiariesMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_c3c6fc83-e984-40a8-8e85-a0d5bf9e1492" xlink:to="loc_he_HawaiianElectricCompanyAndSubsidiariesMember_12c29ff9-ad09-45ac-a172-857a28b8f925" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAvailableToCommonStockholdersBasic_cc0fbf22-04dd-4d64-9b4e-1051ae70301a" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAvailableToCommonStockholdersBasic"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedStatementOfIncomeCaptionsLineItems_a3d4f46c-c37c-44a7-bbae-f1e55e9dfd43" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAvailableToCommonStockholdersBasic_cc0fbf22-04dd-4d64-9b4e-1051ae70301a" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxPortionAttributableToParentAbstract_8a36d950-a280-492d-b757-0c9f1dafe1a5" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxPortionAttributableToParentAbstract"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedStatementOfIncomeCaptionsLineItems_a3d4f46c-c37c-44a7-bbae-f1e55e9dfd43" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxPortionAttributableToParentAbstract_8a36d950-a280-492d-b757-0c9f1dafe1a5" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeDefinedBenefitPlansAdjustmentNetOfTaxPortionAttributableToParentAbstract_671ecdc2-e0e9-46ed-b3c1-e112fdb19126" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeDefinedBenefitPlansAdjustmentNetOfTaxPortionAttributableToParentAbstract"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxPortionAttributableToParentAbstract_8a36d950-a280-492d-b757-0c9f1dafe1a5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeDefinedBenefitPlansAdjustmentNetOfTaxPortionAttributableToParentAbstract_671ecdc2-e0e9-46ed-b3c1-e112fdb19126" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossDefinedBenefitPlanPriorServiceCostCreditRecognizedInNetPeriodicBenefitCostReclassificationAdjustmentFromAOCINetOfTax_8922ea2d-3948-4914-9583-b32e9a73c58c" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossDefinedBenefitPlanPriorServiceCostCreditRecognizedInNetPeriodicBenefitCostReclassificationAdjustmentFromAOCINetOfTax"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeDefinedBenefitPlansAdjustmentNetOfTaxPortionAttributableToParentAbstract_671ecdc2-e0e9-46ed-b3c1-e112fdb19126" xlink:to="loc_he_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossDefinedBenefitPlanPriorServiceCostCreditRecognizedInNetPeriodicBenefitCostReclassificationAdjustmentFromAOCINetOfTax_8922ea2d-3948-4914-9583-b32e9a73c58c" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_OtherComprehensiveIncomeReclassificationAdjustmentForImpactOfDecisionAndOrdersOfThePUCIncludedInRegulatoryAssetsNetOfTax_ac95d002-d9bc-4809-ba11-e0f1260c614b" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_OtherComprehensiveIncomeReclassificationAdjustmentForImpactOfDecisionAndOrdersOfThePUCIncludedInRegulatoryAssetsNetOfTax"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeDefinedBenefitPlansAdjustmentNetOfTaxPortionAttributableToParentAbstract_671ecdc2-e0e9-46ed-b3c1-e112fdb19126" xlink:to="loc_he_OtherComprehensiveIncomeReclassificationAdjustmentForImpactOfDecisionAndOrdersOfThePUCIncludedInRegulatoryAssetsNetOfTax_ac95d002-d9bc-4809-ba11-e0f1260c614b" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxPortionAttributableToParent_837e6364-ce9b-4c59-9783-6acce6bc0466" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxPortionAttributableToParent"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxPortionAttributableToParentAbstract_8a36d950-a280-492d-b757-0c9f1dafe1a5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxPortionAttributableToParent_837e6364-ce9b-4c59-9783-6acce6bc0466" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTax_0afbd032-3adb-410e-b29d-5ba2786b657f" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTax"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedStatementOfIncomeCaptionsLineItems_a3d4f46c-c37c-44a7-bbae-f1e55e9dfd43" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTax_0afbd032-3adb-410e-b29d-5ba2786b657f" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.hei.com/role/ElectricutilitysegmentCondensedConsolidatingBalanceSheetDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#ElectricutilitysegmentCondensedConsolidatingBalanceSheetDetails"/>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.hei.com/role/ElectricutilitysegmentCondensedConsolidatingBalanceSheetDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementsCaptionsLineItems_cc444bf4-d87b-4981-8ba3-e679c5f5e22a" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2024/elts/srt-2024.xsd#srt_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementsCaptionsLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementTable_76aa9cfd-fa0f-4dd6-9820-1129cb71b90c" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2024/elts/srt-2024.xsd#srt_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementTable"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementsCaptionsLineItems_cc444bf4-d87b-4981-8ba3-e679c5f5e22a" xlink:to="loc_srt_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementTable_76aa9cfd-fa0f-4dd6-9820-1129cb71b90c" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis_4128d046-2533-443d-a143-e0368df62212" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2024/elts/srt-2024.xsd#srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementTable_76aa9cfd-fa0f-4dd6-9820-1129cb71b90c" xlink:to="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis_4128d046-2533-443d-a143-e0368df62212" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_4128d046-2533-443d-a143-e0368df62212_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2024/elts/srt-2024.xsd#srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis_4128d046-2533-443d-a143-e0368df62212" xlink:to="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_4128d046-2533-443d-a143-e0368df62212_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_872fdbf3-cb40-4aeb-8201-2063d5598c99" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2024/elts/srt-2024.xsd#srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis_4128d046-2533-443d-a143-e0368df62212" xlink:to="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_872fdbf3-cb40-4aeb-8201-2063d5598c99" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ParentCompanyMember_8bb75755-7ecf-414c-9c48-f4d5f97dde15" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2024/elts/srt-2024.xsd#srt_ParentCompanyMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_872fdbf3-cb40-4aeb-8201-2063d5598c99" xlink:to="loc_srt_ParentCompanyMember_8bb75755-7ecf-414c-9c48-f4d5f97dde15" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_HawaiiElectricLightCompanyIncMember_624142e7-28b8-45dd-a924-2910c6c0c48a" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_HawaiiElectricLightCompanyIncMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_872fdbf3-cb40-4aeb-8201-2063d5598c99" xlink:to="loc_he_HawaiiElectricLightCompanyIncMember_624142e7-28b8-45dd-a924-2910c6c0c48a" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_MauiElectricCompanyLimitedMember_aebf5a6c-0d47-4039-97f8-b62afabf6683" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_MauiElectricCompanyLimitedMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_872fdbf3-cb40-4aeb-8201-2063d5598c99" xlink:to="loc_he_MauiElectricCompanyLimitedMember_aebf5a6c-0d47-4039-97f8-b62afabf6683" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_OtherSubsidiariesMember_07339e84-21f0-472e-884d-d56985ec6883" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_OtherSubsidiariesMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_872fdbf3-cb40-4aeb-8201-2063d5598c99" xlink:to="loc_he_OtherSubsidiariesMember_07339e84-21f0-472e-884d-d56985ec6883" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsAxis_6c9e6da1-7547-4bd6-a32b-edf7e1cfb1a8" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2024/elts/srt-2024.xsd#srt_ConsolidationItemsAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementTable_76aa9cfd-fa0f-4dd6-9820-1129cb71b90c" xlink:to="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsAxis_6c9e6da1-7547-4bd6-a32b-edf7e1cfb1a8" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain_6c9e6da1-7547-4bd6-a32b-edf7e1cfb1a8_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2024/elts/srt-2024.xsd#srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsAxis_6c9e6da1-7547-4bd6-a32b-edf7e1cfb1a8" xlink:to="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain_6c9e6da1-7547-4bd6-a32b-edf7e1cfb1a8_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain_d1d49a4d-d85a-49d0-9ab6-4ef8278c36c3" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2024/elts/srt-2024.xsd#srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsAxis_6c9e6da1-7547-4bd6-a32b-edf7e1cfb1a8" xlink:to="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain_d1d49a4d-d85a-49d0-9ab6-4ef8278c36c3" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ReportableLegalEntitiesMember_88fcc760-ba6e-42ae-90a4-462c06f43f8a" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2024/elts/srt-2024.xsd#srt_ReportableLegalEntitiesMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain_d1d49a4d-d85a-49d0-9ab6-4ef8278c36c3" xlink:to="loc_srt_ReportableLegalEntitiesMember_88fcc760-ba6e-42ae-90a4-462c06f43f8a" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ConsolidationEliminationsMember_e5999a08-3ae3-4a22-9d67-edbe23227604" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2024/elts/srt-2024.xsd#srt_ConsolidationEliminationsMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain_d1d49a4d-d85a-49d0-9ab6-4ef8278c36c3" xlink:to="loc_srt_ConsolidationEliminationsMember_e5999a08-3ae3-4a22-9d67-edbe23227604" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_0159855e-f83e-49df-b3d3-af6e1546cb72" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2024/dei-2024.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementTable_76aa9cfd-fa0f-4dd6-9820-1129cb71b90c" xlink:to="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_0159855e-f83e-49df-b3d3-af6e1546cb72" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_0159855e-f83e-49df-b3d3-af6e1546cb72_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2024/dei-2024.xsd#dei_EntityDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_0159855e-f83e-49df-b3d3-af6e1546cb72" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_0159855e-f83e-49df-b3d3-af6e1546cb72_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_6211402d-b234-4ce7-bb98-896617855732" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2024/dei-2024.xsd#dei_EntityDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_0159855e-f83e-49df-b3d3-af6e1546cb72" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_6211402d-b234-4ce7-bb98-896617855732" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_HawaiianElectricCompanyAndSubsidiariesMember_755511f1-7f03-4c22-8e8a-ff024a40f797" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_HawaiianElectricCompanyAndSubsidiariesMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_6211402d-b234-4ce7-bb98-896617855732" xlink:to="loc_he_HawaiianElectricCompanyAndSubsidiariesMember_755511f1-7f03-4c22-8e8a-ff024a40f797" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis_71edc2fe-aed7-4ff0-9e33-bf62a0d58cbf" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementTable_76aa9cfd-fa0f-4dd6-9820-1129cb71b90c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis_71edc2fe-aed7-4ff0-9e33-bf62a0d58cbf" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain_71edc2fe-aed7-4ff0-9e33-bf62a0d58cbf_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis_71edc2fe-aed7-4ff0-9e33-bf62a0d58cbf" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain_71edc2fe-aed7-4ff0-9e33-bf62a0d58cbf_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain_9229dbb6-1c60-4b9c-9550-6730a476333c" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis_71edc2fe-aed7-4ff0-9e33-bf62a0d58cbf" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain_9229dbb6-1c60-4b9c-9550-6730a476333c" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_AffiliatedEntityMember_f91130e2-52ab-4d92-a985-9d88adaffeb1" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2024/elts/srt-2024.xsd#srt_AffiliatedEntityMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain_9229dbb6-1c60-4b9c-9550-6730a476333c" xlink:to="loc_srt_AffiliatedEntityMember_f91130e2-52ab-4d92-a985-9d88adaffeb1" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_b52d5610-ac5b-402f-9a17-4b2284dbb05d" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_AssetsAbstract"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementsCaptionsLineItems_cc444bf4-d87b-4981-8ba3-e679c5f5e22a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_b52d5610-ac5b-402f-9a17-4b2284dbb05d" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesPropertyPlantAndEquipmentAbstract_1e8da6bd-b269-443c-b9eb-9aef768c9564" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesPropertyPlantAndEquipmentAbstract"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_b52d5610-ac5b-402f-9a17-4b2284dbb05d" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesPropertyPlantAndEquipmentAbstract_1e8da6bd-b269-443c-b9eb-9aef768c9564" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesPropertyPlantAndEquipmentNetAbstract_16f6b2e8-ed22-49b9-82d7-3c63998c9e8e" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesPropertyPlantAndEquipmentNetAbstract"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesPropertyPlantAndEquipmentAbstract_1e8da6bd-b269-443c-b9eb-9aef768c9564" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesPropertyPlantAndEquipmentNetAbstract_16f6b2e8-ed22-49b9-82d7-3c63998c9e8e" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesPropertyPlantAndEquipmentLand_7831c883-27cf-4829-b4e6-5b46565bf0f4" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesPropertyPlantAndEquipmentLand"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesPropertyPlantAndEquipmentNetAbstract_16f6b2e8-ed22-49b9-82d7-3c63998c9e8e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesPropertyPlantAndEquipmentLand_7831c883-27cf-4829-b4e6-5b46565bf0f4" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_PublicUtilitiesPropertyPlantAndEquipmentTransmissionDistributionGenerationAndOther_42e78056-dab5-4831-883e-156873e334ea" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_PublicUtilitiesPropertyPlantAndEquipmentTransmissionDistributionGenerationAndOther"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesPropertyPlantAndEquipmentNetAbstract_16f6b2e8-ed22-49b9-82d7-3c63998c9e8e" xlink:to="loc_he_PublicUtilitiesPropertyPlantAndEquipmentTransmissionDistributionGenerationAndOther_42e78056-dab5-4831-883e-156873e334ea" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinanceLeaseRightOfUseAssetBeforeAccumulatedAmortization_fafb2920-07ca-4385-9cf3-5b0afabb4396" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_FinanceLeaseRightOfUseAssetBeforeAccumulatedAmortization"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesPropertyPlantAndEquipmentNetAbstract_16f6b2e8-ed22-49b9-82d7-3c63998c9e8e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinanceLeaseRightOfUseAssetBeforeAccumulatedAmortization_fafb2920-07ca-4385-9cf3-5b0afabb4396" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesPropertyPlantAndEquipmentAccumulatedDepreciation_722934b9-cc2e-43fe-a85f-d7e77c9cb95d" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesPropertyPlantAndEquipmentAccumulatedDepreciation"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesPropertyPlantAndEquipmentNetAbstract_16f6b2e8-ed22-49b9-82d7-3c63998c9e8e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesPropertyPlantAndEquipmentAccumulatedDepreciation_722934b9-cc2e-43fe-a85f-d7e77c9cb95d" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesPropertyPlantAndEquipmentConstructionWorkInProgress_f40c64a5-d5c2-4cfb-a402-8860f5805b06" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesPropertyPlantAndEquipmentConstructionWorkInProgress"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesPropertyPlantAndEquipmentNetAbstract_16f6b2e8-ed22-49b9-82d7-3c63998c9e8e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesPropertyPlantAndEquipmentConstructionWorkInProgress_f40c64a5-d5c2-4cfb-a402-8860f5805b06" xlink:type="arc" order="5"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesPropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet_152bb93c-f9f8-4177-81ce-91155a89ce9f" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesPropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesPropertyPlantAndEquipmentNetAbstract_16f6b2e8-ed22-49b9-82d7-3c63998c9e8e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesPropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet_152bb93c-f9f8-4177-81ce-91155a89ce9f" xlink:type="arc" order="6"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_NonUtilitiesPropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet_a6c28ed0-d8c5-4ffa-815d-d33b5b163a10" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_NonUtilitiesPropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesPropertyPlantAndEquipmentAbstract_1e8da6bd-b269-443c-b9eb-9aef768c9564" xlink:to="loc_he_NonUtilitiesPropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet_a6c28ed0-d8c5-4ffa-815d-d33b5b163a10" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet_14b2e28f-f352-4410-a1f8-d72a78567f57" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesPropertyPlantAndEquipmentAbstract_1e8da6bd-b269-443c-b9eb-9aef768c9564" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet_14b2e28f-f352-4410-a1f8-d72a78567f57" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentsInAffiliatesSubsidiariesAssociatesAndJointVentures_71bc79a5-d19b-45a3-bbf9-8b4b1af54de8" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_InvestmentsInAffiliatesSubsidiariesAssociatesAndJointVentures"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_b52d5610-ac5b-402f-9a17-4b2284dbb05d" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentsInAffiliatesSubsidiariesAssociatesAndJointVentures_71bc79a5-d19b-45a3-bbf9-8b4b1af54de8" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract_bf847571-ffa8-4f37-9e73-6ed5d230e313" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_b52d5610-ac5b-402f-9a17-4b2284dbb05d" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract_bf847571-ffa8-4f37-9e73-6ed5d230e313" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue_33878938-af2a-43fe-96c4-9f8971237e10" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract_bf847571-ffa8-4f37-9e73-6ed5d230e313" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue_33878938-af2a-43fe-96c4-9f8971237e10" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalents_b9934e95-1f27-49bb-ad57-7644eba63b53" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalents"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract_bf847571-ffa8-4f37-9e73-6ed5d230e313" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalents_b9934e95-1f27-49bb-ad57-7644eba63b53" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AdvancesToAffiliate_f8e5a729-c108-4097-b426-9147392054a8" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_AdvancesToAffiliate"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract_bf847571-ffa8-4f37-9e73-6ed5d230e313" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AdvancesToAffiliate_f8e5a729-c108-4097-b426-9147392054a8" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccountsReceivableNetCurrent_7a3f0885-a414-4667-981a-8456d0b60a84" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_AccountsReceivableNetCurrent"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract_bf847571-ffa8-4f37-9e73-6ed5d230e313" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccountsReceivableNetCurrent_7a3f0885-a414-4667-981a-8456d0b60a84" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_UnbilledReceivablesCurrent_639e0b05-03b3-45e6-82c4-486252028ccd" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_UnbilledReceivablesCurrent"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract_bf847571-ffa8-4f37-9e73-6ed5d230e313" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_UnbilledReceivablesCurrent_639e0b05-03b3-45e6-82c4-486252028ccd" xlink:type="arc" order="5"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccountsAndOtherReceivablesNetCurrent_30a6e3d7-5cf9-40c1-afaa-05679c1d0613" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_AccountsAndOtherReceivablesNetCurrent"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract_bf847571-ffa8-4f37-9e73-6ed5d230e313" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccountsAndOtherReceivablesNetCurrent_30a6e3d7-5cf9-40c1-afaa-05679c1d0613" xlink:type="arc" order="6"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EnergyRelatedInventory_73b8a2d1-c3e7-4212-bb78-78e6ec7171c4" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_EnergyRelatedInventory"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract_bf847571-ffa8-4f37-9e73-6ed5d230e313" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EnergyRelatedInventory_73b8a2d1-c3e7-4212-bb78-78e6ec7171c4" xlink:type="arc" order="7"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InventoryRawMaterialsAndSupplies_46af4461-59aa-4f0c-9c7a-668d25703b5c" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_InventoryRawMaterialsAndSupplies"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract_bf847571-ffa8-4f37-9e73-6ed5d230e313" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InventoryRawMaterialsAndSupplies_46af4461-59aa-4f0c-9c7a-668d25703b5c" xlink:type="arc" order="8"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PrepaidExpenseAndOtherAssetsCurrent_4614c68e-de54-413e-96e3-705e4c48ea88" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_PrepaidExpenseAndOtherAssetsCurrent"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract_bf847571-ffa8-4f37-9e73-6ed5d230e313" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PrepaidExpenseAndOtherAssetsCurrent_4614c68e-de54-413e-96e3-705e4c48ea88" xlink:type="arc" order="9"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RegulatoryAssetsCurrent_0ed76008-f8ad-457a-9941-f75461304ee7" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_RegulatoryAssetsCurrent"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract_bf847571-ffa8-4f37-9e73-6ed5d230e313" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RegulatoryAssetsCurrent_0ed76008-f8ad-457a-9941-f75461304ee7" xlink:type="arc" order="10"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetsCurrent_ce4d2683-544f-4e04-953f-092a32c5ec08" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_AssetsCurrent"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract_bf847571-ffa8-4f37-9e73-6ed5d230e313" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetsCurrent_ce4d2683-544f-4e04-953f-092a32c5ec08" xlink:type="arc" order="11"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_AssetsNoncurrentExcludingPropertyPlantAndEquipmentNetAbstract_063be395-fde6-442b-97d2-b86cfec2a9b4" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_AssetsNoncurrentExcludingPropertyPlantAndEquipmentNetAbstract"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_b52d5610-ac5b-402f-9a17-4b2284dbb05d" xlink:to="loc_he_AssetsNoncurrentExcludingPropertyPlantAndEquipmentNetAbstract_063be395-fde6-442b-97d2-b86cfec2a9b4" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseRightOfUseAsset_e2e68cac-972f-4989-a28c-7c79d9b32533" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeaseRightOfUseAsset"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_he_AssetsNoncurrentExcludingPropertyPlantAndEquipmentNetAbstract_063be395-fde6-442b-97d2-b86cfec2a9b4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseRightOfUseAsset_e2e68cac-972f-4989-a28c-7c79d9b32533" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RegulatoryAssetsNoncurrent_e8f89cd7-a984-4d3a-8d8c-33a193d562c1" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_RegulatoryAssetsNoncurrent"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_he_AssetsNoncurrentExcludingPropertyPlantAndEquipmentNetAbstract_063be395-fde6-442b-97d2-b86cfec2a9b4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RegulatoryAssetsNoncurrent_e8f89cd7-a984-4d3a-8d8c-33a193d562c1" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherAssetsNoncurrent_b9339b79-263c-4e62-a4b6-a8a4ab7fbbed" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_OtherAssetsNoncurrent"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_he_AssetsNoncurrentExcludingPropertyPlantAndEquipmentNetAbstract_063be395-fde6-442b-97d2-b86cfec2a9b4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherAssetsNoncurrent_b9339b79-263c-4e62-a4b6-a8a4ab7fbbed" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_AssetsNoncurrentExcludingPropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet_637cf664-f64e-42d1-b932-22bb7f28be1e" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_AssetsNoncurrentExcludingPropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_he_AssetsNoncurrentExcludingPropertyPlantAndEquipmentNetAbstract_063be395-fde6-442b-97d2-b86cfec2a9b4" xlink:to="loc_he_AssetsNoncurrentExcludingPropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet_637cf664-f64e-42d1-b932-22bb7f28be1e" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Assets_c53dd969-59bb-48ed-8661-72899ca55563" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_Assets"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_b52d5610-ac5b-402f-9a17-4b2284dbb05d" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Assets_c53dd969-59bb-48ed-8661-72899ca55563" xlink:type="arc" order="5"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_c0194100-2c6e-41be-a59c-a5220f7af34e" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementsCaptionsLineItems_cc444bf4-d87b-4981-8ba3-e679c5f5e22a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_c0194100-2c6e-41be-a59c-a5220f7af34e" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_StockholdersEquityAndLongTermDebtNoncurrentAbstract_1cc6f6c5-0b14-48b1-ad65-d6473d6958fc" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_StockholdersEquityAndLongTermDebtNoncurrentAbstract"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_c0194100-2c6e-41be-a59c-a5220f7af34e" xlink:to="loc_he_StockholdersEquityAndLongTermDebtNoncurrentAbstract_1cc6f6c5-0b14-48b1-ad65-d6473d6958fc" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquity_8bfd5e18-ed4a-46cf-b6c8-c34c7ec445da" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquity"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_he_StockholdersEquityAndLongTermDebtNoncurrentAbstract_1cc6f6c5-0b14-48b1-ad65-d6473d6958fc" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquity_8bfd5e18-ed4a-46cf-b6c8-c34c7ec445da" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TemporaryEquityCarryingAmountIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterests_7e74d9e4-ede0-4ce4-9044-1b959852e61f" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_TemporaryEquityCarryingAmountIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterests"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_he_StockholdersEquityAndLongTermDebtNoncurrentAbstract_1cc6f6c5-0b14-48b1-ad65-d6473d6958fc" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TemporaryEquityCarryingAmountIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterests_7e74d9e4-ede0-4ce4-9044-1b959852e61f" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtNoncurrent_da8fb787-b4e7-4dbb-bd32-920358d788ca" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtNoncurrent"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_he_StockholdersEquityAndLongTermDebtNoncurrentAbstract_1cc6f6c5-0b14-48b1-ad65-d6473d6958fc" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtNoncurrent_da8fb787-b4e7-4dbb-bd32-920358d788ca" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CapitalizationLongtermDebtAndEquity_3b23fe80-ab1c-4b14-aa78-4997fd515c9e" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_CapitalizationLongtermDebtAndEquity"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_he_StockholdersEquityAndLongTermDebtNoncurrentAbstract_1cc6f6c5-0b14-48b1-ad65-d6473d6958fc" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CapitalizationLongtermDebtAndEquity_3b23fe80-ab1c-4b14-aa78-4997fd515c9e" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract_1aa2a529-d49e-4231-b3b4-30900f3fc444" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_c0194100-2c6e-41be-a59c-a5220f7af34e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract_1aa2a529-d49e-4231-b3b4-30900f3fc444" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilityCurrent_af2c07f0-025e-4e98-b1b0-3862fa14b92f" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilityCurrent"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract_1aa2a529-d49e-4231-b3b4-30900f3fc444" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilityCurrent_af2c07f0-025e-4e98-b1b0-3862fa14b92f" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtCurrent_f1626864-bf71-4acc-8ccd-eecaa239f743" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtCurrent"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract_1aa2a529-d49e-4231-b3b4-30900f3fc444" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtCurrent_f1626864-bf71-4acc-8ccd-eecaa239f743" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherShortTermBorrowings_f9280c4c-cb5d-4ad3-9dd9-996b3af3640d" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_OtherShortTermBorrowings"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract_1aa2a529-d49e-4231-b3b4-30900f3fc444" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherShortTermBorrowings_f9280c4c-cb5d-4ad3-9dd9-996b3af3640d" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccountsPayableCurrent_b300a612-e3a6-4284-bd55-7f1ff524ac27" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_AccountsPayableCurrent"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract_1aa2a529-d49e-4231-b3b4-30900f3fc444" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccountsPayableCurrent_b300a612-e3a6-4284-bd55-7f1ff524ac27" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_InterestAndDividendsPayableIncludingDividendsOnPreferredStockOfSubsidiaries_d5caf5fd-ddcb-49fd-a7c7-ab8da78a16b5" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_InterestAndDividendsPayableIncludingDividendsOnPreferredStockOfSubsidiaries"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract_1aa2a529-d49e-4231-b3b4-30900f3fc444" xlink:to="loc_he_InterestAndDividendsPayableIncludingDividendsOnPreferredStockOfSubsidiaries_d5caf5fd-ddcb-49fd-a7c7-ab8da78a16b5" xlink:type="arc" order="5"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TaxesPayableCurrent_031bf922-58fc-4534-857f-a631a896b851" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_TaxesPayableCurrent"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract_1aa2a529-d49e-4231-b3b4-30900f3fc444" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TaxesPayableCurrent_031bf922-58fc-4534-857f-a631a896b851" xlink:type="arc" order="6"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RegulatoryLiabilityCurrent_3fb0afda-5a5a-4219-ad6e-68bee5f5e836" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_RegulatoryLiabilityCurrent"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract_1aa2a529-d49e-4231-b3b4-30900f3fc444" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RegulatoryLiabilityCurrent_3fb0afda-5a5a-4219-ad6e-68bee5f5e836" xlink:type="arc" order="7"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LossContingencyAccrualCarryingValueCurrent_e48d590d-03a6-4cf5-a01c-39abd9d0c01f" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_LossContingencyAccrualCarryingValueCurrent"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract_1aa2a529-d49e-4231-b3b4-30900f3fc444" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LossContingencyAccrualCarryingValueCurrent_e48d590d-03a6-4cf5-a01c-39abd9d0c01f" xlink:type="arc" order="8"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesCurrent_e9d48c4b-65b3-486b-97df-3d2e3cfc5416" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesCurrent"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract_1aa2a529-d49e-4231-b3b4-30900f3fc444" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesCurrent_e9d48c4b-65b3-486b-97df-3d2e3cfc5416" xlink:type="arc" order="9"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrent_50a31931-a58f-43e6-86fe-a3418030121b" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrent"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract_1aa2a529-d49e-4231-b3b4-30900f3fc444" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrent_50a31931-a58f-43e6-86fe-a3418030121b" xlink:type="arc" order="10"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesOtherThanLongTermDebtNoncurrentAbstract_dba6ddc6-244e-42db-a3f9-3088e37b7349" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesOtherThanLongTermDebtNoncurrentAbstract"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_c0194100-2c6e-41be-a59c-a5220f7af34e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesOtherThanLongTermDebtNoncurrentAbstract_dba6ddc6-244e-42db-a3f9-3088e37b7349" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilityNoncurrent_28cade4b-d54c-4ede-b5f4-9ca29aeb98d9" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilityNoncurrent"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesOtherThanLongTermDebtNoncurrentAbstract_dba6ddc6-244e-42db-a3f9-3088e37b7349" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilityNoncurrent_28cade4b-d54c-4ede-b5f4-9ca29aeb98d9" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilityNoncurrent_ee7fc542-4d77-4ad8-92b4-52bd7884b401" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilityNoncurrent"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesOtherThanLongTermDebtNoncurrentAbstract_dba6ddc6-244e-42db-a3f9-3088e37b7349" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilityNoncurrent_ee7fc542-4d77-4ad8-92b4-52bd7884b401" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxLiabilitiesNet_c246736d-352f-475d-8d71-d3ca55202f33" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxLiabilitiesNet"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesOtherThanLongTermDebtNoncurrentAbstract_dba6ddc6-244e-42db-a3f9-3088e37b7349" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxLiabilitiesNet_c246736d-352f-475d-8d71-d3ca55202f33" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RegulatoryLiabilityNoncurrent_ddc2db53-755c-4e43-a460-635898338a7b" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_RegulatoryLiabilityNoncurrent"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesOtherThanLongTermDebtNoncurrentAbstract_dba6ddc6-244e-42db-a3f9-3088e37b7349" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RegulatoryLiabilityNoncurrent_ddc2db53-755c-4e43-a460-635898338a7b" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedDeferredInvestmentTaxCredit_ead38f8f-5d0e-4b11-8558-3e33702a0d7d" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedDeferredInvestmentTaxCredit"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesOtherThanLongTermDebtNoncurrentAbstract_dba6ddc6-244e-42db-a3f9-3088e37b7349" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedDeferredInvestmentTaxCredit_ead38f8f-5d0e-4b11-8558-3e33702a0d7d" xlink:type="arc" order="5"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PensionAndOtherPostretirementDefinedBenefitPlansLiabilitiesNoncurrent_883478c3-20fd-48a7-b510-6524f2a08d1a" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_PensionAndOtherPostretirementDefinedBenefitPlansLiabilitiesNoncurrent"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesOtherThanLongTermDebtNoncurrentAbstract_dba6ddc6-244e-42db-a3f9-3088e37b7349" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PensionAndOtherPostretirementDefinedBenefitPlansLiabilitiesNoncurrent_883478c3-20fd-48a7-b510-6524f2a08d1a" xlink:type="arc" order="6"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LossContingencyAccrualCarryingValueNoncurrent_9b62d23d-0d75-49a3-8342-a3fed074f311" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_LossContingencyAccrualCarryingValueNoncurrent"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesOtherThanLongTermDebtNoncurrentAbstract_dba6ddc6-244e-42db-a3f9-3088e37b7349" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LossContingencyAccrualCarryingValueNoncurrent_9b62d23d-0d75-49a3-8342-a3fed074f311" xlink:type="arc" order="7"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesNoncurrent_1f03c468-e366-4978-b904-994c3af239d7" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesNoncurrent"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesOtherThanLongTermDebtNoncurrentAbstract_dba6ddc6-244e-42db-a3f9-3088e37b7349" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesNoncurrent_1f03c468-e366-4978-b904-994c3af239d7" xlink:type="arc" order="8"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesOtherThanLongtermDebtNoncurrent_49f11387-4fbb-4766-9013-e6fceb70913c" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesOtherThanLongtermDebtNoncurrent"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesOtherThanLongTermDebtNoncurrentAbstract_dba6ddc6-244e-42db-a3f9-3088e37b7349" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesOtherThanLongtermDebtNoncurrent_49f11387-4fbb-4766-9013-e6fceb70913c" xlink:type="arc" order="9"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquity_e184912c-86b3-4753-a0be-4edd1efa56d8" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquity"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_c0194100-2c6e-41be-a59c-a5220f7af34e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquity_e184912c-86b3-4753-a0be-4edd1efa56d8" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.hei.com/role/ElectricutilitysegmentCondensedConsolidatingStatementofChangesinCommonStockEquityDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#ElectricutilitysegmentCondensedConsolidatingStatementofChangesinCommonStockEquityDetails"/>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.hei.com/role/ElectricutilitysegmentCondensedConsolidatingStatementofChangesinCommonStockEquityDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_CondensedFinancialStatementsCaptionsLineItems_836721e9-ff22-479b-84f9-a0739bd60421" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2024/elts/srt-2024.xsd#srt_CondensedFinancialStatementsCaptionsLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ScheduleOfCondensedFinancialStatementsTable_523bf4d3-43e8-419f-88a1-e704411d7176" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2024/elts/srt-2024.xsd#srt_ScheduleOfCondensedFinancialStatementsTable"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedFinancialStatementsCaptionsLineItems_836721e9-ff22-479b-84f9-a0739bd60421" xlink:to="loc_srt_ScheduleOfCondensedFinancialStatementsTable_523bf4d3-43e8-419f-88a1-e704411d7176" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis_c84954dc-de1c-4385-ba24-5802ab992cd9" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2024/elts/srt-2024.xsd#srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_srt_ScheduleOfCondensedFinancialStatementsTable_523bf4d3-43e8-419f-88a1-e704411d7176" xlink:to="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis_c84954dc-de1c-4385-ba24-5802ab992cd9" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_c84954dc-de1c-4385-ba24-5802ab992cd9_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2024/elts/srt-2024.xsd#srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis_c84954dc-de1c-4385-ba24-5802ab992cd9" xlink:to="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_c84954dc-de1c-4385-ba24-5802ab992cd9_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_e77a10a5-e4a1-42f2-b5ca-246860cbc054" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2024/elts/srt-2024.xsd#srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis_c84954dc-de1c-4385-ba24-5802ab992cd9" xlink:to="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_e77a10a5-e4a1-42f2-b5ca-246860cbc054" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ParentCompanyMember_a1158304-ad42-49a4-8d2b-3e33dd6ed0e1" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2024/elts/srt-2024.xsd#srt_ParentCompanyMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_e77a10a5-e4a1-42f2-b5ca-246860cbc054" xlink:to="loc_srt_ParentCompanyMember_a1158304-ad42-49a4-8d2b-3e33dd6ed0e1" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_HawaiiElectricLightCompanyIncMember_08d1de70-d20c-44e8-a33e-72e7b01621da" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_HawaiiElectricLightCompanyIncMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_e77a10a5-e4a1-42f2-b5ca-246860cbc054" xlink:to="loc_he_HawaiiElectricLightCompanyIncMember_08d1de70-d20c-44e8-a33e-72e7b01621da" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_MauiElectricCompanyLimitedMember_bbcff7c9-756b-42d1-9111-be3c9f46b704" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_MauiElectricCompanyLimitedMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_e77a10a5-e4a1-42f2-b5ca-246860cbc054" xlink:to="loc_he_MauiElectricCompanyLimitedMember_bbcff7c9-756b-42d1-9111-be3c9f46b704" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_OtherSubsidiariesMember_5e8e212c-b77b-4bb5-acc8-2b12ca1ca9a7" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_OtherSubsidiariesMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_e77a10a5-e4a1-42f2-b5ca-246860cbc054" xlink:to="loc_he_OtherSubsidiariesMember_5e8e212c-b77b-4bb5-acc8-2b12ca1ca9a7" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsAxis_46fd4fc2-992f-474b-b76c-3f0e94f82e6a" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2024/elts/srt-2024.xsd#srt_ConsolidationItemsAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_srt_ScheduleOfCondensedFinancialStatementsTable_523bf4d3-43e8-419f-88a1-e704411d7176" xlink:to="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsAxis_46fd4fc2-992f-474b-b76c-3f0e94f82e6a" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain_46fd4fc2-992f-474b-b76c-3f0e94f82e6a_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2024/elts/srt-2024.xsd#srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsAxis_46fd4fc2-992f-474b-b76c-3f0e94f82e6a" xlink:to="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain_46fd4fc2-992f-474b-b76c-3f0e94f82e6a_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain_ce3d1aff-1d4f-4761-83fb-83b9889a059d" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2024/elts/srt-2024.xsd#srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsAxis_46fd4fc2-992f-474b-b76c-3f0e94f82e6a" xlink:to="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain_ce3d1aff-1d4f-4761-83fb-83b9889a059d" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ReportableLegalEntitiesMember_9c63537c-41b4-4d42-be05-64d633173f67" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2024/elts/srt-2024.xsd#srt_ReportableLegalEntitiesMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain_ce3d1aff-1d4f-4761-83fb-83b9889a059d" xlink:to="loc_srt_ReportableLegalEntitiesMember_9c63537c-41b4-4d42-be05-64d633173f67" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ConsolidationEliminationsMember_2a80ef46-99fb-431f-919d-af12fd222c08" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2024/elts/srt-2024.xsd#srt_ConsolidationEliminationsMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain_ce3d1aff-1d4f-4761-83fb-83b9889a059d" xlink:to="loc_srt_ConsolidationEliminationsMember_2a80ef46-99fb-431f-919d-af12fd222c08" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_d3ef559b-a014-4e2b-be21-ea98e58d8d23" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2024/dei-2024.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_srt_ScheduleOfCondensedFinancialStatementsTable_523bf4d3-43e8-419f-88a1-e704411d7176" xlink:to="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_d3ef559b-a014-4e2b-be21-ea98e58d8d23" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_d3ef559b-a014-4e2b-be21-ea98e58d8d23_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2024/dei-2024.xsd#dei_EntityDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_d3ef559b-a014-4e2b-be21-ea98e58d8d23" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_d3ef559b-a014-4e2b-be21-ea98e58d8d23_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_620d7164-015c-45f0-9bac-c0fff3eef460" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2024/dei-2024.xsd#dei_EntityDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_d3ef559b-a014-4e2b-be21-ea98e58d8d23" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_620d7164-015c-45f0-9bac-c0fff3eef460" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_HawaiianElectricCompanyAndSubsidiariesMember_35483ca9-a5ed-4dbe-92d0-f1e9bba21a04" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_HawaiianElectricCompanyAndSubsidiariesMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_620d7164-015c-45f0-9bac-c0fff3eef460" xlink:to="loc_he_HawaiianElectricCompanyAndSubsidiariesMember_35483ca9-a5ed-4dbe-92d0-f1e9bba21a04" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_81f3437a-39d5-4e84-b895-1da322061268" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedFinancialStatementsCaptionsLineItems_836721e9-ff22-479b-84f9-a0739bd60421" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_81f3437a-39d5-4e84-b895-1da322061268" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquity_0683132f-f7de-4ea2-a790-2aa1cbe84b8c" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquity"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_81f3437a-39d5-4e84-b895-1da322061268" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquity_0683132f-f7de-4ea2-a790-2aa1cbe84b8c" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAvailableToCommonStockholdersBasic_025de432-efc9-47f0-9d8d-e47f335b407d" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAvailableToCommonStockholdersBasic"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_81f3437a-39d5-4e84-b895-1da322061268" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAvailableToCommonStockholdersBasic_025de432-efc9-47f0-9d8d-e47f335b407d" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxPortionAttributableToParent_9ed13d06-6091-45d6-8bc5-3ea02ef62d9f" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxPortionAttributableToParent"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_81f3437a-39d5-4e84-b895-1da322061268" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxPortionAttributableToParent_9ed13d06-6091-45d6-8bc5-3ea02ef62d9f" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DividendsCommonStockCash_43aba314-66d5-46b9-90e1-0669526a6270" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_DividendsCommonStockCash"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_81f3437a-39d5-4e84-b895-1da322061268" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DividendsCommonStockCash_43aba314-66d5-46b9-90e1-0669526a6270" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalOther_409fe878-e664-4541-b46d-e9b52a629ee6" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalOther"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_81f3437a-39d5-4e84-b895-1da322061268" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalOther_409fe878-e664-4541-b46d-e9b52a629ee6" xlink:type="arc" order="5"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueNewIssues_a7c7ce3a-6b07-4374-8796-3fbb439c92bc" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueNewIssues"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_81f3437a-39d5-4e84-b895-1da322061268" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueNewIssues_a7c7ce3a-6b07-4374-8796-3fbb439c92bc" xlink:type="arc" order="6"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquity_4e02ddc5-58c8-4d04-9a24-68f164e14013" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquity"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.hei.com/role/ElectricutilitysegmentCondensedConsolidatingStatementofCashFlowsDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#ElectricutilitysegmentCondensedConsolidatingStatementofCashFlowsDetails"/>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.hei.com/role/ElectricutilitysegmentCondensedConsolidatingStatementofCashFlowsDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_CondensedCashFlowStatementsCaptionsLineItems_2aa7593a-f2e0-4aee-9614-0dec99a8fecb" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2024/elts/srt-2024.xsd#srt_CondensedCashFlowStatementsCaptionsLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_CondensedCashFlowStatementTable_87cdc44e-a79c-4145-ac9a-ed2093ba6a18" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2024/elts/srt-2024.xsd#srt_CondensedCashFlowStatementTable"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedCashFlowStatementsCaptionsLineItems_2aa7593a-f2e0-4aee-9614-0dec99a8fecb" xlink:to="loc_srt_CondensedCashFlowStatementTable_87cdc44e-a79c-4145-ac9a-ed2093ba6a18" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis_17e5094e-d02a-4f5c-9f12-8e20d23ab968" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2024/elts/srt-2024.xsd#srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedCashFlowStatementTable_87cdc44e-a79c-4145-ac9a-ed2093ba6a18" xlink:to="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis_17e5094e-d02a-4f5c-9f12-8e20d23ab968" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_17e5094e-d02a-4f5c-9f12-8e20d23ab968_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2024/elts/srt-2024.xsd#srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis_17e5094e-d02a-4f5c-9f12-8e20d23ab968" xlink:to="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_17e5094e-d02a-4f5c-9f12-8e20d23ab968_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_87ab22cd-5bcc-4f25-bb0f-c83bc5c2a94f" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2024/elts/srt-2024.xsd#srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis_17e5094e-d02a-4f5c-9f12-8e20d23ab968" xlink:to="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_87ab22cd-5bcc-4f25-bb0f-c83bc5c2a94f" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ParentCompanyMember_df24fabc-e52f-4af3-bc83-4653bbe8e9a1" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2024/elts/srt-2024.xsd#srt_ParentCompanyMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_87ab22cd-5bcc-4f25-bb0f-c83bc5c2a94f" xlink:to="loc_srt_ParentCompanyMember_df24fabc-e52f-4af3-bc83-4653bbe8e9a1" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_HawaiiElectricLightCompanyIncMember_ba2ead4e-b25f-4f27-acab-5040eca0c32e" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_HawaiiElectricLightCompanyIncMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_87ab22cd-5bcc-4f25-bb0f-c83bc5c2a94f" xlink:to="loc_he_HawaiiElectricLightCompanyIncMember_ba2ead4e-b25f-4f27-acab-5040eca0c32e" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_MauiElectricCompanyLimitedMember_1b44e8ac-40c4-44d7-a765-992ab919b7b1" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_MauiElectricCompanyLimitedMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_87ab22cd-5bcc-4f25-bb0f-c83bc5c2a94f" xlink:to="loc_he_MauiElectricCompanyLimitedMember_1b44e8ac-40c4-44d7-a765-992ab919b7b1" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_OtherSubsidiariesMember_2220eee2-f9d1-433e-8d9c-de6d80968463" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_OtherSubsidiariesMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_87ab22cd-5bcc-4f25-bb0f-c83bc5c2a94f" xlink:to="loc_he_OtherSubsidiariesMember_2220eee2-f9d1-433e-8d9c-de6d80968463" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsAxis_fe5cf096-abee-45a9-b586-4e6b5d24872d" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2024/elts/srt-2024.xsd#srt_ConsolidationItemsAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedCashFlowStatementTable_87cdc44e-a79c-4145-ac9a-ed2093ba6a18" xlink:to="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsAxis_fe5cf096-abee-45a9-b586-4e6b5d24872d" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain_fe5cf096-abee-45a9-b586-4e6b5d24872d_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2024/elts/srt-2024.xsd#srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsAxis_fe5cf096-abee-45a9-b586-4e6b5d24872d" xlink:to="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain_fe5cf096-abee-45a9-b586-4e6b5d24872d_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain_ca8cd1e8-d9e5-4d07-ad25-c36870b76a19" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2024/elts/srt-2024.xsd#srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsAxis_fe5cf096-abee-45a9-b586-4e6b5d24872d" xlink:to="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain_ca8cd1e8-d9e5-4d07-ad25-c36870b76a19" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ReportableLegalEntitiesMember_cb9143e8-9081-4cc1-8d48-3e3797ede7ed" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2024/elts/srt-2024.xsd#srt_ReportableLegalEntitiesMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain_ca8cd1e8-d9e5-4d07-ad25-c36870b76a19" xlink:to="loc_srt_ReportableLegalEntitiesMember_cb9143e8-9081-4cc1-8d48-3e3797ede7ed" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ConsolidationEliminationsMember_94b6f953-b4e7-4d7c-9dd8-b5b48a7fbe00" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2024/elts/srt-2024.xsd#srt_ConsolidationEliminationsMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain_ca8cd1e8-d9e5-4d07-ad25-c36870b76a19" xlink:to="loc_srt_ConsolidationEliminationsMember_94b6f953-b4e7-4d7c-9dd8-b5b48a7fbe00" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_198d8b6e-6425-46c3-a93e-5f83df20e333" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2024/dei-2024.