Hawaii licenses estheticians through the Board of Barbering and Cosmetology under DCCA. Estheticians receive a Beauty Operator license with the esthetician classification under HRS Chapter 439. You need this license to perform facials, skin treatments, body wraps, hair removal, and related services for compensation.
Hawaii requires 600 training hours and only a written exam — no practical exam. No reciprocity with any state and no CE required. Hawaii’s esthetician scope is relatively broad, including full-body exfoliation and wrapping (with gloves/tools). Here is exactly how to get your Hawaii esthetician license.
Hawaii Esthetician License Requirements at a Glance
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Official License Title | Beauty Operator — Esthetician Classification |
| Governing Agency | DCCA, PVL, Board of Barbering and Cosmetology |
| Statutory Authority | HRS Chapter 439 |
| Minimum Age | 16 years old |
| Education Prerequisite | High school diploma or equivalent |
| Training Hours Required | 600 hours (or 1,200-hour apprenticeship) |
| Exam Required | Written/theory exam only — no practical (PSI Services) |
| Passing Score | 75% |
| Exam Fee | $90 (PSI) |
| Application + License Fees | ~$165 (even year) or ~$92 (odd year) |
| Total Initial Cost | ~$255 (even year) or ~$182 (odd year) |
| Renewal Cycle | Biennial (expires December 31 of odd-numbered years) |
| Renewal Fee | $146 (active) or $12 (inactive) |
| Continuing Education | None required |
| Apply Online | DCCA Application Forms |
| Board Website | cca.hawaii.gov/pvl/boards/barber |
Education & Training Requirements
You must be at least 16 years old and hold a high school diploma or equivalent. Complete 600 hours at a licensed beauty school.
Hawaii’s esthetician scope includes massaging, cleansing, stimulating, manipulating, exercising, and beautifying the scalp, face, neck, hands, arms, bust, upper body, legs, and feet. It also covers full-body cleansing, exfoliating, and wrapping (without direct hand contact, using gloves, loofah mitts, or brushes) and removing superfluous hair by means other than electrolysis.
Full-time students typically complete the program in 4 to 6 months.
Apprenticeship alternative: A 1,200-hour beauty apprenticeship is available (2:1 ratio to school hours).
At 600 hours, Hawaii matches the national average. See our esthetician license guide and hours by state comparison.
Exam Requirements
Written/theory exam only — no practical required. The esthetician exam contains 100 questions with a 2-hour time limit. Content areas: General Concepts, Applied Anatomy, Chemical Concepts and Services, Physical Concepts and Services. Passing score: 75%.
Register through PSI Exams. Exam waiver available if you passed NIC or PSI in another jurisdiction.
Application Process & Fees
- Complete 600 hours of esthetics training
- Submit application with fees (~$165 even year / ~$92 odd year)
- Receive eligibility letter from the Board
- Register for and pass the written exam ($90 via PSI)
Optional: $40 one-time temporary permit to work under supervision while awaiting exam. Valid one year, non-renewable.
License Renewal & Continuing Education
Expires biennially on December 31 of odd-numbered years. Renewal fee: $146 (active). No continuing education required. Renew online through MyPVL.
Reciprocity & License Transfer
Hawaii does not reciprocate with any state. Out-of-state applicants must submit a full application, provide proof of at least 600 hours of training, and pass the Hawaii exam. However, NIC or PSI exam scores from another jurisdiction may qualify for an exam waiver.
Military Provisions
License extension during active duty under HRS 436B-14.5. Military spouse temporary license under HRS 436B-14.7 — valid for the duration of military orders, up to 5 years. Expedited processing for military spouse applications.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many hours do I need to become an esthetician in Hawaii?
600 hours at a licensed beauty school, or a 1,200-hour apprenticeship. Full-time students complete training in about 4 to 6 months.
How much does it cost to get an esthetician license in Hawaii?
Approximately $255 (even year) or $182 (odd year), including exam fees and DCCA application/licensing fees.
Does Hawaii require a practical exam for estheticians?
No. Beauty operators take only a written/theory exam.
Can I transfer my esthetician license to Hawaii?
Hawaii does not participate in reciprocity. You must apply as a new applicant and meet the 600-hour requirement. If you passed the NIC or PSI exam elsewhere, you may qualify for an exam waiver.
Official Resources
- Board of Barbering and Cosmetology (official website)
- Application Forms and Publications
- MyPVL Portal (renewals)
- PSI Exam Registration
- Board Contact: 1-844-808-DCCA (3222), option 1 | dcca.pvl.bacos@hawaii.gov
- Address: 335 Merchant Street, Room 301, Honolulu, HI 96813