Updated 2026

Your Complete Guide to Getting a Hawaii Real Estate License

Step-by-step guidance. Compare schools, prep for the PSI exam, and launch your real estate career with confidence.

Education Required

60 Hours

First-time Pass Rate

32%

Estimated Cost

$742–$992

Average Timeline

~3 Months

The Process

How to Get a Hawaii Real Estate License

Hawaii has clear, straightforward licensing requirements. Here are the five steps every aspiring agent must complete to become licensed.

1

Complete 60 hours of pre-licensing education

Take a Hawaii Real Estate Commission-approved course covering real estate principles, practices, and Hawaii-specific law. You can complete this online or in-person.

2

Pass the PSI licensing exam

The exam is 130 questions — national real estate principles and Hawaii-specific content. You need a 70% to pass. With a 32% first-time pass rate, serious prep is essential.

3

Pass an FBI background check

Hawaii requires fingerprinting and a federal criminal background check. This is completed through PSI or a third-party fingerprinting provider and typically takes a few weeks.

4

Submit your application and pay the fee

File your application with the Hawaii Real Estate Commission. The salesperson license fee is $282; broker is $382. Additional fees apply for the background check and exam registration.

5

Find a sponsoring broker

New salesperson licenses in Hawaii must be affiliated with a licensed broker. Your license remains inactive until a broker sponsors you — finding the right brokerage is a key career decision.

Estimated Total Cost

Pre-licensing course $377–$600
PSI exam fee $61
Fingerprinting / background ~$25–$50
License application fee $282
Total Estimated Range $742–$992

Key Requirements

  • Must be at least 18 years old
  • High school diploma or equivalent
  • U.S. citizenship or legal alien status
  • No Hawaii residency requirement — license from any state
  • Renews every 2 years with 20 hours of CE
School Reviews

Best Hawaii Real Estate Schools

All three schools are approved by the Hawaii Real Estate Commission. We've compared cost, format, pass guarantees, and student experience.

Editor's Pick

Colibri Real Estate

$377+

  • 60-hour Hawaii pre-licensing
  • "Pass or Don't Pay" guarantee
  • Self-paced, online learning
Enroll at Colibri →

The CE Shop

$399+

  • Salesperson and broker courses
  • Interactive LEAP platform
  • Frequent 25–30% discounts
Enroll at CE Shop →

Abe Lee Seminars

$400–600

  • 12,000+ local alumni
  • In-person classes (Honolulu)
  • Deep network of brokers
Learn More →
130
Total Questions
70%
To Pass
3.5hrs
Time Allowed
Exam Prep

The PSI Exam Is Hard. Here's How to Pass It.

With a 32% first-time pass rate, the Hawaii real estate exam requires dedicated preparation. Most candidates underestimate the Hawaii-specific law section.

1

Focus extra time on Hawaii-specific law

Chapters on licensing law, disclosures, and the DROA are where most lose points.

2

Complete at least 500 practice questions

Aim for 80%+ on practice exams before scheduling.

3

Schedule within 2 weeks

Don't wait. Testing right after course completion increases pass rates.

Already Licensed?

Hawaii Continuing Education

Hawaii requires 20 hours of CE every two years to renew your license (4 core hours, 16 elective).

Browse CE Courses →
Just got licensed?

Get Your Agent Website Free

Every new agent needs a professional online presence. FyneSite builds you a beautiful, mobile-ready real estate website at no cost.

Build My Free Website

Hawaii RE License Checklist

Already Licensed?

Hawaii Continuing Education

Hawaii requires 20 hours of CE every two years to renew your license (4 core hours, 16 elective).

Browse CE Courses →
Just got licensed?

Get Your Agent Website Free

Every new agent needs a professional online presence. FyneSite builds you a beautiful, mobile-ready real estate website at no cost.

Build My Free Website