Cosmetologist
Hawaii
Beauty Operator License Requirements
Governing Authority
Hawaii Board of Barbering and Cosmetology, Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA)
Official website →1,800 hrs
Training Hours
Written + Practical
Exam Type
2 years (biennial, expires December 31 of every odd-numbered year)
Renewal Cycle
$292–$365
Gov. Fees
How to Get Licensed
VerifiedComplete 1,800 hours of training at an approved beauty school (or 3,600 apprenticeship hours, or a combination)
Submit application with $20 fee to the Hawaii Board of Barbering and Cosmetology (DCCA PVL Division)
Register with PSI Services LLC and pay $90 per exam for written and practical exams
Pass the NIC written exam with a score of 75% or higher
Pass the NIC practical exam with a score of 75% or higher
Pay license fee ($92 or $165 depending on year of issuance)
Receive beauty operator license
Basic Requirements
Minimum Age
16 years old
Education Level
High school diploma, GED, or equivalent education
Residency
Must be a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, or alien authorized to work in the United States; must provide Social Security Number
Background Check
Not required
Training Requirements
Total Training Hours
1,800 hours
Board-approved beauty school or apprenticeship
Apprenticeship Alternative
3,600 hours required
Apprenticeship requires 3,600 hours (double the school requirement). Combination training is allowed where two apprenticeship hours equal one beauty school hour.
Online Hours Allowed
Not specified; practical training must be in-person
Curriculum Includes
Scope of Practice
Mostly verifiedBeauty operators (cosmetologists) in Hawaii may perform hair cutting, styling, coloring, chemical treatments, nail care, skin care, facial treatments, makeup application, and hair removal services. The license encompasses a full scope of cosmetology services.
Examination
Written Exam
NIC Written Examination
- Administered by
- PSI Services LLC (effective January 1, 2026; previously Prometric)
- Passing Score
- 75%
- Fee
- $90
NIC written examination. Testing vendor changed from Prometric to PSI Services LLC effective January 1, 2026. Fee of $90 per exam paid directly to the testing vendor.
Practical Exam
NIC Practical Examination
- Administered by
- PSI Services LLC (effective January 1, 2026; previously Prometric)
- Passing Score
- 75%
- Fee
- $90
NIC practical examination testing hands-on cosmetology skills. Fee of $90 per exam paid directly to the testing vendor.
Fee Breakdown
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Application Fee Application fee for beauty operator license | $20 |
Exam Fee Written exam ($90) + practical exam ($90); paid directly to testing vendor (PSI) | $180 |
License Fee License fee varies: $92 in odd-numbered years, $165 in even-numbered years (due to expiration cycle alignment) | $92–$165 |
Total Government Fees Application ($20) + exam fees ($180) + license ($92–$165) | $292–$365 |
Cosmetology School Tuition: $10,000–$22,000
Varies by school; NOT a government fee. Hawaii has limited cosmetology school options and costs may be higher due to island logistics.
License & Renewal
Initial License Term
Expires December 31 of every odd-numbered year
Renewal Cycle
2 years (biennial, expires December 31 of every odd-numbered year)
Renewal Fee
$146
Continuing Education
Not required
Reciprocity & Endorsement
VerifiedOut-of-state licensed cosmetologists can apply for Hawaii licensure through reciprocity if they hold a current, valid license from another state with substantially equivalent requirements. Applicants from states with lower training hour requirements may need to make up deficiencies through additional schooling or apprenticeship hours.
Additional Requirements: Must hold current out-of-state license with substantially equivalent requirements; may need to complete additional hours if original state requirements are lower than Hawaii's 1,800 hours
Related Licenses in Hawaii
Esthetician
Separate LicenseSkin care, facials, and related services
Nail Technician
Separate LicenseManicures, pedicures, and nail services
Barber
IncludedHair cutting, shaving, and barbering services
Special Notes
Hawaii is one of the few states that officially titles the license 'Beauty Operator' rather than 'Cosmetologist.' All licenses expire on the same date (December 31 of odd-numbered years) regardless of when issued, which means initial license fees vary ($92 vs $165) depending on how much time remains in the current cycle. The testing vendor transitioned from Prometric to PSI Services LLC on January 1, 2026. Hawaii also allows a flexible combination of school + apprenticeship hours using a 2:1 ratio.
Hawaii uses the title 'Beauty Operator' instead of 'Cosmetologist'
All beauty operator licenses expire December 31 of every odd-numbered year, regardless of when issued
Testing vendor changed from Prometric to PSI Services LLC effective January 1, 2026
Temporary permits available for $40
Apprenticeship allows combination training: 2 apprenticeship hours = 1 beauty school hour
License fee varies based on year of issuance due to the fixed odd-year expiration cycle
Sources
Official Hawaii Board of Barbering and Cosmetology page
Accessed 2026-02-24
Official Hawaii DCCA application instructions
Accessed 2026-02-24
State requirements listing
Accessed 2026-02-24
Official Hawaii exam information
Accessed 2026-02-24
Comprehensive reciprocity guide
Accessed 2026-02-24
Find Cosmetology Schools in Hawaii
Hawaii requires 1,800 hours of cosmetology training. Find approved schools and programs near you.
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