2026 data Hawaii board official source

Hawaii Real Estate Agent / Salesperson License Requirements

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

Assists clients in buying, selling, and renting properties.

What the Hawaii data shows for Real Estate Agent / Salespersons

Hawaii sets the entry bar for real estate agent / salespersons at 150 training hours and a passing score on State Real Estate Salesperson Exam. A background check is a standard part of the process, and applicants must be 18 or older. The credential is administered under Hawaii's licensing regime, which classifies the training track as "Pre-License Coursework".

Upfront cost is $279, with renewal running $150 on a 2-year cycle. Expect roughly 5 weeks of processing once a complete application is submitted. Maintaining the license requires 20 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: Reciprocal agreements vary significantly by state.

Licensing Ease Score

C-
Licensing Ease Score
54/100
Real Estate Agent / Salesperson · 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 B
150 hours
Documented education/training hours required
Initial Fee F
$243
One-time application/license fee
Renewal Burden F
$100/yr
$200 every 2 years
Continuing Education B-
6.0 hrs/yr
12 hours every 2 years
Experience Required A+
None required
Supervised work experience required before licensure

Licensing Requirements in Hawaii

Education / Training Hours
Pre-License Coursework
150 hours
Exam Requirement
State Real Estate Salesperson Exam
Required
Initial License Fee
$243
Renewal Fee
$200
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Processing Time
After complete application submitted
5 wks
Continuing Education
12 hrs/cycle
Criminal History Check
Required
Minimum Age
18 years
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 Real Estate Agent / Salesperson in Hawaii?
Hawaii's requirements cover 150 hours of education or training, the State Real Estate Salesperson Exam exam, and an initial fee of $243. Applicants also go through a criminal background check.
How do I get certified as a Real Estate Agent / Salesperson in Hawaii?
Hawaii licenses real estate agent / salespersons who complete its requirements (150 education hours) and a passing exam. Verify the latest details with the Hawaii licensing board.
Can I transfer my Real Estate Agent / Salesperson license to Hawaii from another state?
Here's how reciprocity typically plays out for real estate agent / salespersons: Reciprocal agreements vary significantly by state. Many occupations are additionally covered by interstate licensing compacts that ease cross-state moves. Check with the Hawaii licensing board for how this applies to you.
Does Hawaii require a background check for Real Estate Agent / Salesperson licensing?
Hawaii does require a background check before issuing a real estate agent / salesperson license. What counts as disqualifying, and how it's reviewed, is up to the state licensing board.
What are the continuing education requirements for Real Estate Agent / Salesperson in Hawaii?
Hawaii ties continued real estate agent / salesperson licensure to 12 continuing-education hours, due every 2 years, alongside a $200 renewal fee.
How much does it cost to get a Real Estate Agent / Salesperson license in Hawaii?
The initial licensing fee in Hawaii is $279. The renewal fee is $150 every 2 years. Processing typically takes 5 weeks after submitting your complete application.
How long does Real Estate Agent / Salesperson license processing take in Hawaii?
In Hawaii, license processing for real estate agent / salespersons typically takes approximately 5 weeks after your complete application is submitted. Processing times may vary based on application volume and completeness of documentation.

What to do with this real estate agent / salesperson license

Real Estate Agent / Salesperson in Hawaii, with a documented reciprocity path, is one requirement row in a real estate agent / salesperson-wide, 50-state comparison.

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.