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Hawaii Massage Therapy — Requirements & Free Practice

US-HI · License preparation

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Licenses, application pathways and examination requirements

Each license and applicant pathway has its own requirements and exemptions. Choosing practice questions does not determine your eligibility.

Massage Therapist Apprentice Permit

Permit for supervised massage apprenticeship following academic training.

Licensing authority: State Board of Massage · Application information

New apprentice permit after change of sponsor
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Academic Preparation
Before permit application complete 50 hours of anatomy, physiology and structural kinesiology and 100 hours of theory and demonstration, with certificates or transcripts and proof of approval of the school or workshops.
Application
Submit signed permit application, $50 fee, training documents and approval documentation; supply required age, work authorization, Social Security number and disciplinary/criminal information. Foreign-language documents require independent English translation and notarized affidavit and foreign school governmental approval evidence.
Duration
Permit is valid one year; complete practical training no sooner than six months and no later than twelve months after issuance, unless extension approved.
Later Therapist License
The later examination and therapist application follow completion of training; no examination is included in the current permit-issuance requirements.
Sponsor
Provide a sponsor agreement and principal therapist acknowledgement. Sponsor has at least three years of Hawaii therapist licensure, affiliation with licensed establishment, continuous active licensure and direct supervision on premises.
Sponsor Change
Provide written reasons and date, new sponsor agreement and principal acknowledgement, original completed application and fee and notarized training report from existing sponsor/principal. Stop training at the report completion date and resume only if a new permit is issued.
Start
Receive Board permit before beginning practical training.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Extension of apprentice permit
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Academic Preparation
Before permit application complete 50 hours of anatomy, physiology and structural kinesiology and 100 hours of theory and demonstration, with certificates or transcripts and proof of approval of the school or workshops.
Application
Submit signed permit application, $50 fee, training documents and approval documentation; supply required age, work authorization, Social Security number and disciplinary/criminal information. Foreign-language documents require independent English translation and notarized affidavit and foreign school governmental approval evidence.
Duration
Permit is valid one year; complete practical training no sooner than six months and no later than twelve months after issuance, unless extension approved.
Extension
Request extension before expiration with justification, new signed permit application, $50 fee, original sponsor/principal agreement and notarized completed training report for the existing permit; approval is discretionary.
Later Therapist License
The later examination and therapist application follow completion of training; no examination is included in the current permit-issuance requirements.
Sponsor
Provide a sponsor agreement and principal therapist acknowledgement. Sponsor has at least three years of Hawaii therapist licensure, affiliation with licensed establishment, continuous active licensure and direct supervision on premises.
Start
Receive Board permit before beginning practical training.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Initial apprentice permit after academic training
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Academic Preparation
Before permit application complete 50 hours of anatomy, physiology and structural kinesiology and 100 hours of theory and demonstration, with certificates or transcripts and proof of approval of the school or workshops.
Application
Submit signed permit application, $50 fee, training documents and approval documentation; supply required age, work authorization, Social Security number and disciplinary/criminal information. Foreign-language documents require independent English translation and notarized affidavit and foreign school governmental approval evidence.
Duration
Permit is valid one year; complete practical training no sooner than six months and no later than twelve months after issuance, unless extension approved.
Later Therapist License
The later examination and therapist application follow completion of training; no examination is included in the current permit-issuance requirements.
Sponsor
Provide a sponsor agreement and principal therapist acknowledgement. Sponsor has at least three years of Hawaii therapist licensure, affiliation with licensed establishment, continuous active licensure and direct supervision on premises.
Start
Receive Board permit before beginning practical training.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

