🌺 Hawaii Real Estate Commission (HREC) Approved

How to Get Your Real Estate License in Hawaii in 2026

Join one of the world's most sought-after real estate markets. Median home prices top $1,000,000 statewide — every transaction counts. Here's everything you need to get licensed in Hawaii.

Course Cost

$275–$789

Time to License

4–6 Weeks

Avg. Salary

$75K–$96K

Required Hours

60 hours

Top 3 Hawaii Real Estate Schools (2026)

All HREC-approved. Prices reflect entry-level online packages — compare all tiers below.

REMI Team Real Estate Education

Best Value
$275
60-hr self-paced online
  • ✓ 40+ years Hawaii instructor experience
  • ✓ Narrated lessons, quizzes & practice exam
  • ✓ HREC-approved · Certificate included
View REMI Team →

Hawaii Institute of Real Estate (HiRE)

Local Expert
$395
60-hr online or in-person (all islands)
  • ✓ Hawaii-based school, all islands
  • ✓ In-person Agent ACCELR8 bootcamp available
  • ✓ HREC-approved · 4.8★ rated
View HiRE →

Colibri Real Estate

AI-Powered
$399
60-hr self-paced online
  • ✓ Pass or Don't Pay Guarantee (Exam Prep+)
  • ✓ AI-powered Rubi Tutor
  • ✓ HREC-approved · 4.5★ rated
View Colibri →

Compare All Hawaii Real Estate Schools

Compare pricing, features, and packages for every HREC-approved pre-license provider. Updated March 2026.

Best Real Estate Schools in Hawaii

All 6 schools are Hawaii Hawaii Real Estate Commission-approved. Price: Low to High.

Quick Price Comparison (Course Only)

REMI Team Real Estate Education:$275Hawaii Institute of Real Estate (HiRE):$395Local ExpertColibri Real Estate:$399The CE Shop:$419Top RatedMaui Real Estate School:$450Carol Ball School of Real Estate:$895
#1

REMI Team Real Estate Education

★★★★½4.5/5(Student Reviews)

Starting at

$275

Self-paced onlineSelf-paced
  • Instructor with 40+ years Hawaii experience
  • Hawaii roots — developed with local market knowledge
  • Narrated, self-paced course available 24/7
  • HREC-approved

Available Packages (1)

60-Hour Pre-License Course

$275Discount coming soon
  • 60-hour HREC-approved pre-license course
  • High-quality professionally narrated lessons
  • Comprehensive quizzes & practice exam
  • State exam completion certificate
  • Customer service via phone & email
Visit REMI Team Real Estate Education →
#2

Hawaii Institute of Real Estate (HiRE)

Local Expert
★★★★½4.8/5(Student Reviews)

Starting at

$395

Self-paced online + in-person (all islands)6-month access
  • Hawaii-based school with local expertise
  • Online and in-person options
  • HREC-approved for all islands
  • In-person Agent ACCELR8 bootcamp

Available Packages (2)

Online Self-Paced

$395Discount coming soon
  • 60-hour pre-license course
  • Narrated audio & video lessons
  • Practice quizzes & final exam
  • 6-month access
  • Certificate of completion
Visit Hawaii Institute of Real Estate (HiRE) →
#3

Colibri Real Estate

★★★★½4.5/5(6,802 reviews)

Starting at

$399

Self-paced online6-month access
  • Pass or Don't Pay Guarantee (Exam Prep+)
  • AI-powered Rubi Tutor
  • Narrated audio throughout
  • HREC-approved

Available Packages (4)

The Basics

$399Discount coming soon
  • 60-hour pre-license course
  • State-approved instructor support
  • AI Tutor (Rubi)
  • Study guides & narrated audio
  • Simulated practice exams
Visit Colibri Real Estate →
#4

The CE Shop

Top Rated
★★★★½4.6/5(Student Reviews)

Starting at

$419

Self-paced online6-month access
  • 5-day free trial
  • Interactive LEAP platform
  • HREC-approved
  • Exam prep included in Standard+

Available Packages (4)

Courses Only

$419Discount coming soon
  • 60-hour pre-license course
  • E-books & digital flashcards
  • Glossary & study schedule
Visit The CE Shop →
#5

Maui Real Estate School

★★★★½4.9/5(Student Reviews)

Starting at

$450

Self-paced online + live Zoom (all islands)6-month access
  • Only Hawaii school with a mobile app
  • Pass rate 30% higher than other schools
  • No Pass No Pay Guarantee (Zoom course)
  • Approved for all islands

