*Last Updated: 6/28/2024*
If you live in Hawaii and are considering a career in massage, or a mainland massage therapist wanting to work in Hawaii, chances are you have looked over the requirements to get a Hawaii massage license to work in the Aloha state.
Now, you are not only confused but overwhelmed with the requirements. Laws and rules, although in English, are written by lawmakers in “Legalese.” Government board websites are not user-friendly and often difficult to navigate. You may find yourself still asking which steps you need to complete to meet the requirements.
I have assisted hundreds of massage therapists through the process of obtaining a massage license and moving to another state.
Before making the move or jump into the profession, some planning is required to make sure you meet all of the requirements. By the time we are done here, you should know everything you need to do to be licensed in paradise.
The three basic requirements for obtaining a Hawaii Massage License
- Complete and show proof of acceptable massage training
- Complete CPR Certification
- Pass the Hawaii State Massage Exam
I am going to break down each one of these requirements, because each step is slightly more complex than indicated above.
Step 1: Complete and Show Proof of Acceptable Massage Training
The massage training requirement set by the board of massage in Hawaii is currently 570 hours.
If you live in Hawaii, most approved schools will follow the state guidelines and you should not have a problem proving your education meets the state’s minimum requirements.
If you are looking for a school, here is a list of massage training programs in Hawaii.
If you went to school somewhere other than Hawaii, be prepared to provide the following documents:
- Transcript (indicating hours of training – not credits)
- A course description
- A brochure or catalog for the school
- Documentation that indicates the school is approved/licensed by the state department of education or other government agency (board of massage) in that jurisdiction. This may also include COMPTA approval or AMTA approval.
Ready to apply? Here is the license and examination application. You will need to include a $50.00 non-refundable application fee. Do not include the exam fee with this application. You will pay the examination fee after your application is approved.
You should also submit proof of a valid CPR training with your application.
Step 2: Provide proof of a current adult and infant CPR certification
This is the easiest step to complete. Here are a few places to complete this requirement:
Once you have applied for a massage license and your application has been approved, the board of massage will send you a form that allows one to register and sit for Hawaii’s State exam. Let’s tackle that requirement next.
Step 3: Pass Hawaii’s Massage License State Board Exam
Hawaii does not have license reciprocity and has its own massage board exam. The Hawaii board does not accept any other massage exams (NCETMB, NCETM, NESL, MBLEx, or BCETM). This is particularly important to mainland massage therapists moving to Hawaii.
Once the Board approves your application for a massage license at the board meeting (see the dates below), you will receive a form to register for your exam with instructions for how to pay the $90 exam fee.
There are a few application deadlines you need to be aware of before the board exam.
Exam Application Deadlines and Exam Dates
The Hawaii massage exam was previously only given four times per year. However, this has changed recently and exams can be scheduled throughout the year, once approved.
Since the COVID-19 pandemic, I am hearing more and more people have been allowed to take their exam stateside and on non-exam dates. Also, there has been an increase in licensing timelines, so plan (way!) ahead. Check this link for Hawaii exam dates and application deadlines.
Exam Location and Proctor
The Hawaii State exam was proctored by Prometric. Beginning in 2023, PSI Services, LLC took over administering the Hawaii massage exam.
The exam can be taken in Hawaii or state-side at approved testing locations.
Do not attempt to take an exam without Board approval. If you do, your test scores will be invalid and you will be subject to possible disciplinary action.
Need a study guide that’s actually created for the Hawaii Massage Exam?
Exam Details
The exam is in paper and pencil format. No computer knowledge is necessary and you may not use any books or other materials during the exam.
Number and Type of Questions
There are 100 multiple-choice questions with three multiple choice question formats:
- Direct question
- Incomplete sentence
- All of the following EXCEPT
Time Limit
You will have two hours to complete the exam.
Passing Score
A score of 75% or above is required to pass the exam.
Scores are based on the number of questions answered correctly. There is no penalty for guessing, so be sure to mark every question.