New apprentice permit application after revocation
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Academic Preparation
Before permit application complete 50 hours of anatomy, physiology and structural kinesiology and 100 hours of theory and demonstration, with certificates or transcripts and proof of approval of the school or workshops.
Application
Submit signed permit application, $50 fee, training documents and approval documentation; supply required age, work authorization, Social Security number and disciplinary/criminal information. Foreign-language documents require independent English translation and notarized affidavit and foreign school governmental approval evidence.
Duration
Permit is valid one year; complete practical training no sooner than six months and no later than twelve months after issuance, unless extension approved.
Later Therapist License
The later examination and therapist application follow completion of training; no examination is included in the current permit-issuance requirements.
Revocation Wait
At least five years from revocation; file new permit application meeting current qualifications, with discretionary waiver of education under HRS 436B-21.
Sponsor
Provide a sponsor agreement and principal therapist acknowledgement. Sponsor has at least three years of Hawaii therapist licensure, affiliation with licensed establishment, continuous active licensure and direct supervision on premises.
Start
Receive Board permit before beginning practical training.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reinstatement after suspension
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Fees
Pay applicable reinstatement, compliance resolution fund and recovery fund fees.
Order Compliance
Comply completely with every term of the individual suspension order; the order is an applicant condition rather than an identified examination.
Statutory Bar
The prohibitions in HRS 452-24.5 continue to apply.
Suspension
Apply to reinstate the existing suspended license or permit to the extent authorized by law; suspensions cannot exceed five years.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Massage Therapy Establishment

A license is required to operate a massage therapy establishment. Applicants must submit a board-prescribed written application and pay application and license fees.

Licensing authority: Hawaii Board of Massage Therapy · Application information

Continuation after conversion of business entity
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit application and fees, activity letter signed by principal and responsible entity representative stating operations, venue-owner authorization and premises sketch showing restrooms.
Basic Applicant Requirements
Supply the required Social Security number, age and work-authorization information and criminal or disciplinary disclosures and supporting documents.
Business Applicant
Apply for a massage therapy establishment, including a sole proprietor or business entity, at the specific fixed or regularly used premises.
Entity Conversion
If the licensed entity converts under the enumerated Hawaii business-entity statutes, apply to convert the license and pay initial application fee within 30 calendar days of effective conversion; continue meeting licensing requirements.
Entity Records
For registered business entities, attach current-filed registration and a Hawaii Certificate of Good Standing issued within one year; supply filed trade-name approval if using a trade name.
New Ownership
An existing license is not transferable; after sale or owner death apply for a new license within ten days.
Principal
Designate a currently licensed Hawaii principal massage therapist and list affiliated therapists; the existing therapist license is a qualification condition for the business, not a requirement that its applicant pass the therapist exam.
Sanitation Rule
HAR 16-84-6(b) requires sanitation clearance. The October 2024 implementing application states that DOH stopped issuing clearance April 1, 2013 and requests activity, authorization and sketch documents instead. The application states: "all MAEs and MATs are required to comply with DOH’s sanitation standards when providing massage therapy services to the public." The differing implementation statement is retained; it is not represented as an amendment to the rule.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Placement of existing license on inactive status
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Existing License
Hold an existing active license; submit written inactivation request and fee.
Practice Restriction
Do not practice on inactive status.
Renewal
Inactive licenses must continue to be renewed; continuing education is not required while inactive.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Renewal of inactive license
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing Education
Board FAQ after-licensure Q4 states that continuing education is not required while inactive.
Inactive License
Hold an inactive license and submit renewal by the applicable deadline and fees.
Practice Restriction
Renewal on inactive status does not authorize practice.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Initial establishment licensure, including a new owner
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit application and fees, activity letter signed by principal and responsible entity representative stating operations, venue-owner authorization and premises sketch showing restrooms.
Basic Applicant Requirements
Supply the required Social Security number, age and work-authorization information and criminal or disciplinary disclosures and supporting documents.
Business Applicant
Apply for a massage therapy establishment, including a sole proprietor or business entity, at the specific fixed or regularly used premises.
Entity Records
For registered business entities, attach current-filed registration and a Hawaii Certificate of Good Standing issued within one year; supply filed trade-name approval if using a trade name.
New Ownership
An existing license is not transferable; after sale or owner death apply for a new license within ten days.
Principal
Designate a currently licensed Hawaii principal massage therapist and list affiliated therapists; the existing therapist license is a qualification condition for the business, not a requirement that its applicant pass the therapist exam.
Sanitation Rule
HAR 16-84-6(b) requires sanitation clearance. The October 2024 implementing application states that DOH stopped issuing clearance April 1, 2013 and requests activity, authorization and sketch documents instead. The application states: "all MAEs and MATs are required to comply with DOH’s sanitation standards when providing massage therapy services to the public." The differing implementation statement is retained; it is not represented as an amendment to the rule.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Military deployment restoration
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Deadline
Request restoration within 120 days after release or discharge from active deployment.
Deployment
License expired or became forfeited or delinquent while on active duty deployment during a state or national crisis; also applies where a current license will expire within 120 days after release.
Documents And Fees
Submit deployment and release orders, current renewal fee and any required financial-integrity or federal-requirement documentation.
Exclusions
Not available for annual or specialized training or a license suspended, revoked or otherwise subject to adjudicated discipline.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reactivation of inactive establishment license
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Inactive License
Hold an inactive establishment license, file signed reactivation application and disclosures, and pay the appropriate reactivation and active renewal fees.
Requirements
The published establishment reactivation rows require DOH sanitation clearance, identification of currently licensed principal and other therapists, entity good standing, a statement that original application information is unchanged and Board approval.
Sanitation Implementation
The separate October 2024 initial establishment application says DOH no longer issues sanitation clearance; the specific reactivation form still requests it. Both implementing statements are retained for the applicant.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

