How to Become a Cosmetologist in Hawaii

Checked against Hawaii Board of Barbering and Cosmetology, Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA), Professional and Vocational Licensing Division · Verified 2026-10-17

Exam: Required
Training: Required
Term: All beauty operator licenses expire December 31 of each odd-numbered year, no matter when they were issued.
State fee: $20 non-refundable application fee. After you pass, you pay license fees listed on a "Fees Due" notice. The application lists the full totals as $92 if licensed in an odd-numbered year or $165 in an even-numbered year ($20 application + $22 license + Compliance Resolution Fund fee, plus half the renewal fee in even years). Optional temporary permit: $40 on the December 2025 application form (the Board's FAQ still says $37).
Licensed by: Hawaii Board of Barbering and Cosmetology, Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA), Professional and Vocational Licensing Division

Take the free cosmetology practice test →

Who can apply

You must be at least 16 years old.
You must be a high school graduate or have the equivalent. One year of experience as a licensed beauty operator also meets the education requirement.
You must complete 1,800 hours at a beauty school or 3,600 hours as a registered apprentice (or a Board-approved combination).
You must be a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, or an alien authorized to work in the U.S. You do not have to live in Hawaii.

Step by step

Complete 1,800 beauty school hours, or register with the Board and complete 3,600 apprenticeship hours under a licensed beauty operator.
Mail the Beauty Operator License application (cosmetologist category) to DCCA with the $20 non-refundable application fee and your transcript or apprenticeship forms.
Optionally apply for a temporary permit at the same time so you can work under supervision while you wait to test.
After the Board sends your exam approval letter, register with PSI and pass the Cosmetology Theory test within 12 months.
Pay the license fees when notified. The Board ratifies new licenses at its monthly meeting, and the license card arrives about 2-3 weeks later.

Official application →

Training and exam

Training: The cosmetologist category of the Beauty Operator license (hairdressing, esthetics and nail technology) requires 1,800 beauty school hours or 3,600 apprenticeship hours. You may combine school and apprenticeship training: 2 apprenticeship hours count as 1 school hour, if the training is not more than 3 years old. A licensed beauty operator may train one apprentice at a time, and the apprentice must register with the Board before starting. Apprentices working in a shop must be paid at least Hawaii minimum wage.

Exam: Since January 1, 2026, PSI Services gives Hawaii's exams (Prometric did before). Cosmetologists take the PSI National Cosmetology Theory test: 100 scored questions plus 10 unscored questions in 120 minutes. You need at least 75% to pass. The PSI fee is $95, not refundable. Your exam eligibility lasts 12 months from the approval letter. If you do not pass within that year, you must file a new application, and you will not get a new temporary permit. If you already passed the NIC cosmetology theory exam for another state, you can submit your score report instead.

Practice for the cosmetology written exam free — infection control, hair care, chemical services, skin and nails →

What it costs in Hawaii

Fixed amounts are set by the state. Items marked “your quote” are priced by private sellers, so enter what you’re quoted.

PSI Cosmetology Theory test$95
Application + license fees: $92 if licensed in an odd-numbered year, $165 in an even-numbered year (both include the $20 application fee)$
Temporary permit (optional): $40 on the December 2025 application form, $37 in the Board's FAQ$
Beauty school tuition$

Estimated total in Hawaii$95Plus 2 items with no state-set price. Add your quotes above to complete the total.

Cost details from the state

PSI Cosmetology Theory test: $95, paid to PSI when you schedule.
Beauty school tuition or apprenticeship costs vary.
If you rent a chair or booth instead of working as an employee, you also need your own beauty shop license.

How long it takes

Applications are ratified at the Board's monthly meeting. The license card arrives about 2-3 weeks after the meeting and the wall certificate about 4-6 weeks after.

Keeping your license

Renewal: Renew by December 31 of each odd-numbered year. The on-time renewal fee is $146 (active). There is no continuing education requirement for beauty operators. A forfeited license can be restored within 3 years of expiration.

Good to know in Hawaii

No reciprocity: Hawaii has no reciprocity agreements with other states. Out-of-state licensees must apply like everyone else, but one year of licensed experience in another state can count toward the training requirement.

Temporary permit: Once you qualify for the exam, a temporary permit lets you work under a licensee's supervision for up to one year. It is issued only once and cannot be renewed.

Application expires: Under HRS 436B-9, your application is abandoned if you do not finish the licensing process within one year of filing.

Other beauty licenses: Hawaii also licenses hairdressers (1,250 school hours), estheticians (600) and nail technicians (350) as other categories of the Beauty Operator license.

Sources

General information, not legal advice. Fees and rules change — confirm with Hawaii Board of Barbering and Cosmetology, Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA), Professional and Vocational Licensing Division before you apply.