6.13 Hawaii Requirements
Key Takeaways
- Hawaii cosmetology candidates should confirm training hours, age, education, exam, fee, renewal, and continuing education rules before applying.
- Hawaii requirements are a state-specific supplement to the broader NIC theory, sanitation, hair, skin, and nail service content.
- Application approval, exam scheduling, and license issuance are separate steps, so candidates should keep board documentation organized.
- Reciprocity or endorsement rules can differ from first-time licensing and may require proof of education, exams, or license history.
- Fees, forms, and board procedures can change, so candidates should verify current instructions with the Hawaii licensing board before scheduling.
Hawaii Cosmetology License Requirements
Hawaii has one of the higher training hour requirements at 1,800 hours and only requires a written examination.
At a Glance
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Training Hours | 1,800 school hours OR 3,600 apprenticeship hours |
| Minimum Age | 16 years old |
| Education | High school diploma or GED |
| Exam Type | Written exam only |
| Passing Score | 70% |
| Exam Fee | Approximately $75-100 |
| License Fee | $60 |
| Renewal | Every 2 years (odd years) |
| CE Required | No |
Unique Features
- Written exam only - Hawaii does not require a practical examination
- High training hours (1,800) compared to mainland states
- Uses NIC for written examinations
Apprenticeship Option
Hawaii offers an apprenticeship pathway requiring 3,600 hours - double the school-based requirement.
Reciprocity
Hawaii offers reciprocity for cosmetologists from states with equivalent or higher requirements.
State Board Contact
Hawaii Board of Barbering and Cosmetology
- Website: cca.hawaii.gov/pvl/boards/barber
- Phone: (808) 586-3000
Exam Focus
For Hawaii, study the licensing checklist as a sequence: eligibility, training hours, board application, exam approval, theory testing, practical testing when required, initial license issuance, and renewal. Do not memorize the table as isolated facts. State board questions often ask what a candidate must complete before scheduling, which agency handles approval, whether NIC or a state-specific exam is used, and how reciprocity or endorsement differs from a first-time license. Pair this page with the sanitation, infection control, hair care, skin care, and nail care chapters so you can connect state rules to the national service standards.