Key Takeaways
- Hawaii issues salesperson, broker, and principal broker licenses for individuals
- Every brokerage must have a designated principal broker who supervises all licensees
- Brokers-in-charge can supervise a branch office under the principal broker's authority
- Out-of-state licensees can apply for Hawaii reciprocity if their state has similar requirements
- Inactive status is available for licensees not currently practicing real estate
Last updated: January 2026
Types of Licenses and Registration
Hawaii issues several types of real estate licenses, each with different requirements and authority.
Individual License Types
Salesperson License
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Authority | Can perform real estate activities only under broker supervision |
| Supervision | Must work under a licensed broker |
| Requirements | 60 hours pre-license, pass exam |
| Independent activity | Not permitted |
Broker License
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Authority | Can supervise salespersons, operate branch offices |
| Requirements | 3 years as salesperson, additional education |
| Independence | Can work under principal broker or as PB |
| Supervision | Can supervise salespersons |
Principal Broker (PB)
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Authority | Highest level, responsible for entire brokerage |
| Requirements | Must hold broker license |
| Responsibility | Supervises all licensees, ensures compliance |
| Designation | One per brokerage, registered with HREC |
Brokerage Structure
Principal Broker Responsibilities
The Principal Broker is responsible for:
| Duty | Description |
|---|---|
| Supervision | Oversee all brokerage activities |
| Trust accounts | Maintain and supervise escrow accounts |
| Records | Ensure proper record keeping |
| Compliance | Ensure all licensees follow laws and rules |
| Training | Provide adequate training to licensees |
Broker-in-Charge (BIC)
For branch offices:
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Role | Supervises a specific branch office |
| Authority | Delegated by Principal Broker |
| Requirements | Must hold broker license |
| Responsibility | Reports to Principal Broker |
License Status
Active Status
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Requirements | Working under a broker, CE current |
| Activities | Can perform all licensed activities |
| Renewal | Complete CE, pay fees |
Inactive Status
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Purpose | For licensees not currently practicing |
| Activities | Cannot perform real estate activities |
| CE requirement | Still required to maintain |
| Reactivation | Apply to HREC, update status |
Forfeited License
If license is not renewed:
| Timeline | Status |
|---|---|
| 0-90 days after expiration | Grace period, can renew with fee |
| 90+ days after expiration | License forfeited |
| Restoration | Must meet current requirements, may need to retest |
Out-of-State Licensees
Reciprocity
Hawaii may grant reciprocity to licensees from states with:
| Requirement | Description |
|---|---|
| Equivalent education | Similar pre-license requirements |
| Equivalent exam | Comparable examination |
| Good standing | No disciplinary actions |
| Hawaii portion | May still need to pass Hawaii state portion |
Nonresident License
| Requirement | Description |
|---|---|
| Home state license | Must be current and in good standing |
| Hawaii exam | Pass Hawaii state-specific portion |
| Supervision | Must work under Hawaii broker |
| Consent to service | Appoint HREC as agent for legal process |
Business Entity Registration
Requirements for Entities
Corporations, LLCs, and partnerships must:
| Requirement | Description |
|---|---|
| Register with DCCA | Business registration |
| Designate Principal Broker | Licensed individual responsible |
| Officers/partners | At least one must be licensed |
| Maintain good standing | With both DCCA and HREC |
Loading diagram...
Test Your Knowledge
Who holds ultimate responsibility for supervising all licensees in a Hawaii brokerage?
A
B
C
D
Test Your Knowledge
How many years of salesperson experience are required to become a broker in Hawaii?
A
B
C
D