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedCashFlowStatementTable_87cdc44e-a79c-4145-ac9a-ed2093ba6a18" xlink:to="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_198d8b6e-6425-46c3-a93e-5f83df20e333" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_198d8b6e-6425-46c3-a93e-5f83df20e333_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2024/dei-2024.xsd#dei_EntityDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_198d8b6e-6425-46c3-a93e-5f83df20e333" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_198d8b6e-6425-46c3-a93e-5f83df20e333_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_514cb3d4-c62b-4607-8a64-d97e697184d7" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2024/dei-2024.xsd#dei_EntityDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_198d8b6e-6425-46c3-a93e-5f83df20e333" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_514cb3d4-c62b-4607-8a64-d97e697184d7" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_HawaiianElectricCompanyAndSubsidiariesMember_8ae75208-5eaf-468a-8923-d70fa6716690" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_HawaiianElectricCompanyAndSubsidiariesMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_514cb3d4-c62b-4607-8a64-d97e697184d7" xlink:to="loc_he_HawaiianElectricCompanyAndSubsidiariesMember_8ae75208-5eaf-468a-8923-d70fa6716690" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract_97cf045c-82db-4631-ad82-ef9825a060f3" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedCashFlowStatementsCaptionsLineItems_2aa7593a-f2e0-4aee-9614-0dec99a8fecb" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract_97cf045c-82db-4631-ad82-ef9825a060f3" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities_d54c7cdd-1ced-4990-890d-3b0ba35aaa00" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract_97cf045c-82db-4631-ad82-ef9825a060f3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities_d54c7cdd-1ced-4990-890d-3b0ba35aaa00" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract_81894173-632e-450d-b1a5-aaa22d6704aa" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedCashFlowStatementsCaptionsLineItems_2aa7593a-f2e0-4aee-9614-0dec99a8fecb" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract_81894173-632e-450d-b1a5-aaa22d6704aa" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment_367a87d6-4bd0-4899-ab82-a9428db54412" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract_81894173-632e-450d-b1a5-aaa22d6704aa" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment_367a87d6-4bd0-4899-ab82-a9428db54412" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_ProceedsFromPaymentsForContributionsFromAffiliates_d63355b0-d86e-4b2a-8371-8336bee428ae" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_ProceedsFromPaymentsForContributionsFromAffiliates"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract_81894173-632e-450d-b1a5-aaa22d6704aa" xlink:to="loc_he_ProceedsFromPaymentsForContributionsFromAffiliates_d63355b0-d86e-4b2a-8371-8336bee428ae" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsForProceedsFromOtherInvestingActivities_08303817-dc67-47c8-a258-d8bde01d5625" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsForProceedsFromOtherInvestingActivities"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract_81894173-632e-450d-b1a5-aaa22d6704aa" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsForProceedsFromOtherInvestingActivities_08303817-dc67-47c8-a258-d8bde01d5625" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivities_35e5fdf6-a600-478f-9f76-c60d8cd91462" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivities"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract_81894173-632e-450d-b1a5-aaa22d6704aa" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivities_35e5fdf6-a600-478f-9f76-c60d8cd91462" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract_79050606-7f53-4ca4-bc7b-3140a385d171" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedCashFlowStatementsCaptionsLineItems_2aa7593a-f2e0-4aee-9614-0dec99a8fecb" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract_79050606-7f53-4ca4-bc7b-3140a385d171" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsOfDividendsCommonStock_81ee3c22-389e-4b2d-af79-79c7e42a6894" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsOfDividendsCommonStock"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract_79050606-7f53-4ca4-bc7b-3140a385d171" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsOfDividendsCommonStock_81ee3c22-389e-4b2d-af79-79c7e42a6894" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsOfDividendsPreferredStockAndPreferenceStock_3dc5ff26-0bb5-4076-b22c-ae3208b60273" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsOfDividendsPreferredStockAndPreferenceStock"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract_79050606-7f53-4ca4-bc7b-3140a385d171" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsOfDividendsPreferredStockAndPreferenceStock_3dc5ff26-0bb5-4076-b22c-ae3208b60273" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfCommonStock_b5447d22-0110-4516-a451-7a51042dc8bf" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfCommonStock"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract_79050606-7f53-4ca4-bc7b-3140a385d171" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfCommonStock_b5447d22-0110-4516-a451-7a51042dc8bf" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfLongTermDebt_5192eee9-499f-478e-82c2-f6528d6096ce" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfLongTermDebt"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract_79050606-7f53-4ca4-bc7b-3140a385d171" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfLongTermDebt_5192eee9-499f-478e-82c2-f6528d6096ce" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromRepaymentsOfShortTermDebtMaturingInThreeMonthsOrLess_4ec386ed-4ef0-44d2-a7fc-2c3243944252" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromRepaymentsOfShortTermDebtMaturingInThreeMonthsOrLess"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract_79050606-7f53-4ca4-bc7b-3140a385d171" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromRepaymentsOfShortTermDebtMaturingInThreeMonthsOrLess_4ec386ed-4ef0-44d2-a7fc-2c3243944252" xlink:type="arc" order="5"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinanceLeasePrincipalPayments_13b4bc78-7226-436e-85e1-424f136e3548" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_FinanceLeasePrincipalPayments"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract_79050606-7f53-4ca4-bc7b-3140a385d171" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinanceLeasePrincipalPayments_13b4bc78-7226-436e-85e1-424f136e3548" xlink:type="arc" order="6"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromPaymentsForOtherFinancingActivities_345c0ebb-e916-4d48-af15-5d5b1b154a5d" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromPaymentsForOtherFinancingActivities"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract_79050606-7f53-4ca4-bc7b-3140a385d171" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromPaymentsForOtherFinancingActivities_345c0ebb-e916-4d48-af15-5d5b1b154a5d" xlink:type="arc" order="7"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivities_26e92860-46cd-4ac1-9fb0-201e8e783979" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivities"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract_79050606-7f53-4ca4-bc7b-3140a385d171" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivities_26e92860-46cd-4ac1-9fb0-201e8e783979" xlink:type="arc" order="8"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalentsPeriodIncreaseDecreaseIncludingExchangeRateEffect_47879d2a-8f71-45cc-8036-0f7718176180" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalentsPeriodIncreaseDecreaseIncludingExchangeRateEffect"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedCashFlowStatementsCaptionsLineItems_2aa7593a-f2e0-4aee-9614-0dec99a8fecb" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalentsPeriodIncreaseDecreaseIncludingExchangeRateEffect_47879d2a-8f71-45cc-8036-0f7718176180" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalents_7101bbcc-ed1a-4178-8823-fb6ac34f6cd1" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalents"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedCashFlowStatementsCaptionsLineItems_2aa7593a-f2e0-4aee-9614-0dec99a8fecb" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalents_7101bbcc-ed1a-4178-8823-fb6ac34f6cd1" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalents_9cb1f9f4-631c-48b0-a1b9-2cd770caa094" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalents"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalents_0f7db37b-c14d-49a9-81ad-f85a93761085" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalents"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedCashFlowStatementsCaptionsLineItems_2aa7593a-f2e0-4aee-9614-0dec99a8fecb" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalents_0f7db37b-c14d-49a9-81ad-f85a93761085" xlink:type="arc" order="6"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue_e8b7a3db-2234-4586-9b1e-102fbeeb7ff4" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedCashFlowStatementsCaptionsLineItems_2aa7593a-f2e0-4aee-9614-0dec99a8fecb" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue_e8b7a3db-2234-4586-9b1e-102fbeeb7ff4" xlink:type="arc" order="7"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.hei.com/role/BanksegmentIncomeStatementDataDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#BanksegmentIncomeStatementDataDetails"/>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.hei.com/role/BanksegmentIncomeStatementDataDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_CondensedFinancialStatementsCaptionsLineItems_fd969372-ab6e-48c5-b18b-ee7ff9148458" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2024/elts/srt-2024.xsd#srt_CondensedFinancialStatementsCaptionsLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ScheduleOfCondensedFinancialStatementsTable_89db1e6b-2fca-48b9-b880-a405888c038d" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2024/elts/srt-2024.xsd#srt_ScheduleOfCondensedFinancialStatementsTable"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedFinancialStatementsCaptionsLineItems_fd969372-ab6e-48c5-b18b-ee7ff9148458" xlink:to="loc_srt_ScheduleOfCondensedFinancialStatementsTable_89db1e6b-2fca-48b9-b880-a405888c038d" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_ee841e81-b4e0-4b04-bf56-11b88f1f5440" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2024/dei-2024.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_srt_ScheduleOfCondensedFinancialStatementsTable_89db1e6b-2fca-48b9-b880-a405888c038d" xlink:to="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_ee841e81-b4e0-4b04-bf56-11b88f1f5440" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_ee841e81-b4e0-4b04-bf56-11b88f1f5440_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2024/dei-2024.xsd#dei_EntityDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_ee841e81-b4e0-4b04-bf56-11b88f1f5440" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_ee841e81-b4e0-4b04-bf56-11b88f1f5440_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_7487b05a-d3b1-4686-821a-585fcd5ca744" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2024/dei-2024.xsd#dei_EntityDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_ee841e81-b4e0-4b04-bf56-11b88f1f5440" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_7487b05a-d3b1-4686-821a-585fcd5ca744" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_AmericanSavingsBankFSBMember_19aa320e-11dd-4b70-bdb6-c206bc8688dd" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_AmericanSavingsBankFSBMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_7487b05a-d3b1-4686-821a-585fcd5ca744" xlink:to="loc_he_AmericanSavingsBankFSBMember_19aa320e-11dd-4b70-bdb6-c206bc8688dd" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ProductOrServiceAxis_2d1a75d1-09ac-4b24-94f5-dd8b6b93166f" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2024/elts/srt-2024.xsd#srt_ProductOrServiceAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_srt_ScheduleOfCondensedFinancialStatementsTable_89db1e6b-2fca-48b9-b880-a405888c038d" xlink:to="loc_srt_ProductOrServiceAxis_2d1a75d1-09ac-4b24-94f5-dd8b6b93166f" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_2d1a75d1-09ac-4b24-94f5-dd8b6b93166f_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2024/elts/srt-2024.xsd#srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductOrServiceAxis_2d1a75d1-09ac-4b24-94f5-dd8b6b93166f" xlink:to="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_2d1a75d1-09ac-4b24-94f5-dd8b6b93166f_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_4926c57a-fd67-4eed-8ef9-1b9a2d8225c0" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2024/elts/srt-2024.xsd#srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductOrServiceAxis_2d1a75d1-09ac-4b24-94f5-dd8b6b93166f" xlink:to="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_4926c57a-fd67-4eed-8ef9-1b9a2d8225c0" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancialServiceMember_4cda3d8e-4cb5-40a8-9364-22589dd5fbd2" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_FinancialServiceMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_4926c57a-fd67-4eed-8ef9-1b9a2d8225c0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancialServiceMember_4cda3d8e-4cb5-40a8-9364-22589dd5fbd2" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DepositAccountMember_3d2eb09d-ca68-4efd-86fe-8a01015ece3a" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_DepositAccountMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_4926c57a-fd67-4eed-8ef9-1b9a2d8225c0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DepositAccountMember_3d2eb09d-ca68-4efd-86fe-8a01015ece3a" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancialServiceOtherMember_1e539dd5-941c-4068-b4b8-67631c76eaf8" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_FinancialServiceOtherMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_4926c57a-fd67-4eed-8ef9-1b9a2d8225c0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancialServiceOtherMember_1e539dd5-941c-4068-b4b8-67631c76eaf8" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_BankOwnedLifeInsuranceIncomeMember_86fdc1ff-e3b6-4cdf-8681-fa2cc3e9651c" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_BankOwnedLifeInsuranceIncomeMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_4926c57a-fd67-4eed-8ef9-1b9a2d8225c0" xlink:to="loc_he_BankOwnedLifeInsuranceIncomeMember_86fdc1ff-e3b6-4cdf-8681-fa2cc3e9651c" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MortgageBankingMember_6769f2a8-b034-45a3-97f2-0b4447992140" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_MortgageBankingMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_4926c57a-fd67-4eed-8ef9-1b9a2d8225c0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MortgageBankingMember_6769f2a8-b034-45a3-97f2-0b4447992140" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_OtherIncomeNetMember_7600fbd0-f591-440d-9487-819d0d0241db" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_OtherIncomeNetMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_4926c57a-fd67-4eed-8ef9-1b9a2d8225c0" xlink:to="loc_he_OtherIncomeNetMember_7600fbd0-f591-440d-9487-819d0d0241db" xlink:type="arc" order="5"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterestAndDividendIncomeOperatingAbstract_e3455c14-8328-438b-9754-8f82335bcf85" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_InterestAndDividendIncomeOperatingAbstract"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedFinancialStatementsCaptionsLineItems_fd969372-ab6e-48c5-b18b-ee7ff9148458" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InterestAndDividendIncomeOperatingAbstract_e3455c14-8328-438b-9754-8f82335bcf85" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterestAndFeeIncomeLoansAndLeases_5ea53ec5-15a5-4f3b-a1f9-c342b9a781fd" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_InterestAndFeeIncomeLoansAndLeases"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InterestAndDividendIncomeOperatingAbstract_e3455c14-8328-438b-9754-8f82335bcf85" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InterestAndFeeIncomeLoansAndLeases_5ea53ec5-15a5-4f3b-a1f9-c342b9a781fd" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterestAndDividendIncomeSecurities_05c8bb04-8502-43a3-b51c-a079d2d423c0" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_InterestAndDividendIncomeSecurities"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InterestAndDividendIncomeOperatingAbstract_e3455c14-8328-438b-9754-8f82335bcf85" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InterestAndDividendIncomeSecurities_05c8bb04-8502-43a3-b51c-a079d2d423c0" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterestAndDividendIncomeOperating_868c36ef-65d8-4a9d-be9b-10100547611d" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_InterestAndDividendIncomeOperating"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InterestAndDividendIncomeOperatingAbstract_e3455c14-8328-438b-9754-8f82335bcf85" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InterestAndDividendIncomeOperating_868c36ef-65d8-4a9d-be9b-10100547611d" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterestExpenseAbstract_00a26848-699b-4eba-8295-97e69524aaf9" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_InterestExpenseAbstract"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedFinancialStatementsCaptionsLineItems_fd969372-ab6e-48c5-b18b-ee7ff9148458" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InterestExpenseAbstract_00a26848-699b-4eba-8295-97e69524aaf9" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterestExpenseDeposits_3b2b0569-26d1-4086-ad02-7df7bd3378a0" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_InterestExpenseDeposits"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InterestExpenseAbstract_00a26848-699b-4eba-8295-97e69524aaf9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InterestExpenseDeposits_3b2b0569-26d1-4086-ad02-7df7bd3378a0" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterestExpenseBorrowings_87824a0a-250d-41f5-be20-1f84992c205f" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_InterestExpenseBorrowings"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InterestExpenseAbstract_00a26848-699b-4eba-8295-97e69524aaf9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InterestExpenseBorrowings_87824a0a-250d-41f5-be20-1f84992c205f" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterestExpense_71cd332c-04d0-4835-b074-d5bb8e0c16bf" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_InterestExpense"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InterestExpenseAbstract_00a26848-699b-4eba-8295-97e69524aaf9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InterestExpense_71cd332c-04d0-4835-b074-d5bb8e0c16bf" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterestIncomeExpenseNet_f284c398-3244-4189-991b-42fc1e04b87c" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_InterestIncomeExpenseNet"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedFinancialStatementsCaptionsLineItems_fd969372-ab6e-48c5-b18b-ee7ff9148458" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InterestIncomeExpenseNet_f284c398-3244-4189-991b-42fc1e04b87c" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProvisionForLoanLossesExpensed_ebf0072e-3d79-42c4-a7ee-b16f1a248e3f" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_ProvisionForLoanLossesExpensed"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedFinancialStatementsCaptionsLineItems_fd969372-ab6e-48c5-b18b-ee7ff9148458" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProvisionForLoanLossesExpensed_ebf0072e-3d79-42c4-a7ee-b16f1a248e3f" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterestIncomeExpenseAfterProvisionForLoanLoss_757f8fee-56d0-42c6-bec1-743b1fa43be0" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_InterestIncomeExpenseAfterProvisionForLoanLoss"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedFinancialStatementsCaptionsLineItems_fd969372-ab6e-48c5-b18b-ee7ff9148458" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InterestIncomeExpenseAfterProvisionForLoanLoss_757f8fee-56d0-42c6-bec1-743b1fa43be0" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NoninterestIncomeAbstract_1b3aa28f-9c99-4f77-8ade-82599f44c2ec" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_NoninterestIncomeAbstract"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedFinancialStatementsCaptionsLineItems_fd969372-ab6e-48c5-b18b-ee7ff9148458" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NoninterestIncomeAbstract_1b3aa28f-9c99-4f77-8ade-82599f44c2ec" xlink:type="arc" order="5"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerIncludingAssessedTax_21ca98e2-4746-46b3-b748-ab0fd564d89b" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerIncludingAssessedTax"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NoninterestIncomeAbstract_1b3aa28f-9c99-4f77-8ade-82599f44c2ec" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerIncludingAssessedTax_21ca98e2-4746-46b3-b748-ab0fd564d89b" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfProperties_84373f6a-d765-442d-be38-f02513f065ba" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfProperties"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NoninterestIncomeAbstract_1b3aa28f-9c99-4f77-8ade-82599f44c2ec" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfProperties_84373f6a-d765-442d-be38-f02513f065ba" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NoninterestIncome_e5b4c5ff-015a-4e34-b16f-51e2ec1be6f8" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_NoninterestIncome"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NoninterestIncomeAbstract_1b3aa28f-9c99-4f77-8ade-82599f44c2ec" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NoninterestIncome_e5b4c5ff-015a-4e34-b16f-51e2ec1be6f8" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NoninterestExpenseAbstract_3b73c603-3461-463b-95cd-147cc35de673" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_NoninterestExpenseAbstract"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedFinancialStatementsCaptionsLineItems_fd969372-ab6e-48c5-b18b-ee7ff9148458" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NoninterestExpenseAbstract_3b73c603-3461-463b-95cd-147cc35de673" xlink:type="arc" order="6"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LaborAndRelatedExpense_98a92348-8a26-476d-9ef5-e25cf237a189" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_LaborAndRelatedExpense"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NoninterestExpenseAbstract_3b73c603-3461-463b-95cd-147cc35de673" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LaborAndRelatedExpense_98a92348-8a26-476d-9ef5-e25cf237a189" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OccupancyNet_178dc01e-02a0-4b6b-b306-0b23c944abe9" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_OccupancyNet"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NoninterestExpenseAbstract_3b73c603-3461-463b-95cd-147cc35de673" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OccupancyNet_178dc01e-02a0-4b6b-b306-0b23c944abe9" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InformationTechnologyAndDataProcessing_88a791c5-250c-40ba-a0f9-fdc020fd493c" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_InformationTechnologyAndDataProcessing"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NoninterestExpenseAbstract_3b73c603-3461-463b-95cd-147cc35de673" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InformationTechnologyAndDataProcessing_88a791c5-250c-40ba-a0f9-fdc020fd493c" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProfessionalFees_a6370399-b4c6-4ae2-9591-a95a3165f89d" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_ProfessionalFees"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NoninterestExpenseAbstract_3b73c603-3461-463b-95cd-147cc35de673" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProfessionalFees_a6370399-b4c6-4ae2-9591-a95a3165f89d" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquipmentExpense_89fa3e07-f5c0-4f23-a3c6-1c03c597f537" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_EquipmentExpense"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NoninterestExpenseAbstract_3b73c603-3461-463b-95cd-147cc35de673" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquipmentExpense_89fa3e07-f5c0-4f23-a3c6-1c03c597f537" xlink:type="arc" order="5"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_SuppliesPrintingAndPostageExpense_d076061a-9b33-47f9-bc8e-1cfef610751c" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_SuppliesPrintingAndPostageExpense"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NoninterestExpenseAbstract_3b73c603-3461-463b-95cd-147cc35de673" xlink:to="loc_he_SuppliesPrintingAndPostageExpense_d076061a-9b33-47f9-bc8e-1cfef610751c" xlink:type="arc" order="6"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MarketingExpense_6cea8480-c7c7-4959-ac12-83a7918ec9da" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_MarketingExpense"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NoninterestExpenseAbstract_3b73c603-3461-463b-95cd-147cc35de673" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MarketingExpense_6cea8480-c7c7-4959-ac12-83a7918ec9da" xlink:type="arc" order="7"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillImpairmentLoss_b55aeecb-1178-4808-9205-d7b4deeb95e5" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_GoodwillImpairmentLoss"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NoninterestExpenseAbstract_3b73c603-3461-463b-95cd-147cc35de673" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillImpairmentLoss_b55aeecb-1178-4808-9205-d7b4deeb95e5" xlink:type="arc" order="8"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherNoninterestExpense_4f7b6ffc-7b61-444d-bde1-f1615a082e73" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_OtherNoninterestExpense"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NoninterestExpenseAbstract_3b73c603-3461-463b-95cd-147cc35de673" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherNoninterestExpense_4f7b6ffc-7b61-444d-bde1-f1615a082e73" xlink:type="arc" order="9"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NoninterestExpense_a4687635-9f9b-418d-b690-1d54460ca6d1" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_NoninterestExpense"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NoninterestExpenseAbstract_3b73c603-3461-463b-95cd-147cc35de673" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NoninterestExpense_a4687635-9f9b-418d-b690-1d54460ca6d1" xlink:type="arc" order="10"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesExtraordinaryItemsNoncontrollingInterest_d4d45fa4-b059-4e3f-b729-0104eca99b98" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesExtraordinaryItemsNoncontrollingInterest"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedFinancialStatementsCaptionsLineItems_fd969372-ab6e-48c5-b18b-ee7ff9148458" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesExtraordinaryItemsNoncontrollingInterest_d4d45fa4-b059-4e3f-b729-0104eca99b98" xlink:type="arc" order="7"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit_6b5b0648-1fb3-41ca-b226-d61ed50e2b69" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedFinancialStatementsCaptionsLineItems_fd969372-ab6e-48c5-b18b-ee7ff9148458" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit_6b5b0648-1fb3-41ca-b226-d61ed50e2b69" xlink:type="arc" order="8"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_56f7659e-c35a-4867-85c2-8a53a8f1e510" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedFinancialStatementsCaptionsLineItems_fd969372-ab6e-48c5-b18b-ee7ff9148458" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_56f7659e-c35a-4867-85c2-8a53a8f1e510" xlink:type="arc" order="9"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxPortionAttributableToParent_c99468b7-7e12-4c2b-8930-aa9e960356b5" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxPortionAttributableToParent"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedFinancialStatementsCaptionsLineItems_fd969372-ab6e-48c5-b18b-ee7ff9148458" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxPortionAttributableToParent_c99468b7-7e12-4c2b-8930-aa9e960356b5" xlink:type="arc" order="10"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTax_7217b8d6-e697-4a79-838b-d1bcc5079648" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTax"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedFinancialStatementsCaptionsLineItems_fd969372-ab6e-48c5-b18b-ee7ff9148458" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTax_7217b8d6-e697-4a79-838b-d1bcc5079648" xlink:type="arc" order="11"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.hei.com/role/BanksegmentReconciliationofIncomeDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#BanksegmentReconciliationofIncomeDetails"/>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.hei.com/role/BanksegmentReconciliationofIncomeDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_CondensedIncomeStatementsCaptionsLineItems_31aa439d-97f6-4cd8-a9e0-28689878d67b" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2024/elts/srt-2024.xsd#srt_CondensedIncomeStatementsCaptionsLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_CondensedIncomeStatementTable_cfc0a9e8-cd68-4141-bf04-5fdfb6803234" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2024/elts/srt-2024.xsd#srt_CondensedIncomeStatementTable"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedIncomeStatementsCaptionsLineItems_31aa439d-97f6-4cd8-a9e0-28689878d67b" xlink:to="loc_srt_CondensedIncomeStatementTable_cfc0a9e8-cd68-4141-bf04-5fdfb6803234" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_a0d65ccf-2059-4ca8-ba72-293ba3c11f9e" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2024/dei-2024.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedIncomeStatementTable_cfc0a9e8-cd68-4141-bf04-5fdfb6803234" xlink:to="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_a0d65ccf-2059-4ca8-ba72-293ba3c11f9e" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_a0d65ccf-2059-4ca8-ba72-293ba3c11f9e_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2024/dei-2024.xsd#dei_EntityDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_a0d65ccf-2059-4ca8-ba72-293ba3c11f9e" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_a0d65ccf-2059-4ca8-ba72-293ba3c11f9e_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_15742fe9-efd2-444c-8d5e-49f146f58279" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2024/dei-2024.xsd#dei_EntityDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_a0d65ccf-2059-4ca8-ba72-293ba3c11f9e" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_15742fe9-efd2-444c-8d5e-49f146f58279" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_AmericanSavingsBankFSBMember_c3a6b2bd-71f3-4121-81b4-9f62ba4ea3ae" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_AmericanSavingsBankFSBMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_15742fe9-efd2-444c-8d5e-49f146f58279" xlink:to="loc_he_AmericanSavingsBankFSBMember_c3a6b2bd-71f3-4121-81b4-9f62ba4ea3ae" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterestAndDividendIncomeOperating_294f9cf9-c62b-4d4b-9173-8910791eec69" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_InterestAndDividendIncomeOperating"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedIncomeStatementsCaptionsLineItems_31aa439d-97f6-4cd8-a9e0-28689878d67b" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InterestAndDividendIncomeOperating_294f9cf9-c62b-4d4b-9173-8910791eec69" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NoninterestIncome_c298e4cf-cf24-47ed-97d7-fe876b6b4684" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_NoninterestIncome"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedIncomeStatementsCaptionsLineItems_31aa439d-97f6-4cd8-a9e0-28689878d67b" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NoninterestIncome_c298e4cf-cf24-47ed-97d7-fe876b6b4684" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfProperties_dc540012-715f-43a9-baf9-cd6eef6a90ec" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfProperties"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedIncomeStatementsCaptionsLineItems_31aa439d-97f6-4cd8-a9e0-28689878d67b" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfProperties_dc540012-715f-43a9-baf9-cd6eef6a90ec" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Revenues_451173fe-cc0c-4a18-8d17-8e9344bf43a7" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_Revenues"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedIncomeStatementsCaptionsLineItems_31aa439d-97f6-4cd8-a9e0-28689878d67b" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Revenues_451173fe-cc0c-4a18-8d17-8e9344bf43a7" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterestExpense_d3db77b5-b666-47b8-9bdc-a497dbf56951" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_InterestExpense"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedIncomeStatementsCaptionsLineItems_31aa439d-97f6-4cd8-a9e0-28689878d67b" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InterestExpense_d3db77b5-b666-47b8-9bdc-a497dbf56951" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProvisionForLoanLossesExpensed_e08847c0-a46e-4e8c-af3d-3cb26907aa4d" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_ProvisionForLoanLossesExpensed"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedIncomeStatementsCaptionsLineItems_31aa439d-97f6-4cd8-a9e0-28689878d67b" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProvisionForLoanLossesExpensed_e08847c0-a46e-4e8c-af3d-3cb26907aa4d" xlink:type="arc" order="5"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NoninterestExpense_cd7e90b3-4646-499f-9d7f-68454ae26391" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_NoninterestExpense"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedIncomeStatementsCaptionsLineItems_31aa439d-97f6-4cd8-a9e0-28689878d67b" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NoninterestExpense_cd7e90b3-4646-499f-9d7f-68454ae26391" xlink:type="arc" order="6"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetPeriodicDefinedBenefitsExpenseReversalOfExpenseExcludingServiceCostComponent_e0938533-a19b-4a34-9098-ce695bdc379b" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_NetPeriodicDefinedBenefitsExpenseReversalOfExpenseExcludingServiceCostComponent"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedIncomeStatementsCaptionsLineItems_31aa439d-97f6-4cd8-a9e0-28689878d67b" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetPeriodicDefinedBenefitsExpenseReversalOfExpenseExcludingServiceCostComponent_e0938533-a19b-4a34-9098-ce695bdc379b" xlink:type="arc" order="7"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CostsAndExpenses_7cfb2b1e-b2f2-4cbe-892f-2b19ceca5275" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_CostsAndExpenses"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedIncomeStatementsCaptionsLineItems_31aa439d-97f6-4cd8-a9e0-28689878d67b" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CostsAndExpenses_7cfb2b1e-b2f2-4cbe-892f-2b19ceca5275" xlink:type="arc" order="8"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss_49e3a334-c73c-437e-9b21-aa374cdf3d25" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedIncomeStatementsCaptionsLineItems_31aa439d-97f6-4cd8-a9e0-28689878d67b" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss_49e3a334-c73c-437e-9b21-aa374cdf3d25" xlink:type="arc" order="9"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesExtraordinaryItemsNoncontrollingInterest_d3e0511b-52e1-4896-8e1f-9aab352a62a5" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesExtraordinaryItemsNoncontrollingInterest"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedIncomeStatementsCaptionsLineItems_31aa439d-97f6-4cd8-a9e0-28689878d67b" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesExtraordinaryItemsNoncontrollingInterest_d3e0511b-52e1-4896-8e1f-9aab352a62a5" xlink:type="arc" order="10"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.hei.com/role/BanksegmentNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#BanksegmentNarrativeDetails"/>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.hei.com/role/BanksegmentNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesLineItems_afb252e5-ec3e-4c8c-994d-28d620cbd749" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfFinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesTable_b291906a-31be-432a-af73-0881b483d126" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfFinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesTable"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesLineItems_afb252e5-ec3e-4c8c-994d-28d620cbd749" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfFinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesTable_b291906a-31be-432a-af73-0881b483d126" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentAxis_12c4349f-24e1-4bb0-b705-b6f28214c113" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfFinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesTable_b291906a-31be-432a-af73-0881b483d126" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentAxis_12c4349f-24e1-4bb0-b705-b6f28214c113" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain_12c4349f-24e1-4bb0-b705-b6f28214c113_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentAxis_12c4349f-24e1-4bb0-b705-b6f28214c113" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain_12c4349f-24e1-4bb0-b705-b6f28214c113_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain_4c02fd92-0632-4c93-b564-20b8119da56a" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentAxis_12c4349f-24e1-4bb0-b705-b6f28214c113" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain_4c02fd92-0632-4c93-b564-20b8119da56a" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommercialPortfolioSegmentMember_8260ba93-b411-4866-9b2a-f48aa61bf3da" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_CommercialPortfolioSegmentMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain_4c02fd92-0632-4c93-b564-20b8119da56a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommercialPortfolioSegmentMember_8260ba93-b411-4866-9b2a-f48aa61bf3da" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConsumerPortfolioSegmentMember_1e9cebc0-49b3-4427-8ae6-c96e63d3ac4b" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_ConsumerPortfolioSegmentMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain_4c02fd92-0632-4c93-b564-20b8119da56a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConsumerPortfolioSegmentMember_1e9cebc0-49b3-4427-8ae6-c96e63d3ac4b" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis_2603c425-3fa2-4d3f-a2b2-597a17e1d24a" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfFinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesTable_b291906a-31be-432a-af73-0881b483d126" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis_2603c425-3fa2-4d3f-a2b2-597a17e1d24a" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain_2603c425-3fa2-4d3f-a2b2-597a17e1d24a_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis_2603c425-3fa2-4d3f-a2b2-597a17e1d24a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain_2603c425-3fa2-4d3f-a2b2-597a17e1d24a_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain_67e8b0a3-6039-49e5-9dfc-4a156e953ff7" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis_2603c425-3fa2-4d3f-a2b2-597a17e1d24a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain_67e8b0a3-6039-49e5-9dfc-4a156e953ff7" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_HomeEquityLoanMember_a908b4e7-340b-4364-8bcf-24312e59eb83" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_HomeEquityLoanMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain_67e8b0a3-6039-49e5-9dfc-4a156e953ff7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_HomeEquityLoanMember_a908b4e7-340b-4364-8bcf-24312e59eb83" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_48c08aee-d578-4fe6-bd5b-3b9ceac37938" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2024/dei-2024.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfFinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesTable_b291906a-31be-432a-af73-0881b483d126" xlink:to="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_48c08aee-d578-4fe6-bd5b-3b9ceac37938" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_48c08aee-d578-4fe6-bd5b-3b9ceac37938_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2024/dei-2024.xsd#dei_EntityDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_48c08aee-d578-4fe6-bd5b-3b9ceac37938" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_48c08aee-d578-4fe6-bd5b-3b9ceac37938_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_fa7ab5eb-f030-492a-b836-83e1a92f6c2e" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2024/dei-2024.xsd#dei_EntityDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_48c08aee-d578-4fe6-bd5b-3b9ceac37938" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_fa7ab5eb-f030-492a-b836-83e1a92f6c2e" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_AmericanSavingsBankFSBMember_3625fecb-8126-42b1-b4cf-bde655bddffa" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_AmericanSavingsBankFSBMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_fa7ab5eb-f030-492a-b836-83e1a92f6c2e" xlink:to="loc_he_AmericanSavingsBankFSBMember_3625fecb-8126-42b1-b4cf-bde655bddffa" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_31b39cc3-1e76-4804-9cce-4fa0bc211ded" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfFinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesTable_b291906a-31be-432a-af73-0881b483d126" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_31b39cc3-1e76-4804-9cce-4fa0bc211ded" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_31b39cc3-1e76-4804-9cce-4fa0bc211ded_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_31b39cc3-1e76-4804-9cce-4fa0bc211ded" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_31b39cc3-1e76-4804-9cce-4fa0bc211ded_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_75625293-0fe6-4970-93fb-b4d578ea203c" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_31b39cc3-1e76-4804-9cce-4fa0bc211ded" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_75625293-0fe6-4970-93fb-b4d578ea203c" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FederalReserveBankAdvancesMember_4f1ac47b-e842-470d-9b37-18b9c7c9c77e" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_FederalReserveBankAdvancesMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_75625293-0fe6-4970-93fb-b4d578ea203c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FederalReserveBankAdvancesMember_4f1ac47b-e842-470d-9b37-18b9c7c9c77e" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillImpairmentLoss_56c4189e-8e18-45d5-88dc-bec32e4be39c" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_GoodwillImpairmentLoss"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesLineItems_afb252e5-ec3e-4c8c-994d-28d620cbd749" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillImpairmentLoss_56c4189e-8e18-45d5-88dc-bec32e4be39c" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_MinimumBenchmarkPercentageOfLoanToAppraisalRatioWhichMortgageInsuranceIsRequired_097661f5-58de-4bae-a01e-3b64687ae51c" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_MinimumBenchmarkPercentageOfLoanToAppraisalRatioWhichMortgageInsuranceIsRequired"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesLineItems_afb252e5-ec3e-4c8c-994d-28d620cbd749" xlink:to="loc_he_MinimumBenchmarkPercentageOfLoanToAppraisalRatioWhichMortgageInsuranceIsRequired_097661f5-58de-4bae-a01e-3b64687ae51c" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_UnusedCommitmentsToExtendCredit_161b2107-ab0e-48d1-816a-f6573e6b32ad" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_UnusedCommitmentsToExtendCredit"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesLineItems_afb252e5-ec3e-4c8c-994d-28d620cbd749" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_UnusedCommitmentsToExtendCredit_161b2107-ab0e-48d1-816a-f6573e6b32ad" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_FinancingReceivableConversionOfDebt_e5530a02-52a2-4426-9e35-42e1434568c1" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_FinancingReceivableConversionOfDebt"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesLineItems_afb252e5-ec3e-4c8c-994d-28d620cbd749" xlink:to="loc_he_FinancingReceivableConversionOfDebt_e5530a02-52a2-4426-9e35-42e1434568c1" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AdvancesFromFederalHomeLoanBanks_329c75f2-a446-4a60-b8b5-fc55dc459abf" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_AdvancesFromFederalHomeLoanBanks"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesLineItems_afb252e5-ec3e-4c8c-994d-28d620cbd749" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AdvancesFromFederalHomeLoanBanks_329c75f2-a446-4a60-b8b5-fc55dc459abf" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_OtherBankBorrowings_3051abcd-9947-4395-ba4f-99b4ba3b2281" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_OtherBankBorrowings"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesLineItems_afb252e5-ec3e-4c8c-994d-28d620cbd749" xlink:to="loc_he_OtherBankBorrowings_3051abcd-9947-4395-ba4f-99b4ba3b2281" xlink:type="arc" order="5"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.hei.com/role/BanksegmentBalanceSheetsDataDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#BanksegmentBalanceSheetsDataDetails"/>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.hei.com/role/BanksegmentBalanceSheetsDataDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_CondensedFinancialStatementsCaptionsLineItems_785dbcd0-4804-47e3-bac2-3557044d3c9b" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2024/elts/srt-2024.xsd#srt_CondensedFinancialStatementsCaptionsLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ScheduleOfCondensedFinancialStatementsTable_b264ab9c-bf73-4897-bf48-c6c39a27626b" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2024/elts/srt-2024.xsd#srt_ScheduleOfCondensedFinancialStatementsTable"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedFinancialStatementsCaptionsLineItems_785dbcd0-4804-47e3-bac2-3557044d3c9b" xlink:to="loc_srt_ScheduleOfCondensedFinancialStatementsTable_b264ab9c-bf73-4897-bf48-c6c39a27626b" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_e70c4b27-2af3-4c37-b6bc-341ab33cac91" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2024/dei-2024.