Available Packages (2)

Online Self-Paced

$450Discount coming soon
  • 60-hour pre-license course
  • Instructor videos & narrated audio
  • Mobile app access
  • Quiz software & flashcards
  • Exam guide & certificate
  • 6-month access
Visit Maui Real Estate School →
#6

Carol Ball School of Real Estate

★★★★½4.7/5(Student Reviews)

Starting at

$895

Live Zoom (Maui-based, all islands)Session-based (scheduled classes)
  • Maui-based school with local expertise
  • Live proctored 4-hour final exam
  • Small class sizes with daily interaction
  • Books included on Maui (shipping extra off-island)

Available Packages (1)

ZOOM Live Sales Prelicensing

$895Discount coming soon
  • 60-hour live Zoom instruction
  • Daily reading, quizzes & class drills
  • Focused review + proctored 4-hour final exam
  • Course books included (Maui; shipping extra off-island)
  • HREC-approved, all islands
Visit Carol Ball School of Real Estate →

Prices verified March 2026. Prices may change. Always confirm current pricing on the school's website before enrolling.

Earning Potential in Hawaii Real Estate

Hawaii's luxury market means each deal can be life-changing. With a statewide median home price of $1,000,000, even a modest transaction generates substantial commission income.

Typical Transaction
$25,000–$30,000
Gross commission at 2.5–3% on a $1M home
Average Annual Income
$75,000–$96,000
Statewide average across all experience levels
Top Producers
$200,000+
Luxury Maui & Oahu agents, annually

Top Hawaii Real Estate Markets

Honolulu (Oahu)Maui (Lahaina / Kihei)Kailua-Kona (Big Island)Hilo (Big Island)Lihue / Poipu (Kauai)Kapolei (West Oahu)Kailua (Windward Oahu)Waikiki / Ala Moana

Island Strategy: Oahu offers the highest transaction volume — ideal for new agents building a pipeline. Maui and Kauai offer fewer deals but significantly higher per-transaction commissions in the luxury segment. Many experienced agents hold licenses on multiple islands.

Is a Hawaii Real Estate Career Right for You?

✅ Pros

  • ✓Among the highest median home prices in the U.S. — every deal generates substantial commission
  • ✓Only 60 hours of pre-license education required — one of the shorter state requirements
  • ✓Year-round warm climate attracts international buyers, investors, and vacation home purchasers
  • ✓Multiple distinct island markets to specialize in (luxury, resort, residential, agricultural)
  • ✓Strong tourism economy drives consistent demand for vacation rentals and second homes

⚠️ Cons

  • ✗State exam pass rate is only ~33% on first attempt — one of the hardest in the U.S.
  • ✗High cost of living makes maintaining income consistency essential, especially early in your career
  • ✗E&O insurance is mandatory — adds ongoing cost before closing your first deal
  • ✗Island isolation means a smaller total buyer pool compared to major mainland metros

How to Get Your Hawaii Real Estate License: Step-by-Step

Follow these six steps to earn your Hawaii salesperson license through the Hawaii Real Estate Commission (HREC).

1

Complete 60 Hours of Pre-License Education

Enroll in an HREC-approved 60-hour pre-license salesperson course from an authorized Hawaii education provider. Courses are available online and in-person across the islands. You must pass a course final exam to receive your certificate of completion. Alternatives include a real estate or business degree from an accredited U.S. university, or a law school degree.

2

Submit Fingerprints for FBI Background Check

All applicants must complete an FBI criminal history record check through the Hawaii Criminal Justice Data Center (HCJDC). Schedule an appointment with Fieldprint Hawaii (fieldprinthawaii.com) or another HCJDC-approved fingerprinting provider. The fee is approximately $44 and covers both the state and federal background check. If you have a potentially disqualifying criminal history, submit a Request for Preliminary Decision ($25 fee) to HREC before taking the exam.

3

Register for and Pass the PSI Exam

Schedule your Hawaii real estate salesperson exam through PSI Exams at exam.psiexams.com. The $61 exam fee is paid directly to PSI. The exam consists of 80 national questions and 50 Hawaii state-specific questions (130 total), and you have 4 hours to complete it. You must score at least 70% on each section separately — 56/80 on the national portion and 35/50 on the state portion. Scores are displayed immediately on-screen at the test center.