You will not be given credit for:
- any question answered incorrectly
- Any question marked with more than one answer
- Any questions left blank
Exam Content Outline
Hawaii Laws and Rules (10%)
- Chapter 452
- Chapter 84
- Chapter 11
Anatomy and Physiology (50%)
- Organization of the Body
- Cells and Tissues
- Integumentary Systems
- Skeletal System
- Muscular/Skeletal/Kinesiology System
- Circulatory/Lymphatic System
- Nervous System
- Endocrine System
- Digestive System
- Respiratory System
- Excretory System
- Reproductive System
Massage Theory (15%)
- Basics of Massage
- Physiological Effects
- Manual Modalities
- Effleurage
- Petrissage
- Tapotement
- Friction
- Vibration
- Finger Pressure
Clinical Situations (25%)
- Contraindications and Pathology
- Techniques for Specific Conditions
- Sanitation/Infection Control
- Clinical Practice Reference
Hawaii Exam References
1. Hawaii Administrative Rules, Department of Health, Title 11, Chapter 11: Sanitation, Section 11-11-4, 1981, Hawaii Department of Health—Sanitation Branch, 591 Ala Moana Boulevard, Honolulu, HI 96813.
2. Hawaii Administrative Rules, Title 16, Chapter 84: Massage Therapy, 1990, Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, 335 Merchant Street, Honolulu, HI 96813.
3. Hawaii Revised Statutes, Chapter 452: Massage Therapy, Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, 335 Merchant Street, Honolulu, HI 96813.
4. The Anatomy Coloring Book, Third Edition, 2002, Benjamin Cummings/Pearson Education, 1301 Sansome Street, San Francisco, CA 94111, (link not available).
5. The Human Body in Health and Disease, Fifth Edition, 2009, Mosby/Elsevier Publishers, 11830 Westline Industrial Drive, St. Louis, MO 63146.
6. Illustrated Essentials of Musculoskeletal Anatomy, Fourth Edition, 2002, Megabooks, Inc., 2937 NE 19th Drive, Gainesville, FL 32609-3348.
7. Mosby’s Fundamentals of Therapeutic Massage, Fourth Edition, 2008, Mosby/Elsevier Publishers, 11830 Westline Industrial Drive, St. Louis, MO 63146.
8. Theory and Practice of Therapeutic Massage, Fourth Edition, 2005, Milady Publishing/Thomson Learning, 10650 Toebben Drive, Independence, KY 41051.
After the Exam
A score report will be mailed to you approximately 10 business days after your exam date. Your score report will include the necessary information regarding your next steps in the licensure process. You will not be provided results over the phone.
PSI Services will also send your official scores to the Hawaii board office.
If you have then met all of the other requirements, a Hawaii massage license will be issued to you. Once your license is in hand, you can legally practice massage therapy in Hawaii. Licenses need to be renewed every even year by June 30th. The cost of license renewal is $146. There are NEW continuing education requirements for the renewal of a Hawaii massage license beginning in 2022.
Retake Information
If you do not pass your exam, you will receive a retake form to submit. This form will be included with your test results.
Other Resources
Check out the Hawaii Boards FAQ.
Hawaii Board of Massage Contact Information
DCCA-PVL
Att: Massage
P.O. Box 3469
Honolulu, HI 96801
Email: massage@dcca.hawaii.gov
Phone: (808) 586-2694
Conclusion
I hope this helps you take the next steps toward obtaining your massage license in Hawaii. In a few months, it will be time for you to use your skills to help tourists and locals relax. After that, you enjoy never-ending days of 76 degrees, abundant sunshine, beautiful beaches, and rainbows. The hard work and the hoops you have to jump through will likely pay off.
If you are still left with questions, you can drop a comment below, send me an email: ivy@massageexamacademy.com, or use any of the above contacts I listed.
If you have been through the process and are willing to share your experience, I would love to hear about it in the comments section. Other colleagues will appreciate hearing advice from people who have survived the process.
Aloha.
Photo Credits: Jeff Kubina (Adapted), Bernard Spragg (Adapted)
Hello my name is Patrice Maltas
I have been licensed since 2007 and prancing as a LMT from the State of Texas
500 hour program
Since I have been practicing for some time
Is there a way I can get a Hawaii LMT with out having to take course?
I was told by one school in Maui this maybe the case
Either way I have tried to called you and not been able to get through
I am moving back seasonly at the end of the year
Pleas let me know what I need to do to get a LMT IN Hawaii
203 246 5711
Hi Patrice!
I would contact the Hawaii Massage Board office. They would be able to tell you what you would need to do education-wise before you apply and sign up for their State board exam.
Ivy
Hi so I graduated in 2015 in idaho. But the school I attended was new and still finalizing their accreditation. Ie it was not accredited when I graduated. Can I get licensed still or do I have to start over.
Hi Candy! That is a good question. I would contact the board office in HI with this one.
Hello! I wanted to know if there were any acceptions for the 570 hours? I have 536 hours of training but I have also been a massage therapist for 13 years in California. Will Hawaii accept that or would I have to take some CE’s?
