Massage Therapist / Hawaii
2026 data Hawaii board official source

Hawaii Massage Therapist License Requirements

Compiled from official source data by PlainCredential

Official regulator records behind the requirements, fees, and renewal cycle for this license.

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Provides therapeutic massage to relieve pain and reduce stress.

What the Hawaii data shows for Massage Therapists

Becoming a licensed massage therapist in Hawaii means clearing a defined set of hurdles: 859 training hours, a passing score on MBLEx (Massage and Bodywork Licensing Exam), plus a background history check once the applicant turns 18. Hawaii regulators place this credential inside their licensing framework, which classifies the training track as "Massage Therapy School".

The initial price tag is $166, and renewal costs $85 every 2 years. Maintaining the license requires 24 hours of continuing education per 2-year cycle, an ongoing cost applicants often underestimate when budgeting the career.

Reciprocity for this profession works like this: Varies by state — check with state board.

Licensing Requirements in Hawaii

Education / Training Hours
Massage Therapy School
859 hours
Exam Requirement
MBLEx (Massage and Bodywork Licensing Exam)
Required
Initial License Fee
$166
Renewal Fee
$85
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Continuing Education
24 hrs/cycle
Criminal History Check
Required
Minimum Age
18 years

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Compare all states for Massage Therapist All Hawaii licenses
Data sources: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice, state licensing boards. Verify current requirements with Hawaii licensing authorities before making career decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What license do I need for Massage Therapist in Hawaii? ▼
Hawaii requires 859 education/training hours, passing an exam (MBLEx (Massage and Bodywork Licensing Exam)), and an initial fee of $166. A criminal background check is also required.
How do I get certified as a Massage Therapist in Hawaii? ▼
Certification as a massage therapist in Hawaii means clearing the state's checklist: 859 hours of education, and a passing exam score. The Hawaii licensing board can confirm the current details.
Can I transfer my Massage Therapist license to Hawaii from another state? ▼
Reciprocity for massage therapists nationally works like this: Varies by state — check with state board. Beyond that baseline, interstate compacts exist for many professions and may smooth a transfer into Hawaii. Verify the specifics with the Hawaii licensing board.
Does Hawaii require a background check for Massage Therapist licensing? ▼
Background screening is part of the massage therapist licensing process in Hawaii. The state licensing board determines which offenses disqualify an applicant and how appeals are handled.
What are the continuing education requirements for Massage Therapist in Hawaii? ▼
To stay licensed as a massage therapist in Hawaii, plan on 24 hours of continuing education per 2-year renewal cycle; renewal itself runs $85.

Related Guides

Source: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice License to Work (3rd Ed.), state licensing board websites NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice License to Work (3rd Ed.), state licensing board websites

Read our methodology - how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.