New establishment application after restoration deadline
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit application and fees, activity letter signed by principal and responsible entity representative stating operations, venue-owner authorization and premises sketch showing restrooms.
Basic Applicant Requirements
Supply the required Social Security number, age and work-authorization information and criminal or disciplinary disclosures and supporting documents.
Business Applicant
Apply for a massage therapy establishment, including a sole proprietor or business entity, at the specific fixed or regularly used premises.
Entity Records
For registered business entities, attach current-filed registration and a Hawaii Certificate of Good Standing issued within one year; supply filed trade-name approval if using a trade name.
New Ownership
An existing license is not transferable; after sale or owner death apply for a new license within ten days.
Principal
Designate a currently licensed Hawaii principal massage therapist and list affiliated therapists; the existing therapist license is a qualification condition for the business, not a requirement that its applicant pass the therapist exam.
Prior License
Previously forfeited establishment license was not restored within one year; submit a new application and satisfy current establishment requirements.
Sanitation Rule
HAR 16-84-6(b) requires sanitation clearance. The October 2024 implementing application states that DOH stopped issuing clearance April 1, 2013 and requests activity, authorization and sketch documents instead. The application states: "all MAEs and MATs are required to comply with DOH’s sanitation standards when providing massage therapy services to the public." The differing implementation statement is retained; it is not represented as an amendment to the rule.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

New establishment application after revocation
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit application and fees, activity letter signed by principal and responsible entity representative stating operations, venue-owner authorization and premises sketch showing restrooms.
Basic Applicant Requirements
Supply the required Social Security number, age and work-authorization information and criminal or disciplinary disclosures and supporting documents.
Business Applicant
Apply for a massage therapy establishment, including a sole proprietor or business entity, at the specific fixed or regularly used premises.
Entity Records
For registered business entities, attach current-filed registration and a Hawaii Certificate of Good Standing issued within one year; supply filed trade-name approval if using a trade name.
New Ownership
An existing license is not transferable; after sale or owner death apply for a new license within ten days.
Principal
Designate a currently licensed Hawaii principal massage therapist and list affiliated therapists; the existing therapist license is a qualification condition for the business, not a requirement that its applicant pass the therapist exam.
Revocation Wait
Wait at least five years from revocation and comply with current establishment application requirements, subject to statutory prohibitions.
Sanitation Rule
HAR 16-84-6(b) requires sanitation clearance. The October 2024 implementing application states that DOH stopped issuing clearance April 1, 2013 and requests activity, authorization and sketch documents instead. The application states: "all MAEs and MATs are required to comply with DOH’s sanitation standards when providing massage therapy services to the public." The differing implementation statement is retained; it is not represented as an amendment to the rule.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reinstatement after suspension
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Fees
Pay applicable reinstatement, compliance resolution fund and recovery fund fees.
Order Compliance
Comply completely with every term of the individual suspension order; the order is an applicant condition rather than an identified examination.
Statutory Bar
The prohibitions in HRS 452-24.5 continue to apply.
Suspension
Apply to reinstate the existing suspended license or permit to the extent authorized by law; suspensions cannot exceed five years.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

License approval for relocation of existing establishment
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit application and fees, activity letter signed by principal and responsible entity representative stating operations, venue-owner authorization and premises sketch showing restrooms.
Basic Applicant Requirements
Supply the required Social Security number, age and work-authorization information and criminal or disciplinary disclosures and supporting documents.
Business Applicant
Apply for a massage therapy establishment, including a sole proprietor or business entity, at the specific fixed or regularly used premises.
Entity Records
For registered business entities, attach current-filed registration and a Hawaii Certificate of Good Standing issued within one year; supply filed trade-name approval if using a trade name.
New Ownership
An existing license is not transferable; after sale or owner death apply for a new license within ten days.
Principal
Designate a currently licensed Hawaii principal massage therapist and list affiliated therapists; the existing therapist license is a qualification condition for the business, not a requirement that its applicant pass the therapist exam.
Relocation
Same owner, new location: submit completed application, relocation fee, activity letter, venue agreement and premises sketch; obtain approval before operating. HAR 16-84-15(n) requires all requirements except license fee.
Sanitation Rule
HAR 16-84-6(b) requires sanitation clearance. The October 2024 implementing application states that DOH stopped issuing clearance April 1, 2013 and requests activity, authorization and sketch documents instead. The application states: "all MAEs and MATs are required to comply with DOH’s sanitation standards when providing massage therapy services to the public." The differing implementation statement is retained; it is not represented as an amendment to the rule.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Biennial renewal of establishment license
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing Education Scope
HRS 452-16(b) assigns the 12-hour requirement to each massage therapist licensee, rather than the establishment business.
Renewal
Apply May 1 to June 30 in even-numbered years with fee; establishment license expires June 30 unless renewed.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Restoration within one year of establishment license forfeiture
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Deadline
Restore within one year by written restoration application and all delinquent, renewal and penalty fees.
Practice
Do not operate under a forfeited license.
Therapist Condition
Any therapist employed or designated must maintain their own current licensure.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Out-call Massage Service

License for an out-call massage service requiring a board-prescribed application and sanitation-clearance evidence; the license is nontransferable, with specified exceptions to requirements when relocating.