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_srt_ScheduleOfCondensedFinancialStatementsTable_b264ab9c-bf73-4897-bf48-c6c39a27626b" xlink:to="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_e70c4b27-2af3-4c37-b6bc-341ab33cac91" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_e70c4b27-2af3-4c37-b6bc-341ab33cac91_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2024/dei-2024.xsd#dei_EntityDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_e70c4b27-2af3-4c37-b6bc-341ab33cac91" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_e70c4b27-2af3-4c37-b6bc-341ab33cac91_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_287d0099-bbb1-457d-9017-9e13ee2135fe" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2024/dei-2024.xsd#dei_EntityDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_e70c4b27-2af3-4c37-b6bc-341ab33cac91" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_287d0099-bbb1-457d-9017-9e13ee2135fe" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_AmericanSavingsBankFSBMember_2fd10946-dac4-44bb-84fd-3ec777a37828" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_AmericanSavingsBankFSBMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_287d0099-bbb1-457d-9017-9e13ee2135fe" xlink:to="loc_he_AmericanSavingsBankFSBMember_2fd10946-dac4-44bb-84fd-3ec777a37828" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_93968af8-d105-441a-96a8-4cbbda917ff8" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_AssetsAbstract"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedFinancialStatementsCaptionsLineItems_785dbcd0-4804-47e3-bac2-3557044d3c9b" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_93968af8-d105-441a-96a8-4cbbda917ff8" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CashAndDueFromBanks_4a42f18b-3a93-481c-8bc3-b839001041a6" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_CashAndDueFromBanks"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_93968af8-d105-441a-96a8-4cbbda917ff8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CashAndDueFromBanks_4a42f18b-3a93-481c-8bc3-b839001041a6" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterestBearingDepositsInBanks_3fdbc62f-8b16-4f85-a4ef-29893f024ba3" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_InterestBearingDepositsInBanks"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_93968af8-d105-441a-96a8-4cbbda917ff8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InterestBearingDepositsInBanks_3fdbc62f-8b16-4f85-a4ef-29893f024ba3" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue_8b9bee62-ff86-40d3-bdda-989674617687" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_93968af8-d105-441a-96a8-4cbbda917ff8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue_8b9bee62-ff86-40d3-bdda-989674617687" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesTradingAndEquitySecuritiesFvNiAbstract_ec8373cb-37c6-4d5c-b2a5-9e234ed58178" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesTradingAndEquitySecuritiesFvNiAbstract"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_93968af8-d105-441a-96a8-4cbbda917ff8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesTradingAndEquitySecuritiesFvNiAbstract_ec8373cb-37c6-4d5c-b2a5-9e234ed58178" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleExcludingAccruedInterest_ec3762e9-ca23-4c93-8a6c-6d70b996393a" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleExcludingAccruedInterest"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesTradingAndEquitySecuritiesFvNiAbstract_ec8373cb-37c6-4d5c-b2a5-9e234ed58178" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleExcludingAccruedInterest_ec3762e9-ca23-4c93-8a6c-6d70b996393a" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesHeldToMaturityExcludingAccruedInterestAfterAllowanceForCreditLoss_18c9441b-dcb1-4bbe-a35c-031247ac809f" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesHeldToMaturityExcludingAccruedInterestAfterAllowanceForCreditLoss"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesTradingAndEquitySecuritiesFvNiAbstract_ec8373cb-37c6-4d5c-b2a5-9e234ed58178" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesHeldToMaturityExcludingAccruedInterestAfterAllowanceForCreditLoss_18c9441b-dcb1-4bbe-a35c-031247ac809f" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesFairValue_5cbad13c-8f43-40bf-abdb-deb36c3ab7d8" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesFairValue"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesTradingAndEquitySecuritiesFvNiAbstract_ec8373cb-37c6-4d5c-b2a5-9e234ed58178" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesFairValue_5cbad13c-8f43-40bf-abdb-deb36c3ab7d8" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FederalHomeLoanBankStock_1f559c5f-58ed-4181-b208-aca38fe785c6" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_FederalHomeLoanBankStock"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_93968af8-d105-441a-96a8-4cbbda917ff8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FederalHomeLoanBankStock_1f559c5f-58ed-4181-b208-aca38fe785c6" xlink:type="arc" order="5"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableExcludingAccruedInterestBeforeAllowanceForCreditLoss_299325e3-a771-4cc3-8fca-3f2e0d07d786" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableExcludingAccruedInterestBeforeAllowanceForCreditLoss"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_93968af8-d105-441a-96a8-4cbbda917ff8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableExcludingAccruedInterestBeforeAllowanceForCreditLoss_299325e3-a771-4cc3-8fca-3f2e0d07d786" xlink:type="arc" order="6"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossExcludingAccruedInterest_88b6ae7a-84f8-458b-be96-df4e53805527" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossExcludingAccruedInterest"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_93968af8-d105-441a-96a8-4cbbda917ff8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossExcludingAccruedInterest_88b6ae7a-84f8-458b-be96-df4e53805527" xlink:type="arc" order="7"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableExcludingAccruedInterestAfterAllowanceForCreditLoss_548856f0-d59e-44bb-afea-0759a7fdeec0" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableExcludingAccruedInterestAfterAllowanceForCreditLoss"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_93968af8-d105-441a-96a8-4cbbda917ff8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableExcludingAccruedInterestAfterAllowanceForCreditLoss_548856f0-d59e-44bb-afea-0759a7fdeec0" xlink:type="arc" order="8"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LoansReceivableHeldForSaleNetNotPartOfDisposalGroup_d04b15b9-c798-411a-9ab8-62c25f41e2b5" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_LoansReceivableHeldForSaleNetNotPartOfDisposalGroup"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_93968af8-d105-441a-96a8-4cbbda917ff8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LoansReceivableHeldForSaleNetNotPartOfDisposalGroup_d04b15b9-c798-411a-9ab8-62c25f41e2b5" xlink:type="arc" order="9"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherAssets_d6a3b0c8-a3ea-4c88-bc85-106bc09d0fc5" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_OtherAssets"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_93968af8-d105-441a-96a8-4cbbda917ff8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherAssets_d6a3b0c8-a3ea-4c88-bc85-106bc09d0fc5" xlink:type="arc" order="10"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Goodwill_5edcbd2e-2e69-441f-b406-a36c460a6837" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_Goodwill"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_93968af8-d105-441a-96a8-4cbbda917ff8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Goodwill_5edcbd2e-2e69-441f-b406-a36c460a6837" xlink:type="arc" order="11"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Assets_567c4b59-2549-4355-a080-beb906d97987" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_Assets"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_93968af8-d105-441a-96a8-4cbbda917ff8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Assets_567c4b59-2549-4355-a080-beb906d97987" xlink:type="arc" order="12"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_c36b3299-84c9-4890-9fee-a4085d077a25" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedFinancialStatementsCaptionsLineItems_785dbcd0-4804-47e3-bac2-3557044d3c9b" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_c36b3299-84c9-4890-9fee-a4085d077a25" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NoninterestBearingDepositLiabilities_3d7d4b43-e1e7-4b41-bff5-88d70ceaea42" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_NoninterestBearingDepositLiabilities"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_c36b3299-84c9-4890-9fee-a4085d077a25" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NoninterestBearingDepositLiabilities_3d7d4b43-e1e7-4b41-bff5-88d70ceaea42" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterestBearingDepositLiabilities_e8ca545a-8c41-4fd8-ad73-6de410781f67" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_InterestBearingDepositLiabilities"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_c36b3299-84c9-4890-9fee-a4085d077a25" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InterestBearingDepositLiabilities_e8ca545a-8c41-4fd8-ad73-6de410781f67" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherBorrowings_a3ba861c-fea8-4191-860c-5564573797ea" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_OtherBorrowings"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_c36b3299-84c9-4890-9fee-a4085d077a25" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherBorrowings_a3ba861c-fea8-4191-860c-5564573797ea" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherLiabilities_32f4d1c3-d3cc-497a-baef-53fe5381a6a8" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_OtherLiabilities"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_c36b3299-84c9-4890-9fee-a4085d077a25" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherLiabilities_32f4d1c3-d3cc-497a-baef-53fe5381a6a8" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Liabilities_f36cc2a3-1e0d-4bff-87bd-d53dd6157ccb" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_Liabilities"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_c36b3299-84c9-4890-9fee-a4085d077a25" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Liabilities_f36cc2a3-1e0d-4bff-87bd-d53dd6157ccb" xlink:type="arc" order="5"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockValue_64f745b0-bbe8-4c44-8f53-352191505065" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockValue"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_c36b3299-84c9-4890-9fee-a4085d077a25" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockValue_64f745b0-bbe8-4c44-8f53-352191505065" xlink:type="arc" order="6"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapital_eefc56f2-fd36-4d1a-8828-462e35b8f9ed" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapital"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_c36b3299-84c9-4890-9fee-a4085d077a25" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapital_eefc56f2-fd36-4d1a-8828-462e35b8f9ed" xlink:type="arc" order="7"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RetainedEarningsAccumulatedDeficit_83712bd8-08c8-4ef3-b01d-c2e07fb3d1fa" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_RetainedEarningsAccumulatedDeficit"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_c36b3299-84c9-4890-9fee-a4085d077a25" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RetainedEarningsAccumulatedDeficit_83712bd8-08c8-4ef3-b01d-c2e07fb3d1fa" xlink:type="arc" order="8"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxAbstract_bc5ebea6-7752-45c2-8f54-3ec4058de8ce" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxAbstract"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_c36b3299-84c9-4890-9fee-a4085d077a25" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxAbstract_bc5ebea6-7752-45c2-8f54-3ec4058de8ce" xlink:type="arc" order="9"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossAvailableForSaleSecuritiesAdjustmentNetOfTax_1fb08b9c-c069-4696-8d76-1a45c6d0c969" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossAvailableForSaleSecuritiesAdjustmentNetOfTax"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxAbstract_bc5ebea6-7752-45c2-8f54-3ec4058de8ce" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossAvailableForSaleSecuritiesAdjustmentNetOfTax_1fb08b9c-c069-4696-8d76-1a45c6d0c969" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossDefinedBenefitPensionAndOtherPostretirementPlansNetOfTaxAdjustedForRegulatoryImpacts_df1638f9-cb42-4c56-bbee-d92b04590aad" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossDefinedBenefitPensionAndOtherPostretirementPlansNetOfTaxAdjustedForRegulatoryImpacts"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxAbstract_bc5ebea6-7752-45c2-8f54-3ec4058de8ce" xlink:to="loc_he_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossDefinedBenefitPensionAndOtherPostretirementPlansNetOfTaxAdjustedForRegulatoryImpacts_df1638f9-cb42-4c56-bbee-d92b04590aad" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax_c48e357b-d51a-498c-9feb-bec8fc60c55a" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxAbstract_bc5ebea6-7752-45c2-8f54-3ec4058de8ce" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax_c48e357b-d51a-498c-9feb-bec8fc60c55a" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquity_a573a6b5-3c01-4c84-a4a0-5fc63c4d6fad" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquity"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_c36b3299-84c9-4890-9fee-a4085d077a25" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquity_a573a6b5-3c01-4c84-a4a0-5fc63c4d6fad" xlink:type="arc" order="10"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquity_96ca1213-5374-426f-9e3b-03d06c954c81" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquity"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_c36b3299-84c9-4890-9fee-a4085d077a25" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquity_96ca1213-5374-426f-9e3b-03d06c954c81" xlink:type="arc" order="11"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherAssetsAbstract_54110dc1-c797-4b59-9efb-743b198b122c" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_OtherAssetsAbstract"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedFinancialStatementsCaptionsLineItems_785dbcd0-4804-47e3-bac2-3557044d3c9b" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherAssetsAbstract_54110dc1-c797-4b59-9efb-743b198b122c" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BankOwnedLifeInsurance_e54cbdd6-e4bb-4828-abc3-261753c84377" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_BankOwnedLifeInsurance"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OtherAssetsAbstract_54110dc1-c797-4b59-9efb-743b198b122c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BankOwnedLifeInsurance_e54cbdd6-e4bb-4828-abc3-261753c84377" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet_cf59326a-c7a2-46de-9d4d-d71b386840b1" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OtherAssetsAbstract_54110dc1-c797-4b59-9efb-743b198b122c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet_cf59326a-c7a2-46de-9d4d-d71b386840b1" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterestReceivable_0f338d43-9ea8-40f3-b843-94f7a0415312" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_InterestReceivable"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OtherAssetsAbstract_54110dc1-c797-4b59-9efb-743b198b122c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InterestReceivable_0f338d43-9ea8-40f3-b843-94f7a0415312" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ServicingAssetAtAmortizedValue_6c47e74f-1c30-4864-831a-5b6b3e086107" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_ServicingAssetAtAmortizedValue"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OtherAssetsAbstract_54110dc1-c797-4b59-9efb-743b198b122c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ServicingAssetAtAmortizedValue_6c47e74f-1c30-4864-831a-5b6b3e086107" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_EquityInvestmentsAffordableHousingProgram_7dfb16a6-43dc-46a7-8cc5-44996aadba1b" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_EquityInvestmentsAffordableHousingProgram"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OtherAssetsAbstract_54110dc1-c797-4b59-9efb-743b198b122c" xlink:to="loc_he_EquityInvestmentsAffordableHousingProgram_7dfb16a6-43dc-46a7-8cc5-44996aadba1b" xlink:type="arc" order="5"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxAssetsNet_7e8c53b5-bbd0-4f06-b9b2-65efb3afbc68" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxAssetsNet"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OtherAssetsAbstract_54110dc1-c797-4b59-9efb-743b198b122c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxAssetsNet_7e8c53b5-bbd0-4f06-b9b2-65efb3afbc68" xlink:type="arc" order="6"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherAssetsMiscellaneous_0e1df7ce-6798-471e-954f-177116afb0c2" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_OtherAssetsMiscellaneous"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OtherAssetsAbstract_54110dc1-c797-4b59-9efb-743b198b122c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherAssetsMiscellaneous_0e1df7ce-6798-471e-954f-177116afb0c2" xlink:type="arc" order="7"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherAssets_ae48e0a7-45fa-4171-abd1-e42e9115e761" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_OtherAssets"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesAbstract_ff6665f4-2d4f-4491-87c8-7d177e1919e5" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesAbstract"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedFinancialStatementsCaptionsLineItems_785dbcd0-4804-47e3-bac2-3557044d3c9b" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesAbstract_ff6665f4-2d4f-4491-87c8-7d177e1919e5" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccruedLiabilitiesCurrentAndNoncurrent_c898f08a-e280-4127-aa61-c452c949ac3a" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_AccruedLiabilitiesCurrentAndNoncurrent"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesAbstract_ff6665f4-2d4f-4491-87c8-7d177e1919e5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccruedLiabilitiesCurrentAndNoncurrent_c898f08a-e280-4127-aa61-c452c949ac3a" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_CashierChecks_b9c72785-b7eb-4ea6-a434-1389893ca14b" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_CashierChecks"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesAbstract_ff6665f4-2d4f-4491-87c8-7d177e1919e5" xlink:to="loc_he_CashierChecks_b9c72785-b7eb-4ea6-a434-1389893ca14b" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AdvancePaymentsByBorrowersForTaxesAndInsurance_39609bd3-8b17-4e68-84de-23f402f8b6ad" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_AdvancePaymentsByBorrowersForTaxesAndInsurance"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesAbstract_ff6665f4-2d4f-4491-87c8-7d177e1919e5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AdvancePaymentsByBorrowersForTaxesAndInsurance_39609bd3-8b17-4e68-84de-23f402f8b6ad" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherSundryLiabilities_86906ded-a81b-4b08-9504-67069e1f5c8d" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_OtherSundryLiabilities"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesAbstract_ff6665f4-2d4f-4491-87c8-7d177e1919e5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherSundryLiabilities_86906ded-a81b-4b08-9504-67069e1f5c8d" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherLiabilities_9760606d-4471-48ea-92ce-5d79cbda37ee" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_OtherLiabilities"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.hei.com/role/BanksegmentComponentsofInvestmentSecuritiesDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#BanksegmentComponentsofInvestmentSecuritiesDetails"/>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.hei.com/role/BanksegmentComponentsofInvestmentSecuritiesDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems_9b0c7540-d3b4-4007-8140-fc7f967a6d03" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleTable_679e1f9d-82b4-4fd5-8f3b-65203614e472" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleTable"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems_9b0c7540-d3b4-4007-8140-fc7f967a6d03" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleTable_679e1f9d-82b4-4fd5-8f3b-65203614e472" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis_24d250c4-89e4-4941-934f-350af5fe35ae" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleTable_679e1f9d-82b4-4fd5-8f3b-65203614e472" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis_24d250c4-89e4-4941-934f-350af5fe35ae" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain_24d250c4-89e4-4941-934f-350af5fe35ae_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis_24d250c4-89e4-4941-934f-350af5fe35ae" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain_24d250c4-89e4-4941-934f-350af5fe35ae_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain_317d69d0-b3de-4a0e-8370-80ab113d3766" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis_24d250c4-89e4-4941-934f-350af5fe35ae" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain_317d69d0-b3de-4a0e-8370-80ab113d3766" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_USTreasuryAndGovernmentMember_6e501b65-4844-477e-ab23-1ad7838753bd" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_USTreasuryAndGovernmentMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain_317d69d0-b3de-4a0e-8370-80ab113d3766" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_USTreasuryAndGovernmentMember_6e501b65-4844-477e-ab23-1ad7838753bd" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MortgageBackedSecuritiesIssuedByUSGovernmentSponsoredEnterprisesMember_04cadf34-4fd3-402e-a9ca-1371b8b47dc9" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_MortgageBackedSecuritiesIssuedByUSGovernmentSponsoredEnterprisesMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain_317d69d0-b3de-4a0e-8370-80ab113d3766" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MortgageBackedSecuritiesIssuedByUSGovernmentSponsoredEnterprisesMember_04cadf34-4fd3-402e-a9ca-1371b8b47dc9" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember_41a01534-d78b-4f54-8e36-6b9bf4c842b8" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain_317d69d0-b3de-4a0e-8370-80ab113d3766" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember_41a01534-d78b-4f54-8e36-6b9bf4c842b8" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetBackedSecuritiesMember_f81ae46e-49bf-434a-8ccc-609e5b218173" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_AssetBackedSecuritiesMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain_317d69d0-b3de-4a0e-8370-80ab113d3766" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetBackedSecuritiesMember_f81ae46e-49bf-434a-8ccc-609e5b218173" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_cdcc552a-37d5-4ece-ae5f-6d4516b54ed3" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2024/dei-2024.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleTable_679e1f9d-82b4-4fd5-8f3b-65203614e472" xlink:to="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_cdcc552a-37d5-4ece-ae5f-6d4516b54ed3" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_cdcc552a-37d5-4ece-ae5f-6d4516b54ed3_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2024/dei-2024.xsd#dei_EntityDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_cdcc552a-37d5-4ece-ae5f-6d4516b54ed3" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_cdcc552a-37d5-4ece-ae5f-6d4516b54ed3_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_6fe5cff8-4698-463a-a53b-35b77a721c1e" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2024/dei-2024.xsd#dei_EntityDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_cdcc552a-37d5-4ece-ae5f-6d4516b54ed3" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_6fe5cff8-4698-463a-a53b-35b77a721c1e" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_AmericanSavingsBankFSBMember_c3162732-103f-49f2-932b-416646f6585a" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_AmericanSavingsBankFSBMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_6fe5cff8-4698-463a-a53b-35b77a721c1e" xlink:to="loc_he_AmericanSavingsBankFSBMember_c3162732-103f-49f2-932b-416646f6585a" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAbstract_d3ad3b97-316e-41bd-8f28-f4cae977d90c" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAbstract"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems_9b0c7540-d3b4-4007-8140-fc7f967a6d03" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAbstract_d3ad3b97-316e-41bd-8f28-f4cae977d90c" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleAmortizedCostExcludingAccruedInterestAfterAllowanceForCreditLoss_5e10c5c3-b372-4013-a250-3ad744db2c7b" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleAmortizedCostExcludingAccruedInterestAfterAllowanceForCreditLoss"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAbstract_d3ad3b97-316e-41bd-8f28-f4cae977d90c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleAmortizedCostExcludingAccruedInterestAfterAllowanceForCreditLoss_5e10c5c3-b372-4013-a250-3ad744db2c7b" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleDebtSecuritiesAccumulatedGrossUnrealizedGainBeforeTax_1498cbdf-cfbe-4524-9895-73600db14da1" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleDebtSecuritiesAccumulatedGrossUnrealizedGainBeforeTax"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAbstract_d3ad3b97-316e-41bd-8f28-f4cae977d90c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleDebtSecuritiesAccumulatedGrossUnrealizedGainBeforeTax_1498cbdf-cfbe-4524-9895-73600db14da1" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleDebtSecuritiesAccumulatedGrossUnrealizedLossBeforeTax_8a63fd88-3dfd-409f-9405-b2f7f871200d" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleDebtSecuritiesAccumulatedGrossUnrealizedLossBeforeTax"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAbstract_d3ad3b97-316e-41bd-8f28-f4cae977d90c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleDebtSecuritiesAccumulatedGrossUnrealizedLossBeforeTax_8a63fd88-3dfd-409f-9405-b2f7f871200d" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleExcludingAccruedInterest_4d7a5525-0fc1-4270-b707-bb5453dfed6c" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleExcludingAccruedInterest"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAbstract_d3ad3b97-316e-41bd-8f28-f4cae977d90c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleExcludingAccruedInterest_4d7a5525-0fc1-4270-b707-bb5453dfed6c" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionLessThan12MonthsNumberOfPositions_8d4cc6c4-e38f-4eec-a65d-8cefab50655b" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionLessThan12MonthsNumberOfPositions"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAbstract_d3ad3b97-316e-41bd-8f28-f4cae977d90c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionLessThan12MonthsNumberOfPositions_8d4cc6c4-e38f-4eec-a65d-8cefab50655b" xlink:type="arc" order="5"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionLessThan12Months_cb97bab0-d69b-45f5-a62f-a8cae068640e" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionLessThan12Months"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAbstract_d3ad3b97-316e-41bd-8f28-f4cae977d90c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionLessThan12Months_cb97bab0-d69b-45f5-a62f-a8cae068640e" xlink:type="arc" order="6"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionLessThan12MonthsAccumulatedLoss_faa023cf-2cf2-4372-b573-69c61fbb7810" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionLessThan12MonthsAccumulatedLoss"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAbstract_d3ad3b97-316e-41bd-8f28-f4cae977d90c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionLessThan12MonthsAccumulatedLoss_faa023cf-2cf2-4372-b573-69c61fbb7810" xlink:type="arc" order="7"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleContinuousUnrealizedLossPosition12MonthsOrLongerNumberOfPositions_47633170-cb5c-41cf-9fa2-d7dbf8cd43e7" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleContinuousUnrealizedLossPosition12MonthsOrLongerNumberOfPositions"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAbstract_d3ad3b97-316e-41bd-8f28-f4cae977d90c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleContinuousUnrealizedLossPosition12MonthsOrLongerNumberOfPositions_47633170-cb5c-41cf-9fa2-d7dbf8cd43e7" xlink:type="arc" order="8"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleContinuousUnrealizedLossPosition12MonthsOrLonger_7f63bf0a-6f31-4b9c-bdb4-9477d6c2bc52" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleContinuousUnrealizedLossPosition12MonthsOrLonger"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAbstract_d3ad3b97-316e-41bd-8f28-f4cae977d90c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleContinuousUnrealizedLossPosition12MonthsOrLonger_7f63bf0a-6f31-4b9c-bdb4-9477d6c2bc52" xlink:type="arc" order="9"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleUnrealizedLossPositionAccumulatedLoss_9c40cb72-f01e-41d0-88b3-f1e072083340" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleUnrealizedLossPositionAccumulatedLoss"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAbstract_d3ad3b97-316e-41bd-8f28-f4cae977d90c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleUnrealizedLossPositionAccumulatedLoss_9c40cb72-f01e-41d0-88b3-f1e072083340" xlink:type="arc" order="10"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesClassifiedAbstract_b04cf5ba-6800-4db8-9984-e7103f358310" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesClassifiedAbstract"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems_9b0c7540-d3b4-4007-8140-fc7f967a6d03" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesClassifiedAbstract_b04cf5ba-6800-4db8-9984-e7103f358310" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesHeldToMaturityExcludingAccruedInterestAfterAllowanceForCreditLoss_aa3ec90e-4518-4be4-9ab3-544aeb53ac93" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesHeldToMaturityExcludingAccruedInterestAfterAllowanceForCreditLoss"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesClassifiedAbstract_b04cf5ba-6800-4db8-9984-e7103f358310" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesHeldToMaturityExcludingAccruedInterestAfterAllowanceForCreditLoss_aa3ec90e-4518-4be4-9ab3-544aeb53ac93" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesAccumulatedUnrecognizedHoldingGain_95b59616-e6c9-4a58-a730-a321533dc1c5" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesAccumulatedUnrecognizedHoldingGain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesClassifiedAbstract_b04cf5ba-6800-4db8-9984-e7103f358310" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesAccumulatedUnrecognizedHoldingGain_95b59616-e6c9-4a58-a730-a321533dc1c5" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesAccumulatedUnrecognizedHoldingLoss_73e24d7b-c886-4bee-b284-8eb3577dcc16" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesAccumulatedUnrecognizedHoldingLoss"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesClassifiedAbstract_b04cf5ba-6800-4db8-9984-e7103f358310" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesAccumulatedUnrecognizedHoldingLoss_73e24d7b-c886-4bee-b284-8eb3577dcc16" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesFairValue_c7c281b5-490d-45f9-8cd9-201baeabc8d5" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesFairValue"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesClassifiedAbstract_b04cf5ba-6800-4db8-9984-e7103f358310" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesFairValue_c7c281b5-490d-45f9-8cd9-201baeabc8d5" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesLessThan12MonthsNumberOfIssues_13070774-b381-4804-ae00-b9e6938a88d0" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesLessThan12MonthsNumberOfIssues"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesClassifiedAbstract_b04cf5ba-6800-4db8-9984-e7103f358310" xlink:to="loc_he_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesLessThan12MonthsNumberOfIssues_13070774-b381-4804-ae00-b9e6938a88d0" xlink:type="arc" order="5"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionLessThanTwelveMonthsFairValue_556ad1bc-b499-4711-9527-34439ced2e9c" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionLessThanTwelveMonthsFairValue"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesClassifiedAbstract_b04cf5ba-6800-4db8-9984-e7103f358310" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionLessThanTwelveMonthsFairValue_556ad1bc-b499-4711-9527-34439ced2e9c" xlink:type="arc" order="6"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionLessThan12MonthsAccumulatedLoss_c8ff968a-a299-4c61-a68f-cb2ddffb7dc9" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionLessThan12MonthsAccumulatedLoss"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesClassifiedAbstract_b04cf5ba-6800-4db8-9984-e7103f358310" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionLessThan12MonthsAccumulatedLoss_c8ff968a-a299-4c61-a68f-cb2ddffb7dc9" xlink:type="arc" order="7"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesMoreThan12MonthsNumberOfIssues_80403f92-ec7b-4605-a648-e566045a3163" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesMoreThan12MonthsNumberOfIssues"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesClassifiedAbstract_b04cf5ba-6800-4db8-9984-e7103f358310" xlink:to="loc_he_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesMoreThan12MonthsNumberOfIssues_80403f92-ec7b-4605-a648-e566045a3163" xlink:type="arc" order="8"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionTwelveMonthsOrLongerFairValue_18e7978e-7dce-423e-9337-bd79b15d1b8c" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionTwelveMonthsOrLongerFairValue"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesClassifiedAbstract_b04cf5ba-6800-4db8-9984-e7103f358310" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionTwelveMonthsOrLongerFairValue_18e7978e-7dce-423e-9337-bd79b15d1b8c" xlink:type="arc" order="9"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPosition12MonthsOrLongerAccumulatedLoss_386babcd-a571-4672-af11-12e3103d83de" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPosition12MonthsOrLongerAccumulatedLoss"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesClassifiedAbstract_b04cf5ba-6800-4db8-9984-e7103f358310" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPosition12MonthsOrLongerAccumulatedLoss_386babcd-a571-4672-af11-12e3103d83de" xlink:type="arc" order="10"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.hei.com/role/BanksegmentLoansReceivableDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#BanksegmentLoansReceivableDetails"/>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.hei.com/role/BanksegmentLoansReceivableDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccountsNotesAndLoansReceivableLineItems_96176f4e-6fea-46c5-b690-0a7d1f15c1b3" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_AccountsNotesAndLoansReceivableLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableTable_6ba4b81e-2643-4ac6-ac4e-ceb59e875759" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfAccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableTable"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountsNotesAndLoansReceivableLineItems_96176f4e-6fea-46c5-b690-0a7d1f15c1b3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableTable_6ba4b81e-2643-4ac6-ac4e-ceb59e875759" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis_b5f7e3b6-5938-4978-a854-6240ed06a582" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableTable_6ba4b81e-2643-4ac6-ac4e-ceb59e875759" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis_b5f7e3b6-5938-4978-a854-6240ed06a582" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain_b5f7e3b6-5938-4978-a854-6240ed06a582_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis_b5f7e3b6-5938-4978-a854-6240ed06a582" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain_b5f7e3b6-5938-4978-a854-6240ed06a582_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain_796e5847-7e4a-4e09-bc33-8bed845db2bb" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis_b5f7e3b6-5938-4978-a854-6240ed06a582" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain_796e5847-7e4a-4e09-bc33-8bed845db2bb" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateLoanMember_4e5f6e1b-b633-46bd-a519-e2726c4494ae" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_RealEstateLoanMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain_796e5847-7e4a-4e09-bc33-8bed845db2bb" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateLoanMember_4e5f6e1b-b633-46bd-a519-e2726c4494ae" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_Residential1To4FamilyPortfolioSegmentMember_2461a3ed-f55d-4bef-901b-ba277f073a7e" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_Residential1To4FamilyPortfolioSegmentMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateLoanMember_4e5f6e1b-b633-46bd-a519-e2726c4494ae" xlink:to="loc_he_Residential1To4FamilyPortfolioSegmentMember_2461a3ed-f55d-4bef-901b-ba277f073a7e" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommercialRealEstatePortfolioSegmentMember_993f1b18-f3fd-46bf-b6e4-b00c8d1aaba2" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_CommercialRealEstatePortfolioSegmentMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateLoanMember_4e5f6e1b-b633-46bd-a519-e2726c4494ae" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommercialRealEstatePortfolioSegmentMember_993f1b18-f3fd-46bf-b6e4-b00c8d1aaba2" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_HomeEquityMember_fbcdb50a-a199-4c26-bfad-8edd11e47c01" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_HomeEquityMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateLoanMember_4e5f6e1b-b633-46bd-a519-e2726c4494ae" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_HomeEquityMember_fbcdb50a-a199-4c26-bfad-8edd11e47c01" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_ResidentialLandPortfolioSegmentMember_b992f60f-b3d9-4d52-a959-05a83f8a9c2f" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_ResidentialLandPortfolioSegmentMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateLoanMember_4e5f6e1b-b633-46bd-a519-e2726c4494ae" xlink:to="loc_he_ResidentialLandPortfolioSegmentMember_b992f60f-b3d9-4d52-a959-05a83f8a9c2f" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConstructionLoansMember_a1703cad-fd05-46b9-b53c-beebc18b0f4f" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_ConstructionLoansMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateLoanMember_4e5f6e1b-b633-46bd-a519-e2726c4494ae" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConstructionLoansMember_a1703cad-fd05-46b9-b53c-beebc18b0f4f" xlink:type="arc" order="5"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_ResidentialConstructionPortfolioSegmentMember_81d4337f-cfe5-45fe-a6d3-e48198e4ea97" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_ResidentialConstructionPortfolioSegmentMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateLoanMember_4e5f6e1b-b633-46bd-a519-e2726c4494ae" xlink:to="loc_he_ResidentialConstructionPortfolioSegmentMember_81d4337f-cfe5-45fe-a6d3-e48198e4ea97" xlink:type="arc" order="6"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommercialLoanMember_c400d480-e7fb-49bc-8b85-7d4ed1b27feb" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_CommercialLoanMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain_796e5847-7e4a-4e09-bc33-8bed845db2bb" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommercialLoanMember_c400d480-e7fb-49bc-8b85-7d4ed1b27feb" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConsumerLoanMember_83091c5a-af0e-4ea7-b6f9-980ef90a51d1" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_ConsumerLoanMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain_796e5847-7e4a-4e09-bc33-8bed845db2bb" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConsumerLoanMember_83091c5a-af0e-4ea7-b6f9-980ef90a51d1" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableBeforeAllowanceForCreditLossAndFee_d7ae7c68-a62e-4e1a-aa50-c41eb1406969" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableBeforeAllowanceForCreditLossAndFee"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountsNotesAndLoansReceivableLineItems_96176f4e-6fea-46c5-b690-0a7d1f15c1b3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableBeforeAllowanceForCreditLossAndFee_d7ae7c68-a62e-4e1a-aa50-c41eb1406969" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableUnamortizedLoanCommitmentOriginationFeeAndPremiumDiscount_fd177d32-4705-4864-a18a-dc1349b7690f" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableUnamortizedLoanCommitmentOriginationFeeAndPremiumDiscount"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountsNotesAndLoansReceivableLineItems_96176f4e-6fea-46c5-b690-0a7d1f15c1b3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableUnamortizedLoanCommitmentOriginationFeeAndPremiumDiscount_fd177d32-4705-4864-a18a-dc1349b7690f" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossExcludingAccruedInterest_28942904-8513-4ca7-a8b0-f13b012ab815" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossExcludingAccruedInterest"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountsNotesAndLoansReceivableLineItems_96176f4e-6fea-46c5-b690-0a7d1f15c1b3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossExcludingAccruedInterest_28942904-8513-4ca7-a8b0-f13b012ab815" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableExcludingAccruedInterestAfterAllowanceForCreditLoss_f8377bcf-0a7f-456e-bf0b-af6880efed1c" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableExcludingAccruedInterestAfterAllowanceForCreditLoss"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountsNotesAndLoansReceivableLineItems_96176f4e-6fea-46c5-b690-0a7d1f15c1b3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableExcludingAccruedInterestAfterAllowanceForCreditLoss_f8377bcf-0a7f-456e-bf0b-af6880efed1c" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.hei.com/role/BanksegmentAllowanceforCreditLossesDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#BanksegmentAllowanceforCreditLossesDetails"/>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.hei.com/role/BanksegmentAllowanceforCreditLossesDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesLineItems_9f487322-f953-418d-b3d2-7546e4462762" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfFinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesTable_502d6988-040a-45e5-9545-872f87494252" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfFinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesTable"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesLineItems_9f487322-f953-418d-b3d2-7546e4462762" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfFinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesTable_502d6988-040a-45e5-9545-872f87494252" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentAxis_c3a59563-2550-41dc-9948-587732531716" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfFinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesTable_502d6988-040a-45e5-9545-872f87494252" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentAxis_c3a59563-2550-41dc-9948-587732531716" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain_c3a59563-2550-41dc-9948-587732531716_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentAxis_c3a59563-2550-41dc-9948-587732531716" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain_c3a59563-2550-41dc-9948-587732531716_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain_c3afb47d-ed36-4d26-8b1f-36c242a87785" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentAxis_c3a59563-2550-41dc-9948-587732531716" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain_c3afb47d-ed36-4d26-8b1f-36c242a87785" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_RealEstatePortfolioSegmentMember_abf91bad-f631-42d2-9765-22c7991aef4b" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_RealEstatePortfolioSegmentMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain_c3afb47d-ed36-4d26-8b1f-36c242a87785" xlink:to="loc_he_RealEstatePortfolioSegmentMember_abf91bad-f631-42d2-9765-22c7991aef4b" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommercialPortfolioSegmentMember_d4c927ed-4fc8-4a54-bd8a-8a30d60f1249" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_CommercialPortfolioSegmentMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain_c3afb47d-ed36-4d26-8b1f-36c242a87785" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommercialPortfolioSegmentMember_d4c927ed-4fc8-4a54-bd8a-8a30d60f1249" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConsumerPortfolioSegmentMember_97157d44-2644-455a-a35e-2e0e6258a0c3" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_ConsumerPortfolioSegmentMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain_c3afb47d-ed36-4d26-8b1f-36c242a87785" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConsumerPortfolioSegmentMember_97157d44-2644-455a-a35e-2e0e6258a0c3" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis_c7bc8cdd-32f1-47db-8c82-91fe565fd504" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfFinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesTable_502d6988-040a-45e5-9545-872f87494252" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis_c7bc8cdd-32f1-47db-8c82-91fe565fd504" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain_c7bc8cdd-32f1-47db-8c82-91fe565fd504_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis_c7bc8cdd-32f1-47db-8c82-91fe565fd504" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain_c7bc8cdd-32f1-47db-8c82-91fe565fd504_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain_71edfea7-31e1-4da0-a749-b7a6e1948bc7" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis_c7bc8cdd-32f1-47db-8c82-91fe565fd504" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain_71edfea7-31e1-4da0-a749-b7a6e1948bc7" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_Residential14FamilyMember_979c5cd3-21bf-4198-8191-43191d7858dc" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_Residential14FamilyMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain_71edfea7-31e1-4da0-a749-b7a6e1948bc7" xlink:to="loc_he_Residential14FamilyMember_979c5cd3-21bf-4198-8191-43191d7858dc" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommercialRealEstateMember_8b97931d-4fe0-4c22-887c-c8d9fe0d28bc" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_CommercialRealEstateMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain_71edfea7-31e1-4da0-a749-b7a6e1948bc7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommercialRealEstateMember_8b97931d-4fe0-4c22-887c-c8d9fe0d28bc" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_HomeEquityLoanMember_04d6c8de-56b0-4f5f-9ee7-d4a4a5a7f667" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_HomeEquityLoanMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain_71edfea7-31e1-4da0-a749-b7a6e1948bc7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_HomeEquityLoanMember_04d6c8de-56b0-4f5f-9ee7-d4a4a5a7f667" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_ResidentialLandMember_93d1caf5-ebe3-4178-9787-3a4ede96e9fb" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_ResidentialLandMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain_71edfea7-31e1-4da0-a749-b7a6e1948bc7" xlink:to="loc_he_ResidentialLandMember_93d1caf5-ebe3-4178-9787-3a4ede96e9fb" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_CommercialConstructionLoanMember_748400f7-47b1-414e-8fcd-9eafcec02edb" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_CommercialConstructionLoanMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain_71edfea7-31e1-4da0-a749-b7a6e1948bc7" xlink:to="loc_he_CommercialConstructionLoanMember_748400f7-47b1-414e-8fcd-9eafcec02edb" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_ResidentialConstructionLoanMember_b4ed7805-9784-4907-b953-ffa9f64db203" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_ResidentialConstructionLoanMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain_71edfea7-31e1-4da0-a749-b7a6e1948bc7" xlink:to="loc_he_ResidentialConstructionLoanMember_b4ed7805-9784-4907-b953-ffa9f64db203" xlink:type="arc" order="5"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_Residential1To4FamilyPortfolioSegmentMember_066fb844-bcb4-4564-8d39-dde6be4a730c" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_Residential1To4FamilyPortfolioSegmentMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain_71edfea7-31e1-4da0-a749-b7a6e1948bc7" xlink:to="loc_he_Residential1To4FamilyPortfolioSegmentMember_066fb844-bcb4-4564-8d39-dde6be4a730c" xlink:type="arc" order="6"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommercialRealEstatePortfolioSegmentMember_e5b6239e-727a-4a44-8a02-e6433bd4f059" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_CommercialRealEstatePortfolioSegmentMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain_71edfea7-31e1-4da0-a749-b7a6e1948bc7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommercialRealEstatePortfolioSegmentMember_e5b6239e-727a-4a44-8a02-e6433bd4f059" xlink:type="arc" order="7"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_HomeEquityMember_718f158d-ef04-44ba-b7e4-c75f142b2a39" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_HomeEquityMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain_71edfea7-31e1-4da0-a749-b7a6e1948bc7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_HomeEquityMember_718f158d-ef04-44ba-b7e4-c75f142b2a39" xlink:type="arc" order="8"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_ResidentialLandPortfolioSegmentMember_bc3b4df9-fffb-49dd-b47b-4f38f41e857d" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_ResidentialLandPortfolioSegmentMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain_71edfea7-31e1-4da0-a749-b7a6e1948bc7" xlink:to="loc_he_ResidentialLandPortfolioSegmentMember_bc3b4df9-fffb-49dd-b47b-4f38f41e857d" xlink:type="arc" order="9"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConstructionLoansMember_422f16fa-1afc-487c-b237-d47d459827a1" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_ConstructionLoansMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain_71edfea7-31e1-4da0-a749-b7a6e1948bc7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConstructionLoansMember_422f16fa-1afc-487c-b237-d47d459827a1" xlink:type="arc" order="10"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_ResidentialConstructionPortfolioSegmentMember_a14e2585-df70-4627-98d5-ffb416894ac2" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_ResidentialConstructionPortfolioSegmentMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain_71edfea7-31e1-4da0-a749-b7a6e1948bc7" xlink:to="loc_he_ResidentialConstructionPortfolioSegmentMember_a14e2585-df70-4627-98d5-ffb416894ac2" xlink:type="arc" order="11"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesRollForward_a6b2f9c8-3bdc-4ad2-a1da-60925a7a9a58" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesRollForward"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesLineItems_9f487322-f953-418d-b3d2-7546e4462762" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesRollForward_a6b2f9c8-3bdc-4ad2-a1da-60925a7a9a58" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossExcludingAccruedInterest_09925eb9-8559-4f0c-836c-48bc099c2202" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossExcludingAccruedInterest"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesRollForward_a6b2f9c8-3bdc-4ad2-a1da-60925a7a9a58" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossExcludingAccruedInterest_09925eb9-8559-4f0c-836c-48bc099c2202" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableExcludingAccruedInterestAllowanceForCreditLossWriteoff_5bfd4cd4-23f0-48e6-a8d8-917a78bc65e1" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableExcludingAccruedInterestAllowanceForCreditLossWriteoff"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesRollForward_a6b2f9c8-3bdc-4ad2-a1da-60925a7a9a58" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableExcludingAccruedInterestAllowanceForCreditLossWriteoff_5bfd4cd4-23f0-48e6-a8d8-917a78bc65e1" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableExcludingAccruedInterestAllowanceForCreditLossRecovery_7a471441-f147-4333-b40b-7b45fda07472" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableExcludingAccruedInterestAllowanceForCreditLossRecovery"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesRollForward_a6b2f9c8-3bdc-4ad2-a1da-60925a7a9a58" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableExcludingAccruedInterestAllowanceForCreditLossRecovery_7a471441-f147-4333-b40b-7b45fda07472" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableExcludingAccruedInterestCreditLossExpenseReversal_7e4dca36-a68b-45c0-99b1-f0b5308bb744" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableExcludingAccruedInterestCreditLossExpenseReversal"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesRollForward_a6b2f9c8-3bdc-4ad2-a1da-60925a7a9a58" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableExcludingAccruedInterestCreditLossExpenseReversal_7e4dca36-a68b-45c0-99b1-f0b5308bb744" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossExcludingAccruedInterest_c9623c9e-da99-4906-9c2b-0e7fa9d52007" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossExcludingAccruedInterest"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.hei.com/role/BanksegmentAllowanceforLoanCommitmentsDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#BanksegmentAllowanceforLoanCommitmentsDetails"/>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.hei.com/role/BanksegmentAllowanceforLoanCommitmentsDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentPastDueLineItems_5b359e72-3cf6-441e-98a0-5cb02cee052d" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentPastDueLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfFinancingReceivablesPastDueTable_8e48ed84-e1b1-45e6-8550-c6bcf91c2064" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfFinancingReceivablesPastDueTable"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentPastDueLineItems_5b359e72-3cf6-441e-98a0-5cb02cee052d" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfFinancingReceivablesPastDueTable_8e48ed84-e1b1-45e6-8550-c6bcf91c2064" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentAxis_c814f6d3-b419-473d-bddd-11582700b27b" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfFinancingReceivablesPastDueTable_8e48ed84-e1b1-45e6-8550-c6bcf91c2064" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentAxis_c814f6d3-b419-473d-bddd-11582700b27b" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain_c814f6d3-b419-473d-bddd-11582700b27b_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentAxis_c814f6d3-b419-473d-bddd-11582700b27b" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain_c814f6d3-b419-473d-bddd-11582700b27b_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain_167b610f-d99b-467e-8358-d0ab7e5c007d" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentAxis_c814f6d3-b419-473d-bddd-11582700b27b" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain_167b610f-d99b-467e-8358-d0ab7e5c007d" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_RealEstatePortfolioSegmentMember_5eb482e3-8780-4373-9367-905629bba963" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_RealEstatePortfolioSegmentMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain_167b610f-d99b-467e-8358-d0ab7e5c007d" xlink:to="loc_he_RealEstatePortfolioSegmentMember_5eb482e3-8780-4373-9367-905629bba963" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommercialPortfolioSegmentMember_baefca07-5790-45f8-b982-81f2adba347b" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_CommercialPortfolioSegmentMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain_167b610f-d99b-467e-8358-d0ab7e5c007d" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommercialPortfolioSegmentMember_baefca07-5790-45f8-b982-81f2adba347b" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis_31bc9fa4-45db-4c74-9624-35563df32874" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfFinancingReceivablesPastDueTable_8e48ed84-e1b1-45e6-8550-c6bcf91c2064" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis_31bc9fa4-45db-4c74-9624-35563df32874" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain_31bc9fa4-45db-4c74-9624-35563df32874_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis_31bc9fa4-45db-4c74-9624-35563df32874" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain_31bc9fa4-45db-4c74-9624-35563df32874_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain_8c267f60-7699-4ece-9b7c-b2a4b4f9d00f" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis_31bc9fa4-45db-4c74-9624-35563df32874" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain_8c267f60-7699-4ece-9b7c-b2a4b4f9d00f" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_HomeEquityLoanMember_11853716-b5d6-415e-9850-30152a16d449" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_HomeEquityLoanMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain_8c267f60-7699-4ece-9b7c-b2a4b4f9d00f" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_HomeEquityLoanMember_11853716-b5d6-415e-9850-30152a16d449" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_CommercialConstructionLoanMember_7d874c33-8015-436e-a67b-9b4d3406a979" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_CommercialConstructionLoanMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain_8c267f60-7699-4ece-9b7c-b2a4b4f9d00f" xlink:to="loc_he_CommercialConstructionLoanMember_7d874c33-8015-436e-a67b-9b4d3406a979" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OffBalanceSheetCreditLossLiabilityRollforward_6862eed1-a050-4913-b682-5ab77d43d15a" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_OffBalanceSheetCreditLossLiabilityRollforward"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentPastDueLineItems_5b359e72-3cf6-441e-98a0-5cb02cee052d" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OffBalanceSheetCreditLossLiabilityRollforward_6862eed1-a050-4913-b682-5ab77d43d15a" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OffBalanceSheetCreditLossLiability_cc034c91-cb30-49a5-be3d-b84fd92d8b86" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_OffBalanceSheetCreditLossLiability"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OffBalanceSheetCreditLossLiabilityRollforward_6862eed1-a050-4913-b682-5ab77d43d15a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OffBalanceSheetCreditLossLiability_cc034c91-cb30-49a5-be3d-b84fd92d8b86" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OffBalanceSheetCreditLossLiabilityCreditLossExpenseReversal_23a830af-703c-4593-9007-c54a22cf1042" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_OffBalanceSheetCreditLossLiabilityCreditLossExpenseReversal"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OffBalanceSheetCreditLossLiabilityRollforward_6862eed1-a050-4913-b682-5ab77d43d15a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OffBalanceSheetCreditLossLiabilityCreditLossExpenseReversal_23a830af-703c-4593-9007-c54a22cf1042" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OffBalanceSheetCreditLossLiability_50b531da-58ef-47b1-b8ae-d8d6ef8017a9" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_OffBalanceSheetCreditLossLiability"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.hei.com/role/BanksegmentCreditRiskProfilePaymentActivityandAssignedGradesDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#BanksegmentCreditRiskProfilePaymentActivityandAssignedGradesDetails"/>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.hei.com/role/BanksegmentCreditRiskProfilePaymentActivityandAssignedGradesDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentLineItems_e47f92be-8860-4066-9037-b05f3aecae43" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfFinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentCreditQualityIndicatorTable_1a5b7eb5-067a-484a-a66b-52edb00dc485" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfFinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentCreditQualityIndicatorTable"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentLineItems_e47f92be-8860-4066-9037-b05f3aecae43" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfFinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentCreditQualityIndicatorTable_1a5b7eb5-067a-484a-a66b-52edb00dc485" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentAxis_9a296e38-4bcc-4358-aaf9-3a21b1db1d40" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfFinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentCreditQualityIndicatorTable_1a5b7eb5-067a-484a-a66b-52edb00dc485" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentAxis_9a296e38-4bcc-4358-aaf9-3a21b1db1d40" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain_9a296e38-4bcc-4358-aaf9-3a21b1db1d40_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentAxis_9a296e38-4bcc-4358-aaf9-3a21b1db1d40" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain_9a296e38-4bcc-4358-aaf9-3a21b1db1d40_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain_2c96f1d5-e472-4998-b02b-93b477ac71dc" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentAxis_9a296e38-4bcc-4358-aaf9-3a21b1db1d40" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain_2c96f1d5-e472-4998-b02b-93b477ac71dc" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_RealEstatePortfolioSegmentMember_cd1b38ab-7db6-40d8-9e75-772dd016ff7d" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_RealEstatePortfolioSegmentMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain_2c96f1d5-e472-4998-b02b-93b477ac71dc" xlink:to="loc_he_RealEstatePortfolioSegmentMember_cd1b38ab-7db6-40d8-9e75-772dd016ff7d" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConsumerPortfolioSegmentMember_de0148af-11f7-4bb1-9eaf-d4a0cba8e2ab" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_ConsumerPortfolioSegmentMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain_2c96f1d5-e472-4998-b02b-93b477ac71dc" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConsumerPortfolioSegmentMember_de0148af-11f7-4bb1-9eaf-d4a0cba8e2ab" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommercialPortfolioSegmentMember_ef7f1c00-688f-44e2-9e82-502799c02faf" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_CommercialPortfolioSegmentMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain_2c96f1d5-e472-4998-b02b-93b477ac71dc" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommercialPortfolioSegmentMember_ef7f1c00-688f-44e2-9e82-502799c02faf" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis_3bcc616c-9ba4-4267-b842-55d4f43fd2bc" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfFinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentCreditQualityIndicatorTable_1a5b7eb5-067a-484a-a66b-52edb00dc485" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis_3bcc616c-9ba4-4267-b842-55d4f43fd2bc" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain_3bcc616c-9ba4-4267-b842-55d4f43fd2bc_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis_3bcc616c-9ba4-4267-b842-55d4f43fd2bc" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain_3bcc616c-9ba4-4267-b842-55d4f43fd2bc_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain_4316b879-9a80-4a22-9f6c-4283f7907e0c" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis_3bcc616c-9ba4-4267-b842-55d4f43fd2bc" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain_4316b879-9a80-4a22-9f6c-4283f7907e0c" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_Residential14FamilyMember_7313ecc9-4bf6-4f4a-a503-6187642ee769" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_Residential14FamilyMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain_4316b879-9a80-4a22-9f6c-4283f7907e0c" xlink:to="loc_he_Residential14FamilyMember_7313ecc9-4bf6-4f4a-a503-6187642ee769" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_HomeEquityLoanMember_0f2822db-12ad-49fb-bc8e-f07ff2352f87" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_HomeEquityLoanMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain_4316b879-9a80-4a22-9f6c-4283f7907e0c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_HomeEquityLoanMember_0f2822db-12ad-49fb-bc8e-f07ff2352f87" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_ResidentialLandMember_46f910cf-02f7-42b5-8483-add75dc0093e" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_ResidentialLandMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain_4316b879-9a80-4a22-9f6c-4283f7907e0c" xlink:to="loc_he_ResidentialLandMember_46f910cf-02f7-42b5-8483-add75dc0093e" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_ResidentialConstructionLoanMember_2c1fe19b-fc6b-437c-b03b-44902b683f2e" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_ResidentialConstructionLoanMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain_4316b879-9a80-4a22-9f6c-4283f7907e0c" xlink:to="loc_he_ResidentialConstructionLoanMember_2c1fe19b-fc6b-437c-b03b-44902b683f2e" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommercialRealEstateMember_42aeb80a-880d-4ef4-b3a3-2b67e02dd826" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_CommercialRealEstateMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain_4316b879-9a80-4a22-9f6c-4283f7907e0c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommercialRealEstateMember_42aeb80a-880d-4ef4-b3a3-2b67e02dd826" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_CommercialConstructionLoanMember_d14bc993-d5ab-445c-b63c-97b51f89b7f0" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_CommercialConstructionLoanMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain_4316b879-9a80-4a22-9f6c-4283f7907e0c" xlink:to="loc_he_CommercialConstructionLoanMember_d14bc993-d5ab-445c-b63c-97b51f89b7f0" xlink:type="arc" order="5"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivablesPeriodPastDueAxis_d100c201-cf9b-42b7-bf68-a086f2de160e" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivablesPeriodPastDueAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfFinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentCreditQualityIndicatorTable_1a5b7eb5-067a-484a-a66b-52edb00dc485" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivablesPeriodPastDueAxis_d100c201-cf9b-42b7-bf68-a086f2de160e" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivablesPeriodPastDueDomain_d100c201-cf9b-42b7-bf68-a086f2de160e_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivablesPeriodPastDueDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivablesPeriodPastDueAxis_d100c201-cf9b-42b7-bf68-a086f2de160e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivablesPeriodPastDueDomain_d100c201-cf9b-42b7-bf68-a086f2de160e_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivablesPeriodPastDueDomain_294a2c35-6875-402b-b7e5-2e5e3dde3bc2" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivablesPeriodPastDueDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivablesPeriodPastDueAxis_d100c201-cf9b-42b7-bf68-a086f2de160e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivablesPeriodPastDueDomain_294a2c35-6875-402b-b7e5-2e5e3dde3bc2" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivables1To29DaysPastDueMember_8c4b6445-1d8c-408b-978c-99045d4f9177" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivables1To29DaysPastDueMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivablesPeriodPastDueDomain_294a2c35-6875-402b-b7e5-2e5e3dde3bc2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivables1To29DaysPastDueMember_8c4b6445-1d8c-408b-978c-99045d4f9177" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivables30To59DaysPastDueMember_1139c8d6-42ef-4eba-a094-ef605459c1bc" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivables30To59DaysPastDueMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivablesPeriodPastDueDomain_294a2c35-6875-402b-b7e5-2e5e3dde3bc2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivables30To59DaysPastDueMember_1139c8d6-42ef-4eba-a094-ef605459c1bc" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivables60To89DaysPastDueMember_a53d27fb-644f-4a09-ac79-7a94ddbd5696" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivables60To89DaysPastDueMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivablesPeriodPastDueDomain_294a2c35-6875-402b-b7e5-2e5e3dde3bc2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivables60To89DaysPastDueMember_a53d27fb-644f-4a09-ac79-7a94ddbd5696" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivablesEqualToGreaterThan90DaysPastDueMember_b06e297c-6ee1-4cb1-ae14-373fbd5c51ee" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivablesEqualToGreaterThan90DaysPastDueMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivablesPeriodPastDueDomain_294a2c35-6875-402b-b7e5-2e5e3dde3bc2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivablesEqualToGreaterThan90DaysPastDueMember_b06e297c-6ee1-4cb1-ae14-373fbd5c51ee" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InternalCreditAssessmentAxis_9adb133f-8ee4-4947-ab37-e90f31ef3289" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_InternalCreditAssessmentAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfFinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentCreditQualityIndicatorTable_1a5b7eb5-067a-484a-a66b-52edb00dc485" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InternalCreditAssessmentAxis_9adb133f-8ee4-4947-ab37-e90f31ef3289" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InternalCreditAssessmentDomain_9adb133f-8ee4-4947-ab37-e90f31ef3289_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_InternalCreditAssessmentDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InternalCreditAssessmentAxis_9adb133f-8ee4-4947-ab37-e90f31ef3289" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InternalCreditAssessmentDomain_9adb133f-8ee4-4947-ab37-e90f31ef3289_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InternalCreditAssessmentDomain_67bc4153-8cb4-439a-821d-23ee8e4b34c2" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_InternalCreditAssessmentDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InternalCreditAssessmentAxis_9adb133f-8ee4-4947-ab37-e90f31ef3289" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InternalCreditAssessmentDomain_67bc4153-8cb4-439a-821d-23ee8e4b34c2" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PassMember_27e90e33-ebef-412e-a0a3-90d293e0debb" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_PassMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InternalCreditAssessmentDomain_67bc4153-8cb4-439a-821d-23ee8e4b34c2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PassMember_27e90e33-ebef-412e-a0a3-90d293e0debb" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SpecialMentionMember_68bf4a45-b7be-412d-8fbc-42aed006562d" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_SpecialMentionMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InternalCreditAssessmentDomain_67bc4153-8cb4-439a-821d-23ee8e4b34c2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SpecialMentionMember_68bf4a45-b7be-412d-8fbc-42aed006562d" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubstandardMember_053f2c34-490b-4e62-a777-882e8b4981b6" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_SubstandardMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InternalCreditAssessmentDomain_67bc4153-8cb4-439a-821d-23ee8e4b34c2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubstandardMember_053f2c34-490b-4e62-a777-882e8b4981b6" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DoubtfulMember_fb739fd8-df80-40d0-840a-55bdf9f9d568" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_DoubtfulMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InternalCreditAssessmentDomain_67bc4153-8cb4-439a-821d-23ee8e4b34c2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DoubtfulMember_fb739fd8-df80-40d0-840a-55bdf9f9d568" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableExcludingAccruedInterestYearOneOriginatedCurrentFiscalYear_418db23b-59aa-4d1c-82a4-7d483d8642eb" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableExcludingAccruedInterestYearOneOriginatedCurrentFiscalYear"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentLineItems_e47f92be-8860-4066-9037-b05f3aecae43" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableExcludingAccruedInterestYearOneOriginatedCurrentFiscalYear_418db23b-59aa-4d1c-82a4-7d483d8642eb" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableExcludingAccruedInterestYearTwoOriginatedFiscalYearBeforeCurrentFiscalYear_f44f67cd-3698-48b2-b3e0-cdcd94aefb5d" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableExcludingAccruedInterestYearTwoOriginatedFiscalYearBeforeCurrentFiscalYear"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentLineItems_e47f92be-8860-4066-9037-b05f3aecae43" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableExcludingAccruedInterestYearTwoOriginatedFiscalYearBeforeCurrentFiscalYear_f44f67cd-3698-48b2-b3e0-cdcd94aefb5d" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableExcludingAccruedInterestYearThreeOriginatedTwoYearsBeforeCurrentFiscalYear_7be4fdae-bd33-4095-b546-8317c431ea83" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableExcludingAccruedInterestYearThreeOriginatedTwoYearsBeforeCurrentFiscalYear"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentLineItems_e47f92be-8860-4066-9037-b05f3aecae43" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableExcludingAccruedInterestYearThreeOriginatedTwoYearsBeforeCurrentFiscalYear_7be4fdae-bd33-4095-b546-8317c431ea83" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableExcludingAccruedInterestYearFourOriginatedThreeYearsBeforeCurrentFiscalYear_e702000c-9bfa-4b72-b5b1-13e66c2f3081" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableExcludingAccruedInterestYearFourOriginatedThreeYearsBeforeCurrentFiscalYear"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentLineItems_e47f92be-8860-4066-9037-b05f3aecae43" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableExcludingAccruedInterestYearFourOriginatedThreeYearsBeforeCurrentFiscalYear_e702000c-9bfa-4b72-b5b1-13e66c2f3081" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableExcludingAccruedInterestYearFiveOriginatedFourYearsBeforeCurrentFiscalYear_6b1c6ef5-de27-4fed-bbc5-199bc2d19004" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableExcludingAccruedInterestYearFiveOriginatedFourYearsBeforeCurrentFiscalYear"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentLineItems_e47f92be-8860-4066-9037-b05f3aecae43" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableExcludingAccruedInterestYearFiveOriginatedFourYearsBeforeCurrentFiscalYear_6b1c6ef5-de27-4fed-bbc5-199bc2d19004" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableExcludingAccruedInterestOriginatedMoreThanFiveYearsBeforeCurrentFiscalYear_567714fe-1367-4e69-9d88-011cc67bb237" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableExcludingAccruedInterestOriginatedMoreThanFiveYearsBeforeCurrentFiscalYear"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentLineItems_e47f92be-8860-4066-9037-b05f3aecae43" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableExcludingAccruedInterestOriginatedMoreThanFiveYearsBeforeCurrentFiscalYear_567714fe-1367-4e69-9d88-011cc67bb237" xlink:type="arc" order="5"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableExcludingAccruedInterestRevolving_64a767b9-6af1-4e9a-b3db-373b18adca51" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableExcludingAccruedInterestRevolving"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentLineItems_e47f92be-8860-4066-9037-b05f3aecae43" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableExcludingAccruedInterestRevolving_64a767b9-6af1-4e9a-b3db-373b18adca51" xlink:type="arc" order="6"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableExcludingAccruedInterestRevolvingConvertedToTermLoan_408aba83-9731-42a7-b6a9-61e3fe8eed75" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableExcludingAccruedInterestRevolvingConvertedToTermLoan"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentLineItems_e47f92be-8860-4066-9037-b05f3aecae43" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableExcludingAccruedInterestRevolvingConvertedToTermLoan_408aba83-9731-42a7-b6a9-61e3fe8eed75" xlink:type="arc" order="7"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableBeforeAllowanceForCreditLossAndFee_a1776e0f-b082-42c2-808e-e3c920d77e73" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableBeforeAllowanceForCreditLossAndFee"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentLineItems_e47f92be-8860-4066-9037-b05f3aecae43" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableBeforeAllowanceForCreditLossAndFee_a1776e0f-b082-42c2-808e-e3c920d77e73" xlink:type="arc" order="8"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.hei.com/role/BanksegmentGrossChargeOffsbyPortfolioSegmentDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#BanksegmentGrossChargeOffsbyPortfolioSegmentDetails"/>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.hei.com/role/BanksegmentGrossChargeOffsbyPortfolioSegmentDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentLineItems_134fdff8-3935-4b0b-939c-7aebef78a032" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfFinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentCreditQualityIndicatorTable_6bed0c4f-2cb6-4121-aed6-099643d5a572" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfFinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentCreditQualityIndicatorTable"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentLineItems_134fdff8-3935-4b0b-939c-7aebef78a032" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfFinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentCreditQualityIndicatorTable_6bed0c4f-2cb6-4121-aed6-099643d5a572" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis_e8a18095-a61e-4be1-b6fc-7780203f102b" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfFinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentCreditQualityIndicatorTable_6bed0c4f-2cb6-4121-aed6-099643d5a572" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis_e8a18095-a61e-4be1-b6fc-7780203f102b" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain_e8a18095-a61e-4be1-b6fc-7780203f102b_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis_e8a18095-a61e-4be1-b6fc-7780203f102b" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain_e8a18095-a61e-4be1-b6fc-7780203f102b_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain_dc4dd209-91e4-4e12-9359-aaf9e21f5fc6" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis_e8a18095-a61e-4be1-b6fc-7780203f102b" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain_dc4dd209-91e4-4e12-9359-aaf9e21f5fc6" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_Residential14FamilyMember_759829f8-1084-45aa-9e3a-8ccfa011517c" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_Residential14FamilyMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain_dc4dd209-91e4-4e12-9359-aaf9e21f5fc6" xlink:to="loc_he_Residential14FamilyMember_759829f8-1084-45aa-9e3a-8ccfa011517c" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommercialRealEstateMember_3d1ed15d-8ab2-4269-8a18-92090efe2e3d" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_CommercialRealEstateMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain_dc4dd209-91e4-4e12-9359-aaf9e21f5fc6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommercialRealEstateMember_3d1ed15d-8ab2-4269-8a18-92090efe2e3d" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_HomeEquityLoanMember_f17be864-eca3-461f-97f2-11500854c605" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_HomeEquityLoanMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain_dc4dd209-91e4-4e12-9359-aaf9e21f5fc6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_HomeEquityLoanMember_f17be864-eca3-461f-97f2-11500854c605" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_ResidentialLandMember_f29981ff-427c-4f87-9500-6e0ca03d183c" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_ResidentialLandMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain_dc4dd209-91e4-4e12-9359-aaf9e21f5fc6" xlink:to="loc_he_ResidentialLandMember_f29981ff-427c-4f87-9500-6e0ca03d183c" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_CommercialConstructionLoanMember_c0b9dd15-921d-452e-8c8b-9f09bb909031" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_CommercialConstructionLoanMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain_dc4dd209-91e4-4e12-9359-aaf9e21f5fc6" xlink:to="loc_he_CommercialConstructionLoanMember_c0b9dd15-921d-452e-8c8b-9f09bb909031" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_ResidentialConstructionLoanMember_9cd513a4-1a4c-459a-a1ea-f40186cf8722" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_ResidentialConstructionLoanMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain_dc4dd209-91e4-4e12-9359-aaf9e21f5fc6" xlink:to="loc_he_ResidentialConstructionLoanMember_9cd513a4-1a4c-459a-a1ea-f40186cf8722" xlink:type="arc" order="5"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentAxis_359e4766-9519-4f03-a642-19c219bad214" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfFinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentCreditQualityIndicatorTable_6bed0c4f-2cb6-4121-aed6-099643d5a572" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentAxis_359e4766-9519-4f03-a642-19c219bad214" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain_359e4766-9519-4f03-a642-19c219bad214_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentAxis_359e4766-9519-4f03-a642-19c219bad214" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain_359e4766-9519-4f03-a642-19c219bad214_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain_67dbc983-fb2b-4d48-ab96-8f6c02f1feec" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentAxis_359e4766-9519-4f03-a642-19c219bad214" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain_67dbc983-fb2b-4d48-ab96-8f6c02f1feec" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommercialPortfolioSegmentMember_35e22436-23b9-4ffa-aa61-dfa0a4a0fa86" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_CommercialPortfolioSegmentMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain_67dbc983-fb2b-4d48-ab96-8f6c02f1feec" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommercialPortfolioSegmentMember_35e22436-23b9-4ffa-aa61-dfa0a4a0fa86" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConsumerPortfolioSegmentMember_fef9fb94-f68e-4844-8bc4-87b6846829f6" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_ConsumerPortfolioSegmentMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain_67dbc983-fb2b-4d48-ab96-8f6c02f1feec" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConsumerPortfolioSegmentMember_fef9fb94-f68e-4844-8bc4-87b6846829f6" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableExcludingAccruedInterestYearOneOriginatedCurrentFiscalYearWriteoff_49758c2a-b731-43a6-9634-75e59ee888b2" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableExcludingAccruedInterestYearOneOriginatedCurrentFiscalYearWriteoff"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentLineItems_134fdff8-3935-4b0b-939c-7aebef78a032" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableExcludingAccruedInterestYearOneOriginatedCurrentFiscalYearWriteoff_49758c2a-b731-43a6-9634-75e59ee888b2" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableExcludingAccruedInterestYearTwoOriginatedFiscalYearBeforeCurrentFiscalYearWriteoff_c46e7d6d-c28b-43f1-bc1f-ac7eee75b0bc" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableExcludingAccruedInterestYearTwoOriginatedFiscalYearBeforeCurrentFiscalYearWriteoff"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentLineItems_134fdff8-3935-4b0b-939c-7aebef78a032" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableExcludingAccruedInterestYearTwoOriginatedFiscalYearBeforeCurrentFiscalYearWriteoff_c46e7d6d-c28b-43f1-bc1f-ac7eee75b0bc" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableExcludingAccruedInterestYearThreeOriginatedTwoYearsBeforeCurrentFiscalYearWriteoff_c9816028-92b0-41c9-89ca-6d61a244468b" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableExcludingAccruedInterestYearThreeOriginatedTwoYearsBeforeCurrentFiscalYearWriteoff"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentLineItems_134fdff8-3935-4b0b-939c-7aebef78a032" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableExcludingAccruedInterestYearThreeOriginatedTwoYearsBeforeCurrentFiscalYearWriteoff_c9816028-92b0-41c9-89ca-6d61a244468b" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableExcludingAccruedInterestYearFourOriginatedThreeYearsBeforeCurrentFiscalYearWriteoff_4d7a3179-a9dc-4b96-b363-1b0fb89fcb26" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableExcludingAccruedInterestYearFourOriginatedThreeYearsBeforeCurrentFiscalYearWriteoff"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentLineItems_134fdff8-3935-4b0b-939c-7aebef78a032" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableExcludingAccruedInterestYearFourOriginatedThreeYearsBeforeCurrentFiscalYearWriteoff_4d7a3179-a9dc-4b96-b363-1b0fb89fcb26" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableExcludingAccruedInterestYearFiveOriginatedFourYearsBeforeCurrentFiscalYearWriteoff_4dd8becc-7174-4b06-aa72-73a75775c007" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableExcludingAccruedInterestYearFiveOriginatedFourYearsBeforeCurrentFiscalYearWriteoff"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentLineItems_134fdff8-3935-4b0b-939c-7aebef78a032" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableExcludingAccruedInterestYearFiveOriginatedFourYearsBeforeCurrentFiscalYearWriteoff_4dd8becc-7174-4b06-aa72-73a75775c007" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableExcludingAccruedInterestOriginatedMoreThanFiveYearsBeforeCurrentFiscalYearWriteoff_5430da71-8d35-4ef2-966e-5a3407d94291" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableExcludingAccruedInterestOriginatedMoreThanFiveYearsBeforeCurrentFiscalYearWriteoff"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentLineItems_134fdff8-3935-4b0b-939c-7aebef78a032" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableExcludingAccruedInterestOriginatedMoreThanFiveYearsBeforeCurrentFiscalYearWriteoff_5430da71-8d35-4ef2-966e-5a3407d94291" xlink:type="arc" order="5"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableExcludingAccruedInterestAllowanceForCreditLossWriteoff_17df3508-d9ef-4693-adf7-c670ad93f3fc" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableExcludingAccruedInterestAllowanceForCreditLossWriteoff"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentLineItems_134fdff8-3935-4b0b-939c-7aebef78a032" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableExcludingAccruedInterestAllowanceForCreditLossWriteoff_17df3508-d9ef-4693-adf7-c670ad93f3fc" xlink:type="arc" order="6"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.hei.com/role/BanksegmentCreditRiskProfilePaymentActivityDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#BanksegmentCreditRiskProfilePaymentActivityDetails"/>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.hei.com/role/BanksegmentCreditRiskProfilePaymentActivityDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentPastDueLineItems_db76ad1c-6a12-4bdb-8b36-299d997b4266" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentPastDueLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfFinancingReceivablesPastDueTable_8a3668d2-92c6-4f96-8853-3034f2fd1f6c" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfFinancingReceivablesPastDueTable"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentPastDueLineItems_db76ad1c-6a12-4bdb-8b36-299d997b4266" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfFinancingReceivablesPastDueTable_8a3668d2-92c6-4f96-8853-3034f2fd1f6c" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivablesPeriodPastDueAxis_e38b9aa0-52cd-4838-aa76-bb78d876d87a" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivablesPeriodPastDueAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfFinancingReceivablesPastDueTable_8a3668d2-92c6-4f96-8853-3034f2fd1f6c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivablesPeriodPastDueAxis_e38b9aa0-52cd-4838-aa76-bb78d876d87a" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivablesPeriodPastDueDomain_e38b9aa0-52cd-4838-aa76-bb78d876d87a_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivablesPeriodPastDueDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivablesPeriodPastDueAxis_e38b9aa0-52cd-4838-aa76-bb78d876d87a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivablesPeriodPastDueDomain_e38b9aa0-52cd-4838-aa76-bb78d876d87a_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivablesPeriodPastDueDomain_cd10ce2d-5c41-401c-8eea-0192a5aec9c2" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivablesPeriodPastDueDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivablesPeriodPastDueAxis_e38b9aa0-52cd-4838-aa76-bb78d876d87a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivablesPeriodPastDueDomain_cd10ce2d-5c41-401c-8eea-0192a5aec9c2" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivables30To59DaysPastDueMember_6edbdd97-f38a-4b87-96e2-8b3746ff04ac" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivables30To59DaysPastDueMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivablesPeriodPastDueDomain_cd10ce2d-5c41-401c-8eea-0192a5aec9c2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivables30To59DaysPastDueMember_6edbdd97-f38a-4b87-96e2-8b3746ff04ac" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivables60To89DaysPastDueMember_27777542-a12c-471c-8d86-df6a405913a6" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivables60To89DaysPastDueMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivablesPeriodPastDueDomain_cd10ce2d-5c41-401c-8eea-0192a5aec9c2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivables60To89DaysPastDueMember_27777542-a12c-471c-8d86-df6a405913a6" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivablesEqualToGreaterThan90DaysPastDueMember_4724daa4-25d6-4635-b1f0-3e4eb8b4e494" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivablesEqualToGreaterThan90DaysPastDueMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivablesPeriodPastDueDomain_cd10ce2d-5c41-401c-8eea-0192a5aec9c2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivablesEqualToGreaterThan90DaysPastDueMember_4724daa4-25d6-4635-b1f0-3e4eb8b4e494" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancialAssetPastDueMember_c593935d-eba6-4b4f-9f11-66b9960f56d9" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_FinancialAssetPastDueMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivablesPeriodPastDueDomain_cd10ce2d-5c41-401c-8eea-0192a5aec9c2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancialAssetPastDueMember_c593935d-eba6-4b4f-9f11-66b9960f56d9" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancialAssetNotPastDueMember_0daae44e-6c6e-497d-bb3e-66d764bf8449" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_FinancialAssetNotPastDueMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivablesPeriodPastDueDomain_cd10ce2d-5c41-401c-8eea-0192a5aec9c2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancialAssetNotPastDueMember_0daae44e-6c6e-497d-bb3e-66d764bf8449" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentAxis_c00bfe43-d6c7-4d09-8486-3cebf81c9697" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfFinancingReceivablesPastDueTable_8a3668d2-92c6-4f96-8853-3034f2fd1f6c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentAxis_c00bfe43-d6c7-4d09-8486-3cebf81c9697" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain_c00bfe43-d6c7-4d09-8486-3cebf81c9697_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentAxis_c00bfe43-d6c7-4d09-8486-3cebf81c9697" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain_c00bfe43-d6c7-4d09-8486-3cebf81c9697_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain_647beff4-d3c1-4507-a2dc-f7128fe21c1c" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentAxis_c00bfe43-d6c7-4d09-8486-3cebf81c9697" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain_647beff4-d3c1-4507-a2dc-f7128fe21c1c" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_RealEstatePortfolioSegmentMember_d09ff3cc-584a-4315-9a3f-bfaccad398be" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_RealEstatePortfolioSegmentMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain_647beff4-d3c1-4507-a2dc-f7128fe21c1c" xlink:to="loc_he_RealEstatePortfolioSegmentMember_d09ff3cc-584a-4315-9a3f-bfaccad398be" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommercialPortfolioSegmentMember_ad34f087-ceb4-48f1-84d2-1d77e957f7f9" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_CommercialPortfolioSegmentMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain_647beff4-d3c1-4507-a2dc-f7128fe21c1c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommercialPortfolioSegmentMember_ad34f087-ceb4-48f1-84d2-1d77e957f7f9" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConsumerPortfolioSegmentMember_245fbbce-6c58-44f8-be88-844e5904678d" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_ConsumerPortfolioSegmentMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain_647beff4-d3c1-4507-a2dc-f7128fe21c1c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConsumerPortfolioSegmentMember_245fbbce-6c58-44f8-be88-844e5904678d" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis_f479f3ac-c831-4246-bcec-47ef85dca48b" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfFinancingReceivablesPastDueTable_8a3668d2-92c6-4f96-8853-3034f2fd1f6c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis_f479f3ac-c831-4246-bcec-47ef85dca48b" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain_f479f3ac-c831-4246-bcec-47ef85dca48b_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis_f479f3ac-c831-4246-bcec-47ef85dca48b" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain_f479f3ac-c831-4246-bcec-47ef85dca48b_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain_2ae204ea-e5b1-46e1-9c98-a2e025011178" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis_f479f3ac-c831-4246-bcec-47ef85dca48b" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain_2ae204ea-e5b1-46e1-9c98-a2e025011178" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_Residential14FamilyMember_13fd5e9d-5773-4315-95e0-ee0de3816c1b" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_Residential14FamilyMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain_2ae204ea-e5b1-46e1-9c98-a2e025011178" xlink:to="loc_he_Residential14FamilyMember_13fd5e9d-5773-4315-95e0-ee0de3816c1b" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommercialRealEstateMember_ff7a427f-20a4-4e78-ab28-019ab1d9410e" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_CommercialRealEstateMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain_2ae204ea-e5b1-46e1-9c98-a2e025011178" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommercialRealEstateMember_ff7a427f-20a4-4e78-ab28-019ab1d9410e" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_HomeEquityLoanMember_25d6824e-f685-4543-81cc-311cf8224fc0" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_HomeEquityLoanMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain_2ae204ea-e5b1-46e1-9c98-a2e025011178" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_HomeEquityLoanMember_25d6824e-f685-4543-81cc-311cf8224fc0" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_ResidentialLandMember_ac44c50f-d770-4bbc-bc9b-3b6416882599" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_ResidentialLandMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain_2ae204ea-e5b1-46e1-9c98-a2e025011178" xlink:to="loc_he_ResidentialLandMember_ac44c50f-d770-4bbc-bc9b-3b6416882599" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_CommercialConstructionLoanMember_c1313c67-e336-4e94-8f95-29c8e2a7dbf6" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_CommercialConstructionLoanMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain_2ae204ea-e5b1-46e1-9c98-a2e025011178" xlink:to="loc_he_CommercialConstructionLoanMember_c1313c67-e336-4e94-8f95-29c8e2a7dbf6" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_ResidentialConstructionLoanMember_d1add582-fd1b-408a-990e-2ab7f11fc84d" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_ResidentialConstructionLoanMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain_2ae204ea-e5b1-46e1-9c98-a2e025011178" xlink:to="loc_he_ResidentialConstructionLoanMember_d1add582-fd1b-408a-990e-2ab7f11fc84d" xlink:type="arc" order="5"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableBeforeAllowanceForCreditLossAndFee_60b3f3bc-699f-4490-86df-8c1c12175aee" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableBeforeAllowanceForCreditLossAndFee"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentPastDueLineItems_db76ad1c-6a12-4bdb-8b36-299d997b4266" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableBeforeAllowanceForCreditLossAndFee_60b3f3bc-699f-4490-86df-8c1c12175aee" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestment90DaysPastDueAndStillAccruing_3669c477-2055-4213-87b1-9e1db8e134ad" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestment90DaysPastDueAndStillAccruing"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentPastDueLineItems_db76ad1c-6a12-4bdb-8b36-299d997b4266" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestment90DaysPastDueAndStillAccruing_3669c477-2055-4213-87b1-9e1db8e134ad" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.hei.com/role/BanksegmentCreditRiskProfileNonaccrualLoansDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#BanksegmentCreditRiskProfileNonaccrualLoansDetails"/>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.hei.com/role/BanksegmentCreditRiskProfileNonaccrualLoansDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentPastDueLineItems_f86d417d-0f19-4f2e-a9d8-dcd58bfec1b4" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentPastDueLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfFinancingReceivablesPastDueTable_60447a3c-0bb0-4c4a-839d-17612d9d4a52" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfFinancingReceivablesPastDueTable"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentPastDueLineItems_f86d417d-0f19-4f2e-a9d8-dcd58bfec1b4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfFinancingReceivablesPastDueTable_60447a3c-0bb0-4c4a-839d-17612d9d4a52" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentAxis_81d7f228-b99d-421e-8619-5cb36171a5be" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfFinancingReceivablesPastDueTable_60447a3c-0bb0-4c4a-839d-17612d9d4a52" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentAxis_81d7f228-b99d-421e-8619-5cb36171a5be" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain_81d7f228-b99d-421e-8619-5cb36171a5be_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentAxis_81d7f228-b99d-421e-8619-5cb36171a5be" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain_81d7f228-b99d-421e-8619-5cb36171a5be_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain_1f506ed1-b7b3-46f6-9896-a0fd3f7d184b" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentAxis_81d7f228-b99d-421e-8619-5cb36171a5be" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain_1f506ed1-b7b3-46f6-9896-a0fd3f7d184b" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_RealEstatePortfolioSegmentMember_24bbe6b9-3bb8-4de8-9f99-7ea64723aaf2" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_RealEstatePortfolioSegmentMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain_1f506ed1-b7b3-46f6-9896-a0fd3f7d184b" xlink:to="loc_he_RealEstatePortfolioSegmentMember_24bbe6b9-3bb8-4de8-9f99-7ea64723aaf2" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommercialPortfolioSegmentMember_072ef659-fd98-4540-bdd8-d213b8f65f08" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_CommercialPortfolioSegmentMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain_1f506ed1-b7b3-46f6-9896-a0fd3f7d184b" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommercialPortfolioSegmentMember_072ef659-fd98-4540-bdd8-d213b8f65f08" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConsumerPortfolioSegmentMember_c7305a54-8c5a-453f-9931-bd0b2356c847" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_ConsumerPortfolioSegmentMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain_1f506ed1-b7b3-46f6-9896-a0fd3f7d184b" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConsumerPortfolioSegmentMember_c7305a54-8c5a-453f-9931-bd0b2356c847" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis_7c8e656a-f999-4d93-9767-761f81e93463" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfFinancingReceivablesPastDueTable_60447a3c-0bb0-4c4a-839d-17612d9d4a52" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis_7c8e656a-f999-4d93-9767-761f81e93463" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain_7c8e656a-f999-4d93-9767-761f81e93463_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis_7c8e656a-f999-4d93-9767-761f81e93463" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain_7c8e656a-f999-4d93-9767-761f81e93463_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain_14065ed8-806c-4685-a052-0527a67f07d9" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis_7c8e656a-f999-4d93-9767-761f81e93463" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain_14065ed8-806c-4685-a052-0527a67f07d9" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_Residential14FamilyMember_54015409-0393-4aed-b644-edbe9c063ad4" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_Residential14FamilyMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain_14065ed8-806c-4685-a052-0527a67f07d9" xlink:to="loc_he_Residential14FamilyMember_54015409-0393-4aed-b644-edbe9c063ad4" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommercialRealEstateMember_1d9234a1-6531-4716-b53d-3956aaea226a" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_CommercialRealEstateMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain_14065ed8-806c-4685-a052-0527a67f07d9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommercialRealEstateMember_1d9234a1-6531-4716-b53d-3956aaea226a" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_HomeEquityLoanMember_77ef9648-5413-44b1-9a4a-df70240ed743" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_HomeEquityLoanMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain_14065ed8-806c-4685-a052-0527a67f07d9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_HomeEquityLoanMember_77ef9648-5413-44b1-9a4a-df70240ed743" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_ResidentialLandMember_4067020f-e180-474f-8555-e71e6a60865f" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_ResidentialLandMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain_14065ed8-806c-4685-a052-0527a67f07d9" xlink:to="loc_he_ResidentialLandMember_4067020f-e180-474f-8555-e71e6a60865f" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_CommercialConstructionLoanMember_8f0a4a9f-8dc9-46f4-b531-f00cf496fc05" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_CommercialConstructionLoanMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain_14065ed8-806c-4685-a052-0527a67f07d9" xlink:to="loc_he_CommercialConstructionLoanMember_8f0a4a9f-8dc9-46f4-b531-f00cf496fc05" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_ResidentialConstructionLoanMember_1e9a3a0c-5fe6-49f7-a11f-0245d2a473e5" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_ResidentialConstructionLoanMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain_14065ed8-806c-4685-a052-0527a67f07d9" xlink:to="loc_he_ResidentialConstructionLoanMember_1e9a3a0c-5fe6-49f7-a11f-0245d2a473e5" xlink:type="arc" order="5"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_FinancingReceivableNonaccrualWithAllowance_451f5c75-a052-40cf-83e8-f2c8b539572d" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_FinancingReceivableNonaccrualWithAllowance"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentPastDueLineItems_f86d417d-0f19-4f2e-a9d8-dcd58bfec1b4" xlink:to="loc_he_FinancingReceivableNonaccrualWithAllowance_451f5c75-a052-40cf-83e8-f2c8b539572d" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableNonaccrualNoAllowance_34186f4b-3bd8-4f6f-a69c-9a7d07681714" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableNonaccrualNoAllowance"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentPastDueLineItems_f86d417d-0f19-4f2e-a9d8-dcd58bfec1b4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableNonaccrualNoAllowance_34186f4b-3bd8-4f6f-a69c-9a7d07681714" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentNonaccrualStatus_332f040a-e070-4c2d-87e2-b29f7829da2c" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentNonaccrualStatus"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentPastDueLineItems_f86d417d-0f19-4f2e-a9d8-dcd58bfec1b4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentNonaccrualStatus_332f040a-e070-4c2d-87e2-b29f7829da2c" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.hei.com/role/BanksegmentScheduleofLoanModificationDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#BanksegmentScheduleofLoanModificationDetails"/>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.hei.com/role/BanksegmentScheduleofLoanModificationDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableModificationsLineItems_7a0e6a25-de0f-4f23-aa4d-5b89c44d4659" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableModificationsLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfFinancingReceivableTroubledDebtRestructuringsTable_ee2dbf40-1f54-4278-ba87-8e5f43bfade6" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfFinancingReceivableTroubledDebtRestructuringsTable"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableModificationsLineItems_7a0e6a25-de0f-4f23-aa4d-5b89c44d4659" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfFinancingReceivableTroubledDebtRestructuringsTable_ee2dbf40-1f54-4278-ba87-8e5f43bfade6" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis_872465a0-b8be-4528-901e-516f8beef72d" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfFinancingReceivableTroubledDebtRestructuringsTable_ee2dbf40-1f54-4278-ba87-8e5f43bfade6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis_872465a0-b8be-4528-901e-516f8beef72d" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain_872465a0-b8be-4528-901e-516f8beef72d_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis_872465a0-b8be-4528-901e-516f8beef72d" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain_872465a0-b8be-4528-901e-516f8beef72d_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain_eefcec0c-6f07-487a-b3e1-deb10d23b3d8" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis_872465a0-b8be-4528-901e-516f8beef72d" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain_eefcec0c-6f07-487a-b3e1-deb10d23b3d8" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_Residential14FamilyMember_9242e115-81df-4f9d-9d75-4cb18d83c3cd" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_Residential14FamilyMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain_eefcec0c-6f07-487a-b3e1-deb10d23b3d8" xlink:to="loc_he_Residential14FamilyMember_9242e115-81df-4f9d-9d75-4cb18d83c3cd" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommercialRealEstateMember_7082d9ab-bb0c-43c9-8d38-4aeef1384917" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_CommercialRealEstateMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain_eefcec0c-6f07-487a-b3e1-deb10d23b3d8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommercialRealEstateMember_7082d9ab-bb0c-43c9-8d38-4aeef1384917" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_HomeEquityLoanMember_a18d42ac-9368-46b2-99ac-91378882e89f" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_HomeEquityLoanMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain_eefcec0c-6f07-487a-b3e1-deb10d23b3d8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_HomeEquityLoanMember_a18d42ac-9368-46b2-99ac-91378882e89f" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_ResidentialLandMember_880646eb-01bb-47bc-aa8e-9ffe0756dc0e" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_ResidentialLandMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain_eefcec0c-6f07-487a-b3e1-deb10d23b3d8" xlink:to="loc_he_ResidentialLandMember_880646eb-01bb-47bc-aa8e-9ffe0756dc0e" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_CommercialConstructionLoanMember_bd6658ad-9976-409a-846c-d11fbaf1cf40" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_CommercialConstructionLoanMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain_eefcec0c-6f07-487a-b3e1-deb10d23b3d8" xlink:to="loc_he_CommercialConstructionLoanMember_bd6658ad-9976-409a-846c-d11fbaf1cf40" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_ResidentialConstructionLoanMember_7f3daa8c-3245-48e6-9019-3cb43eb704c2" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_ResidentialConstructionLoanMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain_eefcec0c-6f07-487a-b3e1-deb10d23b3d8" xlink:to="loc_he_ResidentialConstructionLoanMember_7f3daa8c-3245-48e6-9019-3cb43eb704c2" xlink:type="arc" order="5"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentAxis_6626ff27-13fb-4f25-8685-9a0b3d6aca11" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfFinancingReceivableTroubledDebtRestructuringsTable_ee2dbf40-1f54-4278-ba87-8e5f43bfade6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentAxis_6626ff27-13fb-4f25-8685-9a0b3d6aca11" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain_6626ff27-13fb-4f25-8685-9a0b3d6aca11_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentAxis_6626ff27-13fb-4f25-8685-9a0b3d6aca11" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain_6626ff27-13fb-4f25-8685-9a0b3d6aca11_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain_039bee07-bf38-4406-96f2-fb15cacb99b3" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentAxis_6626ff27-13fb-4f25-8685-9a0b3d6aca11" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain_039bee07-bf38-4406-96f2-fb15cacb99b3" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_RealEstatePortfolioSegmentMember_081dcc68-8355-4bf4-80fc-744faa4c5d0b" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_RealEstatePortfolioSegmentMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain_039bee07-bf38-4406-96f2-fb15cacb99b3" xlink:to="loc_he_RealEstatePortfolioSegmentMember_081dcc68-8355-4bf4-80fc-744faa4c5d0b" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommercialPortfolioSegmentMember_0ce788a7-b000-4484-b842-c6c44588edf1" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_CommercialPortfolioSegmentMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain_039bee07-bf38-4406-96f2-fb15cacb99b3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommercialPortfolioSegmentMember_0ce788a7-b000-4484-b842-c6c44588edf1" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConsumerPortfolioSegmentMember_9c823c76-8015-419e-b09d-115e45a4b468" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_ConsumerPortfolioSegmentMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain_039bee07-bf38-4406-96f2-fb15cacb99b3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConsumerPortfolioSegmentMember_9c823c76-8015-419e-b09d-115e45a4b468" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LoanRestructuringModificationAxis_041334a9-0519-4549-8cfa-33b544a3e07f" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_LoanRestructuringModificationAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfFinancingReceivableTroubledDebtRestructuringsTable_ee2dbf40-1f54-4278-ba87-8e5f43bfade6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LoanRestructuringModificationAxis_041334a9-0519-4549-8cfa-33b544a3e07f" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LoanRestructuringModificationDomain_041334a9-0519-4549-8cfa-33b544a3e07f_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_LoanRestructuringModificationDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LoanRestructuringModificationAxis_041334a9-0519-4549-8cfa-33b544a3e07f" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LoanRestructuringModificationDomain_041334a9-0519-4549-8cfa-33b544a3e07f_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LoanRestructuringModificationDomain_460b3245-bb12-45b2-95c5-99c63a5152f1" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_LoanRestructuringModificationDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LoanRestructuringModificationAxis_041334a9-0519-4549-8cfa-33b544a3e07f" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LoanRestructuringModificationDomain_460b3245-bb12-45b2-95c5-99c63a5152f1" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ExtendedMaturityMember_63628fc7-af07-4d30-8441-03e598c593f7" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_ExtendedMaturityMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LoanRestructuringModificationDomain_460b3245-bb12-45b2-95c5-99c63a5152f1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ExtendedMaturityMember_63628fc7-af07-4d30-8441-03e598c593f7" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ContractualInterestRateReductionMember_69852385-0bb9-4ebe-8000-df6ba2f6dbd8" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_ContractualInterestRateReductionMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LoanRestructuringModificationDomain_460b3245-bb12-45b2-95c5-99c63a5152f1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ContractualInterestRateReductionMember_69852385-0bb9-4ebe-8000-df6ba2f6dbd8" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentDeferralMember_5d3a6277-d2b8-4e17-a1d9-1dec696bf102" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentDeferralMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LoanRestructuringModificationDomain_460b3245-bb12-45b2-95c5-99c63a5152f1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentDeferralMember_5d3a6277-d2b8-4e17-a1d9-1dec696bf102" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_CombinationPaymentDelayAndTermExtensionMember_1b214838-6e02-42ce-b48e-7eedd2237b01" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_CombinationPaymentDelayAndTermExtensionMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LoanRestructuringModificationDomain_460b3245-bb12-45b2-95c5-99c63a5152f1" xlink:to="loc_he_CombinationPaymentDelayAndTermExtensionMember_1b214838-6e02-42ce-b48e-7eedd2237b01" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableExcludingAccruedInterestModifiedPeriod_f3f6d81d-7a25-4d56-a81a-d1b7336d5485" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableExcludingAccruedInterestModifiedPeriod"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableModificationsLineItems_7a0e6a25-de0f-4f23-aa4d-5b89c44d4659" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableExcludingAccruedInterestModifiedPeriod_f3f6d81d-7a25-4d56-a81a-d1b7336d5485" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableModificationToTotalFinancingReceivablesExcludingAccruedInterestPercent_67d4b888-930a-42e8-8136-a0ef6eb44a99" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableModificationToTotalFinancingReceivablesExcludingAccruedInterestPercent"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableModificationsLineItems_7a0e6a25-de0f-4f23-aa4d-5b89c44d4659" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableModificationToTotalFinancingReceivablesExcludingAccruedInterestPercent_67d4b888-930a-42e8-8136-a0ef6eb44a99" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.hei.com/role/BanksegmentFinancialEffectofLoanModificationDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#BanksegmentFinancialEffectofLoanModificationDetails"/>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.hei.com/role/BanksegmentFinancialEffectofLoanModificationDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableModificationsLineItems_8d977f8e-306a-4892-be95-18b82f0b5ef1" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableModificationsLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfFinancingReceivableTroubledDebtRestructuringsTable_9a0807e6-888b-49c2-940f-5d22943c3f30" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfFinancingReceivableTroubledDebtRestructuringsTable"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableModificationsLineItems_8d977f8e-306a-4892-be95-18b82f0b5ef1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfFinancingReceivableTroubledDebtRestructuringsTable_9a0807e6-888b-49c2-940f-5d22943c3f30" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis_45dda7b7-1ea9-4967-8552-e5858932b2a2" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfFinancingReceivableTroubledDebtRestructuringsTable_9a0807e6-888b-49c2-940f-5d22943c3f30" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis_45dda7b7-1ea9-4967-8552-e5858932b2a2" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain_45dda7b7-1ea9-4967-8552-e5858932b2a2_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis_45dda7b7-1ea9-4967-8552-e5858932b2a2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain_45dda7b7-1ea9-4967-8552-e5858932b2a2_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain_c95e2407-9f64-4acb-bbd0-b2e0ddc43972" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis_45dda7b7-1ea9-4967-8552-e5858932b2a2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain_c95e2407-9f64-4acb-bbd0-b2e0ddc43972" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_Residential14FamilyMember_69543c26-2aec-4c92-95a8-fa2170ffda81" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_Residential14FamilyMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain_c95e2407-9f64-4acb-bbd0-b2e0ddc43972" xlink:to="loc_he_Residential14FamilyMember_69543c26-2aec-4c92-95a8-fa2170ffda81" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommercialRealEstateMember_bb415b20-e97b-46e4-8d2c-f42e5e4232f5" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_CommercialRealEstateMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain_c95e2407-9f64-4acb-bbd0-b2e0ddc43972" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommercialRealEstateMember_bb415b20-e97b-46e4-8d2c-f42e5e4232f5" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_HomeEquityLoanMember_103d8824-fd1f-465c-a0ca-39b9b110853a" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_HomeEquityLoanMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain_c95e2407-9f64-4acb-bbd0-b2e0ddc43972" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_HomeEquityLoanMember_103d8824-fd1f-465c-a0ca-39b9b110853a" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_ResidentialLandMember_f48973db-1346-44a1-ae99-c5e3ab78bc42" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_ResidentialLandMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain_c95e2407-9f64-4acb-bbd0-b2e0ddc43972" xlink:to="loc_he_ResidentialLandMember_f48973db-1346-44a1-ae99-c5e3ab78bc42" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentAxis_eacbe3ed-b306-4d5c-96b9-be7f630cc9b4" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfFinancingReceivableTroubledDebtRestructuringsTable_9a0807e6-888b-49c2-940f-5d22943c3f30" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentAxis_eacbe3ed-b306-4d5c-96b9-be7f630cc9b4" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain_eacbe3ed-b306-4d5c-96b9-be7f630cc9b4_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentAxis_eacbe3ed-b306-4d5c-96b9-be7f630cc9b4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain_eacbe3ed-b306-4d5c-96b9-be7f630cc9b4_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain_2a0d74f1-841b-434d-8c03-2b6ea6b67c16" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentAxis_eacbe3ed-b306-4d5c-96b9-be7f630cc9b4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain_2a0d74f1-841b-434d-8c03-2b6ea6b67c16" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_RealEstatePortfolioSegmentMember_b16e43f7-6459-444f-9295-8929398c6ad1" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_RealEstatePortfolioSegmentMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain_2a0d74f1-841b-434d-8c03-2b6ea6b67c16" xlink:to="loc_he_RealEstatePortfolioSegmentMember_b16e43f7-6459-444f-9295-8929398c6ad1" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LoanRestructuringModificationAxis_d4fc77da-4e08-4caa-b8eb-2e93982ea4eb" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_LoanRestructuringModificationAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfFinancingReceivableTroubledDebtRestructuringsTable_9a0807e6-888b-49c2-940f-5d22943c3f30" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LoanRestructuringModificationAxis_d4fc77da-4e08-4caa-b8eb-2e93982ea4eb" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LoanRestructuringModificationDomain_d4fc77da-4e08-4caa-b8eb-2e93982ea4eb_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_LoanRestructuringModificationDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LoanRestructuringModificationAxis_d4fc77da-4e08-4caa-b8eb-2e93982ea4eb" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LoanRestructuringModificationDomain_d4fc77da-4e08-4caa-b8eb-2e93982ea4eb_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LoanRestructuringModificationDomain_19b0690e-a8a3-4146-a7d9-068ad48011cd" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_LoanRestructuringModificationDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LoanRestructuringModificationAxis_d4fc77da-4e08-4caa-b8eb-2e93982ea4eb" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LoanRestructuringModificationDomain_19b0690e-a8a3-4146-a7d9-068ad48011cd" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ExtendedMaturityMember_2ca67bfe-2b1e-4c9e-929e-56d4d1bcd102" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_ExtendedMaturityMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LoanRestructuringModificationDomain_19b0690e-a8a3-4146-a7d9-068ad48011cd" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ExtendedMaturityMember_2ca67bfe-2b1e-4c9e-929e-56d4d1bcd102" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentDeferralMember_84d3e91a-eae9-4aae-b9ac-f4245d4b5fa7" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentDeferralMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LoanRestructuringModificationDomain_19b0690e-a8a3-4146-a7d9-068ad48011cd" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentDeferralMember_84d3e91a-eae9-4aae-b9ac-f4245d4b5fa7" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableModifiedWeightedAverageTermIncreaseFromModification_1af3d031-590e-483b-b1c0-316a697db9e4" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableModifiedWeightedAverageTermIncreaseFromModification"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableModificationsLineItems_8d977f8e-306a-4892-be95-18b82f0b5ef1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableModifiedWeightedAverageTermIncreaseFromModification_1af3d031-590e-483b-b1c0-316a697db9e4" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableModifiedWeightedAverageInterestRateDecreaseFromModification_a9db465f-eeac-49a7-9cc6-a73dae3a936e" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableModifiedWeightedAverageInterestRateDecreaseFromModification"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableModificationsLineItems_8d977f8e-306a-4892-be95-18b82f0b5ef1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableModifiedWeightedAverageInterestRateDecreaseFromModification_a9db465f-eeac-49a7-9cc6-a73dae3a936e" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.hei.com/role/BanksegmentCreditRiskProfilePaymentActivityforLoanDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#BanksegmentCreditRiskProfilePaymentActivityforLoanDetails"/>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.hei.com/role/BanksegmentCreditRiskProfilePaymentActivityforLoanDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentPastDueLineItems_f98b5d1c-3591-46ee-8af2-092707a531f4" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentPastDueLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfFinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentCreditQualityIndicatorTable_4e184054-5f42-4985-9ca3-ccac44e30ecb" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfFinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentCreditQualityIndicatorTable"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentPastDueLineItems_f98b5d1c-3591-46ee-8af2-092707a531f4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfFinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentCreditQualityIndicatorTable_4e184054-5f42-4985-9ca3-ccac44e30ecb" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentAxis_f712c160-1207-4846-8f05-d2d6232a425e" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfFinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentCreditQualityIndicatorTable_4e184054-5f42-4985-9ca3-ccac44e30ecb" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentAxis_f712c160-1207-4846-8f05-d2d6232a425e" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain_f712c160-1207-4846-8f05-d2d6232a425e_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentAxis_f712c160-1207-4846-8f05-d2d6232a425e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain_f712c160-1207-4846-8f05-d2d6232a425e_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain_c7892cc6-a663-426d-b138-92c068af5298" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentAxis_f712c160-1207-4846-8f05-d2d6232a425e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain_c7892cc6-a663-426d-b138-92c068af5298" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_RealEstatePortfolioSegmentMember_582b59c6-d972-424f-ac68-30b57ea7c652" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_RealEstatePortfolioSegmentMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain_c7892cc6-a663-426d-b138-92c068af5298" xlink:to="loc_he_RealEstatePortfolioSegmentMember_582b59c6-d972-424f-ac68-30b57ea7c652" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommercialPortfolioSegmentMember_43911114-3373-46cc-8a59-debc421f7ee5" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_CommercialPortfolioSegmentMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain_c7892cc6-a663-426d-b138-92c068af5298" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommercialPortfolioSegmentMember_43911114-3373-46cc-8a59-debc421f7ee5" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConsumerPortfolioSegmentMember_f503b07c-17d4-4628-bb13-3325304c09e0" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_ConsumerPortfolioSegmentMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain_c7892cc6-a663-426d-b138-92c068af5298" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConsumerPortfolioSegmentMember_f503b07c-17d4-4628-bb13-3325304c09e0" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis_d23e4a44-cb6c-4f8b-bfba-834d30267c7c" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfFinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentCreditQualityIndicatorTable_4e184054-5f42-4985-9ca3-ccac44e30ecb" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis_d23e4a44-cb6c-4f8b-bfba-834d30267c7c" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain_d23e4a44-cb6c-4f8b-bfba-834d30267c7c_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis_d23e4a44-cb6c-4f8b-bfba-834d30267c7c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain_d23e4a44-cb6c-4f8b-bfba-834d30267c7c_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain_e8bbd866-981b-4921-98d4-8da8d96d2240" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis_d23e4a44-cb6c-4f8b-bfba-834d30267c7c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain_e8bbd866-981b-4921-98d4-8da8d96d2240" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_Residential14FamilyMember_b93f3f59-3351-4bb7-8d75-6b47239a1985" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_Residential14FamilyMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain_e8bbd866-981b-4921-98d4-8da8d96d2240" xlink:to="loc_he_Residential14FamilyMember_b93f3f59-3351-4bb7-8d75-6b47239a1985" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommercialRealEstateMember_3ff4d938-e2a6-4dfc-9f74-0ec2d7b2a9e0" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_CommercialRealEstateMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain_e8bbd866-981b-4921-98d4-8da8d96d2240" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommercialRealEstateMember_3ff4d938-e2a6-4dfc-9f74-0ec2d7b2a9e0" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_HomeEquityLoanMember_0ac5de4a-bfce-458c-8b43-b83887d2f248" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_HomeEquityLoanMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain_e8bbd866-981b-4921-98d4-8da8d96d2240" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_HomeEquityLoanMember_0ac5de4a-bfce-458c-8b43-b83887d2f248" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_ResidentialLandMember_1c3e6fa0-488f-4fa1-9151-cdba2308192b" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_ResidentialLandMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain_e8bbd866-981b-4921-98d4-8da8d96d2240" xlink:to="loc_he_ResidentialLandMember_1c3e6fa0-488f-4fa1-9151-cdba2308192b" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_CommercialConstructionLoanMember_2d0efbdb-38d7-41e0-ab51-8474a71ffcbc" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_CommercialConstructionLoanMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain_e8bbd866-981b-4921-98d4-8da8d96d2240" xlink:to="loc_he_CommercialConstructionLoanMember_2d0efbdb-38d7-41e0-ab51-8474a71ffcbc" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_ResidentialConstructionLoanMember_f224bbce-02f3-42e3-8d49-1848c612796a" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_ResidentialConstructionLoanMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain_e8bbd866-981b-4921-98d4-8da8d96d2240" xlink:to="loc_he_ResidentialConstructionLoanMember_f224bbce-02f3-42e3-8d49-1848c612796a" xlink:type="arc" order="5"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivablesPeriodPastDueAxis_eb0e6ff4-b9c8-4763-bc18-87b2ba5cd0d0" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivablesPeriodPastDueAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfFinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentCreditQualityIndicatorTable_4e184054-5f42-4985-9ca3-ccac44e30ecb" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivablesPeriodPastDueAxis_eb0e6ff4-b9c8-4763-bc18-87b2ba5cd0d0" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivablesPeriodPastDueDomain_eb0e6ff4-b9c8-4763-bc18-87b2ba5cd0d0_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivablesPeriodPastDueDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivablesPeriodPastDueAxis_eb0e6ff4-b9c8-4763-bc18-87b2ba5cd0d0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivablesPeriodPastDueDomain_eb0e6ff4-b9c8-4763-bc18-87b2ba5cd0d0_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivablesPeriodPastDueDomain_a3ac3421-1b3b-4f89-97d5-bc12ae9b61f5" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivablesPeriodPastDueDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivablesPeriodPastDueAxis_eb0e6ff4-b9c8-4763-bc18-87b2ba5cd0d0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivablesPeriodPastDueDomain_a3ac3421-1b3b-4f89-97d5-bc12ae9b61f5" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivables1To29DaysPastDueMember_149577b0-78f7-429d-a480-c13395d3a008" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivables1To29DaysPastDueMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivablesPeriodPastDueDomain_a3ac3421-1b3b-4f89-97d5-bc12ae9b61f5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivables1To29DaysPastDueMember_149577b0-78f7-429d-a480-c13395d3a008" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivables30To59DaysPastDueMember_3f1b1b57-6224-4d72-9506-6c3c67ae4dea" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivables30To59DaysPastDueMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivablesPeriodPastDueDomain_a3ac3421-1b3b-4f89-97d5-bc12ae9b61f5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivables30To59DaysPastDueMember_3f1b1b57-6224-4d72-9506-6c3c67ae4dea" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivables60To89DaysPastDueMember_8db5d6d6-4c4c-449c-aba2-fe675c852b4a" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivables60To89DaysPastDueMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivablesPeriodPastDueDomain_a3ac3421-1b3b-4f89-97d5-bc12ae9b61f5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivables60To89DaysPastDueMember_8db5d6d6-4c4c-449c-aba2-fe675c852b4a" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivablesEqualToGreaterThan90DaysPastDueMember_0c5ac752-115c-4bac-ae8d-cf77f507eb32" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivablesEqualToGreaterThan90DaysPastDueMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivablesPeriodPastDueDomain_a3ac3421-1b3b-4f89-97d5-bc12ae9b61f5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivablesEqualToGreaterThan90DaysPastDueMember_0c5ac752-115c-4bac-ae8d-cf77f507eb32" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableExcludingAccruedInterestModifiedPast12Months_2a46d957-71cf-4057-a0c1-b143e70c7da8" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableExcludingAccruedInterestModifiedPast12Months"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentPastDueLineItems_f98b5d1c-3591-46ee-8af2-092707a531f4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableExcludingAccruedInterestModifiedPast12Months_2a46d957-71cf-4057-a0c1-b143e70c7da8" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.hei.com/role/BanksegmentCollateralDependentloansDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#BanksegmentCollateralDependentloansDetails"/>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.hei.com/role/BanksegmentCollateralDependentloansDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableNonaccrualStatusLineItems_c6226458-fb76-457d-b7b5-5977adf63d22" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableNonaccrualStatusLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableNonaccrualTable_4370fd72-81f3-4af0-810e-a3d295733364" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableNonaccrualTable"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableNonaccrualStatusLineItems_c6226458-fb76-457d-b7b5-5977adf63d22" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableNonaccrualTable_4370fd72-81f3-4af0-810e-a3d295733364" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CollateralAxis_254e4081-2ebe-42a6-bf02-f57ff8882f5a" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_CollateralAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableNonaccrualTable_4370fd72-81f3-4af0-810e-a3d295733364" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CollateralAxis_254e4081-2ebe-42a6-bf02-f57ff8882f5a" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CollateralDomain_254e4081-2ebe-42a6-bf02-f57ff8882f5a_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_CollateralDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CollateralAxis_254e4081-2ebe-42a6-bf02-f57ff8882f5a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CollateralDomain_254e4081-2ebe-42a6-bf02-f57ff8882f5a_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CollateralDomain_5ffd64a2-fa38-4ef8-b154-18be83686238" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_CollateralDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CollateralAxis_254e4081-2ebe-42a6-bf02-f57ff8882f5a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CollateralDomain_5ffd64a2-fa38-4ef8-b154-18be83686238" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ResidentialRealEstateMember_2ac5c124-e517-4372-99b0-c5bf19d317e2" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_ResidentialRealEstateMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CollateralDomain_5ffd64a2-fa38-4ef8-b154-18be83686238" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ResidentialRealEstateMember_2ac5c124-e517-4372-99b0-c5bf19d317e2" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CollateralPledgedMember_0e4f9832-5ff2-4e0f-a9f4-7f1092fbb477" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_CollateralPledgedMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CollateralDomain_5ffd64a2-fa38-4ef8-b154-18be83686238" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CollateralPledgedMember_0e4f9832-5ff2-4e0f-a9f4-7f1092fbb477" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommercialRealEstateMember_9cc679a1-0f85-431d-bd17-8cb89f519a99" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_CommercialRealEstateMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CollateralDomain_5ffd64a2-fa38-4ef8-b154-18be83686238" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommercialRealEstateMember_9cc679a1-0f85-431d-bd17-8cb89f519a99" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_BusinessAssetsMember_fa1933bb-58e1-47d1-a929-76f1b0d631b4" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_BusinessAssetsMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CollateralDomain_5ffd64a2-fa38-4ef8-b154-18be83686238" xlink:to="loc_he_BusinessAssetsMember_fa1933bb-58e1-47d1-a929-76f1b0d631b4" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentAxis_7efacec2-f77e-4a46-ae47-1102a0a6cad6" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableNonaccrualTable_4370fd72-81f3-4af0-810e-a3d295733364" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentAxis_7efacec2-f77e-4a46-ae47-1102a0a6cad6" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain_7efacec2-f77e-4a46-ae47-1102a0a6cad6_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentAxis_7efacec2-f77e-4a46-ae47-1102a0a6cad6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain_7efacec2-f77e-4a46-ae47-1102a0a6cad6_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain_16658087-c414-41ab-9125-bee05d4df1b4" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentAxis_7efacec2-f77e-4a46-ae47-1102a0a6cad6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain_16658087-c414-41ab-9125-bee05d4df1b4" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_RealEstatePortfolioSegmentMember_dbce4838-a392-430b-98b7-3361edf37181" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_RealEstatePortfolioSegmentMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain_16658087-c414-41ab-9125-bee05d4df1b4" xlink:to="loc_he_RealEstatePortfolioSegmentMember_dbce4838-a392-430b-98b7-3361edf37181" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommercialPortfolioSegmentMember_aafeefc4-b4e4-46e4-945d-f63902276188" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_CommercialPortfolioSegmentMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain_16658087-c414-41ab-9125-bee05d4df1b4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommercialPortfolioSegmentMember_aafeefc4-b4e4-46e4-945d-f63902276188" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis_e313b1fc-9b8a-4c1b-8c71-52c2b0e85369" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableNonaccrualTable_4370fd72-81f3-4af0-810e-a3d295733364" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis_e313b1fc-9b8a-4c1b-8c71-52c2b0e85369" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain_e313b1fc-9b8a-4c1b-8c71-52c2b0e85369_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis_e313b1fc-9b8a-4c1b-8c71-52c2b0e85369" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain_e313b1fc-9b8a-4c1b-8c71-52c2b0e85369_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain_161a02af-a784-4a59-9024-ee1ec30c84ce" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis_e313b1fc-9b8a-4c1b-8c71-52c2b0e85369" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain_161a02af-a784-4a59-9024-ee1ec30c84ce" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_Residential14FamilyMember_076135db-ac6b-4419-b3ff-a4a7445f5c1d" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_Residential14FamilyMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain_161a02af-a784-4a59-9024-ee1ec30c84ce" xlink:to="loc_he_Residential14FamilyMember_076135db-ac6b-4419-b3ff-a4a7445f5c1d" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_HomeEquityLoanMember_7dbd0db8-8766-4b7f-b08a-c2623bac8df9" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_HomeEquityLoanMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain_161a02af-a784-4a59-9024-ee1ec30c84ce" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_HomeEquityLoanMember_7dbd0db8-8766-4b7f-b08a-c2623bac8df9" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommercialRealEstateMember_165bd330-9454-4807-9001-76d426cc6553" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_CommercialRealEstateMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain_161a02af-a784-4a59-9024-ee1ec30c84ce" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommercialRealEstateMember_165bd330-9454-4807-9001-76d426cc6553" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableExcludingAccruedInterestBeforeAllowanceForCreditLoss_f70b1e5b-f811-4355-b3e2-b570ad570f86" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableExcludingAccruedInterestBeforeAllowanceForCreditLoss"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableNonaccrualStatusLineItems_c6226458-fb76-457d-b7b5-5977adf63d22" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableExcludingAccruedInterestBeforeAllowanceForCreditLoss_f70b1e5b-f811-4355-b3e2-b570ad570f86" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_FinancialReceivablesLoansCollateralizedByRealEstateInForeclosure_57dfc76b-5edf-4624-a1e5-dd19e4496389" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_FinancialReceivablesLoansCollateralizedByRealEstateInForeclosure"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableNonaccrualStatusLineItems_c6226458-fb76-457d-b7b5-5977adf63d22" xlink:to="loc_he_FinancialReceivablesLoansCollateralizedByRealEstateInForeclosure_57dfc76b-5edf-4624-a1e5-dd19e4496389" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.hei.com/role/BanksegmentMortgageServicingRightsDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#BanksegmentMortgageServicingRightsDetails"/>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.hei.com/role/BanksegmentMortgageServicingRightsDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ServicingAssetsAtAmortizedValueLineItems_50142497-de18-41ef-9388-c927c32c05e4" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_ServicingAssetsAtAmortizedValueLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ServicingAssetsAtAmortizedValueTable_735abfe4-21c9-452a-8da7-8fed4408f12b" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_ServicingAssetsAtAmortizedValueTable"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ServicingAssetsAtAmortizedValueLineItems_50142497-de18-41ef-9388-c927c32c05e4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ServicingAssetsAtAmortizedValueTable_735abfe4-21c9-452a-8da7-8fed4408f12b" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_f8c552d4-1f77-4dda-a1fe-aafbba6038b6" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2024/dei-2024.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ServicingAssetsAtAmortizedValueTable_735abfe4-21c9-452a-8da7-8fed4408f12b" xlink:to="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_f8c552d4-1f77-4dda-a1fe-aafbba6038b6" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_f8c552d4-1f77-4dda-a1fe-aafbba6038b6_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2024/dei-2024.xsd#dei_EntityDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_f8c552d4-1f77-4dda-a1fe-aafbba6038b6" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_f8c552d4-1f77-4dda-a1fe-aafbba6038b6_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_05a9c77b-ca65-4bb5-9d38-ac9c9a40bced" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2024/dei-2024.xsd#dei_EntityDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_f8c552d4-1f77-4dda-a1fe-aafbba6038b6" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_05a9c77b-ca65-4bb5-9d38-ac9c9a40bced" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_AmericanSavingsBankFSBMember_91d467b9-064f-4b87-b6da-e8e41de7bd6e" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_AmericanSavingsBankFSBMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_05a9c77b-ca65-4bb5-9d38-ac9c9a40bced" xlink:to="loc_he_AmericanSavingsBankFSBMember_91d467b9-064f-4b87-b6da-e8e41de7bd6e" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis_725aaf5e-7b24-4a65-a6fb-d7af6824565c" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ServicingAssetsAtAmortizedValueTable_735abfe4-21c9-452a-8da7-8fed4408f12b" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis_725aaf5e-7b24-4a65-a6fb-d7af6824565c" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain_725aaf5e-7b24-4a65-a6fb-d7af6824565c_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis_725aaf5e-7b24-4a65-a6fb-d7af6824565c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain_725aaf5e-7b24-4a65-a6fb-d7af6824565c_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain_27193e7f-96a8-4dcb-a07b-6875b5669a42" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis_725aaf5e-7b24-4a65-a6fb-d7af6824565c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain_27193e7f-96a8-4dcb-a07b-6875b5669a42" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ResidentialMortgageMember_c6e9a291-e411-4662-8be7-fce8814ae931" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_ResidentialMortgageMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain_27193e7f-96a8-4dcb-a07b-6875b5669a42" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ResidentialMortgageMember_c6e9a291-e411-4662-8be7-fce8814ae931" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ServicingContractsMember_82a75008-2540-4b47-9dc8-e786f2aba85b" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_ServicingContractsMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain_27193e7f-96a8-4dcb-a07b-6875b5669a42" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ServicingContractsMember_82a75008-2540-4b47-9dc8-e786f2aba85b" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MeasurementInputTypeAxis_3a3cb453-3505-4db4-ab97-fb06423e41c4" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_MeasurementInputTypeAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ServicingAssetsAtAmortizedValueTable_735abfe4-21c9-452a-8da7-8fed4408f12b" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MeasurementInputTypeAxis_3a3cb453-3505-4db4-ab97-fb06423e41c4" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MeasurementInputTypeDomain_3a3cb453-3505-4db4-ab97-fb06423e41c4_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_MeasurementInputTypeDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MeasurementInputTypeAxis_3a3cb453-3505-4db4-ab97-fb06423e41c4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MeasurementInputTypeDomain_3a3cb453-3505-4db4-ab97-fb06423e41c4_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MeasurementInputTypeDomain_311e7951-7a99-4bdb-906c-eb2e90cce525" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_MeasurementInputTypeDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MeasurementInputTypeAxis_3a3cb453-3505-4db4-ab97-fb06423e41c4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MeasurementInputTypeDomain_311e7951-7a99-4bdb-906c-eb2e90cce525" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_MeasurementInputNoteInterestRateMember_4d10d8c7-d540-4dbc-abf6-4bdfa8458cb8" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_MeasurementInputNoteInterestRateMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MeasurementInputTypeDomain_311e7951-7a99-4bdb-906c-eb2e90cce525" xlink:to="loc_he_MeasurementInputNoteInterestRateMember_4d10d8c7-d540-4dbc-abf6-4bdfa8458cb8" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MeasurementInputDiscountRateMember_1c3a565e-4ab2-4491-a152-b420615e8d02" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_MeasurementInputDiscountRateMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MeasurementInputTypeDomain_311e7951-7a99-4bdb-906c-eb2e90cce525" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MeasurementInputDiscountRateMember_1c3a565e-4ab2-4491-a152-b420615e8d02" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MeasurementInputPrepaymentRateMember_2c614df6-037e-49b2-ad1d-6593668a4fea" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_MeasurementInputPrepaymentRateMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MeasurementInputTypeDomain_311e7951-7a99-4bdb-906c-eb2e90cce525" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MeasurementInputPrepaymentRateMember_2c614df6-037e-49b2-ad1d-6593668a4fea" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleOfMortgageLoansHeldForSale_41f4c406-e6f9-4aff-8e57-697181b4569d" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleOfMortgageLoansHeldForSale"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ServicingAssetsAtAmortizedValueLineItems_50142497-de18-41ef-9388-c927c32c05e4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleOfMortgageLoansHeldForSale_41f4c406-e6f9-4aff-8e57-697181b4569d" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfMortgageLoans_23797b08-852c-45f7-b100-12ad9325d135" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfMortgageLoans"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ServicingAssetsAtAmortizedValueLineItems_50142497-de18-41ef-9388-c927c32c05e4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfMortgageLoans_23797b08-852c-45f7-b100-12ad9325d135" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_NumberOfMortgageLoansRepurchased_3bcbe25f-f8c9-48e0-aad4-1140725a409d" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_NumberOfMortgageLoansRepurchased"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ServicingAssetsAtAmortizedValueLineItems_50142497-de18-41ef-9388-c927c32c05e4" xlink:to="loc_he_NumberOfMortgageLoansRepurchased_3bcbe25f-f8c9-48e0-aad4-1140725a409d" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FeesAndCommissionsMortgageBankingAndServicing_64557415-7e67-400e-a4bb-1decb9421a34" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_FeesAndCommissionsMortgageBankingAndServicing"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ServicingAssetsAtAmortizedValueLineItems_50142497-de18-41ef-9388-c927c32c05e4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FeesAndCommissionsMortgageBankingAndServicing_64557415-7e67-400e-a4bb-1decb9421a34" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ServicingAssetAbstract_66720dd3-77df-452d-ae22-75cbe60df378" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_ServicingAssetAbstract"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ServicingAssetsAtAmortizedValueLineItems_50142497-de18-41ef-9388-c927c32c05e4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ServicingAssetAbstract_66720dd3-77df-452d-ae22-75cbe60df378" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ServicingAsset_c65127a0-b2b5-4414-9b37-30905b36c067" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_ServicingAsset"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ServicingAssetAbstract_66720dd3-77df-452d-ae22-75cbe60df378" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ServicingAsset_c65127a0-b2b5-4414-9b37-30905b36c067" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_ServicingAssetAccumulatedAmortization_dcb73ac2-9e7e-4dc1-8455-288a4ae1cc27" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_ServicingAssetAccumulatedAmortization"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ServicingAssetAbstract_66720dd3-77df-452d-ae22-75cbe60df378" xlink:to="loc_he_ServicingAssetAccumulatedAmortization_dcb73ac2-9e7e-4dc1-8455-288a4ae1cc27" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ValuationAllowanceForImpairmentOfRecognizedServicingAssetsBalance_9f8278b6-6226-4277-a76d-e9ce2ed88feb" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_ValuationAllowanceForImpairmentOfRecognizedServicingAssetsBalance"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ServicingAssetAbstract_66720dd3-77df-452d-ae22-75cbe60df378" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ValuationAllowanceForImpairmentOfRecognizedServicingAssetsBalance_9f8278b6-6226-4277-a76d-e9ce2ed88feb" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_ServicingAssetNet_63619afb-e9e3-4bc5-84fb-6494839d0620" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_ServicingAssetNet"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ServicingAssetAbstract_66720dd3-77df-452d-ae22-75cbe60df378" xlink:to="loc_he_ServicingAssetNet_63619afb-e9e3-4bc5-84fb-6494839d0620" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MovementInMortgageLoansOnRealEstateRollForward_0faf06ed-99fd-4635-9a89-d6e1617cb074" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_MovementInMortgageLoansOnRealEstateRollForward"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ServicingAssetsAtAmortizedValueLineItems_50142497-de18-41ef-9388-c927c32c05e4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MovementInMortgageLoansOnRealEstateRollForward_0faf06ed-99fd-4635-9a89-d6e1617cb074" xlink:type="arc" order="5"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ServicingAssetAtAmortizedValue_5681dd22-a6e8-403b-b003-5c7d70913d53" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_ServicingAssetAtAmortizedValue"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MovementInMortgageLoansOnRealEstateRollForward_0faf06ed-99fd-4635-9a89-d6e1617cb074" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ServicingAssetAtAmortizedValue_5681dd22-a6e8-403b-b003-5c7d70913d53" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_ServicingAssetAtAmortizedValueAmountCapitalized_12919711-d276-496a-bc8c-980af3049515" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_ServicingAssetAtAmortizedValueAmountCapitalized"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MovementInMortgageLoansOnRealEstateRollForward_0faf06ed-99fd-4635-9a89-d6e1617cb074" xlink:to="loc_he_ServicingAssetAtAmortizedValueAmountCapitalized_12919711-d276-496a-bc8c-980af3049515" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ServicingAssetAtAmortizedValueAmortization1_aa155ad0-e3d1-40ba-9c19-238b9681a80d" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_ServicingAssetAtAmortizedValueAmortization1"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MovementInMortgageLoansOnRealEstateRollForward_0faf06ed-99fd-4635-9a89-d6e1617cb074" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ServicingAssetAtAmortizedValueAmortization1_aa155ad0-e3d1-40ba-9c19-238b9681a80d" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ServicingAssetAtAmortizedCostOtherThanTemporaryImpairments_ce82119f-06f6-426b-a5aa-844b39ff20ef" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_ServicingAssetAtAmortizedCostOtherThanTemporaryImpairments"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MovementInMortgageLoansOnRealEstateRollForward_0faf06ed-99fd-4635-9a89-d6e1617cb074" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ServicingAssetAtAmortizedCostOtherThanTemporaryImpairments_ce82119f-06f6-426b-a5aa-844b39ff20ef" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ServicingAssetAtAmortizedValue_8840ea96-c775-4238-bb6a-172158331aa3" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_ServicingAssetAtAmortizedValue"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ValuationAllowanceForImpairmentOfRecognizedServicingAssetsRollForward_beca906c-7555-4315-bb5f-60685fcbf4f1" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_ValuationAllowanceForImpairmentOfRecognizedServicingAssetsRollForward"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ServicingAssetsAtAmortizedValueLineItems_50142497-de18-41ef-9388-c927c32c05e4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ValuationAllowanceForImpairmentOfRecognizedServicingAssetsRollForward_beca906c-7555-4315-bb5f-60685fcbf4f1" xlink:type="arc" order="6"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ValuationAllowanceForImpairmentOfRecognizedServicingAssetsBalance_361ee0d2-e315-44ce-afea-e829f7b62298" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_ValuationAllowanceForImpairmentOfRecognizedServicingAssetsBalance"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ValuationAllowanceForImpairmentOfRecognizedServicingAssetsProvisionsRecoveries_5ccca4f6-3640-4829-9ea2-6f2f92857373" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_ValuationAllowanceForImpairmentOfRecognizedServicingAssetsProvisionsRecoveries"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ValuationAllowanceForImpairmentOfRecognizedServicingAssetsRollForward_beca906c-7555-4315-bb5f-60685fcbf4f1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ValuationAllowanceForImpairmentOfRecognizedServicingAssetsProvisionsRecoveries_5ccca4f6-3640-4829-9ea2-6f2f92857373" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ServicingAssetAtAmortizedCostOtherThanTemporaryImpairments_0ccea4cb-2d70-4301-aa41-7d1d19c54b4b" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_ServicingAssetAtAmortizedCostOtherThanTemporaryImpairments"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ValuationAllowanceForImpairmentOfRecognizedServicingAssetsBalance_d6885b7c-46b4-4a6e-83e7-42c7e26c2435" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_ValuationAllowanceForImpairmentOfRecognizedServicingAssetsBalance"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_FairValueInputsUnpaidPrincipalBalanceAsset_cdb23ea5-69b1-46e3-b60f-98828ad82496" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_FairValueInputsUnpaidPrincipalBalanceAsset"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ServicingAssetsAtAmortizedValueLineItems_50142497-de18-41ef-9388-c927c32c05e4" xlink:to="loc_he_FairValueInputsUnpaidPrincipalBalanceAsset_cdb23ea5-69b1-46e3-b60f-98828ad82496" xlink:type="arc" order="7"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ServicingAssetMeasurementInput_8415c005-6c87-4bda-96f0-46f511e18636" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_ServicingAssetMeasurementInput"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ServicingAssetsAtAmortizedValueLineItems_50142497-de18-41ef-9388-c927c32c05e4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ServicingAssetMeasurementInput_8415c005-6c87-4bda-96f0-46f511e18636" xlink:type="arc" order="8"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_FairValueInputsPrepaymentRateAbstract_b149383d-8a09-478f-b2e6-bb54fb484610" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_FairValueInputsPrepaymentRateAbstract"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ServicingAssetsAtAmortizedValueLineItems_50142497-de18-41ef-9388-c927c32c05e4" xlink:to="loc_he_FairValueInputsPrepaymentRateAbstract_b149383d-8a09-478f-b2e6-bb54fb484610" xlink:type="arc" order="9"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_SensitivityAnalysisOfFairValueTransferorsInterestsInTransferredFinancialAssetsImpactOf25BasisPointAdverseChangeInPrepaymentSpeed_29332269-d2bd-4a57-88f6-712190098794" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_SensitivityAnalysisOfFairValueTransferorsInterestsInTransferredFinancialAssetsImpactOf25BasisPointAdverseChangeInPrepaymentSpeed"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_he_FairValueInputsPrepaymentRateAbstract_b149383d-8a09-478f-b2e6-bb54fb484610" xlink:to="loc_he_SensitivityAnalysisOfFairValueTransferorsInterestsInTransferredFinancialAssetsImpactOf25BasisPointAdverseChangeInPrepaymentSpeed_29332269-d2bd-4a57-88f6-712190098794" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_SensitivityAnalysisOfFairValueTransferorsInterestsInTransferredFinancialAssetsImpactOf50BasisPointAdverseChangeOnPrepaymentSpeed_e0ef177d-8342-4714-a9cf-e45c7814e795" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_SensitivityAnalysisOfFairValueTransferorsInterestsInTransferredFinancialAssetsImpactOf50BasisPointAdverseChangeOnPrepaymentSpeed"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_he_FairValueInputsPrepaymentRateAbstract_b149383d-8a09-478f-b2e6-bb54fb484610" xlink:to="loc_he_SensitivityAnalysisOfFairValueTransferorsInterestsInTransferredFinancialAssetsImpactOf50BasisPointAdverseChangeOnPrepaymentSpeed_e0ef177d-8342-4714-a9cf-e45c7814e795" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_FairValueInputsDiscountRateAbstract_934f4968-4e26-4c10-ae65-eb60f4f26fc5" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_FairValueInputsDiscountRateAbstract"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ServicingAssetsAtAmortizedValueLineItems_50142497-de18-41ef-9388-c927c32c05e4" xlink:to="loc_he_FairValueInputsDiscountRateAbstract_934f4968-4e26-4c10-ae65-eb60f4f26fc5" xlink:type="arc" order="10"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_SensitivityAnalysisOfFairValueTransferorsInterestsInTransferredFinancialAssetsImpactOf25BasisPointsAdverseChangeInDiscountRate_a7a0f97d-6fd4-4f06-a2f6-a3ea4668b0a5" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_SensitivityAnalysisOfFairValueTransferorsInterestsInTransferredFinancialAssetsImpactOf25BasisPointsAdverseChangeInDiscountRate"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_he_FairValueInputsDiscountRateAbstract_934f4968-4e26-4c10-ae65-eb60f4f26fc5" xlink:to="loc_he_SensitivityAnalysisOfFairValueTransferorsInterestsInTransferredFinancialAssetsImpactOf25BasisPointsAdverseChangeInDiscountRate_a7a0f97d-6fd4-4f06-a2f6-a3ea4668b0a5" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_SensitivityAnalysisOfFairValueTransferorsInterestsInTransferredFinancialAssetsImpactOf50BasisPointsAdverseChangeInDiscountRate_5c093ce7-a745-4a85-a506-12edf27027cb" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_SensitivityAnalysisOfFairValueTransferorsInterestsInTransferredFinancialAssetsImpactOf50BasisPointsAdverseChangeInDiscountRate"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_he_FairValueInputsDiscountRateAbstract_934f4968-4e26-4c10-ae65-eb60f4f26fc5" xlink:to="loc_he_SensitivityAnalysisOfFairValueTransferorsInterestsInTransferredFinancialAssetsImpactOf50BasisPointsAdverseChangeInDiscountRate_5c093ce7-a745-4a85-a506-12edf27027cb" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.hei.com/role/BanksegmentOtherBorrowingsDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#BanksegmentOtherBorrowingsDetails"/>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.hei.com/role/BanksegmentOtherBorrowingsDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OffsettingLiabilitiesLineItems_ddc749a8-3a75-491b-b056-5662f30fd50c" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_OffsettingLiabilitiesLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OffsettingLiabilitiesTable_8a9b213d-42c8-4501-b8b7-6d1b1f20b7ff" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_OffsettingLiabilitiesTable"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OffsettingLiabilitiesLineItems_ddc749a8-3a75-491b-b056-5662f30fd50c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OffsettingLiabilitiesTable_8a9b213d-42c8-4501-b8b7-6d1b1f20b7ff" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_a41b3af5-536f-4720-becb-254e4b0d9886" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2024/dei-2024.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OffsettingLiabilitiesTable_8a9b213d-42c8-4501-b8b7-6d1b1f20b7ff" xlink:to="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_a41b3af5-536f-4720-becb-254e4b0d9886" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_a41b3af5-536f-4720-becb-254e4b0d9886_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2024/dei-2024.xsd#dei_EntityDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_a41b3af5-536f-4720-becb-254e4b0d9886" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_a41b3af5-536f-4720-becb-254e4b0d9886_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_6b644fc9-50b0-49f6-8315-053e234036f8" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2024/dei-2024.xsd#dei_EntityDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_a41b3af5-536f-4720-becb-254e4b0d9886" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_6b644fc9-50b0-49f6-8315-053e234036f8" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_AmericanSavingsBankFSBMember_ed874b80-eed2-44f0-80e6-0ed16af7d7e5" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_AmericanSavingsBankFSBMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_6b644fc9-50b0-49f6-8315-053e234036f8" xlink:to="loc_he_AmericanSavingsBankFSBMember_ed874b80-eed2-44f0-80e6-0ed16af7d7e5" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AdvancesFromFederalHomeLoanBanks_1638068b-9b81-4823-8aba-2ba1611a2623" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_AdvancesFromFederalHomeLoanBanks"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OffsettingLiabilitiesLineItems_ddc749a8-3a75-491b-b056-5662f30fd50c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AdvancesFromFederalHomeLoanBanks_1638068b-9b81-4823-8aba-2ba1611a2623" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_OtherBankBorrowings_d073e6b3-bdfe-4669-819a-97791fc61ca5" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_OtherBankBorrowings"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OffsettingLiabilitiesLineItems_ddc749a8-3a75-491b-b056-5662f30fd50c" xlink:to="loc_he_OtherBankBorrowings_d073e6b3-bdfe-4669-819a-97791fc61ca5" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.hei.com/role/BanksegmentDerivativeFinancialInstrumentsDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#BanksegmentDerivativeFinancialInstrumentsDetails"/>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.hei.com/role/BanksegmentDerivativeFinancialInstrumentsDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLineItems_88bfe229-dc97-40ad-8033-89aea9e97fa3" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeTable_d8a83b06-e861-4c63-b461-0839cab7b624" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeTable"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLineItems_88bfe229-dc97-40ad-8033-89aea9e97fa3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeTable_d8a83b06-e861-4c63-b461-0839cab7b624" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_7829fd85-2efb-4184-a755-b931b28b3a12" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeTable_d8a83b06-e861-4c63-b461-0839cab7b624" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_7829fd85-2efb-4184-a755-b931b28b3a12" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_7829fd85-2efb-4184-a755-b931b28b3a12_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_7829fd85-2efb-4184-a755-b931b28b3a12" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_7829fd85-2efb-4184-a755-b931b28b3a12_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_0f4f2311-8155-4403-8e92-ed9c0878e7b5" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_7829fd85-2efb-4184-a755-b931b28b3a12" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_0f4f2311-8155-4403-8e92-ed9c0878e7b5" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterestRateLockCommitmentsMember_88d6aecb-2962-4eb4-a9f1-4cdc3b04e8e2" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_InterestRateLockCommitmentsMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_0f4f2311-8155-4403-8e92-ed9c0878e7b5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InterestRateLockCommitmentsMember_88d6aecb-2962-4eb4-a9f1-4cdc3b04e8e2" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ForwardContractsMember_6104a710-ad81-488c-8cac-54cdfb9bc30b" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_ForwardContractsMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_0f4f2311-8155-4403-8e92-ed9c0878e7b5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ForwardContractsMember_6104a710-ad81-488c-8cac-54cdfb9bc30b" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_HedgingDesignationAxis_fe4b2dde-356e-497d-aace-b96566f0eb51" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_HedgingDesignationAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeTable_d8a83b06-e861-4c63-b461-0839cab7b624" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_HedgingDesignationAxis_fe4b2dde-356e-497d-aace-b96566f0eb51" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_HedgingDesignationDomain_fe4b2dde-356e-497d-aace-b96566f0eb51_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_HedgingDesignationDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_HedgingDesignationAxis_fe4b2dde-356e-497d-aace-b96566f0eb51" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_HedgingDesignationDomain_fe4b2dde-356e-497d-aace-b96566f0eb51_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_HedgingDesignationDomain_7f8d27d1-6daa-4fd2-a48d-f31f234cb7e4" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_HedgingDesignationDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_HedgingDesignationAxis_fe4b2dde-356e-497d-aace-b96566f0eb51" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_HedgingDesignationDomain_7f8d27d1-6daa-4fd2-a48d-f31f234cb7e4" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NondesignatedMember_86a55929-5e7e-459a-ab91-35308da68f5c" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_NondesignatedMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_HedgingDesignationDomain_7f8d27d1-6daa-4fd2-a48d-f31f234cb7e4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NondesignatedMember_86a55929-5e7e-459a-ab91-35308da68f5c" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeNotionalAmount_7c2dabaa-3a9d-4438-ad6c-2ac740190d82" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeNotionalAmount"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLineItems_88bfe229-dc97-40ad-8033-89aea9e97fa3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeNotionalAmount_7c2dabaa-3a9d-4438-ad6c-2ac740190d82" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeNet_4078ffa4-51b7-4290-a755-48c18ace4057" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeNet"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLineItems_88bfe229-dc97-40ad-8033-89aea9e97fa3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeNet_4078ffa4-51b7-4290-a755-48c18ace4057" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeAssetAmountNotOffsetAgainstCollateral_8ee4e6af-16c7-4d51-b91d-16d94a7fb2a6" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeAssetAmountNotOffsetAgainstCollateral"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLineItems_88bfe229-dc97-40ad-8033-89aea9e97fa3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeAssetAmountNotOffsetAgainstCollateral_8ee4e6af-16c7-4d51-b91d-16d94a7fb2a6" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeLiabilityAmountNotOffsetAgainstCollateral_90a21395-5d19-4766-8621-f1cda3f380ea" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeLiabilityAmountNotOffsetAgainstCollateral"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLineItems_88bfe229-dc97-40ad-8033-89aea9e97fa3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeLiabilityAmountNotOffsetAgainstCollateral_90a21395-5d19-4766-8621-f1cda3f380ea" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeGainLossOnDerivativeNet_fe7e4c4b-ffa9-42e2-a95f-78ff9159f91d" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeGainLossOnDerivativeNet"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLineItems_88bfe229-dc97-40ad-8033-89aea9e97fa3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeGainLossOnDerivativeNet_fe7e4c4b-ffa9-42e2-a95f-78ff9159f91d" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeGainLossStatementOfIncomeOrComprehensiveIncomeExtensibleEnumeration_355b7f9f-99fe-4080-a66c-4acde8175329" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeGainLossStatementOfIncomeOrComprehensiveIncomeExtensibleEnumeration"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLineItems_88bfe229-dc97-40ad-8033-89aea9e97fa3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeGainLossStatementOfIncomeOrComprehensiveIncomeExtensibleEnumeration_355b7f9f-99fe-4080-a66c-4acde8175329" xlink:type="arc" order="5"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.hei.com/role/BanksegmentContingenciesDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#BanksegmentContingenciesDetails"/>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.hei.com/role/BanksegmentContingenciesDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesLineItems_e62a20ae-e1d5-4074-96b9-62b4467d3334" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_LossContingenciesLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesTable_ebd841e9-4610-4ffd-b0ef-9725a966a7bb" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_LossContingenciesTable"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesLineItems_e62a20ae-e1d5-4074-96b9-62b4467d3334" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesTable_ebd841e9-4610-4ffd-b0ef-9725a966a7bb" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_6553d68a-d2f6-485b-9bbe-b3d129b64644" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2024/dei-2024.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesTable_ebd841e9-4610-4ffd-b0ef-9725a966a7bb" xlink:to="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_6553d68a-d2f6-485b-9bbe-b3d129b64644" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_6553d68a-d2f6-485b-9bbe-b3d129b64644_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2024/dei-2024.xsd#dei_EntityDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_6553d68a-d2f6-485b-9bbe-b3d129b64644" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_6553d68a-d2f6-485b-9bbe-b3d129b64644_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_4bee7be5-3a44-411a-ade7-9e31bf551a12" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2024/dei-2024.xsd#dei_EntityDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_6553d68a-d2f6-485b-9bbe-b3d129b64644" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_4bee7be5-3a44-411a-ade7-9e31bf551a12" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_AmericanSavingsBankFSBMember_2ee037e0-b57e-4753-a9d2-9cf7956d1073" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_AmericanSavingsBankFSBMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_4bee7be5-3a44-411a-ade7-9e31bf551a12" xlink:to="loc_he_AmericanSavingsBankFSBMember_2ee037e0-b57e-4753-a9d2-9cf7956d1073" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_QualifiedAffordableHousingProjectInvestmentsCommitment_35b42469-8c26-44a3-aee0-3f2f417228b5" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_QualifiedAffordableHousingProjectInvestmentsCommitment"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesLineItems_e62a20ae-e1d5-4074-96b9-62b4467d3334" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_QualifiedAffordableHousingProjectInvestmentsCommitment_35b42469-8c26-44a3-aee0-3f2f417228b5" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.hei.com/role/CreditagreementsandchangesindebtNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#CreditagreementsandchangesindebtNarrativeDetails"/>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.hei.com/role/CreditagreementsandchangesindebtNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_cf69ddd0-aa7d-4b66-b938-fcc5a15c556b" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_cce483f4-8933-4f8b-9d4d-974dc08a6245" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_cf69ddd0-aa7d-4b66-b938-fcc5a15c556b" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_cce483f4-8933-4f8b-9d4d-974dc08a6245" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_c0bb3e85-92b7-49b0-84dd-8d57454787c3" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_cce483f4-8933-4f8b-9d4d-974dc08a6245" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_c0bb3e85-92b7-49b0-84dd-8d57454787c3" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_c0bb3e85-92b7-49b0-84dd-8d57454787c3_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_c0bb3e85-92b7-49b0-84dd-8d57454787c3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_c0bb3e85-92b7-49b0-84dd-8d57454787c3_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_0b46bb7e-2bff-4253-bc79-461d81c7b347" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_c0bb3e85-92b7-49b0-84dd-8d57454787c3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_0b46bb7e-2bff-4253-bc79-461d81c7b347" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_CreditFacilitiesMember_8978766f-95d1-4e07-8f36-17f5315da97d" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_CreditFacilitiesMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_0b46bb7e-2bff-4253-bc79-461d81c7b347" xlink:to="loc_he_CreditFacilitiesMember_8978766f-95d1-4e07-8f36-17f5315da97d" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_HEIFacilityMember_cdc98fe9-1633-41dd-a8ff-3c7d48c30749" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_HEIFacilityMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_0b46bb7e-2bff-4253-bc79-461d81c7b347" xlink:to="loc_he_HEIFacilityMember_cdc98fe9-1633-41dd-a8ff-3c7d48c30749" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_HawaiianElectricFacilityMember_45b1ceee-7ee0-424e-9533-518dc384637d" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_HawaiianElectricFacilityMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_0b46bb7e-2bff-4253-bc79-461d81c7b347" xlink:to="loc_he_HawaiianElectricFacilityMember_45b1ceee-7ee0-424e-9533-518dc384637d" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_ABLCreditFacilityAgreementMember_b5770a49-0a8f-44dd-8a1f-43928ead9dfa" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_ABLCreditFacilityAgreementMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_0b46bb7e-2bff-4253-bc79-461d81c7b347" xlink:to="loc_he_ABLCreditFacilityAgreementMember_b5770a49-0a8f-44dd-8a1f-43928ead9dfa" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_194b195f-ecc3-44cd-848f-22ea20d0b28d" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2024/dei-2024.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_cce483f4-8933-4f8b-9d4d-974dc08a6245" xlink:to="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_194b195f-ecc3-44cd-848f-22ea20d0b28d" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_194b195f-ecc3-44cd-848f-22ea20d0b28d_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2024/dei-2024.xsd#dei_EntityDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_194b195f-ecc3-44cd-848f-22ea20d0b28d" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_194b195f-ecc3-44cd-848f-22ea20d0b28d_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_6a11d315-9017-4392-a897-f425e810a5ea" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2024/dei-2024.xsd#dei_EntityDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_194b195f-ecc3-44cd-848f-22ea20d0b28d" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_6a11d315-9017-4392-a897-f425e810a5ea" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_HawaiianElectricCompanyAndSubsidiariesMember_e2bf5712-dc45-44c3-9030-8b3757a7eca5" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_HawaiianElectricCompanyAndSubsidiariesMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_6a11d315-9017-4392-a897-f425e810a5ea" xlink:to="loc_he_HawaiianElectricCompanyAndSubsidiariesMember_e2bf5712-dc45-44c3-9030-8b3757a7eca5" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_MahipapaLLCMember_d51fd940-f386-4a90-b0a4-e13aef9cc339" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_MahipapaLLCMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_6a11d315-9017-4392-a897-f425e810a5ea" xlink:to="loc_he_MahipapaLLCMember_d51fd940-f386-4a90-b0a4-e13aef9cc339" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShortTermDebtTypeAxis_62c9f8b0-a77b-4136-892a-a6b5e9cdaca5" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_ShortTermDebtTypeAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_cce483f4-8933-4f8b-9d4d-974dc08a6245" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShortTermDebtTypeAxis_62c9f8b0-a77b-4136-892a-a6b5e9cdaca5" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShortTermDebtTypeDomain_62c9f8b0-a77b-4136-892a-a6b5e9cdaca5_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_ShortTermDebtTypeDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShortTermDebtTypeAxis_62c9f8b0-a77b-4136-892a-a6b5e9cdaca5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShortTermDebtTypeDomain_62c9f8b0-a77b-4136-892a-a6b5e9cdaca5_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShortTermDebtTypeDomain_8c1075e8-c9f5-4042-a618-e377073e1cf4" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_ShortTermDebtTypeDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShortTermDebtTypeAxis_62c9f8b0-a77b-4136-892a-a6b5e9cdaca5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShortTermDebtTypeDomain_8c1075e8-c9f5-4042-a618-e377073e1cf4" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LetterOfCreditMember_a3e1c2ad-6204-41e3-b362-32f137db48ed" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_LetterOfCreditMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShortTermDebtTypeDomain_8c1075e8-c9f5-4042-a618-e377073e1cf4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LetterOfCreditMember_a3e1c2ad-6204-41e3-b362-32f137db48ed" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis_cf5fc84b-d4ef-4dde-bd4c-62cc7c2cd18c" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_cce483f4-8933-4f8b-9d4d-974dc08a6245" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis_cf5fc84b-d4ef-4dde-bd4c-62cc7c2cd18c" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain_cf5fc84b-d4ef-4dde-bd4c-62cc7c2cd18c_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis_cf5fc84b-d4ef-4dde-bd4c-62cc7c2cd18c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain_cf5fc84b-d4ef-4dde-bd4c-62cc7c2cd18c_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain_c50ad786-4bd7-4455-b8a2-51db4b223db6" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis_cf5fc84b-d4ef-4dde-bd4c-62cc7c2cd18c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain_c50ad786-4bd7-4455-b8a2-51db4b223db6" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RevolvingCreditFacilityMember_5b13ae63-df6f-4c4b-9516-afe5cf29cb1b" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_RevolvingCreditFacilityMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain_c50ad786-4bd7-4455-b8a2-51db4b223db6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RevolvingCreditFacilityMember_5b13ae63-df6f-4c4b-9516-afe5cf29cb1b" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_9c0ae3c9-ee36-4a3f-99bb-7ff3aecc9895" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_cce483f4-8933-4f8b-9d4d-974dc08a6245" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_9c0ae3c9-ee36-4a3f-99bb-7ff3aecc9895" xlink:type="arc" order="5"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_9c0ae3c9-ee36-4a3f-99bb-7ff3aecc9895_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_9c0ae3c9-ee36-4a3f-99bb-7ff3aecc9895" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_9c0ae3c9-ee36-4a3f-99bb-7ff3aecc9895_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_30e82181-eb2c-4103-b916-25830909991c" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_9c0ae3c9-ee36-4a3f-99bb-7ff3aecc9895" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_30e82181-eb2c-4103-b916-25830909991c" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditMember_82f3f836-7493-4017-bec7-a3466e959361" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_30e82181-eb2c-4103-b916-25830909991c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditMember_82f3f836-7493-4017-bec7-a3466e959361" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_NumberOfFinancialInstitutions_ed1ab9b7-6338-41da-8c5d-8cb08ca77b03" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_NumberOfFinancialInstitutions"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_cf69ddd0-aa7d-4b66-b938-fcc5a15c556b" xlink:to="loc_he_NumberOfFinancialInstitutions_ed1ab9b7-6338-41da-8c5d-8cb08ca77b03" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacity_0b02301b-9a6b-4510-8c68-7ea44d5ffc81" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacity"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_cf69ddd0-aa7d-4b66-b938-fcc5a15c556b" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacity_0b02301b-9a6b-4510-8c68-7ea44d5ffc81" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_LineOfCreditFacilityNumberOfExtensionOptions_c2a5e935-e532-477f-8f6d-9105742d87f3" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_LineOfCreditFacilityNumberOfExtensionOptions"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_cf69ddd0-aa7d-4b66-b938-fcc5a15c556b" xlink:to="loc_he_LineOfCreditFacilityNumberOfExtensionOptions_c2a5e935-e532-477f-8f6d-9105742d87f3" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_LineOfCreditFacilityExtensionPeriod_dc5c1bf8-8f9e-4db6-b72e-878cbdc84dbf" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_LineOfCreditFacilityExtensionPeriod"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_cf69ddd0-aa7d-4b66-b938-fcc5a15c556b" xlink:to="loc_he_LineOfCreditFacilityExtensionPeriod_dc5c1bf8-8f9e-4db6-b72e-878cbdc84dbf" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_NumberOfFinancialInstitutionsWithExtendedTerminationDate_be61847e-abac-469d-99dc-f68b09fc2565" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_NumberOfFinancialInstitutionsWithExtendedTerminationDate"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_cf69ddd0-aa7d-4b66-b938-fcc5a15c556b" xlink:to="loc_he_NumberOfFinancialInstitutionsWithExtendedTerminationDate_be61847e-abac-469d-99dc-f68b09fc2565" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityRemainingBorrowingCapacity_7eb8b107-de12-480f-bc96-3ffc1c185ecf" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityRemainingBorrowingCapacity"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_cf69ddd0-aa7d-4b66-b938-fcc5a15c556b" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityRemainingBorrowingCapacity_7eb8b107-de12-480f-bc96-3ffc1c185ecf" xlink:type="arc" order="5"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityExpirationPeriod_d7d26957-0a7b-422c-a003-baba30765888" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityExpirationPeriod"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_cf69ddd0-aa7d-4b66-b938-fcc5a15c556b" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityExpirationPeriod_d7d26957-0a7b-422c-a003-baba30765888" xlink:type="arc" order="6"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_LineOfCreditFacilityAutomaticExtensionExpirationPeriod_939e4e05-aeda-4154-9ec0-c28d10cd61cf" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_LineOfCreditFacilityAutomaticExtensionExpirationPeriod"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_cf69ddd0-aa7d-4b66-b938-fcc5a15c556b" xlink:to="loc_he_LineOfCreditFacilityAutomaticExtensionExpirationPeriod_939e4e05-aeda-4154-9ec0-c28d10cd61cf" xlink:type="arc" order="7"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShortTermBorrowings_a02d7df2-76ed-4527-9dd9-b969b28478d4" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_ShortTermBorrowings"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_cf69ddd0-aa7d-4b66-b938-fcc5a15c556b" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShortTermBorrowings_a02d7df2-76ed-4527-9dd9-b969b28478d4" xlink:type="arc" order="8"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromLinesOfCredit_f5a7f9b2-42b9-45a3-919a-c0f08c493518" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromLinesOfCredit"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_cf69ddd0-aa7d-4b66-b938-fcc5a15c556b" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromLinesOfCredit_f5a7f9b2-42b9-45a3-919a-c0f08c493518" xlink:type="arc" order="9"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_LineOfCreditNumberOfDeferredPeriodicPayments_cdc16360-fea8-4c50-a725-79e3073f1298" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_LineOfCreditNumberOfDeferredPeriodicPayments"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_cf69ddd0-aa7d-4b66-b938-fcc5a15c556b" xlink:to="loc_he_LineOfCreditNumberOfDeferredPeriodicPayments_cdc16360-fea8-4c50-a725-79e3073f1298" xlink:type="arc" order="10"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_LineOfCreditPeriodicPaymentDeferred_2e2df3bd-4f59-4b21-8c68-6604b0afd89b" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_LineOfCreditPeriodicPaymentDeferred"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_cf69ddd0-aa7d-4b66-b938-fcc5a15c556b" xlink:to="loc_he_LineOfCreditPeriodicPaymentDeferred_2e2df3bd-4f59-4b21-8c68-6604b0afd89b" xlink:type="arc" order="11"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.hei.com/role/ShareholdersequityAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#ShareholdersequityAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeDetails"/>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.hei.com/role/ShareholdersequityAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossLineItems_7ceea689-9a5f-4ea7-9e3e-35717bbc469d" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossTable_0dbd98b0-787c-47b3-9c25-6da59142c1c2" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossTable"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossLineItems_7ceea689-9a5f-4ea7-9e3e-35717bbc469d" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossTable_0dbd98b0-787c-47b3-9c25-6da59142c1c2" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_755f1cdb-514c-4614-a6a5-45e0f8c859e8" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2024/dei-2024.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossTable_0dbd98b0-787c-47b3-9c25-6da59142c1c2" xlink:to="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_755f1cdb-514c-4614-a6a5-45e0f8c859e8" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_755f1cdb-514c-4614-a6a5-45e0f8c859e8_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2024/dei-2024.xsd#dei_EntityDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_755f1cdb-514c-4614-a6a5-45e0f8c859e8" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_755f1cdb-514c-4614-a6a5-45e0f8c859e8_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_7f30297f-8df0-42c3-8c61-cefa36048599" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2024/dei-2024.xsd#dei_EntityDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_755f1cdb-514c-4614-a6a5-45e0f8c859e8" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_7f30297f-8df0-42c3-8c61-cefa36048599" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_HawaiianElectricCompanyAndSubsidiariesMember_0d8f2c0c-45fb-4f05-b6d0-5524be430742" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_HawaiianElectricCompanyAndSubsidiariesMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_7f30297f-8df0-42c3-8c61-cefa36048599" xlink:to="loc_he_HawaiianElectricCompanyAndSubsidiariesMember_0d8f2c0c-45fb-4f05-b6d0-5524be430742" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_57d787ed-d9fa-47fb-8d11-bf6b234c2a8e" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossTable_0dbd98b0-787c-47b3-9c25-6da59142c1c2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_57d787ed-d9fa-47fb-8d11-bf6b234c2a8e" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_57d787ed-d9fa-47fb-8d11-bf6b234c2a8e_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_57d787ed-d9fa-47fb-8d11-bf6b234c2a8e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_57d787ed-d9fa-47fb-8d11-bf6b234c2a8e_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_4d1e2da5-0b59-4acc-9992-854d2397b31b" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_57d787ed-d9fa-47fb-8d11-bf6b234c2a8e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_4d1e2da5-0b59-4acc-9992-854d2397b31b" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember_da499793-640a-4327-a098-e6b332192618" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_4d1e2da5-0b59-4acc-9992-854d2397b31b" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember_da499793-640a-4327-a098-e6b332192618" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedNetUnrealizedInvestmentGainLossMember_836ff2e7-d27e-492d-bc2d-268ddb05c90e" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedNetUnrealizedInvestmentGainLossMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember_da499793-640a-4327-a098-e6b332192618" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedNetUnrealizedInvestmentGainLossMember_836ff2e7-d27e-492d-bc2d-268ddb05c90e" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedGainLossNetCashFlowHedgeParentMember_49ee4153-19f5-43e6-a4d2-eb8e80d9cb13" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedGainLossNetCashFlowHedgeParentMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember_da499793-640a-4327-a098-e6b332192618" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedGainLossNetCashFlowHedgeParentMember_49ee4153-19f5-43e6-a4d2-eb8e80d9cb13" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedDefinedBenefitPlansAdjustmentMember_2d0275d8-01c2-4ab8-9445-e143b8773ac0" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedDefinedBenefitPlansAdjustmentMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember_da499793-640a-4327-a098-e6b332192618" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedDefinedBenefitPlansAdjustmentMember_2d0275d8-01c2-4ab8-9445-e143b8773ac0" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AOCIAttributableToParentNetOfTaxRollForward_94bd2532-91b5-4def-b86e-680cce271aeb" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_AOCIAttributableToParentNetOfTaxRollForward"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossLineItems_7ceea689-9a5f-4ea7-9e3e-35717bbc469d" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AOCIAttributableToParentNetOfTaxRollForward_94bd2532-91b5-4def-b86e-680cce271aeb" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquity_6defed11-acd2-4c4a-90a3-39623d8626f5" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquity"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AOCIAttributableToParentNetOfTaxRollForward_94bd2532-91b5-4def-b86e-680cce271aeb" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquity_6defed11-acd2-4c4a-90a3-39623d8626f5" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxPortionAttributableToParent_4bb7c995-2320-4fe0-bcf1-fd06175f9867" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxPortionAttributableToParent"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AOCIAttributableToParentNetOfTaxRollForward_94bd2532-91b5-4def-b86e-680cce271aeb" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxPortionAttributableToParent_4bb7c995-2320-4fe0-bcf1-fd06175f9867" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquity_f05ccf01-2f96-4ea6-bb0b-198897d7c201" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquity"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.hei.com/role/ShareholdersequityReclassificationoutofAOCIDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#ShareholdersequityReclassificationoutofAOCIDetails"/>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.hei.com/role/ShareholdersequityReclassificationoutofAOCIDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ReclassificationAdjustmentOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLineItems_6a1d2a82-1c38-44f4-900a-f4dc8bf8410b" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_ReclassificationAdjustmentOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ReclassificationOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeTable_99d29fc6-f5fc-4828-9f91-f95def575c4e" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_ReclassificationOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeTable"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ReclassificationAdjustmentOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLineItems_6a1d2a82-1c38-44f4-900a-f4dc8bf8410b" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ReclassificationOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeTable_99d29fc6-f5fc-4828-9f91-f95def575c4e" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_4746f218-64d1-4052-b244-f218865e2928" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ReclassificationOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeTable_99d29fc6-f5fc-4828-9f91-f95def575c4e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_4746f218-64d1-4052-b244-f218865e2928" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_4746f218-64d1-4052-b244-f218865e2928_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_4746f218-64d1-4052-b244-f218865e2928" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_4746f218-64d1-4052-b244-f218865e2928_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_5cbf75cd-125c-420b-838e-06280a3021b2" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_4746f218-64d1-4052-b244-f218865e2928" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_5cbf75cd-125c-420b-838e-06280a3021b2" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_AccumulatedGainLossNetCashFlowHedgeHeldToMaturityParentMember_ded00ecd-6a0a-4adb-add7-f7917c6cdf29" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_AccumulatedGainLossNetCashFlowHedgeHeldToMaturityParentMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_5cbf75cd-125c-420b-838e-06280a3021b2" xlink:to="loc_he_AccumulatedGainLossNetCashFlowHedgeHeldToMaturityParentMember_ded00ecd-6a0a-4adb-add7-f7917c6cdf29" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedGainLossNetCashFlowHedgeParentMember_70e78093-88c0-47f0-b651-82269ae4c60d" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedGainLossNetCashFlowHedgeParentMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_5cbf75cd-125c-420b-838e-06280a3021b2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedGainLossNetCashFlowHedgeParentMember_70e78093-88c0-47f0-b651-82269ae4c60d" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedDefinedBenefitPlansAdjustmentNetPriorServiceCostCreditMember_db4888ea-cb4b-4c00-ba11-5948bf274622" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedDefinedBenefitPlansAdjustmentNetPriorServiceCostCreditMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_5cbf75cd-125c-420b-838e-06280a3021b2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedDefinedBenefitPlansAdjustmentNetPriorServiceCostCreditMember_db4888ea-cb4b-4c00-ba11-5948bf274622" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_AccumulatedDefinedBenefitPlansAdjustmentImpactOfDecisionAndOrdersOfThePublicUtilityCommissionIncludedInRegulatoryAssetsMember_0778f38f-ec45-4644-a8e1-3e9a53c8e6b0" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_AccumulatedDefinedBenefitPlansAdjustmentImpactOfDecisionAndOrdersOfThePublicUtilityCommissionIncludedInRegulatoryAssetsMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_5cbf75cd-125c-420b-838e-06280a3021b2" xlink:to="loc_he_AccumulatedDefinedBenefitPlansAdjustmentImpactOfDecisionAndOrdersOfThePublicUtilityCommissionIncludedInRegulatoryAssetsMember_0778f38f-ec45-4644-a8e1-3e9a53c8e6b0" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_65d97bd0-f3e7-4a23-a191-6cb69959fcb5" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2024/dei-2024.