4

Obtain Errors & Omissions (E&O) Insurance

Hawaii requires all active real estate licensees to carry errors and omissions (E&O) insurance. Your sponsoring broker may provide group coverage, or you can obtain your own policy. Confirm coverage is in place before submitting your license application.

5

Apply for Your Hawaii Real Estate License

Upon passing the exam, you will receive a license application. Submit the completed application to the Hawaii Real Estate Branch along with the applicable fee — $282 if applying in an even-numbered year, $382 in an odd-numbered year. You must apply within 2 years of passing the exam. Your license will be issued on inactive status until you affiliate with a broker.

6

Find a Sponsoring Broker & Activate Your License

All Hawaii salespersons must work under a licensed Hawaii real estate broker. Research brokerages across your target island market — from Honolulu's high-volume residential market to Maui's luxury property segment or the Big Island's growing communities. Once affiliated, submit the broker change form to HREC to activate your license and begin earning commissions.

Hawaii Real Estate License Requirements

Eligibility Requirements

  • • Minimum age: 18 years old by exam date
  • • High school diploma or equivalent required
  • • U.S. citizen or authorized alien with valid SSN
  • • No disqualifying criminal history (preliminary review available)
  • • Reputation for honesty, truthfulness, and financial integrity
  • • No college degree required

Education & Exam Requirements

  • • 60 hours HREC-approved pre-license course
  • • Must pass course final exam to obtain certificate
  • • FBI fingerprint background check required
  • • PSI Exam: 130 questions, 70% passing score on each section
  • • E&O insurance required before license activation
  • • Must affiliate with a licensed Hawaii broker

Hawaii Real Estate License Cost Breakdown

Total cost to get licensed in Hawaii ranges from approximately $587 to $1,087 — plus E&O insurance.

ItemLowHigh
Pre-license course (online)$200$700
PSI exam fee$61$61
HREC license application fee (even/odd year)$282$382
FBI fingerprinting (Fieldprint Hawaii)$44$44
Errors & Omissions insurance (est. first year)$0$100
Total Estimate$587$1,287

* HREC license fee is $282 if applying in an even-numbered year (2026), $382 in an odd-numbered year. E&O insurance may be provided by your sponsoring broker at no additional cost.

Hawaii Real Estate Exam Details

The Hawaii salesperson exam is administered by PSI Exams and is widely considered one of the most difficult state real estate exams in the country.

Exam Overview

  • ProviderPSI Exams
  • Total Questions130
  • National Section80 questions
  • State Section50 questions
  • Passing Score70% on each section separately
  • Time Allowed4 hours
  • Exam Fee$61
  • ResultsImmediate (on-screen)

⚠️ Pass Rates — Prepare Accordingly

National Section~48%
Hawaii State Section~33%

Only 1 in 3 first-time takers pass the Hawaii state section. Invest in Hawaii-specific exam prep materials — national prep alone is not sufficient.

Hawaii State Exam Topics

✓Property ownership, land use controls & regulations
✓Laws of agency and fiduciary duties
✓Real estate contracts and Hawaii contract law
✓Real estate finance and mortgage concepts
✓Hawaii License Law, HREC rules & regulations
✓Property valuation, appraisal, and market analysis

How Long Does It Take to Get Licensed in Hawaii?

Your timeline depends on how quickly you complete the 60-hour course and schedule your PSI exam.

🚀 Fast Track
4–6 Weeks
  • • Study 4–6 hrs/day, 5 days/week
  • • Complete 60 hrs in ~2–3 weeks
  • • Schedule PSI exam immediately
  • • Submit application within days of passing
⚖️ Moderate Pace
2–3 Months
  • • Study 1–2 hrs/day after work
  • • Complete 60 hrs over 5–8 weeks
  • • Exam prep adds 2–3 weeks
  • • Fingerprinting & HREC review: 2–4 weeks
🐢 Casual
4–6 Months
  • • Study a few hours on weekends
  • • Complete 60 hrs over 3–4 months
  • • Flexible exam scheduling
  • • Active license within 5–6 months total

Ready to Start Your Hawaii Real Estate Career?

Get our free guide: How to Pass the Hawaii PSI Exam on Your First Try — including Hawaii-specific study tips, state section breakdown, and recommended prep resources.

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Compare Real Estate Licensing Requirements by State

Considering another market? Hawaii's 60-hour requirement is relatively low — see how it compares.