Licensing authority: state board of massage

Continuation after conversion of out call business entity
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
HAR 16-84-6 requires prescribed application, name and address of service and principal therapist, owners or entity officers/directors, and DOH sanitation-clearance evidence.
Entity Conversion
Apply to convert the license within thirty calendar days of statutory business-entity conversion and pay initial application fee, maintaining service-license requirements.
Implementation Statement
The Board FAQ, MAE Q5, states: "You do not need an MAE license if you are only doing outcalls (i.e. going to the location of the client)." This refers to MAE. HAR 16-84-6 and 16-84-15 separately name the out-call service license; no unsupported repeal or exemption of that service-license rule is inferred.
Principal
Business must be managed by a designated currently licensed principal massage therapist recorded with the Board.
Service
Operate massage business at locations designated by clients, rather than a fixed establishment.
Transfer
License is nontransferable; after owner death or sale/transfer apply for a new service license within ten days.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Initial out call service licensure, including new ownership
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
HAR 16-84-6 requires prescribed application, name and address of service and principal therapist, owners or entity officers/directors, and DOH sanitation-clearance evidence.
Implementation Statement
The Board FAQ, MAE Q5, states: "You do not need an MAE license if you are only doing outcalls (i.e. going to the location of the client)." This refers to MAE. HAR 16-84-6 and 16-84-15 separately name the out-call service license; no unsupported repeal or exemption of that service-license rule is inferred.
Principal
Business must be managed by a designated currently licensed principal massage therapist recorded with the Board.
Service
Operate massage business at locations designated by clients, rather than a fixed establishment.
Transfer
License is nontransferable; after owner death or sale/transfer apply for a new service license within ten days.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Military deployment restoration
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Deadline
Request restoration within 120 days after release or discharge from active deployment.
Deployment
License expired or became forfeited or delinquent while on active duty deployment during a state or national crisis; also applies where a current license will expire within 120 days after release.
Documents And Fees
Submit deployment and release orders, current renewal fee and any required financial-integrity or federal-requirement documentation.
Exclusions
Not available for annual or specialized training or a license suspended, revoked or otherwise subject to adjudicated discipline.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

New out call license application after revocation
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
HAR 16-84-6 requires prescribed application, name and address of service and principal therapist, owners or entity officers/directors, and DOH sanitation-clearance evidence.
Implementation Statement
The Board FAQ, MAE Q5, states: "You do not need an MAE license if you are only doing outcalls (i.e. going to the location of the client)." This refers to MAE. HAR 16-84-6 and 16-84-15 separately name the out-call service license; no unsupported repeal or exemption of that service-license rule is inferred.
Principal
Business must be managed by a designated currently licensed principal massage therapist recorded with the Board.
Revocation Wait
At least five years from effective revocation and meet current application requirements.
Service
Operate massage business at locations designated by clients, rather than a fixed establishment.
Transfer
License is nontransferable; after owner death or sale/transfer apply for a new service license within ten days.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reinstatement after suspension
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Fees
Pay applicable reinstatement, compliance resolution fund and recovery fund fees.
Order Compliance
Comply completely with every term of the individual suspension order; the order is an applicant condition rather than an identified examination.
Statutory Bar
The prohibitions in HRS 452-24.5 continue to apply.
Suspension
Apply to reinstate the existing suspended license or permit to the extent authorized by law; suspensions cannot exceed five years.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Relocation of existing out call service
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
HAR 16-84-6 requires prescribed application, name and address of service and principal therapist, owners or entity officers/directors, and DOH sanitation-clearance evidence.
Implementation Statement
The Board FAQ, MAE Q5, states: "You do not need an MAE license if you are only doing outcalls (i.e. going to the location of the client)." This refers to MAE. HAR 16-84-6 and 16-84-15 separately name the out-call service license; no unsupported repeal or exemption of that service-license rule is inferred.
Principal
Business must be managed by a designated currently licensed principal massage therapist recorded with the Board.
Relocation
HAR 16-84-15(o) requires all service-license requirements except license fee and sanitation-clearance form.
Service
Operate massage business at locations designated by clients, rather than a fixed establishment.
Transfer
License is nontransferable; after owner death or sale/transfer apply for a new service license within ten days.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Massage Therapist

Individual license to practice massage for compensation, issued to applicants who pass the examination to the board's satisfaction.