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ReclassificationOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeTable_99d29fc6-f5fc-4828-9f91-f95def575c4e" xlink:to="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_65d97bd0-f3e7-4a23-a191-6cb69959fcb5" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_65d97bd0-f3e7-4a23-a191-6cb69959fcb5_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2024/dei-2024.xsd#dei_EntityDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_65d97bd0-f3e7-4a23-a191-6cb69959fcb5" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_65d97bd0-f3e7-4a23-a191-6cb69959fcb5_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_e5540757-0045-48fb-a7f4-aeaec3af6efe" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2024/dei-2024.xsd#dei_EntityDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_65d97bd0-f3e7-4a23-a191-6cb69959fcb5" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_e5540757-0045-48fb-a7f4-aeaec3af6efe" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_HawaiianElectricCompanyAndSubsidiariesMember_72ae07a0-7836-43af-8a8e-55e38d27fe1a" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_HawaiianElectricCompanyAndSubsidiariesMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_e5540757-0045-48fb-a7f4-aeaec3af6efe" xlink:to="loc_he_HawaiianElectricCompanyAndSubsidiariesMember_72ae07a0-7836-43af-8a8e-55e38d27fe1a" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ReclassificationOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeAxis_56caca5f-060a-4690-9271-c09b728a33c6" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_ReclassificationOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ReclassificationOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeTable_99d29fc6-f5fc-4828-9f91-f95def575c4e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ReclassificationOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeAxis_56caca5f-060a-4690-9271-c09b728a33c6" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ReclassificationOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeDomain_56caca5f-060a-4690-9271-c09b728a33c6_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_ReclassificationOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ReclassificationOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeAxis_56caca5f-060a-4690-9271-c09b728a33c6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ReclassificationOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeDomain_56caca5f-060a-4690-9271-c09b728a33c6_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ReclassificationOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeDomain_0652059a-9e21-467e-85e8-5a3f5e1ae758" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_ReclassificationOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ReclassificationOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeAxis_56caca5f-060a-4690-9271-c09b728a33c6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ReclassificationOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeDomain_0652059a-9e21-467e-85e8-5a3f5e1ae758" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ReclassificationOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember_35924b95-c5b6-4917-b4e5-162766b56c56" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_ReclassificationOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ReclassificationOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeDomain_0652059a-9e21-467e-85e8-5a3f5e1ae758" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ReclassificationOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember_35924b95-c5b6-4917-b4e5-162766b56c56" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Revenues_e3d67884-54dd-4765-8f3d-c66cd897bcb2" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_Revenues"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ReclassificationAdjustmentOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLineItems_6a1d2a82-1c38-44f4-900a-f4dc8bf8410b" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Revenues_e3d67884-54dd-4765-8f3d-c66cd897bcb2" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_InterestExpenseOnOtherThanDepositsAndBankBorrowings_cb0bcbe0-04e5-4f17-be72-f51eed93880f" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_InterestExpenseOnOtherThanDepositsAndBankBorrowings"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ReclassificationAdjustmentOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLineItems_6a1d2a82-1c38-44f4-900a-f4dc8bf8410b" xlink:to="loc_he_InterestExpenseOnOtherThanDepositsAndBankBorrowings_cb0bcbe0-04e5-4f17-be72-f51eed93880f" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProfitLoss_a4e90c31-a1fc-4bc7-9808-e530c7c24972" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_ProfitLoss"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ReclassificationAdjustmentOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLineItems_6a1d2a82-1c38-44f4-900a-f4dc8bf8410b" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProfitLoss_a4e90c31-a1fc-4bc7-9808-e530c7c24972" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.hei.com/role/RevenuesDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#RevenuesDetails"/>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.hei.com/role/RevenuesDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueLineItems_ee72bceb-68dd-400a-bbd5-ae15509a2fba" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueTable_26567982-ebb4-4d62-b27a-61eaabe2a958" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueTable"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueLineItems_ee72bceb-68dd-400a-bbd5-ae15509a2fba" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueTable_26567982-ebb4-4d62-b27a-61eaabe2a958" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_9bc3742f-6cbf-4c3b-ad4b-08ab7c4fd35e" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueTable_26567982-ebb4-4d62-b27a-61eaabe2a958" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_9bc3742f-6cbf-4c3b-ad4b-08ab7c4fd35e" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_9bc3742f-6cbf-4c3b-ad4b-08ab7c4fd35e_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_9bc3742f-6cbf-4c3b-ad4b-08ab7c4fd35e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_9bc3742f-6cbf-4c3b-ad4b-08ab7c4fd35e_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_92f39c08-a82b-4d43-8ee7-aa937bb270c5" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_9bc3742f-6cbf-4c3b-ad4b-08ab7c4fd35e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_92f39c08-a82b-4d43-8ee7-aa937bb270c5" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_ElectricUtilitySegmentMember_dcd607c7-9d82-448f-adcc-5a1b2481571c" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_ElectricUtilitySegmentMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_92f39c08-a82b-4d43-8ee7-aa937bb270c5" xlink:to="loc_he_ElectricUtilitySegmentMember_dcd607c7-9d82-448f-adcc-5a1b2481571c" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_BankingSegmentMember_051b00ca-492e-4264-bcf6-f811b66c726d" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_BankingSegmentMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_92f39c08-a82b-4d43-8ee7-aa937bb270c5" xlink:to="loc_he_BankingSegmentMember_051b00ca-492e-4264-bcf6-f811b66c726d" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AllOtherSegmentsMember_59916914-973e-47a9-ae59-9f1821ea545f" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_AllOtherSegmentsMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_92f39c08-a82b-4d43-8ee7-aa937bb270c5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AllOtherSegmentsMember_59916914-973e-47a9-ae59-9f1821ea545f" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ProductOrServiceAxis_24f74685-820d-4fc1-90f1-1d4ccab65f5f" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2024/elts/srt-2024.xsd#srt_ProductOrServiceAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueTable_26567982-ebb4-4d62-b27a-61eaabe2a958" xlink:to="loc_srt_ProductOrServiceAxis_24f74685-820d-4fc1-90f1-1d4ccab65f5f" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_24f74685-820d-4fc1-90f1-1d4ccab65f5f_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2024/elts/srt-2024.xsd#srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductOrServiceAxis_24f74685-820d-4fc1-90f1-1d4ccab65f5f" xlink:to="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_24f74685-820d-4fc1-90f1-1d4ccab65f5f_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_69de5ada-7331-42d2-81fc-9cb416987ebe" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2024/elts/srt-2024.xsd#srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductOrServiceAxis_24f74685-820d-4fc1-90f1-1d4ccab65f5f" xlink:to="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_69de5ada-7331-42d2-81fc-9cb416987ebe" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_ElectricEnergySalesResidentialMember_52075339-ea08-4002-94e4-046a917b11c6" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_ElectricEnergySalesResidentialMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_69de5ada-7331-42d2-81fc-9cb416987ebe" xlink:to="loc_he_ElectricEnergySalesResidentialMember_52075339-ea08-4002-94e4-046a917b11c6" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_ElectricEnergySalesCommercialMember_5aee7156-a7b0-4434-b2fd-7ee42ea108e4" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_ElectricEnergySalesCommercialMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_69de5ada-7331-42d2-81fc-9cb416987ebe" xlink:to="loc_he_ElectricEnergySalesCommercialMember_5aee7156-a7b0-4434-b2fd-7ee42ea108e4" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_ElectricEnergySalesLargeLightAndPowerMember_a0a608fc-2a8f-4a89-ac65-03d4bc58acc4" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_ElectricEnergySalesLargeLightAndPowerMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_69de5ada-7331-42d2-81fc-9cb416987ebe" xlink:to="loc_he_ElectricEnergySalesLargeLightAndPowerMember_a0a608fc-2a8f-4a89-ac65-03d4bc58acc4" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_ElectricEnergySalesOtherMember_1638a7d2-e912-40fd-b94b-193902cf196c" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_ElectricEnergySalesOtherMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_69de5ada-7331-42d2-81fc-9cb416987ebe" xlink:to="loc_he_ElectricEnergySalesOtherMember_1638a7d2-e912-40fd-b94b-193902cf196c" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_BankFeesMember_c069580e-9288-4397-922c-106013a5f273" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_BankFeesMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_69de5ada-7331-42d2-81fc-9cb416987ebe" xlink:to="loc_he_BankFeesMember_c069580e-9288-4397-922c-106013a5f273" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_OtherSalesMember_36592a92-d573-48f0-89f7-ffa9af85af11" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_OtherSalesMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_69de5ada-7331-42d2-81fc-9cb416987ebe" xlink:to="loc_he_OtherSalesMember_36592a92-d573-48f0-89f7-ffa9af85af11" xlink:type="arc" order="5"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_RegulatoryRevenueMember_df297f86-e40b-44c3-90ed-b40f36f65b69" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_RegulatoryRevenueMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_69de5ada-7331-42d2-81fc-9cb416987ebe" xlink:to="loc_he_RegulatoryRevenueMember_df297f86-e40b-44c3-90ed-b40f36f65b69" xlink:type="arc" order="6"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_BankInterestAndDividendIncomeMember_1c3e5b2e-224d-4a79-9f5b-b51ea34dece0" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_BankInterestAndDividendIncomeMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_69de5ada-7331-42d2-81fc-9cb416987ebe" xlink:to="loc_he_BankInterestAndDividendIncomeMember_1c3e5b2e-224d-4a79-9f5b-b51ea34dece0" xlink:type="arc" order="7"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_OtherBankNoninterestIncomeMember_269b4e05-0672-4629-976a-295b5e1c2ffa" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_OtherBankNoninterestIncomeMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_69de5ada-7331-42d2-81fc-9cb416987ebe" xlink:to="loc_he_OtherBankNoninterestIncomeMember_269b4e05-0672-4629-976a-295b5e1c2ffa" xlink:type="arc" order="8"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProductAndServiceOtherMember_7a8e8ef4-2c05-4750-99db-bbe6278f0a00" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_ProductAndServiceOtherMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_69de5ada-7331-42d2-81fc-9cb416987ebe" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProductAndServiceOtherMember_7a8e8ef4-2c05-4750-99db-bbe6278f0a00" xlink:type="arc" order="9"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TimingOfTransferOfGoodOrServiceAxis_36fdb643-449a-4533-9883-3ebf7675db0e" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_TimingOfTransferOfGoodOrServiceAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueTable_26567982-ebb4-4d62-b27a-61eaabe2a958" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TimingOfTransferOfGoodOrServiceAxis_36fdb643-449a-4533-9883-3ebf7675db0e" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TimingOfTransferOfGoodOrServiceDomain_36fdb643-449a-4533-9883-3ebf7675db0e_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_TimingOfTransferOfGoodOrServiceDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TimingOfTransferOfGoodOrServiceAxis_36fdb643-449a-4533-9883-3ebf7675db0e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TimingOfTransferOfGoodOrServiceDomain_36fdb643-449a-4533-9883-3ebf7675db0e_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TimingOfTransferOfGoodOrServiceDomain_1fb694c5-08ac-40f2-973e-e91b6e100fd9" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_TimingOfTransferOfGoodOrServiceDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TimingOfTransferOfGoodOrServiceAxis_36fdb643-449a-4533-9883-3ebf7675db0e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TimingOfTransferOfGoodOrServiceDomain_1fb694c5-08ac-40f2-973e-e91b6e100fd9" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TransferredAtPointInTimeMember_42b018ca-d152-46b8-954e-ebec2a3669fc" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_TransferredAtPointInTimeMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TimingOfTransferOfGoodOrServiceDomain_1fb694c5-08ac-40f2-973e-e91b6e100fd9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TransferredAtPointInTimeMember_42b018ca-d152-46b8-954e-ebec2a3669fc" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TransferredOverTimeMember_cb66f5c5-b9fe-4b5a-b5e1-9648d8707b94" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_TransferredOverTimeMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TimingOfTransferOfGoodOrServiceDomain_1fb694c5-08ac-40f2-973e-e91b6e100fd9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TransferredOverTimeMember_cb66f5c5-b9fe-4b5a-b5e1-9648d8707b94" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerIncludingAssessedTax_a652773a-f8a4-47a9-ab2f-3dd5296bfc0e" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerIncludingAssessedTax"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueLineItems_ee72bceb-68dd-400a-bbd5-ae15509a2fba" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerIncludingAssessedTax_a652773a-f8a4-47a9-ab2f-3dd5296bfc0e" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RevenueNotFromContractWithCustomer_0d84fde1-4cb9-4837-8a54-b5a552d2afeb" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_RevenueNotFromContractWithCustomer"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueLineItems_ee72bceb-68dd-400a-bbd5-ae15509a2fba" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RevenueNotFromContractWithCustomer_0d84fde1-4cb9-4837-8a54-b5a552d2afeb" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Revenues_3179d90a-059d-464f-97d9-da79da29847d" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_Revenues"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueLineItems_ee72bceb-68dd-400a-bbd5-ae15509a2fba" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Revenues_3179d90a-059d-464f-97d9-da79da29847d" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.hei.com/role/RetirementbenefitsNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#RetirementbenefitsNarrativeDetails"/>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.hei.com/role/RetirementbenefitsNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems_f19a1939-2da8-42b7-9ad5-bb206e300d66" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable_2516e580-ece3-460c-abd0-854222427192" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems_f19a1939-2da8-42b7-9ad5-bb206e300d66" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable_2516e580-ece3-460c-abd0-854222427192" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_5a9f621b-1243-4ee2-9dfe-7ec9167cf72a" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2024/dei-2024.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable_2516e580-ece3-460c-abd0-854222427192" xlink:to="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_5a9f621b-1243-4ee2-9dfe-7ec9167cf72a" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_5a9f621b-1243-4ee2-9dfe-7ec9167cf72a_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2024/dei-2024.xsd#dei_EntityDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_5a9f621b-1243-4ee2-9dfe-7ec9167cf72a" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_5a9f621b-1243-4ee2-9dfe-7ec9167cf72a_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_fa9bf9dd-9605-43bd-b2f3-21a2099dc59a" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2024/dei-2024.xsd#dei_EntityDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_5a9f621b-1243-4ee2-9dfe-7ec9167cf72a" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_fa9bf9dd-9605-43bd-b2f3-21a2099dc59a" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_HawaiianElectricCompanyAndSubsidiariesMember_8771e427-8fd7-464f-abbf-17f7d0e29cff" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_HawaiianElectricCompanyAndSubsidiariesMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_fa9bf9dd-9605-43bd-b2f3-21a2099dc59a" xlink:to="loc_he_HawaiianElectricCompanyAndSubsidiariesMember_8771e427-8fd7-464f-abbf-17f7d0e29cff" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanContributionsByEmployer_b69a595c-f082-4c4f-bedd-e73ce3f734c2" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanContributionsByEmployer"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems_f19a1939-2da8-42b7-9ad5-bb206e300d66" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanContributionsByEmployer_b69a595c-f082-4c4f-bedd-e73ce3f734c2" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedFutureEmployerContributionsCurrentFiscalYear_e391df27-fd7c-4cf2-ae5f-c168f5a0486b" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedFutureEmployerContributionsCurrentFiscalYear"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems_f19a1939-2da8-42b7-9ad5-bb206e300d66" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedFutureEmployerContributionsCurrentFiscalYear_e391df27-fd7c-4cf2-ae5f-c168f5a0486b" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedFutureBenefitPaymentsRemainderOfFiscalYear_df7a92b8-53ee-41c6-b567-9c0629792d91" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedFutureBenefitPaymentsRemainderOfFiscalYear"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems_f19a1939-2da8-42b7-9ad5-bb206e300d66" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedFutureBenefitPaymentsRemainderOfFiscalYear_df7a92b8-53ee-41c6-b567-9c0629792d91" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitExpense_91795dca-42ec-4ecd-b3f8-99be261006fc" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_PensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitExpense"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems_f19a1939-2da8-42b7-9ad5-bb206e300d66" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitExpense_91795dca-42ec-4ecd-b3f8-99be261006fc" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_DefinedBenefitPlanNumberOfYearsRegulatoryAssetsOrLiabilityWillBeAmortizedForEachUtilityWhichStartFromRespectiveUtilitiesNextRateCase_004f3e03-1d89-40e0-956f-2f02b8bb4ee7" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_DefinedBenefitPlanNumberOfYearsRegulatoryAssetsOrLiabilityWillBeAmortizedForEachUtilityWhichStartFromRespectiveUtilitiesNextRateCase"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems_f19a1939-2da8-42b7-9ad5-bb206e300d66" xlink:to="loc_he_DefinedBenefitPlanNumberOfYearsRegulatoryAssetsOrLiabilityWillBeAmortizedForEachUtilityWhichStartFromRespectiveUtilitiesNextRateCase_004f3e03-1d89-40e0-956f-2f02b8bb4ee7" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedContributionPlanCostRecognized_c73178a0-eaf8-4634-ab07-fe6582573b79" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedContributionPlanCostRecognized"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems_f19a1939-2da8-42b7-9ad5-bb206e300d66" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedContributionPlanCostRecognized_c73178a0-eaf8-4634-ab07-fe6582573b79" xlink:type="arc" order="5"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedContributionPlanEmployerDiscretionaryContributionAmount_62506d95-dfe1-4a31-a4eb-4b4d10fd51d4" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedContributionPlanEmployerDiscretionaryContributionAmount"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems_f19a1939-2da8-42b7-9ad5-bb206e300d66" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedContributionPlanEmployerDiscretionaryContributionAmount_62506d95-dfe1-4a31-a4eb-4b4d10fd51d4" xlink:type="arc" order="6"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.hei.com/role/RetirementbenefitsComponentsofNetPeriodicBenefitCostforConsolidatedHEIDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#RetirementbenefitsComponentsofNetPeriodicBenefitCostforConsolidatedHEIDetails"/>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.hei.com/role/RetirementbenefitsComponentsofNetPeriodicBenefitCostforConsolidatedHEIDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems_0d232d5f-b8e6-4350-a747-3e6a1cc9fc33" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable_e1363049-bf15-407a-be4f-d1a9a6d2e91f" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems_0d232d5f-b8e6-4350-a747-3e6a1cc9fc33" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable_e1363049-bf15-407a-be4f-d1a9a6d2e91f" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_63d13cc5-565c-491d-b634-b5abbe106239" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2024/dei-2024.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable_e1363049-bf15-407a-be4f-d1a9a6d2e91f" xlink:to="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_63d13cc5-565c-491d-b634-b5abbe106239" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_63d13cc5-565c-491d-b634-b5abbe106239_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2024/dei-2024.xsd#dei_EntityDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_63d13cc5-565c-491d-b634-b5abbe106239" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_63d13cc5-565c-491d-b634-b5abbe106239_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_416480a2-5cc0-408f-9187-fe832032d2dd" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2024/dei-2024.xsd#dei_EntityDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_63d13cc5-565c-491d-b634-b5abbe106239" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_416480a2-5cc0-408f-9187-fe832032d2dd" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_HawaiianElectricCompanyAndSubsidiariesMember_e4b1b961-5b94-4080-970b-4cbbb121c50d" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_HawaiianElectricCompanyAndSubsidiariesMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_416480a2-5cc0-408f-9187-fe832032d2dd" xlink:to="loc_he_HawaiianElectricCompanyAndSubsidiariesMember_e4b1b961-5b94-4080-970b-4cbbb121c50d" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeAxis_5c67af67-5a07-4865-877b-55246b1984fc" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable_e1363049-bf15-407a-be4f-d1a9a6d2e91f" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeAxis_5c67af67-5a07-4865-877b-55246b1984fc" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain_5c67af67-5a07-4865-877b-55246b1984fc_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeAxis_5c67af67-5a07-4865-877b-55246b1984fc" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain_5c67af67-5a07-4865-877b-55246b1984fc_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain_76cb0bd4-ae39-4785-8fb0-000f6eae6310" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeAxis_5c67af67-5a07-4865-877b-55246b1984fc" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain_76cb0bd4-ae39-4785-8fb0-000f6eae6310" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember_0f5fc1d6-f564-4f43-8219-5513fb577414" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain_76cb0bd4-ae39-4785-8fb0-000f6eae6310" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember_0f5fc1d6-f564-4f43-8219-5513fb577414" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember_75464218-a277-4059-acc1-ed2e9b3acf60" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain_76cb0bd4-ae39-4785-8fb0-000f6eae6310" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember_75464218-a277-4059-acc1-ed2e9b3acf60" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanPlanAmendmentAbstract_ba4c7388-7ffe-447f-b4ef-77663eaf60c5" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanPlanAmendmentAbstract"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems_0d232d5f-b8e6-4350-a747-3e6a1cc9fc33" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanPlanAmendmentAbstract_ba4c7388-7ffe-447f-b4ef-77663eaf60c5" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanServiceCost_cc4b00d6-e80f-42f5-9936-142bb50a45f1" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanServiceCost"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanPlanAmendmentAbstract_ba4c7388-7ffe-447f-b4ef-77663eaf60c5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanServiceCost_cc4b00d6-e80f-42f5-9936-142bb50a45f1" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanInterestCost_270283d1-76df-4357-8ac0-4b8ad762e85e" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanInterestCost"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanPlanAmendmentAbstract_ba4c7388-7ffe-447f-b4ef-77663eaf60c5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanInterestCost_270283d1-76df-4357-8ac0-4b8ad762e85e" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedReturnOnPlanAssets_b718d437-d762-4e8f-8bd6-be554feb6633" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedReturnOnPlanAssets"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanPlanAmendmentAbstract_ba4c7388-7ffe-447f-b4ef-77663eaf60c5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedReturnOnPlanAssets_b718d437-d762-4e8f-8bd6-be554feb6633" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmortizationOfPriorServiceCostCredit_9f759eb1-639e-43e6-9716-b44dc191471b" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmortizationOfPriorServiceCostCredit"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanPlanAmendmentAbstract_ba4c7388-7ffe-447f-b4ef-77663eaf60c5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmortizationOfPriorServiceCostCredit_9f759eb1-639e-43e6-9716-b44dc191471b" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmortizationOfGainsLosses_418a6705-5741-4b2d-9cb8-22c7a67fbaca" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmortizationOfGainsLosses"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanPlanAmendmentAbstract_ba4c7388-7ffe-447f-b4ef-77663eaf60c5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmortizationOfGainsLosses_418a6705-5741-4b2d-9cb8-22c7a67fbaca" xlink:type="arc" order="5"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanNetPeriodicBenefitCost_e1207903-c82d-4d58-8e8c-2e4e4a0069f4" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanNetPeriodicBenefitCost"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanPlanAmendmentAbstract_ba4c7388-7ffe-447f-b4ef-77663eaf60c5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanNetPeriodicBenefitCost_e1207903-c82d-4d58-8e8c-2e4e4a0069f4" xlink:type="arc" order="6"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_DefinedBenefitPlanImpactOfPublicUtilitiesCommissionDecisionsAndOrders_3b6e0f3f-0acf-438c-a393-600575c778af" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_DefinedBenefitPlanImpactOfPublicUtilitiesCommissionDecisionsAndOrders"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanPlanAmendmentAbstract_ba4c7388-7ffe-447f-b4ef-77663eaf60c5" xlink:to="loc_he_DefinedBenefitPlanImpactOfPublicUtilitiesCommissionDecisionsAndOrders_3b6e0f3f-0acf-438c-a393-600575c778af" xlink:type="arc" order="7"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_DefinedBenefitPlanNetPeriodicBenefitCostAdjustedForImpactOfPublicUtilitiesCommissionDecisionsAndOrders_972881bb-1429-42e2-bd1d-685bdce2106d" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_DefinedBenefitPlanNetPeriodicBenefitCostAdjustedForImpactOfPublicUtilitiesCommissionDecisionsAndOrders"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanPlanAmendmentAbstract_ba4c7388-7ffe-447f-b4ef-77663eaf60c5" xlink:to="loc_he_DefinedBenefitPlanNetPeriodicBenefitCostAdjustedForImpactOfPublicUtilitiesCommissionDecisionsAndOrders_972881bb-1429-42e2-bd1d-685bdce2106d" xlink:type="arc" order="8"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.hei.com/role/SharebasedcompensationNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#SharebasedcompensationNarrativeDetails"/>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.hei.com/role/SharebasedcompensationNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_b3f41a4a-0253-4333-a89e-da598d607fb7" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_3a7d943f-d9d5-4fe7-b6ef-a57409b78caa" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_b3f41a4a-0253-4333-a89e-da598d607fb7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_3a7d943f-d9d5-4fe7-b6ef-a57409b78caa" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameAxis_1cbfcb46-1700-4820-a235-d04d8664254c" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_PlanNameAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_3a7d943f-d9d5-4fe7-b6ef-a57409b78caa" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameAxis_1cbfcb46-1700-4820-a235-d04d8664254c" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameDomain_1cbfcb46-1700-4820-a235-d04d8664254c_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_PlanNameDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameAxis_1cbfcb46-1700-4820-a235-d04d8664254c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameDomain_1cbfcb46-1700-4820-a235-d04d8664254c_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameDomain_b9f341d6-5e9d-4b4b-97d7-edba7a333bbf" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_PlanNameDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameAxis_1cbfcb46-1700-4820-a235-d04d8664254c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameDomain_b9f341d6-5e9d-4b4b-97d7-edba7a333bbf" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_EquityAndIncentivePlanMember_a5780dec-d627-4478-babd-da6e3d205372" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_EquityAndIncentivePlanMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameDomain_b9f341d6-5e9d-4b4b-97d7-edba7a333bbf" xlink:to="loc_he_EquityAndIncentivePlanMember_a5780dec-d627-4478-babd-da6e3d205372" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_NonemployeeDirectorStockPlanMember_a5b26a09-587b-4682-a6de-a76b5fcec330" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_NonemployeeDirectorStockPlanMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameDomain_b9f341d6-5e9d-4b4b-97d7-edba7a333bbf" xlink:to="loc_he_NonemployeeDirectorStockPlanMember_a5b26a09-587b-4682-a6de-a76b5fcec330" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_66f898c5-551a-4388-8af9-c973df1380d3" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_3a7d943f-d9d5-4fe7-b6ef-a57409b78caa" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_66f898c5-551a-4388-8af9-c973df1380d3" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_66f898c5-551a-4388-8af9-c973df1380d3_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_66f898c5-551a-4388-8af9-c973df1380d3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_66f898c5-551a-4388-8af9-c973df1380d3_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_597e3cf1-ed5b-4308-9c77-888cb545bfc0" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_66f898c5-551a-4388-8af9-c973df1380d3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_597e3cf1-ed5b-4308-9c77-888cb545bfc0" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedStockUnitsRSUMember_57adb0b5-50f3-46dc-b2a5-7697610bd75f" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_RestrictedStockUnitsRSUMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_597e3cf1-ed5b-4308-9c77-888cb545bfc0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedStockUnitsRSUMember_57adb0b5-50f3-46dc-b2a5-7697610bd75f" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_LongTermIncentivePlanMember_227c8162-8e6b-4830-96de-3d9d6bdb9fb2" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_LongTermIncentivePlanMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_597e3cf1-ed5b-4308-9c77-888cb545bfc0" xlink:to="loc_he_LongTermIncentivePlanMember_227c8162-8e6b-4830-96de-3d9d6bdb9fb2" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_LongTermIncentivePlanLinkedToTotalReturnToShareholdersMember_90311e3b-1ef2-411a-9cf3-31e430fbf304" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_LongTermIncentivePlanLinkedToTotalReturnToShareholdersMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_597e3cf1-ed5b-4308-9c77-888cb545bfc0" xlink:to="loc_he_LongTermIncentivePlanLinkedToTotalReturnToShareholdersMember_90311e3b-1ef2-411a-9cf3-31e430fbf304" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_LongTermIncentivePlanAwardsLinkedToOtherPerformanceConditionsMember_5a7a82e0-48de-481a-a3bd-2c5a9ee7f813" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_LongTermIncentivePlanAwardsLinkedToOtherPerformanceConditionsMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_597e3cf1-ed5b-4308-9c77-888cb545bfc0" xlink:to="loc_he_LongTermIncentivePlanAwardsLinkedToOtherPerformanceConditionsMember_5a7a82e0-48de-481a-a3bd-2c5a9ee7f813" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_ShareBasedCompensationNumberOfSharesThatCouldBeIssuedUponVestingOfRestrictedStockUnitsAndLongTermIncentivePlans_14cc83c8-e0c1-4e52-b2f3-f6b8e3804337" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_ShareBasedCompensationNumberOfSharesThatCouldBeIssuedUponVestingOfRestrictedStockUnitsAndLongTermIncentivePlans"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_b3f41a4a-0253-4333-a89e-da598d607fb7" xlink:to="loc_he_ShareBasedCompensationNumberOfSharesThatCouldBeIssuedUponVestingOfRestrictedStockUnitsAndLongTermIncentivePlans_14cc83c8-e0c1-4e52-b2f3-f6b8e3804337" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_ShareBasedCompensationNumberOfSharesThatCouldBeIssuedUponVestingAndAchievementOfPerformanceGoals_4c1a7113-8a75-4982-a0c8-50061a0c16aa" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_ShareBasedCompensationNumberOfSharesThatCouldBeIssuedUponVestingAndAchievementOfPerformanceGoals"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_b3f41a4a-0253-4333-a89e-da598d607fb7" xlink:to="loc_he_ShareBasedCompensationNumberOfSharesThatCouldBeIssuedUponVestingAndAchievementOfPerformanceGoals_4c1a7113-8a75-4982-a0c8-50061a0c16aa" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfSharesAvailableForGrant_bd2cc5cc-e6a4-4398-9198-a542dc9460f7" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfSharesAvailableForGrant"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_b3f41a4a-0253-4333-a89e-da598d607fb7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfSharesAvailableForGrant_bd2cc5cc-e6a4-4398-9198-a542dc9460f7" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriodTotalFairValue_199aa088-9ed6-458b-9e0e-94ae9d34b94b" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriodTotalFairValue"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_b3f41a4a-0253-4333-a89e-da598d607fb7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriodTotalFairValue_199aa088-9ed6-458b-9e0e-94ae9d34b94b" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationTaxBenefitFromCompensationExpense_30d4421a-407f-415c-aac5-4b6d21a2ca28" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationTaxBenefitFromCompensationExpense"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_b3f41a4a-0253-4333-a89e-da598d607fb7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationTaxBenefitFromCompensationExpense_30d4421a-407f-415c-aac5-4b6d21a2ca28" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognized_ffbd03f8-689d-40ed-9411-6d702b774390" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognized"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_b3f41a4a-0253-4333-a89e-da598d607fb7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognized_ffbd03f8-689d-40ed-9411-6d702b774390" xlink:type="arc" order="5"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognizedPeriodForRecognition1_10627ea8-d376-4499-99f8-68c81b691461" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognizedPeriodForRecognition1"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_b3f41a4a-0253-4333-a89e-da598d607fb7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognizedPeriodForRecognition1_10627ea8-d376-4499-99f8-68c81b691461" xlink:type="arc" order="6"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_ShareBasedCompensationByShareBasedPaymentAwardPayoutLowOfRange_ba32294a-04fc-499f-9bee-a97157ccc5e8" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_ShareBasedCompensationByShareBasedPaymentAwardPayoutLowOfRange"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_b3f41a4a-0253-4333-a89e-da598d607fb7" xlink:to="loc_he_ShareBasedCompensationByShareBasedPaymentAwardPayoutLowOfRange_ba32294a-04fc-499f-9bee-a97157ccc5e8" xlink:type="arc" order="7"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_ShareBasedCompensationByShareBasedPaymentAwardPayoutHighEndOfRange_b7c17570-0730-4615-b0c5-48929c853946" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_ShareBasedCompensationByShareBasedPaymentAwardPayoutHighEndOfRange"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_b3f41a4a-0253-4333-a89e-da598d607fb7" xlink:to="loc_he_ShareBasedCompensationByShareBasedPaymentAwardPayoutHighEndOfRange_b7c17570-0730-4615-b0c5-48929c853946" xlink:type="arc" order="8"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionPeriodUsedForCalculationOfTotalReturnToShareholders_de0f77f6-3c55-4f84-8d4a-854eb4db1f12" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionPeriodUsedForCalculationOfTotalReturnToShareholders"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_b3f41a4a-0253-4333-a89e-da598d607fb7" xlink:to="loc_he_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionPeriodUsedForCalculationOfTotalReturnToShareholders_de0f77f6-3c55-4f84-8d4a-854eb4db1f12" xlink:type="arc" order="9"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_SharebasedCompensationArrangementbySharebasedPaymentAwardAwardPerformancePeriod_8456e6dd-5555-41eb-a837-e45a39a6253e" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_SharebasedCompensationArrangementbySharebasedPaymentAwardAwardPerformancePeriod"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_b3f41a4a-0253-4333-a89e-da598d607fb7" xlink:to="loc_he_SharebasedCompensationArrangementbySharebasedPaymentAwardAwardPerformancePeriod_8456e6dd-5555-41eb-a837-e45a39a6253e" xlink:type="arc" order="10"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.hei.com/role/SharebasedcompensationShareBasedCompensationExpenseandRelatedIncomeTaxBenefitDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#SharebasedcompensationShareBasedCompensationExpenseandRelatedIncomeTaxBenefitDetails"/>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.hei.com/role/SharebasedcompensationShareBasedCompensationExpenseandRelatedIncomeTaxBenefitDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_e0d078bd-68d1-4678-9209-2b4aa0ee6b41" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansByExercisePriceRangeTable_dd0adc54-bac4-44c0-9d9f-70173eca9baa" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansByExercisePriceRangeTable"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_e0d078bd-68d1-4678-9209-2b4aa0ee6b41" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansByExercisePriceRangeTable_dd0adc54-bac4-44c0-9d9f-70173eca9baa" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_f418ae27-9e52-43d6-9d4c-63d809b68cac" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2024/dei-2024.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansByExercisePriceRangeTable_dd0adc54-bac4-44c0-9d9f-70173eca9baa" xlink:to="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_f418ae27-9e52-43d6-9d4c-63d809b68cac" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_f418ae27-9e52-43d6-9d4c-63d809b68cac_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2024/dei-2024.xsd#dei_EntityDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_f418ae27-9e52-43d6-9d4c-63d809b68cac" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_f418ae27-9e52-43d6-9d4c-63d809b68cac_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_0b5632e7-82b1-4b51-8feb-2e76416eaa5e" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2024/dei-2024.xsd#dei_EntityDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_f418ae27-9e52-43d6-9d4c-63d809b68cac" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_0b5632e7-82b1-4b51-8feb-2e76416eaa5e" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_HawaiianElectricCompanyAndSubsidiariesMember_be920958-3ddc-4f05-a90e-453de0ba5376" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_HawaiianElectricCompanyAndSubsidiariesMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_0b5632e7-82b1-4b51-8feb-2e76416eaa5e" xlink:to="loc_he_HawaiianElectricCompanyAndSubsidiariesMember_be920958-3ddc-4f05-a90e-453de0ba5376" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AllocatedShareBasedCompensationExpense_ea61ba1f-869b-47e1-8190-3f1fd0544b81" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_AllocatedShareBasedCompensationExpense"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_e0d078bd-68d1-4678-9209-2b4aa0ee6b41" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AllocatedShareBasedCompensationExpense_ea61ba1f-869b-47e1-8190-3f1fd0544b81" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationTaxBenefitFromCompensationExpense_47926c49-3952-4667-a623-0a666975f543" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationTaxBenefitFromCompensationExpense"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_e0d078bd-68d1-4678-9209-2b4aa0ee6b41" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationTaxBenefitFromCompensationExpense_47926c49-3952-4667-a623-0a666975f543" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.hei.com/role/SharebasedcompensationCommonStockGrantedtoNonemployeeDirectorsDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#SharebasedcompensationCommonStockGrantedtoNonemployeeDirectorsDetails"/>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.hei.com/role/SharebasedcompensationCommonStockGrantedtoNonemployeeDirectorsDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_b783f7d2-f26d-4724-ba38-e2509adab740" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_8be7bc4e-0479-46bb-8e51-604453ce3534" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_b783f7d2-f26d-4724-ba38-e2509adab740" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_8be7bc4e-0479-46bb-8e51-604453ce3534" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_dfde133e-9e3b-45c6-9169-4138d3930383" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_8be7bc4e-0479-46bb-8e51-604453ce3534" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_dfde133e-9e3b-45c6-9169-4138d3930383" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_dfde133e-9e3b-45c6-9169-4138d3930383_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_dfde133e-9e3b-45c6-9169-4138d3930383" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_dfde133e-9e3b-45c6-9169-4138d3930383_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_bd835d26-ab0c-4788-9c2e-f0e8d26bbd85" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_dfde133e-9e3b-45c6-9169-4138d3930383" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_bd835d26-ab0c-4788-9c2e-f0e8d26bbd85" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockMember_621f0bce-f726-43ac-bcd9-a58b8cee4357" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_bd835d26-ab0c-4788-9c2e-f0e8d26bbd85" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockMember_621f0bce-f726-43ac-bcd9-a58b8cee4357" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardSharesIssuedInPeriod_b6180733-013d-48e6-a519-fb3b50946724" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardSharesIssuedInPeriod"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_b783f7d2-f26d-4724-ba38-e2509adab740" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardSharesIssuedInPeriod_b6180733-013d-48e6-a519-fb3b50946724" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriodTotalFairValue_c6f98981-8f64-49bb-a27e-835a0726f97e" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriodTotalFairValue"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_b783f7d2-f26d-4724-ba38-e2509adab740" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriodTotalFairValue_c6f98981-8f64-49bb-a27e-835a0726f97e" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationTaxBenefitFromCompensationExpense_dad7ff2c-90f7-4e60-bc9a-7ec1043bfb16" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationTaxBenefitFromCompensationExpense"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_b783f7d2-f26d-4724-ba38-e2509adab740" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationTaxBenefitFromCompensationExpense_dad7ff2c-90f7-4e60-bc9a-7ec1043bfb16" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.hei.com/role/SharebasedcompensationChangesinShareBasedCompensationDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#SharebasedcompensationChangesinShareBasedCompensationDetails"/>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.hei.com/role/SharebasedcompensationChangesinShareBasedCompensationDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_ab18c6fb-8cc0-4a31-b9f9-0bdb18b4fa78" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_cde0badf-8c97-4c18-bd20-9c0cb4cb6a31" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_ab18c6fb-8cc0-4a31-b9f9-0bdb18b4fa78" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_cde0badf-8c97-4c18-bd20-9c0cb4cb6a31" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_3485db8a-4eba-48b7-8681-9b63404f3ebc" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_cde0badf-8c97-4c18-bd20-9c0cb4cb6a31" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_3485db8a-4eba-48b7-8681-9b63404f3ebc" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_3485db8a-4eba-48b7-8681-9b63404f3ebc_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_3485db8a-4eba-48b7-8681-9b63404f3ebc" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_3485db8a-4eba-48b7-8681-9b63404f3ebc_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_a9778b19-3fcf-4251-bebc-1ca34b79e6a0" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_3485db8a-4eba-48b7-8681-9b63404f3ebc" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_a9778b19-3fcf-4251-bebc-1ca34b79e6a0" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedStockUnitsRSUMember_5a5d87b8-069d-46c2-9283-687041823969" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_RestrictedStockUnitsRSUMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_a9778b19-3fcf-4251-bebc-1ca34b79e6a0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedStockUnitsRSUMember_5a5d87b8-069d-46c2-9283-687041823969" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_LongTermIncentivePlanLinkedToTotalReturnToShareholdersMember_3cc47fcd-aed1-4201-9b17-7a559fb0a728" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_LongTermIncentivePlanLinkedToTotalReturnToShareholdersMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_a9778b19-3fcf-4251-bebc-1ca34b79e6a0" xlink:to="loc_he_LongTermIncentivePlanLinkedToTotalReturnToShareholdersMember_3cc47fcd-aed1-4201-9b17-7a559fb0a728" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_LongTermIncentivePlanAwardsLinkedToOtherPerformanceConditionsMember_5a85290d-dd16-4d42-b021-7130b8af1f4d" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_LongTermIncentivePlanAwardsLinkedToOtherPerformanceConditionsMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_a9778b19-3fcf-4251-bebc-1ca34b79e6a0" xlink:to="loc_he_LongTermIncentivePlanAwardsLinkedToOtherPerformanceConditionsMember_5a85290d-dd16-4d42-b021-7130b8af1f4d" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward_dffe0407-05bc-4c98-b79e-c4aa2abcad41" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_ab18c6fb-8cc0-4a31-b9f9-0bdb18b4fa78" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward_dffe0407-05bc-4c98-b79e-c4aa2abcad41" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedNumber_7c34709b-9d7a-41a8-9b76-fe68581ff902" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedNumber"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward_dffe0407-05bc-4c98-b79e-c4aa2abcad41" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedNumber_7c34709b-9d7a-41a8-9b76-fe68581ff902" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriod_b35fc90f-a695-4bd4-b1d0-23bba58ac970" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriod"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward_dffe0407-05bc-4c98-b79e-c4aa2abcad41" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriod_b35fc90f-a695-4bd4-b1d0-23bba58ac970" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriod_064993ff-3f80-4e1f-8f33-ba60cde89c93" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriod"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward_dffe0407-05bc-4c98-b79e-c4aa2abcad41" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriod_064993ff-3f80-4e1f-8f33-ba60cde89c93" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsIncreaseAboveTargetInPeriodCancelled_d6781e11-9f8b-4c8e-9944-49fcf3852486" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsIncreaseAboveTargetInPeriodCancelled"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward_dffe0407-05bc-4c98-b79e-c4aa2abcad41" xlink:to="loc_he_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsIncreaseAboveTargetInPeriodCancelled_d6781e11-9f8b-4c8e-9944-49fcf3852486" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeitedInPeriod_654f8252-d08b-460c-8271-dddb94d524f9" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeitedInPeriod"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward_dffe0407-05bc-4c98-b79e-c4aa2abcad41" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeitedInPeriod_654f8252-d08b-460c-8271-dddb94d524f9" xlink:type="arc" order="5"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedNumber_69b25465-d249-44c5-8a8b-69883ffe4cf1" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedNumber"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriodTotalFairValue_5ba485be-4701-4f21-bf52-ffc03bdbecf3" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriodTotalFairValue"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_ab18c6fb-8cc0-4a31-b9f9-0bdb18b4fa78" xlink:to="loc_he_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriodTotalFairValue_5ba485be-4701-4f21-bf52-ffc03bdbecf3" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract_befce24f-6e45-46d8-afe4-66d4e0698f86" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_ab18c6fb-8cc0-4a31-b9f9-0bdb18b4fa78" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract_befce24f-6e45-46d8-afe4-66d4e0698f86" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_042c92f6-7c21-4035-bac5-5ca06fc110d4" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract_befce24f-6e45-46d8-afe4-66d4e0698f86" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_042c92f6-7c21-4035-bac5-5ca06fc110d4" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_4e834bdd-b8a0-48ed-a0e2-32749836f31b" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract_befce24f-6e45-46d8-afe4-66d4e0698f86" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_4e834bdd-b8a0-48ed-a0e2-32749836f31b" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_c929cc80-4c75-4f89-887f-8f1e12d90d6e" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract_befce24f-6e45-46d8-afe4-66d4e0698f86" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_c929cc80-4c75-4f89-887f-8f1e12d90d6e" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsIncreaseAboveTargetCancelledInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_70708407-e3c1-4391-9c09-0176b518bad5" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsIncreaseAboveTargetCancelledInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract_befce24f-6e45-46d8-afe4-66d4e0698f86" xlink:to="loc_he_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsIncreaseAboveTargetCancelledInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_70708407-e3c1-4391-9c09-0176b518bad5" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeituresWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_55a2348e-408b-440c-8f99-c5bf8bfd9e72" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeituresWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract_befce24f-6e45-46d8-afe4-66d4e0698f86" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeituresWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_55a2348e-408b-440c-8f99-c5bf8bfd9e72" xlink:type="arc" order="5"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_b1fc7e1e-1e16-4d5a-b259-f1dfec14fde4" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.hei.com/role/SharebasedcompensationFairValueAssumptionsDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#SharebasedcompensationFairValueAssumptionsDetails"/>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.hei.com/role/SharebasedcompensationFairValueAssumptionsDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisValuationTechniquesLineItems_1aa3c709-950d-4836-b9c3-322f1b50677d" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisValuationTechniquesLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisValuationTechniquesTable_dcc54732-e1c5-4b05-9f0d-a19c0e3611cc" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisValuationTechniquesTable"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisValuationTechniquesLineItems_1aa3c709-950d-4836-b9c3-322f1b50677d" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisValuationTechniquesTable_dcc54732-e1c5-4b05-9f0d-a19c0e3611cc" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_f1ff8120-6aa2-4591-af96-579827ceb16c" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisValuationTechniquesTable_dcc54732-e1c5-4b05-9f0d-a19c0e3611cc" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_f1ff8120-6aa2-4591-af96-579827ceb16c" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_f1ff8120-6aa2-4591-af96-579827ceb16c_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_f1ff8120-6aa2-4591-af96-579827ceb16c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_f1ff8120-6aa2-4591-af96-579827ceb16c_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_66aa4b9b-a66a-402e-a4a5-f4ce34f8baaa" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_f1ff8120-6aa2-4591-af96-579827ceb16c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_66aa4b9b-a66a-402e-a4a5-f4ce34f8baaa" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_LongTermIncentivePlanLinkedToTotalReturnToShareholdersMember_fc4606b1-8e0f-43a8-8a0d-7d67ecc0dfe1" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_LongTermIncentivePlanLinkedToTotalReturnToShareholdersMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_66aa4b9b-a66a-402e-a4a5-f4ce34f8baaa" xlink:to="loc_he_LongTermIncentivePlanLinkedToTotalReturnToShareholdersMember_fc4606b1-8e0f-43a8-8a0d-7d67ecc0dfe1" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsRiskFreeInterestRate_a41448d8-02d2-4838-8136-e3135020b755" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsRiskFreeInterestRate"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisValuationTechniquesLineItems_1aa3c709-950d-4836-b9c3-322f1b50677d" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsRiskFreeInterestRate_a41448d8-02d2-4838-8136-e3135020b755" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedTerm1_05b0dc91-605a-4926-89f0-cfc239918b35" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedTerm1"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisValuationTechniquesLineItems_1aa3c709-950d-4836-b9c3-322f1b50677d" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedTerm1_05b0dc91-605a-4926-89f0-cfc239918b35" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedVolatilityRate_52c46b22-ec9a-4428-85aa-423afbebad40" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedVolatilityRate"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisValuationTechniquesLineItems_1aa3c709-950d-4836-b9c3-322f1b50677d" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedVolatilityRate_52c46b22-ec9a-4428-85aa-423afbebad40" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedVolatilityRateMinimum_e4f60996-075c-4702-85f7-2169c2f0d1e5" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedVolatilityRateMinimum"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisValuationTechniquesLineItems_1aa3c709-950d-4836-b9c3-322f1b50677d" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedVolatilityRateMinimum_e4f60996-075c-4702-85f7-2169c2f0d1e5" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedVolatilityRateMaximum_34f0bcf7-147c-4468-a0be-43606b4b9df1" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedVolatilityRateMaximum"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisValuationTechniquesLineItems_1aa3c709-950d-4836-b9c3-322f1b50677d" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedVolatilityRateMaximum_34f0bcf7-147c-4468-a0be-43606b4b9df1" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsGrantDateFairValue_ab77f285-320b-4e24-b838-29e2e9ab1da1" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsGrantDateFairValue"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisValuationTechniquesLineItems_1aa3c709-950d-4836-b9c3-322f1b50677d" xlink:to="loc_he_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsGrantDateFairValue_ab77f285-320b-4e24-b838-29e2e9ab1da1" xlink:type="arc" order="5"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.hei.com/role/IncometaxesDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#IncometaxesDetails"/>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.hei.com/role/IncometaxesDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxContingencyLineItems_929e5331-29fc-4b8b-bd1e-8de24993c76c" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxContingencyLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxContingencyTable_81de7874-b2aa-46f9-8736-24e8848ed51b" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxContingencyTable"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxContingencyLineItems_929e5331-29fc-4b8b-bd1e-8de24993c76c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxContingencyTable_81de7874-b2aa-46f9-8736-24e8848ed51b" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TaxPeriodAxis_e4a5b1e0-1f17-4edd-ae33-8f3135f51508" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_TaxPeriodAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxContingencyTable_81de7874-b2aa-46f9-8736-24e8848ed51b" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TaxPeriodAxis_e4a5b1e0-1f17-4edd-ae33-8f3135f51508" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TaxPeriodDomain_e4a5b1e0-1f17-4edd-ae33-8f3135f51508_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_TaxPeriodDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TaxPeriodAxis_e4a5b1e0-1f17-4edd-ae33-8f3135f51508" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TaxPeriodDomain_e4a5b1e0-1f17-4edd-ae33-8f3135f51508_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TaxPeriodDomain_026e8c31-4b1c-48ca-810f-091bf932b735" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_TaxPeriodDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TaxPeriodAxis_e4a5b1e0-1f17-4edd-ae33-8f3135f51508" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TaxPeriodDomain_026e8c31-4b1c-48ca-810f-091bf932b735" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_TaxYear2016To2018Member_e6718018-254f-4337-873d-68e98e4a044f" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_TaxYear2016To2018Member"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TaxPeriodDomain_026e8c31-4b1c-48ca-810f-091bf932b735" xlink:to="loc_he_TaxYear2016To2018Member_e6718018-254f-4337-873d-68e98e4a044f" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateContinuingOperations_f7f3fbdb-3db0-42d3-a6c9-4fa259fc685c" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateContinuingOperations"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxContingencyLineItems_929e5331-29fc-4b8b-bd1e-8de24993c76c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateContinuingOperations_f7f3fbdb-3db0-42d3-a6c9-4fa259fc685c" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_DeferredTaxAssetsTaxCreditCarryforwardProposedDisallowance_6421185b-4973-4121-9800-9a95a73d1080" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_DeferredTaxAssetsTaxCreditCarryforwardProposedDisallowance"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxContingencyLineItems_929e5331-29fc-4b8b-bd1e-8de24993c76c" xlink:to="loc_he_DeferredTaxAssetsTaxCreditCarryforwardProposedDisallowance_6421185b-4973-4121-9800-9a95a73d1080" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsTaxCreditCarryforwardsResearch_033ced07-7019-47d8-9765-6d75613f6eaf" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsTaxCreditCarryforwardsResearch"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxContingencyLineItems_929e5331-29fc-4b8b-bd1e-8de24993c76c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsTaxCreditCarryforwardsResearch_033ced07-7019-47d8-9765-6d75613f6eaf" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_DeferredTaxAssetsAdditionalTaxCreditCarryforwardsResearch_e63142ca-3e40-407d-b7fb-e392c165e721" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_DeferredTaxAssetsAdditionalTaxCreditCarryforwardsResearch"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxContingencyLineItems_929e5331-29fc-4b8b-bd1e-8de24993c76c" xlink:to="loc_he_DeferredTaxAssetsAdditionalTaxCreditCarryforwardsResearch_e63142ca-3e40-407d-b7fb-e392c165e721" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxesAndTaxCredits_3ff9930a-a788-44e8-9d8b-ba4bbc6572e5" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxesAndTaxCredits"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxContingencyLineItems_929e5331-29fc-4b8b-bd1e-8de24993c76c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxesAndTaxCredits_3ff9930a-a788-44e8-9d8b-ba4bbc6572e5" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.hei.com/role/CashflowsDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#CashflowsDetails"/>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.hei.com/role/CashflowsDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_CondensedCashFlowStatementsCaptionsLineItems_5b5c7ab7-ac70-43a3-b5c2-cbe34c4c9dde" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2024/elts/srt-2024.xsd#srt_CondensedCashFlowStatementsCaptionsLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_CondensedCashFlowStatementTable_c16a0223-eccf-4715-b01a-5be8d4f19021" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2024/elts/srt-2024.xsd#srt_CondensedCashFlowStatementTable"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedCashFlowStatementsCaptionsLineItems_5b5c7ab7-ac70-43a3-b5c2-cbe34c4c9dde" xlink:to="loc_srt_CondensedCashFlowStatementTable_c16a0223-eccf-4715-b01a-5be8d4f19021" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_fc88e0b4-4a6b-4327-ab3e-0505af9c0185" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2024/dei-2024.