How to Get a Real Estate License in Hawaii in 7 Easy Steps

With an average Hawaii home value of $855,259¹, you’ll be saying “Mahalo” all the way to the bank once you launch your career as a real estate agent in Hawaii. But before you can start earning real estate commissions, you have to get licensed. Here are the seven steps on how to get a real estate license in Hawaii, the Aloha State. Let’s jump right in with some quick facts and costs.

Quick Facts & Costs for Hawaii Licensees

Types of Licensees in Hawaii & How Much They Earn

• Real estate salesperson: (mean wage $64,290) Assists clients in buying, selling, and renting properties under the supervision of a licensed broker.
• Real estate broker: (average salary $99,090) Oversees transactions, manages agents, and operates independently or owns a real estate firm.

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Step-by-Step Breakdown: How to Get a Hawaii Real Estate License

If you’re ready to begin your journey to becoming a licensed real estate agent in Hawaii, follow these essential steps to get started: 

Step 1: Meet HI Requirements

To be eligible for a HI real estate license, you need to:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Possess a high school diploma or equivalency
• Be a US citizen or have legal working status in the US
• Satisfy the Hawaii Real Estate Branch that you possess good character

Step 2: Get a Background Check

• Cost: $25
• Time commitment: 1-4 weeks
• Helpful resource: Request for Preliminary Decision application

All applicants must “possess a reputation for or record of competency, honesty, truthfulness, financial integrity, and fair dealing” to become a licensed Hawaii real estate agent. Here are the details:

• Submit a background check form with your license application
• Order the background check online via a Request for Preliminary Decision application or mail in a form
• The background check will cost $25

Hawaii recommends completing the background check before enrolling in prelicensing courses and submitting supplemental documentation outlining your offenses if you have anything on your record. If something shows up on your record, it doesn’t necessarily mean you can’t get a HI real estate license. 

Still, clarifying this before investing in education and examination is a good first step so you don’t waste time and resources. The cost of the license application is $25. The HREB will review your information to determine whether you qualify.

Step 3: Choose a Hawaii Real Estate School

• Cost: Starting around $226
• Time commitment: 60 hours plus study time and exam prep (can be completed in 2-5 weeks)
• Helpful resource: Best Real Estate Schools in Hawaii and list of approved Hawaii real estate schools

The Hawaii Real Estate Branch (HREB) requires real estate license candidates to complete 60 hours of prelicensing education from an accredited and HREB-approved school. Real estate courses cover state and federal laws such as Fair Housing and lead paint, standards of practice, zoning, business practices, ethics, types of agency and contracts, and more. When choosing a school, consider your learning needs, such as instructor support and accessibility, learning formats, and exam preparation materials.

Colibri Real Estate is known for its flexibility. The school provides online courses to fit busy schedules and help you balance studying with your other obligations. Its programs cover topics on Hawaii-specific real estate laws, ethics, and contracts, so you are fully prepared for the state exam. Colibri is a great option for aspiring Hawaii real estate agents and is backed by solid student support.

Enroll in Colibri Real Estate

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Step 4: Pass the HI Real Estate License Exam

• Cost: $61
• Time commitment: 4 hours (National: 150 minutes; State: 90 minutes)
• Helpful resource: 7 Hacks to Help You Ace Your Real Estate Exam and PSI Hawaii Candidate Information Bulletin

Hopefully, you’ll pass the real estate exam on the first attempt, but it’s okay if you don’t! If you fail the exam, you can retake it. There are no limitations on how many times you can retake the exam, but you’ll need to pay each time. Avoid this by taking practice tests from your approved real estate school. 

Step 5: Apply for a Hawaii Real Estate License

• Cost: Odd numbered year: $382; even numbered year: $282
• Time commitment: About 1 hour
• Helpful resource: Register for a free MyPVL account to access applications

So, you’ve completed your education, passed the exam, and completed a background check. Congratulations! Your next steps are to apply for a license, pay the fees, and wait about two to four weeks to receive your license. Here are the tasks you must complete in the application process:

• Register for a free MyPVL account and follow the prompts.
• Provide two forms of identification: a driver’s license or passport, social security card, or certified birth certificate. Make sure one of them contains your signature.
• Upload a copy of your high school diploma, equivalency, or college diploma.
• If you had some items show up on your background check, provide a written explanation with dates of incidents and outcomes.
• If you haven’t already, start interviewing brokers to work for.

Step 6: Join a Real Estate Brokerage

All Hawaii licensed real estate agents must work under a licensed brokerage, so starting your search early for a broker to meet your goals and needs is good. When choosing a broker to work for, interview with two or three firms. Doing so will help you compare the benefits and training they offer that fits your aspirations.

Step 7: Start a Successful Career in Hawaii

Learning how to get a real estate license in Hawaii and choosing a broker is just the beginning of your real estate journey. Now, it’s time to hit the ground running and launch your successful career. Here are some preliminary steps to get going:

• Tell your friends and family: Tell everyone about passing the exam and launching your exciting new career. Ask if they know of anyone who is thinking about buying or selling in the near future.
• Get a real estate mentor: A real estate mentor is someone who is experienced in sales and wants to support you in your goals. Having a skilled mentor can shorten your learning curve and help you get closer to closing your first deal.
• Learn selling techniques: Real estate prelicensing education doesn’t always teach how to get listings and clients. It’s designed to help you pass the state exam. When interviewing brokers, see what training is available to help you fast-track your career.
• Called expired listings and For Sale By Owners (FSBOs): I always think of FSBOs and expireds as low-hanging fruit. You already know they want to sell. You just have to gain their trust and show them that you can sell their home faster and for more money than if they do it themselves.
• Implement marketing and lead gen strategies: Your marketing mix should include a website, social media presence, email marketing, and print materials. Check out these articles to help.
• Attend networking events and one-to-ones: It’s time to mix and mingle with other real estate professionals. Look for opportunities to connect professionally, whether by meeting for coffee, attending networking events, or joining a networking group.
• Follow up with potential leads: Most agents only follow up once, if at all. But not you. You’ll follow up every few weeks unless it’s a hard “No.” For example, if they’re not selling their house, don’t keep asking them if they want to sell. Put them on your shortlist and send a Christmas card. 

FAQs

Are you still unsure if getting a real estate license in Hawaii suits you? Get answers to common questions on how to become a real estate agent in Hawaii below.

Source

¹Hawaii Housing Market: 2024 Home Prices & Trends | Zillow

Back to You

Taking these seven steps toward becoming a real estate agent in Hawaii will get you started on your new career path. You can use these steps as a checklist to get your Hawaii real estate license and follow our tips in Step 7 and other articles on The Close to launch and succeed as a Hawaii real estate agent.

Have other questions about getting your real estate license? Let us know below!