I would contact the Hawaii board office and ask just to make sure. However, I am sure there are plenty of people transferring with the minimum 500 hours that have moved to Hawaii and applied for licenses.
Hi Ivy,
I am licensed massage practitioner who has recently moved to Maui. My license is in Idaho but I went to massage school in Atlanta GA. My school is no longer in operation (I graduated 20 years ago), and I know I can get my transcripts from the government offices there but I am wondering if the Hawaii massage board needs them mailed directly to them, or are copies provided by me ok? Also, I am wondering about apprenticeship. I have heard of this a couple of times and I’m curious if this is a good way to go for someone looking to work while studying for the exam.
Usually, most boards want it directly from the school or transcript custodian – not the applicant. However, you can ask the HI board. Most often, in most states, apprentices cannot accept income since they are really working off the cost of their education. Not sure if this is the case in Hawaii, quite honestly.
Hello,
Thanks for answering our questions. My Hawaii Massage license expired in 2006. Now I live in Florida and want to regain my license and get a Florida license.
How can I do this?
Hi Monica!
So you are wanting to get your HI license so you can apply by endorsement for Florida? If so, I would contact the Hawaii board to see what is their recommendation to get your HI license back in active status again. Previously, Hawaii applicants needed to take the MBLEx. But I have heard that people with active licenses that have taken the HI exam and have active licenses may be able to apply by endorsement without needing the MBLEx.
Here is my Florida website with some of the other steps you will need to take (https://www.floridamassage.com/license/).
Hello, thanks for all your help! One more question I have is, am I required to have a Hawaiian State ID, or HI residency, or in other words, a HI Driver’s License in order to be licensed as a massage therapist in HI?
Not that I am aware of. Many people from out of state do not have resident licenses when applying. I do not foresee it being an issue at all.
Hello,
Would you happen to have exam application deadlines for 2021 or where I can find it?
Also, what if my school is no longer established.. I’m a little concerned I may not be able to provided all documents needed.
I sure do and thanks for reminding me to update the above. Check this link for Hawaii exam dates and application deadlines.
Finding closed school information is tough, but it can generally be done. You can find a keeper of the records that is in charge of transcripts or possibly see if your state board has some educational records.
Hi I was a LMBT Nationally Certified Massage Therapist for over 7 years, working at 5 star establishments. I let my license Expire and went to pursue arts for over 5 years now. Recently moved to Maui and interested in expanding back into massage therapy. Do you know if all my continue education hours from before will apply to getting an apprentice license here in Hawaii? Or do I basically need to start all over?
Mahalo!
If you have enough hours for the NCB, then you likely have enough for Hawaii. Their hour requirement is one of the lowest.
You will need to take their state examination, which you will sign up for when you apply.
So, you should not need to start over, but you will have a few requirements to complete in order to get licensed.
Im confused about the whole apprenticeship thing. I completed school in texas, but its 30 hours less than is required to be licensed in hawaii. Can i supplement that with 30 online CE hours and be fine, or will i have to do an apprenticeship?
Each state is a little different about reciprocity and which hours they will let someone be delinquent in. The best advice is to contact the board and ask them if it is an issue. In my experience, if you have the hours, but are lacking in one area, you should not have an issue with meeting the minimum requirements.
Thank you so much for the information and all the links for practice! Super helpful!
How do I start taking apprentice. I’ve been licensed here in Hawaii over 20 years. And I think it’s time
I would check out the application. It does list the requirements.
https://cca.hawaii.gov/pvl/files/2018/04/Info-Require-Instruct-App-for-Massage-Therapist-Apprentice-Reg_04.18R.pdf
When can I renew my license? I know June 30 is the deadline but I want to renew ahead of time and there isn’t the option to do so on the PVL. Mahalo in advance.
Hi Vanna,
Often, boards do not allow renewals more than 90 days before a deadline. If that is true with Hawaii, I would expect around the end of March that they would open the renewal. Many boards call it a bump period or opening the renewal.
I’m licensed in California. 500 hours education completed. Please advise how I can receive Hawaiian License. Thank you.
Yevgeniya
Just follow the steps in the article.
Hello I’m from Canada looking to move to Hawaii. I’ve done a 3000 hr massage therapy pgm here. What would I need to do?
Thx!!
Hi Susy,
Your process should not be much different than many US transfers. Just follow the steps in the post and prepare for their exam.
Thank you!
Hi Susy!
