Optometrist / Hawaii
2026 data Hawaii board official source

Hawaii Optometrist License Requirements

Compiled from official public sources by the publisher.

What the state board actually requires: fees, renewal cycle, and requirements from official records.

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Examines eyes for vision defects and prescribes corrective lenses.

What the Hawaii data shows for Optometrists

To practice as an optometrist in Hawaii, the state licensing board requires 4,789 documented education or training hours, a passing score on NBEO Exam Series. A criminal history background check is also part of the application. Applicants must be at least 18 years old. The regulation sits under Hawaii's professional licensing framework, which classifies the training track as "Doctor of Optometry (OD)".

Upfront cost is $410, with renewal running $331 on a 2-year cycle. Maintaining the license requires 40 hours of continuing education per 2-year cycle, an ongoing cost applicants often underestimate when budgeting the career.

On reciprocity, optometrists should know: Not part of compact — state-by-state endorsement.

Licensing Ease Score

F
Licensing Ease Score
24/100
Optometrist · Hawaii

A higher score means this specific license is LESS burdensome to obtain and maintain here than the national requirement corpus, based on education hours, fees, continuing education, and experience requirements, not an overall judgment of the profession or the state.

Education & Training F
4,789 hours
Documented education/training hours required
Initial Fee F
$410
One-time application/license fee
Renewal Burden F
$166/yr
$331 every 2 years
Continuing Education F
20.0 hrs/yr
40 hours every 2 years
Experience Required A+
None required
Supervised work experience required before licensure

Licensing Requirements in Hawaii

Education / Training Hours
Doctor of Optometry (OD)
4,789 hours
Exam Requirement
NBEO Exam Series
Required
Initial License Fee
$410
Renewal Fee
$331
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Continuing Education
40 hrs/cycle
Criminal History Check
Required
Minimum Age
18 years

Compare & Explore

Compare all states for Optometrist 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 Optometrist in Hawaii? ▼
In Hawaii, the license path calls for 4789 education/training hours, a passing score on NBEO Exam Series, and a $410 initial fee. A criminal background check is required as well.
How do I get certified as an Optometrist in Hawaii? ▼
Hawaii licenses optometrists who complete its requirements (4789 education hours) and a passing exam. Verify the latest details with the Hawaii licensing board.
Can I transfer my Optometrist license to Hawaii from another state? ▼
Optometrist licenses generally reciprocate as follows: Not part of compact — state-by-state endorsement. Interstate licensing compacts cover many professions and can further ease a move between states. The Hawaii licensing board can confirm the current rules for your credential.
Does Hawaii require a background check for Optometrist licensing? ▼
A criminal background check is mandatory for optometrist licensing in Hawaii. The state licensing board sets the disqualifying-offense criteria and review process.
What are the continuing education requirements for Optometrist in Hawaii? ▼
To stay licensed as an optometrist in Hawaii, plan on 40 hours of continuing education per 2-year renewal cycle; renewal itself runs $331.

Related Guides

What to do with this optometrist license

Optometrist in Hawaii, with a documented reciprocity path, is one requirement row in an optometrist-wide, 50-state comparison.

  • See how Hawaii's optometrist requirements compare to every other state before relocating. Optometrist in every state
  • Confirm whether your out-of-state optometrist license transfers under an interstate compact before starting a new application. Reciprocity guide
  • See how Hawaii's overall licensing burden compares to other states, not just this one profession. Hawaii overview

Requirements shown are compiled from NCSL and Institute for Justice research; verify current rules with the Hawaii licensing board before making career decisions.

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

According to the National Conference of State Legislatures and the Institute for Justice, the PlainCredential comparison corpus (current as of May 15, 2026) maps 4,947 state licensing requirement records; see the methodology.

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