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In Hawaii, massage therapists need to enroll in a training program and pass an exam before being able to practice.
So, what are the requirements?
Article Table of Contents
Schooling Requirements
You need to complete 570 hours of training over 6 months to apply for a license.
The hours should be spread as follows:
Popular Programs
- 50 hours in physiology, anatomy, and structural kinesiology
- 100 hours in massage techniques, assessment, hygiene, draping, record keeping, and contraindications
You have to finish 420 hours of practice in either a program or as an apprentice.
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Aisen Shiatsu School | Interstate Building 1314 South Kin Street Honolulu, HI 96814 |
| Aloha School of Massage Therapy | 355 Hukilike Street #203 Kahului Maui, HI 96732 |
| Big Island Academy of Massage | 211 Kino'ole Street Hilo, HI 96720 |
| Hawaii Healing Arts College | Kailua Medical Arts Building 407 Uluniu Street #204 Kailua, HI 96734 |
| Hawaii Massage Academy | 1750 Kalakaua Ave. #3004 Honolulu, HI 96826 |
| Hawaii School of Professional Massage | Pearl Kai Shopping Center, Alea 98-199 Kamehameha Hwy #B5 Alea, HI 96701 |
| Ho'omana Spa Maui c/o Lomi Massage | 1550 Pi'iholo Road Maui, HI 96768 |
| Island Spirit School of Massage | PO Box 650; 81-6587 Mamalahoa Hwy Kealakekua, HI 96750 |
| Kauai Community College | 3-1901 Kaumualii Hwy Lihue, HI 96766 |
| Maui School of Therapeutic Massage | PO Box 1891 Makawao, HI 96768 |
| Ola Massage | Waipouli Complex 4-971 D Kuhio Hwy Kapa'a, Kaua'i, HI 96746 |
| Pacific Center for Awareness & Bodywork | PO Box 1049 Kilauea, HI 96754 |
| Remington College | 1111 Bishop Street #400 Honolulu, HI 96813 |
| Sacred Path Healing | 3649 Nihipali Place Honolulu, HI 96816 |
As an apprentice, you will have to attend:
- 70 hours of training in clinical operations,
- from these, 30 will focus on sanitation
- 30 on office procedures, and
- 10 will focus on keeping records.
- 40 hours will cover advanced techniques,
- made of 20 hours of observation, and
- 20 hours of consultation.
The last 320 hours will be on the job supervised practice along with record keeping.
As there is no approved apprenticeship in Hawaii, you need to sponsored by a massage therapist.
If you come from another state, you must enroll in an accredited massage therapy school as out of state apprenticeships aren’t allowed in Hawaii.
You will need training in infant and adult CPR, offered by the American Red Cross or the American Heart Association.
Testing Criteria
The topics in the Hawaii Massage Therapy Exam are anatomy and physiology, massage theory, clinical situations, as well as laws and regulations.
The exam has 100 questions and it has a multiple-choice style.
In this state, you can be examined in Hilo, Kauai, Kona, Maui, and Oahu, and the exams are managed by Prometric.
The licensing agency will send you a form you need to submit,
You also need to pay a $90 fee.
In Oahu, you can attend a walk-in exam for an extra $50, 4 times a year.
How to Apply
If you are an apprentice, you need 150 class hours before applying to take the exam.
You will also need a letter from your sponsor and one from your supervisor, as well as training reports signed by them.
The ‘Education & Training Coursework Hours’ form needs to be filled in with your schooling details.
This means you have to send course descriptions and transcripts, as well as a course catalog.
You can get your documentation from the school you trained at or the approving agency.
If your answer is positive to some specific questions regarding health history or criminal background, you need to add proof and documents to the section.
The application costs $50 and can be submitted to the Board Office in Honolulu.
Applicants From Overseas
Your paperwork needs to be translated into English and legalized.
As an international applicant, you will also need a letter from an official that states the facility you trained is is accredited.
Additional Info
As a general guideline, below you can see what salary expectations to have in Hawaii, on average.
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Honolulu | $53,385 |
| Pearl City | $53,385 |
| Hilo | $53,026 |
| Waipahu | $53,361 |
| Kailua | $53,385 |
| Kaneohe | $53,385 |
| Kahului | $53,026 |
| Kihei | $53,026 |
| Kapolei | $53,265 |
| Schofield Barracks | $53,194 |
Regional Salary in Hawaii
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kahului-Wailuku-Lahaina, HI | 370 | - NA - | - NA - | - NA - | - NA - |
| Urban Honolulu, HI | 730 | - NA - | - NA - | - NA - | - NA - |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
The spouses of military personnel can get reciprocity licenses easier.
The license must be renewed every 2 years.
You can check the Hawaii Professional and Vocational Licensing for more info and resources.
Another entity you can contact for info is The Hawaii Massage Association.
Read the full guide: How to Become a Massage Therapist
Massage Therapy by State