I am from BC and trying to apply! Did they approve your school and was the application just as listed above?! Thank you!
Hi Brooke
Just seeing this. I never actually applied and then CoVId so😏
Hi! I am looking into going to school this winter. I live on Maui now but someday will move back to the mainland. Can I take the MBLEx as well as the Hawaii State Exam so that I am able to get licensed in another state when I move someday? Thanks
Yes! That is an excellent idea and one I would suggest for most people. Take the test while everything is fresh in your mind. If you are preparing for one, might as well get another out of the way. Best wishes!
Hi, I have just received my license in MI with 700 hours through an approved Amta/abmp school. I am wondering if I need hours through a specific program approved by Hawaii. I read that you need 150 hours somewhere. Your article didn’t say anything about that so I am confused. I am assuming I need Lomi Lomi training which I am all for but wondering If I would need additional hours before applying to take their exam.
Thank you!
Hi Mariah,
Hawaii requires 570 hours from an approved program (apprenticeships are 470). Chances are your hours should be enough to qualify and take their state exam.
I see some other websites mention the 150 hours of coursework. I am not sure where they are getting that from. You should be familiar with Lomi Lomi for your written exam, but a basic level of understanding is fine.
Here are the exam prep study options for the next exam dates. Let me know if you have other questions.
https://www.massageexamacademy.com/hawaii-massage-exam/
Good information to know. Do you have a study guide to practice on? I know there is many people who have not been able to past the exam. Thank you for sharing your information! 😁
Yes! Here is our program, specifically for the Hawaii massage exam.
https://www.massageexamacademy.com/hawaii-massage-exam/
Hi Ivy,
I just ?sent you an email off this site. I was also wondering if there is an official manual that covers all that is required for the Hawaii state exam. Please, If you also have the time to read my email I’d really appreciate it.
Mahalo,
Biyanka
I saw the email and sent a reply. This program does include a Hawaii laws study guide.
Does anyone know if the licensing board needs all the forms hard copy / snail mail or can you apply and submit all supporting documents via email?
If email, does anyone have it?
Mahalo!!
The application says
Submitting Application and Supporting Documents
Mail all required items to:
Board of Massage Therapy
DCCA, PVL Licensing Branch
P.O. Box 3469
Honolulu, HI 96801
OR
Deliver to Office Location:
335 Merchant Street, Room 301
Honolulu, HI 96813
Phone: (808) 586-3000
So, options look like mail or hand delivery. You can call and ask them too.
I moved to HI late 2015, and I discovered hand-delivering items and paying onsite is the best and get the name of the person you talked to while there. I was able to test ahead of time in NC before moving and have guided others to do so since the test is only offered 4x/year. I simply could not afford to be out of work while waiting. Having the license in my hand when I touched down and interviews lined up made the transition soooo much easier. I’ll be directing people to this page in the future. (funny, I kept saying to myself that I should take all the licensing bits and create a useful page like this… thanks for doing it!) 🙂
Thanks for sharing your experience, Nancy! Yes, with Hawaii, you need to start earlier than you would when you go to most other states. Most people assume their MBLEx/NCETM scores will work.
Thank you so much for this Ivy! This gave hope to a dream of mine to live in Hawaii since I was a little girl!! I thought it would be impossible. I have one question about the testing process… How likely is it that I will get approved to take the proctored exam in Mississippi? Trying to decide if I need to be making plans to fly to Hawaii for test date if my application is approved.
I wish I could say for sure. I would hope that they would understand the time and financial burden of making you go to HI and allow you to take it close to home.
Hey,
Thanks for providing a concise location with all of the information for getting licensed!
I’m working on the licensing process here in Hawai’i and wanted to note that the deadlines and test dates you have listed are incorrect. The most up-to-date list of these dates is available here, http://cca.hawaii.gov/pvl/boards/massage/application-deadline-examination-dates/
Thanks,
Mark
Thank you! We had just updated the table with the 2018 dates, but it looks like our table is transposed. I will fix that right now.
Aloha ivy,
I have taken the state test many times I just can’t pass..I will try again in September.paying fees on Thursday. I would like to know how many walking are passing the exam compared to being in class for the first exam?
Hi Kristin,
I am not sure there is a way to compare the two groups. I wish you the best in Sept! Have you checked out our exam prep specifically for HI yet?
I sincerely appreciate you writing this. I was so lost. I will be graduating in December then taking the MBLEx. Thank you for posting the literature that coincides with the boards exam. I pray I will achieve my dream of being a Hawaii Licensed Massage Therapist.