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedCashFlowStatementTable_c16a0223-eccf-4715-b01a-5be8d4f19021" xlink:to="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_fc88e0b4-4a6b-4327-ab3e-0505af9c0185" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_fc88e0b4-4a6b-4327-ab3e-0505af9c0185_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2024/dei-2024.xsd#dei_EntityDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_fc88e0b4-4a6b-4327-ab3e-0505af9c0185" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_fc88e0b4-4a6b-4327-ab3e-0505af9c0185_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_38d3125e-506f-4ab3-8381-7ce2300540b3" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2024/dei-2024.xsd#dei_EntityDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_fc88e0b4-4a6b-4327-ab3e-0505af9c0185" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_38d3125e-506f-4ab3-8381-7ce2300540b3" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_HawaiianElectricCompanyAndSubsidiariesMember_d0725d64-a0d9-4215-92d5-01984f3a208b" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_HawaiianElectricCompanyAndSubsidiariesMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_38d3125e-506f-4ab3-8381-7ce2300540b3" xlink:to="loc_he_HawaiianElectricCompanyAndSubsidiariesMember_d0725d64-a0d9-4215-92d5-01984f3a208b" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SupplementalCashFlowInformationAbstract_573a50c0-5b44-4316-8006-304a0663d420" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_SupplementalCashFlowInformationAbstract"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedCashFlowStatementsCaptionsLineItems_5b5c7ab7-ac70-43a3-b5c2-cbe34c4c9dde" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SupplementalCashFlowInformationAbstract_573a50c0-5b44-4316-8006-304a0663d420" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_InterestPaidToNonAffiliates_17d9e597-d3ab-425a-bb5d-5a45da51bf4e" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_InterestPaidToNonAffiliates"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SupplementalCashFlowInformationAbstract_573a50c0-5b44-4316-8006-304a0663d420" xlink:to="loc_he_InterestPaidToNonAffiliates_17d9e597-d3ab-425a-bb5d-5a45da51bf4e" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxesPaid_6c41bd9c-368b-4ffa-b431-1e72f5db2427" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxesPaid"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SupplementalCashFlowInformationAbstract_573a50c0-5b44-4316-8006-304a0663d420" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxesPaid_6c41bd9c-368b-4ffa-b431-1e72f5db2427" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromIncomeTaxRefunds_34c36eb0-feb7-468f-b0e3-ec24ce53513d" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromIncomeTaxRefunds"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SupplementalCashFlowInformationAbstract_573a50c0-5b44-4316-8006-304a0663d420" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromIncomeTaxRefunds_34c36eb0-feb7-468f-b0e3-ec24ce53513d" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CashFlowNoncashInvestingAndFinancingActivitiesDisclosureAbstract_d4fbad63-39fb-44c3-bba3-915ba4621d47" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_CashFlowNoncashInvestingAndFinancingActivitiesDisclosureAbstract"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_CondensedCashFlowStatementsCaptionsLineItems_5b5c7ab7-ac70-43a3-b5c2-cbe34c4c9dde" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CashFlowNoncashInvestingAndFinancingActivitiesDisclosureAbstract_d4fbad63-39fb-44c3-bba3-915ba4621d47" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_NoncashOrPartNoncashIncreasesPropertyPlantAndEquipmentContributionsInAidOfConstruction_ae872364-8f1d-4d64-82da-4f834a865b5c" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_NoncashOrPartNoncashIncreasesPropertyPlantAndEquipmentContributionsInAidOfConstruction"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CashFlowNoncashInvestingAndFinancingActivitiesDisclosureAbstract_d4fbad63-39fb-44c3-bba3-915ba4621d47" xlink:to="loc_he_NoncashOrPartNoncashIncreasesPropertyPlantAndEquipmentContributionsInAidOfConstruction_ae872364-8f1d-4d64-82da-4f834a865b5c" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CapitalExpendituresIncurredButNotYetPaid_c1167ded-6d8e-4bfc-a5cb-6d012a2b2ee9" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_CapitalExpendituresIncurredButNotYetPaid"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CashFlowNoncashInvestingAndFinancingActivitiesDisclosureAbstract_d4fbad63-39fb-44c3-bba3-915ba4621d47" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CapitalExpendituresIncurredButNotYetPaid_c1167ded-6d8e-4bfc-a5cb-6d012a2b2ee9" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RightOfUseAssetObtainedInExchangeForFinanceLeaseLiability_2352a8d4-98ed-4a87-9f1d-1066b166eb05" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_RightOfUseAssetObtainedInExchangeForFinanceLeaseLiability"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CashFlowNoncashInvestingAndFinancingActivitiesDisclosureAbstract_d4fbad63-39fb-44c3-bba3-915ba4621d47" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RightOfUseAssetObtainedInExchangeForFinanceLeaseLiability_2352a8d4-98ed-4a87-9f1d-1066b166eb05" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RightOfUseAssetObtainedInExchangeForOperatingLeaseLiability_41a7a120-54b4-4a2d-80cb-0ed991f47ff3" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_RightOfUseAssetObtainedInExchangeForOperatingLeaseLiability"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CashFlowNoncashInvestingAndFinancingActivitiesDisclosureAbstract_d4fbad63-39fb-44c3-bba3-915ba4621d47" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RightOfUseAssetObtainedInExchangeForOperatingLeaseLiability_41a7a120-54b4-4a2d-80cb-0ed991f47ff3" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueDirectorAndOfficerCompensatoryPlans_1f574e55-9915-4dae-a28f-906414ab8310" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueDirectorAndOfficerCompensatoryPlans"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CashFlowNoncashInvestingAndFinancingActivitiesDisclosureAbstract_d4fbad63-39fb-44c3-bba3-915ba4621d47" xlink:to="loc_he_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueDirectorAndOfficerCompensatoryPlans_1f574e55-9915-4dae-a28f-906414ab8310" xlink:type="arc" order="5"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AffordableHousingProgramAssessments_a2d1d1f7-5730-4920-a6e6-4c49e3d420c4" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_AffordableHousingProgramAssessments"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CashFlowNoncashInvestingAndFinancingActivitiesDisclosureAbstract_d4fbad63-39fb-44c3-bba3-915ba4621d47" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AffordableHousingProgramAssessments_a2d1d1f7-5730-4920-a6e6-4c49e3d420c4" xlink:type="arc" order="6"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableReclassificationToHeldForSale_66114ba4-aaa5-4f33-8646-e735dcbaa67e" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableReclassificationToHeldForSale"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CashFlowNoncashInvestingAndFinancingActivitiesDisclosureAbstract_d4fbad63-39fb-44c3-bba3-915ba4621d47" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableReclassificationToHeldForSale_66114ba4-aaa5-4f33-8646-e735dcbaa67e" xlink:type="arc" order="7"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_DomesticDepositLiabilitiesRetail_ed12b66b-d047-44a7-9893-a4fe4176bf98" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_DomesticDepositLiabilitiesRetail"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CashFlowNoncashInvestingAndFinancingActivitiesDisclosureAbstract_d4fbad63-39fb-44c3-bba3-915ba4621d47" xlink:to="loc_he_DomesticDepositLiabilitiesRetail_ed12b66b-d047-44a7-9893-a4fe4176bf98" xlink:type="arc" order="8"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.hei.com/role/FairvaluemeasurementsCarryingorNotionalAmountFairValueandPlacementintheFairValueHierarchyoftheCompanysFinancialInstrumentsDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#FairvaluemeasurementsCarryingorNotionalAmountFairValueandPlacementintheFairValueHierarchyoftheCompanysFinancialInstrumentsDetails"/>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.hei.com/role/FairvaluemeasurementsCarryingorNotionalAmountFairValueandPlacementintheFairValueHierarchyoftheCompanysFinancialInstrumentsDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueBalanceSheetGroupingFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItems_0dadfe7e-7864-4cc5-b71d-25efdf7eddbc" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueBalanceSheetGroupingFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_FairValueByBalanceSheetOrOffBalanceSheetGroupingTable_f4a30946-af2a-4da8-a0b9-1987c355ea18" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_FairValueByBalanceSheetOrOffBalanceSheetGroupingTable"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueBalanceSheetGroupingFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItems_0dadfe7e-7864-4cc5-b71d-25efdf7eddbc" xlink:to="loc_he_FairValueByBalanceSheetOrOffBalanceSheetGroupingTable_f4a30946-af2a-4da8-a0b9-1987c355ea18" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis_c148c92d-a3b7-4776-bd68-1c9074dc8e84" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_he_FairValueByBalanceSheetOrOffBalanceSheetGroupingTable_f4a30946-af2a-4da8-a0b9-1987c355ea18" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis_c148c92d-a3b7-4776-bd68-1c9074dc8e84" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PortionAtFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember_c148c92d-a3b7-4776-bd68-1c9074dc8e84_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_PortionAtFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis_c148c92d-a3b7-4776-bd68-1c9074dc8e84" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PortionAtFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember_c148c92d-a3b7-4776-bd68-1c9074dc8e84_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueDisclosureItemAmountsDomain_b4b7e901-7b0c-40f5-ae10-45cc37e25a7c" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueDisclosureItemAmountsDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis_c148c92d-a3b7-4776-bd68-1c9074dc8e84" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueDisclosureItemAmountsDomain_b4b7e901-7b0c-40f5-ae10-45cc37e25a7c" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PortionAtFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember_b659ad3b-0e37-4394-9f92-c7c0898bc4e3" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_PortionAtFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueDisclosureItemAmountsDomain_b4b7e901-7b0c-40f5-ae10-45cc37e25a7c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PortionAtFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember_b659ad3b-0e37-4394-9f92-c7c0898bc4e3" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CarryingReportedAmountFairValueDisclosureMember_1ab2adaf-48b5-44d9-9822-2f43f26c6a72" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_CarryingReportedAmountFairValueDisclosureMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PortionAtFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember_b659ad3b-0e37-4394-9f92-c7c0898bc4e3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CarryingReportedAmountFairValueDisclosureMember_1ab2adaf-48b5-44d9-9822-2f43f26c6a72" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EstimateOfFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember_13d06da7-d0a7-455d-a97b-e1b9ddc30e11" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_EstimateOfFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PortionAtFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember_b659ad3b-0e37-4394-9f92-c7c0898bc4e3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EstimateOfFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember_13d06da7-d0a7-455d-a97b-e1b9ddc30e11" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_2b073a09-7226-4b4e-ab61-3c58668eb764" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_he_FairValueByBalanceSheetOrOffBalanceSheetGroupingTable_f4a30946-af2a-4da8-a0b9-1987c355ea18" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_2b073a09-7226-4b4e-ab61-3c58668eb764" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_2b073a09-7226-4b4e-ab61-3c58668eb764_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_2b073a09-7226-4b4e-ab61-3c58668eb764" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_2b073a09-7226-4b4e-ab61-3c58668eb764_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_d09c2e60-30f8-4dfd-a437-84077a54038e" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_2b073a09-7226-4b4e-ab61-3c58668eb764" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_d09c2e60-30f8-4dfd-a437-84077a54038e" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member_9430ea9f-55b4-4623-89f8-481faab62d6a" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_d09c2e60-30f8-4dfd-a437-84077a54038e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member_9430ea9f-55b4-4623-89f8-481faab62d6a" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member_ef64fabe-7b69-4a66-962e-30ffc7940938" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_d09c2e60-30f8-4dfd-a437-84077a54038e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member_ef64fabe-7b69-4a66-962e-30ffc7940938" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member_578c154c-921a-4e52-928f-81deb71d20d6" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_d09c2e60-30f8-4dfd-a437-84077a54038e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member_578c154c-921a-4e52-928f-81deb71d20d6" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_91847121-f6a2-4aa4-bcce-9b7901417aa7" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2024/dei-2024.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_he_FairValueByBalanceSheetOrOffBalanceSheetGroupingTable_f4a30946-af2a-4da8-a0b9-1987c355ea18" xlink:to="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_91847121-f6a2-4aa4-bcce-9b7901417aa7" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_91847121-f6a2-4aa4-bcce-9b7901417aa7_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2024/dei-2024.xsd#dei_EntityDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_91847121-f6a2-4aa4-bcce-9b7901417aa7" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_91847121-f6a2-4aa4-bcce-9b7901417aa7_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_6bd79467-7058-4067-94fa-5d8b2dee8a45" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2024/dei-2024.xsd#dei_EntityDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_91847121-f6a2-4aa4-bcce-9b7901417aa7" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_6bd79467-7058-4067-94fa-5d8b2dee8a45" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_HawaiianElectricCompanyAndSubsidiariesMember_8fbb45dc-3ac2-4e7c-9983-ad34874717e6" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_HawaiianElectricCompanyAndSubsidiariesMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_6bd79467-7058-4067-94fa-5d8b2dee8a45" xlink:to="loc_he_HawaiianElectricCompanyAndSubsidiariesMember_8fbb45dc-3ac2-4e7c-9983-ad34874717e6" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentsFinancialAssetsBalanceSheetGroupingsAbstract_d01c4b3e-98d3-4e70-aaad-d8a0b05b32f4" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentsFinancialAssetsBalanceSheetGroupingsAbstract"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueBalanceSheetGroupingFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItems_0dadfe7e-7864-4cc5-b71d-25efdf7eddbc" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentsFinancialAssetsBalanceSheetGroupingsAbstract_d01c4b3e-98d3-4e70-aaad-d8a0b05b32f4" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleExcludingAccruedInterest_d09a5df4-1b5d-4a12-a06b-66baa621bc31" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleExcludingAccruedInterest"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentsFinancialAssetsBalanceSheetGroupingsAbstract_d01c4b3e-98d3-4e70-aaad-d8a0b05b32f4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleExcludingAccruedInterest_d09a5df4-1b5d-4a12-a06b-66baa621bc31" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesFairValue_1f2856b5-d055-4714-b4ab-c92acefb1de8" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesFairValue"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentsFinancialAssetsBalanceSheetGroupingsAbstract_d01c4b3e-98d3-4e70-aaad-d8a0b05b32f4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesFairValue_1f2856b5-d055-4714-b4ab-c92acefb1de8" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentInFederalHomeLoanBankStockFairValueDisclosure_d3d0c15d-d522-4c3d-b7cb-66e4e3af0ef2" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_InvestmentInFederalHomeLoanBankStockFairValueDisclosure"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentsFinancialAssetsBalanceSheetGroupingsAbstract_d01c4b3e-98d3-4e70-aaad-d8a0b05b32f4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentInFederalHomeLoanBankStockFairValueDisclosure_d3d0c15d-d522-4c3d-b7cb-66e4e3af0ef2" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LoansReceivableFairValueDisclosure_8ce19b30-c003-42bc-ae0b-8ce96b36deab" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_LoansReceivableFairValueDisclosure"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentsFinancialAssetsBalanceSheetGroupingsAbstract_d01c4b3e-98d3-4e70-aaad-d8a0b05b32f4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LoansReceivableFairValueDisclosure_8ce19b30-c003-42bc-ae0b-8ce96b36deab" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ServicingAssetAtAmortizedValue_1235b97e-3a71-436f-975e-34e3e4dbec1b" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_ServicingAssetAtAmortizedValue"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentsFinancialAssetsBalanceSheetGroupingsAbstract_d01c4b3e-98d3-4e70-aaad-d8a0b05b32f4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ServicingAssetAtAmortizedValue_1235b97e-3a71-436f-975e-34e3e4dbec1b" xlink:type="arc" order="5"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeAssets_478ad4f9-da08-4eb3-b525-f1f6d942d72c" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeAssets"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentsFinancialAssetsBalanceSheetGroupingsAbstract_d01c4b3e-98d3-4e70-aaad-d8a0b05b32f4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeAssets_478ad4f9-da08-4eb3-b525-f1f6d942d72c" xlink:type="arc" order="6"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeAssetStatementOfFinancialPositionExtensibleEnumeration_894140af-8b48-4c7d-93fc-989605bffc1f" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeAssetStatementOfFinancialPositionExtensibleEnumeration"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentsFinancialAssetsBalanceSheetGroupingsAbstract_d01c4b3e-98d3-4e70-aaad-d8a0b05b32f4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeAssetStatementOfFinancialPositionExtensibleEnumeration_894140af-8b48-4c7d-93fc-989605bffc1f" xlink:type="arc" order="7"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentsFinancialLiabilitiesBalanceSheetGroupingsAbstract_61e26d71-54ba-4f19-bafb-f284dc8e0ebe" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentsFinancialLiabilitiesBalanceSheetGroupingsAbstract"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueBalanceSheetGroupingFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItems_0dadfe7e-7864-4cc5-b71d-25efdf7eddbc" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentsFinancialLiabilitiesBalanceSheetGroupingsAbstract_61e26d71-54ba-4f19-bafb-f284dc8e0ebe" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DepositsFairValueDisclosure_b82a4666-3ece-467b-8016-5a665bf7784b" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_DepositsFairValueDisclosure"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentsFinancialLiabilitiesBalanceSheetGroupingsAbstract_61e26d71-54ba-4f19-bafb-f284dc8e0ebe" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DepositsFairValueDisclosure_b82a4666-3ece-467b-8016-5a665bf7784b" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_OtherBankBorrowings_404c915b-f23c-48ef-863d-c326af11902b" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_OtherBankBorrowings"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentsFinancialLiabilitiesBalanceSheetGroupingsAbstract_61e26d71-54ba-4f19-bafb-f284dc8e0ebe" xlink:to="loc_he_OtherBankBorrowings_404c915b-f23c-48ef-863d-c326af11902b" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtFairValue_38894c2e-771a-4b6d-b72e-9a1489063625" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtFairValue"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentsFinancialLiabilitiesBalanceSheetGroupingsAbstract_61e26d71-54ba-4f19-bafb-f284dc8e0ebe" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtFairValue_38894c2e-771a-4b6d-b72e-9a1489063625" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilities_92bedec8-97bc-4c17-9c73-b7f53553d9ea" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilities"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentsFinancialLiabilitiesBalanceSheetGroupingsAbstract_61e26d71-54ba-4f19-bafb-f284dc8e0ebe" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilities_92bedec8-97bc-4c17-9c73-b7f53553d9ea" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilityStatementOfFinancialPositionExtensibleEnumeration_22619c73-85da-4dbe-b751-aeee86806ec4" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilityStatementOfFinancialPositionExtensibleEnumeration"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentsFinancialLiabilitiesBalanceSheetGroupingsAbstract_61e26d71-54ba-4f19-bafb-f284dc8e0ebe" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilityStatementOfFinancialPositionExtensibleEnumeration_22619c73-85da-4dbe-b751-aeee86806ec4" xlink:type="arc" order="5"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.hei.com/role/FairvaluemeasurementsAssetsMeasuredatFairValueonaRecurringBasisDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#FairvaluemeasurementsAssetsMeasuredatFairValueonaRecurringBasisDetails"/>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.hei.com/role/FairvaluemeasurementsAssetsMeasuredatFairValueonaRecurringBasisDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_17ce2625-e0e3-4f93-a296-c1d2ba230da9" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_933a2306-a729-4f5d-9972-26aac3b487d7" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_17ce2625-e0e3-4f93-a296-c1d2ba230da9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_933a2306-a729-4f5d-9972-26aac3b487d7" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis_5bdb5d74-2ad1-4acc-a92b-dc53f2f3c7ec" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_933a2306-a729-4f5d-9972-26aac3b487d7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis_5bdb5d74-2ad1-4acc-a92b-dc53f2f3c7ec" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain_5bdb5d74-2ad1-4acc-a92b-dc53f2f3c7ec_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis_5bdb5d74-2ad1-4acc-a92b-dc53f2f3c7ec" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain_5bdb5d74-2ad1-4acc-a92b-dc53f2f3c7ec_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain_22a38cb1-6123-4152-b96e-a1a3a63c094b" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis_5bdb5d74-2ad1-4acc-a92b-dc53f2f3c7ec" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain_22a38cb1-6123-4152-b96e-a1a3a63c094b" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember_c79ec6ec-6a6e-41ac-8775-06f466f1fd82" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain_22a38cb1-6123-4152-b96e-a1a3a63c094b" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember_c79ec6ec-6a6e-41ac-8775-06f466f1fd82" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_682b10fb-c97e-48e2-ac11-facb66d65b2d" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_933a2306-a729-4f5d-9972-26aac3b487d7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_682b10fb-c97e-48e2-ac11-facb66d65b2d" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_682b10fb-c97e-48e2-ac11-facb66d65b2d_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_682b10fb-c97e-48e2-ac11-facb66d65b2d" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_682b10fb-c97e-48e2-ac11-facb66d65b2d_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_e52582c8-b9f3-4a8e-97aa-1b7171cd0415" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_682b10fb-c97e-48e2-ac11-facb66d65b2d" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_e52582c8-b9f3-4a8e-97aa-1b7171cd0415" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member_737a0214-4e9e-41dd-a418-c0b868890200" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_e52582c8-b9f3-4a8e-97aa-1b7171cd0415" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member_737a0214-4e9e-41dd-a418-c0b868890200" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member_3b4f0c8f-1ad5-4f7e-82c8-e7ebd030e112" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_e52582c8-b9f3-4a8e-97aa-1b7171cd0415" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member_3b4f0c8f-1ad5-4f7e-82c8-e7ebd030e112" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member_c7b8b987-3309-4fc2-95ee-37ece652653a" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_e52582c8-b9f3-4a8e-97aa-1b7171cd0415" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member_c7b8b987-3309-4fc2-95ee-37ece652653a" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis_a8ea0002-6f29-43e9-bdc4-ff48dc72fed3" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_933a2306-a729-4f5d-9972-26aac3b487d7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis_a8ea0002-6f29-43e9-bdc4-ff48dc72fed3" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain_a8ea0002-6f29-43e9-bdc4-ff48dc72fed3_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis_a8ea0002-6f29-43e9-bdc4-ff48dc72fed3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain_a8ea0002-6f29-43e9-bdc4-ff48dc72fed3_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain_99f660a8-077b-4b39-bb14-6ad17ab9d23a" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis_a8ea0002-6f29-43e9-bdc4-ff48dc72fed3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain_99f660a8-077b-4b39-bb14-6ad17ab9d23a" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MortgageBackedSecuritiesIssuedByUSGovernmentSponsoredEnterprisesMember_380f3723-df4b-4342-8aa4-c6af64a7dc62" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_MortgageBackedSecuritiesIssuedByUSGovernmentSponsoredEnterprisesMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain_99f660a8-077b-4b39-bb14-6ad17ab9d23a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MortgageBackedSecuritiesIssuedByUSGovernmentSponsoredEnterprisesMember_380f3723-df4b-4342-8aa4-c6af64a7dc62" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_USGovernmentAgenciesDebtSecuritiesMember_cdc9cf41-c913-46e6-8693-1715315f40af" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_USGovernmentAgenciesDebtSecuritiesMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain_99f660a8-077b-4b39-bb14-6ad17ab9d23a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_USGovernmentAgenciesDebtSecuritiesMember_cdc9cf41-c913-46e6-8693-1715315f40af" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CorporateBondSecuritiesMember_3e88b4d0-c475-4636-8409-8fe10be7f710" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_CorporateBondSecuritiesMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain_99f660a8-077b-4b39-bb14-6ad17ab9d23a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CorporateBondSecuritiesMember_3e88b4d0-c475-4636-8409-8fe10be7f710" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetBackedSecuritiesMember_e249c6b8-24db-4bd9-8fe7-01eff845036d" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_AssetBackedSecuritiesMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain_99f660a8-077b-4b39-bb14-6ad17ab9d23a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetBackedSecuritiesMember_e249c6b8-24db-4bd9-8fe7-01eff845036d" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_9606f775-a6ea-455e-9218-1303df32819f" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_933a2306-a729-4f5d-9972-26aac3b487d7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_9606f775-a6ea-455e-9218-1303df32819f" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_9606f775-a6ea-455e-9218-1303df32819f_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_9606f775-a6ea-455e-9218-1303df32819f" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_9606f775-a6ea-455e-9218-1303df32819f_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_7cf97f1d-39f5-422e-862f-da23cac9bc5b" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_9606f775-a6ea-455e-9218-1303df32819f" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_7cf97f1d-39f5-422e-862f-da23cac9bc5b" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_BankingSegmentMember_fb41a010-e4e7-4bbd-9656-1de59a3e7fac" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_BankingSegmentMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_7cf97f1d-39f5-422e-862f-da23cac9bc5b" xlink:to="loc_he_BankingSegmentMember_fb41a010-e4e7-4bbd-9656-1de59a3e7fac" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AllOtherSegmentsMember_01115eec-a2e6-4a92-848a-92a47ea9f8fc" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_AllOtherSegmentsMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_7cf97f1d-39f5-422e-862f-da23cac9bc5b" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AllOtherSegmentsMember_01115eec-a2e6-4a92-848a-92a47ea9f8fc" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_bc769b57-3b4f-4a60-bc75-8976b5fa309f" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_933a2306-a729-4f5d-9972-26aac3b487d7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_bc769b57-3b4f-4a60-bc75-8976b5fa309f" xlink:type="arc" order="5"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_bc769b57-3b4f-4a60-bc75-8976b5fa309f_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_bc769b57-3b4f-4a60-bc75-8976b5fa309f" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_bc769b57-3b4f-4a60-bc75-8976b5fa309f_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_4a496f9e-e21b-4bbd-8d6b-27f37d353bc3" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_bc769b57-3b4f-4a60-bc75-8976b5fa309f" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_4a496f9e-e21b-4bbd-8d6b-27f37d353bc3" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterestRateLockCommitmentsMember_fb21778c-d4a7-4411-b987-dbcca92d4900" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_InterestRateLockCommitmentsMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_4a496f9e-e21b-4bbd-8d6b-27f37d353bc3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InterestRateLockCommitmentsMember_fb21778c-d4a7-4411-b987-dbcca92d4900" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ForwardContractsMember_69a2b389-b3f2-4b05-96d2-54579a1a75c3" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_ForwardContractsMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_4a496f9e-e21b-4bbd-8d6b-27f37d353bc3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ForwardContractsMember_69a2b389-b3f2-4b05-96d2-54579a1a75c3" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterestRateSwapMember_8421ecfe-1771-4963-8dd5-2b700f64b414" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_InterestRateSwapMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_4a496f9e-e21b-4bbd-8d6b-27f37d353bc3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InterestRateSwapMember_8421ecfe-1771-4963-8dd5-2b700f64b414" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleExcludingAccruedInterest_35ffb211-af43-44fa-a810-e66049c22d1e" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleExcludingAccruedInterest"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_17ce2625-e0e3-4f93-a296-c1d2ba230da9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleExcludingAccruedInterest_35ffb211-af43-44fa-a810-e66049c22d1e" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeAssetFairValueNetAbstract_a060844c-0159-41d2-84c4-70358c42b54a" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeAssetFairValueNetAbstract"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_17ce2625-e0e3-4f93-a296-c1d2ba230da9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeAssetFairValueNetAbstract_a060844c-0159-41d2-84c4-70358c42b54a" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeAssets_8f305223-3fd8-45be-b855-4acd4e8e8cc9" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeAssets"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeAssetFairValueNetAbstract_a060844c-0159-41d2-84c4-70358c42b54a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeAssets_8f305223-3fd8-45be-b855-4acd4e8e8cc9" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilityFairValueNetAbstract_97fd7502-dff4-4a12-8b2d-b12efcde1b03" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilityFairValueNetAbstract"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_17ce2625-e0e3-4f93-a296-c1d2ba230da9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilityFairValueNetAbstract_97fd7502-dff4-4a12-8b2d-b12efcde1b03" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilities_3fa50d68-9e12-4192-8eb6-8cef3dee4830" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilities"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilityFairValueNetAbstract_97fd7502-dff4-4a12-8b2d-b12efcde1b03" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilities_3fa50d68-9e12-4192-8eb6-8cef3dee4830" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.hei.com/role/FairvaluemeasurementsChangesinLevel3AssetsandLiabilitiesMeasuredatFairValueonaRecurringBasisDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#FairvaluemeasurementsChangesinLevel3AssetsandLiabilitiesMeasuredatFairValueonaRecurringBasisDetails"/>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.hei.com/role/FairvaluemeasurementsChangesinLevel3AssetsandLiabilitiesMeasuredatFairValueonaRecurringBasisDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_83b2c389-d4c2-4a25-9284-383ac5661488" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_8e538575-7179-4f9e-9afa-b606757fbe46" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_83b2c389-d4c2-4a25-9284-383ac5661488" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_8e538575-7179-4f9e-9afa-b606757fbe46" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis_e8f2c8cb-7c60-4261-8167-28cefd0cd8eb" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_8e538575-7179-4f9e-9afa-b606757fbe46" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis_e8f2c8cb-7c60-4261-8167-28cefd0cd8eb" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain_e8f2c8cb-7c60-4261-8167-28cefd0cd8eb_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis_e8f2c8cb-7c60-4261-8167-28cefd0cd8eb" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain_e8f2c8cb-7c60-4261-8167-28cefd0cd8eb_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain_18fdd431-d733-4f5b-bc37-7f5f5c1f6c17" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis_e8f2c8cb-7c60-4261-8167-28cefd0cd8eb" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain_18fdd431-d733-4f5b-bc37-7f5f5c1f6c17" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetBackedSecuritiesMember_ea1d6a4a-0bf0-4509-9fd9-90363ed56520" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_AssetBackedSecuritiesMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain_18fdd431-d733-4f5b-bc37-7f5f5c1f6c17" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetBackedSecuritiesMember_ea1d6a4a-0bf0-4509-9fd9-90363ed56520" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationCalculationRollForward_93027d6a-c622-42e3-a7e2-7a73eb2de064" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationCalculationRollForward"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_83b2c389-d4c2-4a25-9284-383ac5661488" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationCalculationRollForward_93027d6a-c622-42e3-a7e2-7a73eb2de064" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetValue_3ac2c9dc-01f4-434c-b0d6-53d77b0fa273" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetValue"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationCalculationRollForward_93027d6a-c622-42e3-a7e2-7a73eb2de064" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetValue_3ac2c9dc-01f4-434c-b0d6-53d77b0fa273" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetSettlements_5597d59e-c6c3-4a95-842f-f73437f2c9f4" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetSettlements"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationCalculationRollForward_93027d6a-c622-42e3-a7e2-7a73eb2de064" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetSettlements_5597d59e-c6c3-4a95-842f-f73437f2c9f4" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetPurchases_f1f0f84d-0ce1-4c33-b0ba-7c9860e09da9" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetPurchases"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationCalculationRollForward_93027d6a-c622-42e3-a7e2-7a73eb2de064" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetPurchases_f1f0f84d-0ce1-4c33-b0ba-7c9860e09da9" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetGainLossIncludedInOtherComprehensiveIncomeLoss_cd91cf77-dc9a-4157-be7d-be177148f8df" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetGainLossIncludedInOtherComprehensiveIncomeLoss"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationCalculationRollForward_93027d6a-c622-42e3-a7e2-7a73eb2de064" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetGainLossIncludedInOtherComprehensiveIncomeLoss_cd91cf77-dc9a-4157-be7d-be177148f8df" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetValue_447eda93-137a-4ad6-8648-8d0040f9790c" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetValue"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.hei.com/role/FairvaluemeasurementsNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#FairvaluemeasurementsNarrativeDetails"/>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.hei.com/role/FairvaluemeasurementsNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisValuationTechniquesLineItems_4955f597-d5eb-4c3a-9479-4cf34d4739dd" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisValuationTechniquesLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisValuationTechniquesTable_05b3b11f-f25c-4a74-86b6-4e635ee245f6" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisValuationTechniquesTable"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisValuationTechniquesLineItems_4955f597-d5eb-4c3a-9479-4cf34d4739dd" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisValuationTechniquesTable_05b3b11f-f25c-4a74-86b6-4e635ee245f6" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MeasurementInputTypeAxis_654fd369-bc8a-4ac1-a132-b0f9f745234c" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_MeasurementInputTypeAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisValuationTechniquesTable_05b3b11f-f25c-4a74-86b6-4e635ee245f6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MeasurementInputTypeAxis_654fd369-bc8a-4ac1-a132-b0f9f745234c" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MeasurementInputTypeDomain_654fd369-bc8a-4ac1-a132-b0f9f745234c_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_MeasurementInputTypeDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MeasurementInputTypeAxis_654fd369-bc8a-4ac1-a132-b0f9f745234c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MeasurementInputTypeDomain_654fd369-bc8a-4ac1-a132-b0f9f745234c_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MeasurementInputTypeDomain_4583bf8b-ca9c-4e8c-b3b5-3214f0a1f3f2" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_MeasurementInputTypeDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MeasurementInputTypeAxis_654fd369-bc8a-4ac1-a132-b0f9f745234c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MeasurementInputTypeDomain_4583bf8b-ca9c-4e8c-b3b5-3214f0a1f3f2" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MeasurementInputDiscountRateMember_b6c07c88-8348-4bed-a189-6f839e0b7bf5" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_MeasurementInputDiscountRateMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MeasurementInputTypeDomain_4583bf8b-ca9c-4e8c-b3b5-3214f0a1f3f2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MeasurementInputDiscountRateMember_b6c07c88-8348-4bed-a189-6f839e0b7bf5" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis_cbad6668-84f0-4b19-9c62-2c858f4a78f2" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisValuationTechniquesTable_05b3b11f-f25c-4a74-86b6-4e635ee245f6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis_cbad6668-84f0-4b19-9c62-2c858f4a78f2" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain_cbad6668-84f0-4b19-9c62-2c858f4a78f2_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis_cbad6668-84f0-4b19-9c62-2c858f4a78f2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain_cbad6668-84f0-4b19-9c62-2c858f4a78f2_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain_be440511-d5e4-4edf-86e2-080736e64b7d" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis_cbad6668-84f0-4b19-9c62-2c858f4a78f2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain_be440511-d5e4-4edf-86e2-080736e64b7d" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsNonrecurringMember_8d2cba48-407a-477b-b1a1-03bc1b85b098" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsNonrecurringMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain_be440511-d5e4-4edf-86e2-080736e64b7d" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsNonrecurringMember_8d2cba48-407a-477b-b1a1-03bc1b85b098" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_7a13a883-45d9-4a97-9847-a3aaf09b4c8d" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisValuationTechniquesTable_05b3b11f-f25c-4a74-86b6-4e635ee245f6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_7a13a883-45d9-4a97-9847-a3aaf09b4c8d" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_7a13a883-45d9-4a97-9847-a3aaf09b4c8d_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_7a13a883-45d9-4a97-9847-a3aaf09b4c8d" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_7a13a883-45d9-4a97-9847-a3aaf09b4c8d_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_72752ef4-be93-42ff-ab3a-800ba6c25de0" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2024/elts/us-gaap-2024.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_7a13a883-45d9-4a97-9847-a3aaf09b4c8d" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_72752ef4-be93-42ff-ab3a-800ba6c25de0" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_AmericanSavingsBankFSBMember_3251a216-b714-47c1-b4aa-a45a063f548f" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_AmericanSavingsBankFSBMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_72752ef4-be93-42ff-ab3a-800ba6c25de0" xlink:to="loc_he_AmericanSavingsBankFSBMember_3251a216-b714-47c1-b4aa-a45a063f548f" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_AssetBackedSecuritiesMeasurementInput_50eab8a1-9384-4f7e-9668-e3987a9d8f3a" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_AssetBackedSecuritiesMeasurementInput"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisValuationTechniquesLineItems_4955f597-d5eb-4c3a-9479-4cf34d4739dd" xlink:to="loc_he_AssetBackedSecuritiesMeasurementInput_50eab8a1-9384-4f7e-9668-e3987a9d8f3a" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_he_LoansReceivableHeldForSaleAmountFairValueAdjustments_346959bb-4fd2-4949-ba44-f192b4ea8df6" xlink:href="he-20240930.xsd#he_LoansReceivableHeldForSaleAmountFairValueAdjustments"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisValuationTechniquesLineItems_4955f597-d5eb-4c3a-9479-4cf34d4739dd" xlink:to="loc_he_LoansReceivableHeldForSaleAmountFairValueAdjustments_346959bb-4fd2-4949-ba44-f192b4ea8df6" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
</link:linkbase>
