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CPA (Certified Public Accountant) License in Hawaii

Your complete 2026 guide to obtaining and maintaining your CPA (Certified Public Accountant) license in HI. Covers fees, exams, documents, and renewal.

Application Fee

$500

Processing Time

6-10 Weeks

Exam Required

Uniform CPA Examination

Difficulty Level

High

Step-by-Step: How to Get Licensed

Follow these 5 steps to obtain your CPA (Certified Public Accountant) license in Hawaii.

Step 1·Complete Education

Finish an approved CPA (Certified Public Accountant) training program in Hawaii.

Step 2·Gather Documents

Collect all 6 required documents for your HI application.

Step 3·Pass the Exam

Score passing marks on the Uniform CPA Examination.

Step 4·Submit Application

File your application with the Hawaii licensing board and pay the $500 fee.

Step 5·Receive License

Processing takes 6-10 weeks in HI. Practice legally once approved.

How to Apply

To obtain your CPA (Certified Public Accountant) license in Hawaii, you must first complete the state-mandated pre-licensing education requirements. Hawaii requires all applicants to pass the Uniform CPA Examination before submitting their application to the state licensing board. The application process in HI is straightforward but requires careful attention to detail and documentation.

Requirements

Hawaii has specific requirements for CPA (Certified Public Accountant) licensure that applicants must fulfill. You must be at least 18 years old and hold a valid government-issued identification. Educational requirements include completing an accredited program relevant to provide accounting, auditing, and tax services. A clean background check is mandatory in HI, and you must demonstrate good moral character. The Uniform CPA Examination must be passed with a minimum score set by the Hawaii board.

Fees & Costs

The cost of becoming a licensed CPA (Certified Public Accountant) in Hawaii starts at $500 for the application fee. HI requires this fee to be paid at the time of application submission. Factor in additional expenses such as exam fees, background check costs, and any required continuing education. Late renewal penalties in Hawaii can add up to $175 to your costs.

License Fee Calculator — CPA (Certified Public Accountant) in Hawaii

Base License Fee$500
Estimated Total$500

Renewal Process

Maintaining your CPA (Certified Public Accountant) license in Hawaii requires timely renewal every 2 years. HI sets the renewal fee at $350. You must complete all required continuing education hours and submit proof to the Hawaii board. Failure to renew on time may result in license suspension and reinstatement fees in HI.

License Expiry Calculator — CPA (Certified Public Accountant) in HI

Enter your license issue date to see when renewal is due. Hawaii requires renewal every 2 years.

Additional Information

The demand for licensed CPA (Certified Public Accountant) professionals in Hawaii continues to grow. HI offers a supportive regulatory environment that balances consumer protection with professional opportunity. The licensing board in Hawaii provides online tools and resources to help applicants navigate the process efficiently. Many CPA (Certified Public Accountant) professionals in HI report high job satisfaction and competitive compensation.

Document Checklist — CPA (Certified Public Accountant)

0 of 6 documents ready

Frequently Asked Questions

License Reciprocity: Can I Use My Hawaii CPA (Certified Public Accountant) License in Other States?

Reciprocity varies by state. Always verify with the destination state's licensing board before practicing.

Destination StateReciprocityNotes
Alaska (AK) PartialAK requires additional exam or paperwork for HI license holders.
Alabama (AL) NoneAL does not recognize HI CPA (Certified Public Accountant) license. Full re-application required.
Arizona (AZ) FullAZ accepts HI CPA (Certified Public Accountant) license via reciprocity agreement.
Arkansas (AR) NoneAR does not recognize HI CPA (Certified Public Accountant) license. Full re-application required.
Colorado (CO) PartialCO requires additional exam or paperwork for HI license holders.
Delaware (DE) NoneDE does not recognize HI CPA (Certified Public Accountant) license. Full re-application required.
California (CA) FullCA accepts HI CPA (Certified Public Accountant) license via reciprocity agreement.
Florida (FL) NoneFL does not recognize HI CPA (Certified Public Accountant) license. Full re-application required.

Where to File Locally in Hawaii

Visit a licensing department office near you for in-person assistance.

Honolulu

335 Merchant St, Honolulu, HI 96813

(808) 586-3000

Mon-Fri 7:45 AM - 4:30 PM

Hilo

75 Aupuni St, Hilo, HI 96720

(808) 961-8223

Mon-Fri 7:45 AM - 4:30 PM

Kailua-Kona

75-5706 Kuakini Hwy, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740

(808) 323-4500

Mon-Fri 7:45 AM - 4:30 PM

Kahului

2145 Kaohu St, Wailuku, HI 96793

(808) 984-8230

Mon-Fri 7:45 AM - 4:30 PM

Lihue

3060 Eiwa St, Lihue, HI 96766

(808) 274-3100

Mon-Fri 7:45 AM - 4:30 PM

Official Hawaii Resources

Always verify requirements directly with the Hawaii state board. Regulations may change.

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Disclaimer

US License Guide is a private informational resource and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or connected to any federal, state, or local government agency. The information provided on this website is for general guidance purposes only and should not be considered legal or professional advice. Licensing requirements, fees, and procedures may change without notice. Always verify current requirements directly with your state's official licensing board before making any decisions. Use of this site does not create any professional-client relationship.