If I go to Hawaii using an ESTA and am offered a job, could I then apply for a work visa to accept it?

they're not lenient at all on VWP. there's no way for you to change status or extend your stay on VWP. 90 days is it, with no possibility of changing over to an employment based visa. no one can stop you from applying for jobs, but you won't be able to work legally without leaving the US, applying for the proper visa and then returning. if you get a job offer before you go and travel on VWP, you will not be able to work legally without leaving the US and getting the proper visa to return.