California
135 hours · $300+
View guide →
Florida
63 hours · $150+
View guide →
Nevada
120 hours · $300+
View guide →
Texas
180 hours · $400+
View guide →

Frequently Asked Questions — Hawaii Real Estate License

How much does it cost to get a real estate license in Hawaii?▾
The total cost to get your Hawaii real estate license ranges from approximately $587 to $1,087. This includes your pre-license course ($200–$700), the PSI exam fee ($61), the HREC license application fee ($282–$382 depending on the year), and FBI fingerprinting ($44). You will also need to budget for errors and omissions insurance. Using a CertLaunch-partnered course can reduce your education costs significantly.
How long does it take to get a real estate license in Hawaii?▾
Most Hawaii applicants complete the licensing process in 2–4 months. Studying full-time, you can finish the 60-hour pre-license course in 4–6 weeks. Part-time students typically take 2–3 months. Add time for fingerprint processing, exam scheduling, and HREC application review. The entire process from enrollment to active license commonly takes 3–4 months.
What are the requirements to get a real estate license in Hawaii?▾
To become a licensed real estate salesperson in Hawaii you must: (1) be at least 18 years old by the exam date, (2) have a high school diploma or equivalent, (3) be a U.S. citizen or authorized alien with a Social Security number, (4) complete 60 hours of HREC-approved pre-license education, (5) pass an FBI fingerprint background check, (6) pass the PSI exam with 70% on each section, and (7) have a reputation for honesty, truthfulness, and financial integrity. No college degree is required.
Is the Hawaii real estate exam hard?▾
The Hawaii real estate exam is considered more challenging than most states. First-attempt pass rates are approximately 48% for the national section and only about 33% for the state-specific section. The Hawaii state portion covers unique island real estate laws, condo hotel regulations, and HREC rules that aren't covered in national prep materials. Dedicated exam prep using Hawaii-specific practice tests significantly improves pass rates.
Can I take the Hawaii real estate course online?▾
Yes. Many HREC-approved pre-license schools offer fully online, self-paced 60-hour courses — a convenient option given Hawaii's island geography. Online programs let you study from any island on your own schedule. However, the PSI licensing exam must be taken in person at an authorized PSI testing center in Hawaii.
How much do real estate agents make in Hawaii?▾
Hawaii real estate agents earn an average of $75,000–$96,000 per year, with income varying widely by island, market, and experience. Top agents in Maui's luxury segment and Oahu's high-volume market regularly earn $150,000–$200,000+ annually. With a statewide median home price of approximately $1,000,000 and a typical 2.5–3% buyer's agent commission, a single transaction can generate $25,000–$30,000 in gross commission.
Do I need a college degree to become a real estate agent in Hawaii?▾
No. Hawaii does not require a college degree to obtain a real estate salesperson license. You only need to meet the basic eligibility requirements: be 18 years old, complete the 60-hour HREC-approved pre-license course (or have an equivalent college degree), pass the background check, and pass the PSI exam. A real estate or business degree from an accredited U.S. university can substitute for the 60-hour course, but most students take the pre-license course route.
Does Hawaii have real estate license reciprocity with other states?▾
Hawaii has limited reciprocity. Agents licensed in states with equivalent or superior pre-license education requirements may apply for a Hawaii license without completing the 60-hour course, provided their license has been active within the past year. However, all applicants — regardless of home state — must still pass the Hawaii state portion of the PSI exam, complete the background check, and meet all other HREC requirements. Contact HREC directly to confirm current reciprocity agreements.
Can I get a Hawaii real estate license with a criminal record?▾
Possibly. Hawaii allows applicants with potentially disqualifying criminal convictions, tax obligations, or disciplinary actions to submit a Request for Preliminary Decision to HREC ($25 fee) before spending money on a pre-license course or exam. HREC will issue a non-binding, advisory decision. Each case is reviewed individually based on the nature of the offense, rehabilitation, and time elapsed. A criminal record does not automatically disqualify you.
Which Hawaii island is best for real estate agents?▾
Oahu (Honolulu) offers the highest volume of transactions and the most diverse buyer pool, making it ideal for new agents building their pipeline. Maui commands the highest luxury commissions, with median single-family home prices exceeding $1.5 million in many areas. The Big Island (Kailua-Kona and Hilo) offers a growing market with lower competition. Kauai has a boutique luxury market with high per-transaction commissions. Your best island depends on your personal network, lifestyle goals, and market expertise.

Last Updated: March 2026 · Prices verified March 2026 · Regulatory data sourced from the Hawaii Real Estate Commission (HREC / DCCA REB) and PSI Exams. School pricing is subject to change — verify directly with providers before enrolling.