Hawaii Massage License

Snorkeling Bay Oahu Hawaii

Updated for 2024

Massage therapists moving to Hawaii or completing a massage education program there must first have a massage therapy license issued by the Hawaii Board of Massage Therapy before starting to practice. Applicants must demonstrate completion of the educational requirements from an approved school. Also all massage license applicants must pass the Hawaii State Exam. Hawaii is one of the few states that does not accept the MBLEx or NCBTMB exams. We’ve provided a summary of these requirements and others below for a quick reference.

Hawaii has the most massage therapists per capita in the US. Industry research from ABMP in 2016 estimated that there was about 6,436 massage therapists in Hawaii. That’s 1 therapist per every 222 people in Hawaii.

Art map of Hawaii

Hawaii Quick Look

Massage License Required? Yes

Designation: LMT

Education hours: 570

Exam: Hawaii State Exam

CEUs / Renewals: 12/2yrs

Massage Education Requirements in Hawaii

Hawaii massage license applicants are required to complete a minimum of 570 hours of in-class instruction from an accredited school. 

  • 50 hours of in-class coursework on human anatomy, physiology and structural kinesiology
  • 100 hours of in-class coursework on theory and demonstration of massage. This must include procedure, record keeping, hygiene, theory, draping, technique for specific conditions, contraindications, and client assessment.
  • 420 hours of practical massage training, either as a student or as part of a massage apprentice program.

Applicants who received their massage education out-of state must show proof of completion of the training program. The school attended must have been approved or licensed by an educational agency, accredited education  institution, the AMTA or the Rolf Institute.

Examination Requirements

The Hawaii Board of Massage Therapy requires that all applicants take the Hawaii State Massage Licensing Exam. The application deadlines and exam dates and locations are listed on their website. The MBLEx and NCBTMB exams are not accepted. While the Hawaii State Exam is mandatory, students in Hawaii might still find value in exploring an MBLEx practice test. This approach can offer comprehensive preparation that covers a wide range of topics beneficial for any massage therapist, irrespective of the state-specific exam. It’s an effective way to ensure a well-rounded understanding of massage therapy principles.

Currently licensed and certified massage therapists in other states who move to Hawaii will also need to pass the state licensing exam. Passing score is 75%. 

 The Hawaii State Exam consists of 100 multiple choice questions covering the following content areas:

  • Anatomy and physiology (50%)
  • Clinical situations (25%)
  • Massage theory (15%)
  • Laws and Rules (10%)

Massage therapy students in Hawaii may still want to consider taking the MBLEx exam soon after graduation, if you may be moving to another state in the future. It is usually easier to pass the massage exam while all of the anatomy, physiology and other classroom lessons are still fresh in your brain. Find out more about MBLExGuide and how we can help.

Additional License Requirements

Getting a license in Hawaii has additional requirements. The applicant must:

  • Have a current CPR certification for infant and adult issued by the American Red Cross (ARC) or the American Heart Association (AHA). Online courses are not accepted.

Application Process

To apply for a Hawaii massage license, start by reviewing the information and instructions available on the Hawaii Board’s website, for the massage therapist license application. Upon completion of the education and training requirements, the applicant needs to submit an application to sit for the State Massage Licensing Exam. Applicants should also familiarize themselves with the Hawaii laws and rules.

Massage License Fees

In case you’re wondering how much a massage license costs in Hawaii, here’s a summary of the fees charged by the Hawaii Board of Massage Therapy.

  • Nonrefundable application fee: $50
  • Licensefee: $25
  • Renewal fee: $164

Renewal Process

Beginning July 1, 2022, all massage therapists in are required to complete 12 hours of continuing education in order to renew their Hawaii massage license. (2) of these CE hours shall include first aid, CPR or other emergency-related courses. All massage therapy licenses expire on June 30 every even numbered year. 

Hawaii state seal

Hawaii Board of Massage Therapy
Contact Information

Mailing Address:

Board of Massage Therapy

DCCA, PVL Licensing Branch

PO Box, 3469

Honolulu, HI 96801

Phone: (808) 586-3000

Note: The information on this website is for informational purposes. Please inquire directly with your state and local boards to verify requirements and regulations, as this may have changed. Contact information is listed above.

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