Licensing authority: Hawaii Board of Massage Therapy · Application information

Initial licensure by examination after a Hawaii apprenticeship
Massage Therapy Examination
Abandonment
Complete the application and examination process within the prescribed one-year period or reapply under current requirements.
Academic Hours
At least 50 hours of anatomy, physiology and structural kinesiology and 100 hours of theory and demonstration of massage.
Academic Subjects
Theory and demonstration includes proper massage procedure, record keeping, hygiene, theory, technique for specific conditions, contraindications, draping and assessment of the client and technique to apply.
Accessibility
HAR 16-84-27(c) permits oral administration of the written clinical competency examination for a blind applicant; this is an accommodation of the same examination, not a separate exam identity.
Application
Submit signed application, fee, training certificates or transcripts, course descriptions, catalog, proof of approval of the school at attendance, Education and Training Hours Coursework form and CPR documentation. Provide Social Security number and required disciplinary/criminal disclosures and supporting records.
Board Approval
Obtain Board examination approval before registering with PSI.
Cpr
Current infant and adult CPR certificate from the American Red Cross or American Heart Association; online courses not accepted. For another provider request Board waiver with certificate, curriculum and sponsor credentials. The certificate must remain unexpired when the license is issued.
Duration
Practical training must take at least six and no more than twelve months from permit issuance; Board extension is possible for unusual or special circumstances.
Licensure Fees
After passing, pay final licensure fees to the Board.
Minimum Age
At least 18 years old.
Other Examinations
The Board FAQ, MAT questions 5–7, states that MBLEx, another jurisdiction’s licensing score and national certification do not substitute for Hawaii’s examination.
Other Licensure
An existing license in another jurisdiction cannot be transferred and does not establish reciprocity; applicants must meet Hawaii requirements.
Practical Curriculum
70 clinical operations hours (30 sanitation, 30 office procedures, 10 record keeping), 40 advanced techniques hours (20 observation and 20 consultation), and 310 hands-on supervised massage hours with records.
Sponsor
Sponsor must have at least three years of Hawaii licensure, be affiliated with a licensed establishment, maintain an active license and be present for direct supervision.
Total Training
At least 570 hours of education and training. HRS 452-13(a)(3) requires at least six months as an apprentice or student in a Board-approved school.
Training Path
After the first 150 academic hours, obtain an apprentice permit before completing 420 practical hours under a qualified sponsor in a licensed Hawaii establishment.
Training Report
Submit the completed, notarized training report with the examination application.
Work Authorization
A United States citizen, United States national, or alien authorized to work in the United States; examination eligibility alone does not permit issuance without this status.
Initial licensure by examination after a Hawaii school program
Massage Therapy Examination
Abandonment
Complete the application and examination process within the prescribed one-year period or reapply under current requirements.
Academic Hours
At least 50 hours of anatomy, physiology and structural kinesiology and 100 hours of theory and demonstration of massage.
Academic Subjects
Theory and demonstration includes proper massage procedure, record keeping, hygiene, theory, technique for specific conditions, contraindications, draping and assessment of the client and technique to apply.
Accessibility
HAR 16-84-27(c) permits oral administration of the written clinical competency examination for a blind applicant; this is an accommodation of the same examination, not a separate exam identity.
Application
Submit signed application, fee, training certificates or transcripts, course descriptions, catalog, proof of approval of the school at attendance, Education and Training Hours Coursework form and CPR documentation. Provide Social Security number and required disciplinary/criminal disclosures and supporting records.
Board Approval
Obtain Board examination approval before registering with PSI.
Cpr
Current infant and adult CPR certificate from the American Red Cross or American Heart Association; online courses not accepted. For another provider request Board waiver with certificate, curriculum and sponsor credentials. The certificate must remain unexpired when the license is issued.
Licensure Fees
After passing, pay final licensure fees to the Board.
Minimum Age
At least 18 years old.
Other Examinations
The Board FAQ, MAT questions 5–7, states that MBLEx, another jurisdiction’s licensing score and national certification do not substitute for Hawaii’s examination.
Other Licensure
An existing license in another jurisdiction cannot be transferred and does not establish reciprocity; applicants must meet Hawaii requirements.
Total Training
At least 570 hours of education and training. HRS 452-13(a)(3) requires at least six months as an apprentice or student in a Board-approved school.
