Hawaii Real Estate Exam Pass Rate: What You Need to Know

The Hawaii real estate salesperson exam is one of the most distinctive in the country — not only because of its unique content on leasehold ownership and Land Court registration, but because of its high 75% passing threshold. Here's what you need to know to pass.

Hawaii Exam at a Glance

• 80 national questions + 60 state questions = 140 total
• 4-hour time limit
• Passing score: 75% — you need 105 correct out of 140
• Both sections scored separately

The 60-question state section is larger than the national section in terms of its weight relative to state-specific content. Hawaii's unique property ownership landscape means you must understand topics that no national prep course will cover.

Why Candidates Fail the Hawaii Exam

Not understanding leasehold vs. fee simple. Hawaii has a large number of leasehold properties — particularly condominiums in Honolulu. The leasehold concept (buyer owns improvements, leases the land) appears repeatedly on the Hawaii state exam. Candidates from other states who have never encountered leasehold condominiums often miss these questions.

Ignoring the Land Court vs. Regular System distinction. Hawaii's dual title registration system is unique to Hawaii. Land Court (registered) titles carry a government guarantee. Regular System (recorded) titles rely on a chain of title. This distinction is tested.

Missing HRS Chapter 508D disclosure requirements. Hawaii's seller disclosure law under HRS 508D is a state-specific topic that frequently appears on the exam.

Not knowing HREC composition. The Hawaii Real Estate Commission's structure (5 licensed + 4 public = 9 members, under DCCA) is a basic fact tested on many state exams.

Using only national prep materials. National content covers general principles but almost nothing about leasehold ownership, the Condominium Property Act, Hawaii's unique state land ownership patterns, or HRS 467. Hawaii candidates must use Hawaii-specific study materials.

Underestimating the 75% threshold. With a 75% requirement, you can only miss 35 questions out of 140. This is tighter than states with a 70% threshold (which allows up to 42 misses on a 140-question exam).

What Separates Passers from Failers

Candidates who pass on their first try typically: - Study leasehold condo law until they can explain it in plain language - Know HRS Chapter 467 key provisions - Understand the Land Court and Regular System distinction - Drill Hawaii fair housing additions (ancestry, arrest records, domestic abuse victim status) - Take full 140-question timed practice exams scoring 78%+ before their real exam date

The 60-Question State Section

This is where the Hawaii exam is won or lost. Key topics: - HRS Chapter 467 (license law) - HREC composition and authority - Leasehold vs. fee simple ownership - Land Court vs. Regular System title registration - HRS Chapter 508D (seller disclosure) - Condominium Property Act - Hawaii fair housing additions - Hawaii agency law

For Hawaii-specific practice exams, visit [CARealestate.com/states/hawaii](https://carealestate.com/states/hawaii).