Hawaii Real Estate License Requirements: Step-by-Step Guide
How to get your Hawaii real estate salesperson license — pre-license education, PSI exam, HREC application, and renewal requirements.
Getting licensed as a real estate salesperson in Hawaii involves working with the Hawaii Real Estate Commission (HREC) under the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs. Here's the full step-by-step process.
Step 1: Meet Eligibility Requirements
- Be at least 18 years old
- Be of good moral character
- No criminal conviction that would warrant denial (reviewed individually by HREC)
- No U.S. citizenship or Hawaii residency requirement
Step 2: Complete 60 Hours of Pre-License Education
Complete an HREC-approved 60-hour real estate pre-license course at an approved Hawaii school. The course covers:
- Hawaii real estate law (HRS Chapter 467)
- Agency relationships and disclosures
- Contracts and purchase agreements
- Hawaii property ownership — including leasehold and fee simple
- Land Court and Regular System title registration
- HRS Chapter 508D seller disclosure requirements
- Condominium Property Act basics
Complete all 60 hours before scheduling the exam. Schools issue a certificate of completion that must accompany your license application.
Step 3: Pass the Hawaii PSI Exam
Schedule your exam through PSI (psiexams.com).
Exam details: - 80 national + 60 state = 140 total questions - 4-hour time limit - 75% passing score = 105 correct out of 140 - Both sections graded separately
Exam fee: Approximately $88 (verify current pricing at psiexams.com)
Hawaii PSI testing centers are located on Oahu, Maui, Hawaii Island (Hilo/Kona), and Kauai.
Step 4: Apply for Your License with HREC
After passing both sections: - Complete the HREC license application (available through the DCCA online system) - Submit proof of pre-license course completion - Submit your PSI score report - Provide fingerprints for a background check - Pay the application fee - Provide your sponsoring broker's information
Your license will not be activated until you have a sponsoring broker. You cannot practice real estate without broker affiliation.
Step 5: Activate with a Sponsoring Broker
Your salesperson license is issued as inactive. A licensed Hawaii broker must sponsor and activate your license through HREC. Once activated, you may begin working under the broker's supervision.
Step 6: Renewal and Continuing Education
Hawaii salesperson licenses have a distinctive renewal schedule:
- Renewal: Odd years (2025, 2027, 2029, etc.) — not on birthdays or anniversaries
- CE: 20 hours per 2-year renewal cycle
- Required CE topics include: fair housing, agency, and Commission-approved electives
- CE must be from HREC-approved providers
Missing the renewal deadline results in license expiration. Late renewal may be possible within a grace period with additional fees.
Key Facts for the Exam
- Pre-license: 60 hours (salesperson)
- Renewal: odd years
- CE: 20 hours per cycle
- Governing law: HRS Chapter 467
- Regulator: Hawaii Real Estate Commission (HREC) under DCCA
- Commission: 9 members (5 licensed + 4 public)
Hawaii License Reciprocity
Hawaii has limited reciprocity with select states. Contact HREC or visit the DCCA website for the current list. Reciprocal agreements generally require that your home state license be in good standing and that you pass the Hawaii state section of the exam.
Start preparing for your Hawaii real estate exam at [CARealestate.com/states/hawaii](https://carealestate.com/states/hawaii).
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