Training Path
Complete a Hawaii Department of Education licensed massage school program meeting HAR 16-84-48, including 420 supervised practical hours in a school setting.
Work Authorization
A United States citizen, United States national, or alien authorized to work in the United States; examination eligibility alone does not permit issuance without this status.
Initial licensure by examination after an approved school outside Hawaii
Massage Therapy Examination
Abandonment
Complete the application and examination process within the prescribed one-year period or reapply under current requirements.
Academic Hours
At least 50 hours of anatomy, physiology and structural kinesiology and 100 hours of theory and demonstration of massage.
Academic Subjects
Theory and demonstration includes proper massage procedure, record keeping, hygiene, theory, technique for specific conditions, contraindications, draping and assessment of the client and technique to apply.
Accessibility
HAR 16-84-27(c) permits oral administration of the written clinical competency examination for a blind applicant; this is an accommodation of the same examination, not a separate exam identity.
Application
Submit signed application, fee, training certificates or transcripts, course descriptions, catalog, proof of approval of the school at attendance, Education and Training Hours Coursework form and CPR documentation. Provide Social Security number and required disciplinary/criminal disclosures and supporting records.
Apprenticeship Restriction
Apprenticeship hours gained outside Hawaii are not accepted.
Board Approval
Obtain Board examination approval before registering with PSI.
Cpr
Current infant and adult CPR certificate from the American Red Cross or American Heart Association; online courses not accepted. For another provider request Board waiver with certificate, curriculum and sponsor credentials. The certificate must remain unexpired when the license is issued.
Foreign Documents
Foreign-language records require English translation by someone other than the applicant and a notarized translator affidavit; provide evidence of foreign-school accreditation. Board acceptance is not guaranteed.
Licensure Fees
After passing, pay final licensure fees to the Board.
Minimum Age
At least 18 years old.
Other Examinations
The Board FAQ, MAT questions 5–7, states that MBLEx, another jurisdiction’s licensing score and national certification do not substitute for Hawaii’s examination.
Other Licensure
An existing license in another jurisdiction cannot be transferred and does not establish reciprocity; applicants must meet Hawaii requirements.
Total Training
At least 570 hours of education and training. HRS 452-13(a)(3) requires at least six months as an apprentice or student in a Board-approved school.
Training Path
Complete approved school education and at least 420 supervised practical hours outside Hawaii. Prove the school was licensed or approved by the relevant governmental education authority or Board-recognized institution when attended.
Work Authorization
A United States citizen, United States national, or alien authorized to work in the United States; examination eligibility alone does not permit issuance without this status.
Placement of existing license on inactive status
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Existing License
Hold an existing active license; submit written inactivation request and fee.
Practice Restriction
Do not practice on inactive status.
Renewal
Inactive licenses must continue to be renewed; continuing education is not required while inactive.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Renewal of inactive license
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing Education
Board FAQ after-licensure Q4 states that continuing education is not required while inactive.
Inactive License
Hold an inactive license and submit renewal by the applicable deadline and fees.
Practice Restriction
Renewal on inactive status does not authorize practice.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Military deployment restoration
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Deadline
Request restoration within 120 days after release or discharge from active deployment.
Deployment
License expired or became forfeited or delinquent while on active duty deployment during a state or national crisis; also applies where a current license will expire within 120 days after release.
Documents And Fees
Submit deployment and release orders, current renewal fee and any required financial-integrity or federal-requirement documentation.
Exclusions
Not available for annual or specialized training or a license suspended, revoked or otherwise subject to adjudicated discipline.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reactivation of an inactive therapist license
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Complete reactivation form, disclosure questions and signature; attach required records and fees.
Board Review
Reactivation is subject to current legal requirements and review of disciplinary history and fitness.
Fees
The published therapist rows require a reactivation fee, and active renewal/compliance resolution fund fees if inactive renewal was paid; Other Requirements is None.
Inactive License
Hold a current inactive Hawaii therapist license.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reapplication after the one year restoration deadline
Massage Therapy Examination
Application And Fees
Resubmit the application, fees and supplemental documents; if approved, the original license number is used.
Board Discretion
HRS 452-16(a) allows the Board to require examination and training if current knowledge and skills are not established.
Broader Application Waiver
The October 2024 application also permits a written examination-waiver request supported by current knowledge and skills documentation, including current licensure or subsequent training. The later FAQ describes the Board’s narrower practice.
Implementation Demand
The Board FAQ MAT Q14 states: "You will also need to retake the MAT exam." It will consider a waiver only for a former Hawaii MAT who has maintained continuous therapist licensure elsewhere since Hawaii expiration, with proof. Waiver is discretionary.
Prior License
Former Hawaii therapist license was forfeited and not restored within one year; reapply as a new applicant under current requirements.
New application at least five years after license revocation
Massage Therapy Examination
Revocation Wait
At least five years from effective revocation; file a new application meeting current requirements.
Sex Offender Restriction
HRS 452-24.5 prohibits renewal, restoration or reinstatement when its subsection (g) conditions are met and otherwise requires the statutory automatic-revocation or denial actions.
Waiver
The licensing authority may waive education or examination on documentation of equivalent knowledge, competence and qualifications maintained through work experience, training or education.
Reinstatement after suspension
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Fees
Pay applicable reinstatement, compliance resolution fund and recovery fund fees.
Order Compliance
Comply completely with every term of the individual suspension order; the order is an applicant condition rather than an identified examination.
Statutory Bar
The prohibitions in HRS 452-24.5 continue to apply.
Suspension
Apply to reinstate the existing suspended license or permit to the extent authorized by law; suspensions cannot exceed five years.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Biennial renewal of active therapist license
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Audit
If selected for a random audit, supply supporting documents within 60 days.
Continuing Education
Each therapist must provide proof of 12 hours completed in the two years preceding renewal, including two hours of first aid, CPR or other emergency courses. The remaining courses must directly concern massage practice; practice-building courses are not credited.
Current Statute Controls
HRS 452-16(b) specifies the renewal biennium beginning July 1, 2024; the application notice describes the earlier commencement of the requirement but is not substituted for the current statutory text.
Renewal Window
File renewal application between May 1 and June 30 of each even-numbered year and pay the renewal fee. Licenses expire June 30 unless renewed.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Restoration of forfeited therapist license within one year
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Audit
If selected for a random audit, supply supporting documents within 60 days.
Ce Regardless Initial Date
The Board requires certificates for all 12 continuing-education hours regardless of original issuance date.
Continuing Education
Each therapist must provide proof of 12 hours completed in the two years preceding renewal, including two hours of first aid, CPR or other emergency courses. The remaining courses must directly concern massage practice; practice-building courses are not credited.
Current Statute Controls
HRS 452-16(b) specifies the renewal biennium beginning July 1, 2024; the application notice describes the earlier commencement of the requirement but is not substituted for the current statutory text.
Renewal Window
File renewal application between May 1 and June 30 of each even-numbered year and pay the renewal fee. Licenses expire June 30 unless renewed.
Restoration Deadline
Restore within one year of forfeiture by submitting the restoration application, renewal and delinquent fees, penalty fee and continuing-education proof. Do not practice while forfeited.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Massage Therapy Examination

Examination outline
  • Laws and Rules (10%)
    • Chapter 84
    • Chapter 452
  • Anatomy and Physiology (50%)
    • Organization of the Body
    • Cells and Tissues
    • Integumentary Systems
    • Skeletal System
    • Muscular, Skeletal, and Kinesiology Systems
    • Circulatory and Lymphatic System
    • Nervous System
    • Endocrine System
    • Digestive System
    • Respiratory System
    • Excretory System
    • Reproductive System
  • Massage Theory (15%)
    • Basics of Massage
    • Physiological Effects
    • Manual Modalities
    • Effleurage
    • Petrissage
    • Tapotement
    • Friction
    • Vibration
    • Finger Pressure
  • Clinical Situations (25%)
    • Contraindications and Pathology
    • Techniques for Specific Conditions
    • Sanitation and Infection Control
    • Clinical Practice
Examination sources