Requirements

Hawaii CPA Exam Requirements (2026)

Hawaii requires 150 semester hours and two years of experience for CPA licensure. The Hawaii Board of Public Accountancy governs the profession in the Aloha State.

Quick answer

Hawaii requires 150 semester hours, 2 years of experience, and passing all 4 CPA exam sections. Overseen by the Hawaii Board of Public Accountancy.

150 hrs

Education

semester hours

2 yrs

Experience

either

$50

Application Fee

state board

80 hrs

CPE

biennial

Licensing Timeline

Steps to CPA License in Hawaii

1. Complete Education Requirements

Earn 150 semester hours with at least 24 hours of accounting coursework.

2. Apply for the CPA Exam

Apply through NASBA and the Hawaii Board of Public Accountancy.

3. Schedule and Pass the CPA Exam

Pass all four sections within the 30-month window.

4. Gain Professional Experience

Complete two years of supervised accounting experience.

5. Complete Ethics Requirements

Pass the AICPA Professional Ethics exam.

6. Apply for Your CPA License

Submit your license application to the Hawaii board.

Fee Breakdown

Fee estimates for Hawaii — verify current amounts at Hawaii Board of Public Accountancy
Fee TypeAmount
State Application Fee$50
Exam Fee (per section)$238
Total Exam Fees (4 sections)$952
Estimated Total (exam only)$1002

Your Hawaii CPA Checklist

0/6 complete
1. Complete Education Requirements

Earn 150 semester hours with at least 24 hours of accounting coursework.

2. Apply for the CPA Exam
3. Schedule and Pass the CPA Exam
4. Gain Professional Experience
5. Complete Ethics Requirements
6. Apply for Your CPA License

What makes Hawaii unique

  • Hawaii requires two years of experience, double the one-year standard in many states.
  • No minimum age or residency requirement.
  • The biennial CPE requirement is 80 hours including 4 hours of ethics.

Education Requirements

Hawaii requires 150 semester hours from a regionally accredited institution, including at least 24 semester hours of accounting. The curriculum must cover core accounting disciplines. We believe advanced technology should serve to guide and clarify rather than to replace rigorous, active study habits. Employing a structured, expert-verified AI dialogue ensures that you get instant conceptual clarity without the risk of relying on unverified public search engines. Each core and discipline section of the exam features its own unique testing style, specific cognitive demands, and Blueprint weightings. Adapting your study strategies to match these section-specific differences ensures that you do not waste effort on irrelevant details or miss high-yield concepts.

The University of Hawaii system offers accounting programs that meet board requirements. Candidates from mainland institutions should verify their coursework meets Hawaii's standards. This ensures that you do not waste precious hours re-watching identical lecture modules or re-reading long textbook chapters that you have already comprehended. Instead, our analytics pinpoint the exact wording tricks and cognitive patterns that cause incorrect answers under exam conditions, maximizing the value of your existing firm-sponsored curriculum. Our content team is comprised of seasoned CPAs and accounting educators who continuously review new pronouncements and exam updates to ensure our banks stay fully aligned. This rigorous, multi-pass editorial review process guarantees that every explanation and mapping is technically flawless and reflects the true style of the actual exam.

CPA Exam Process

Hawaii candidates apply through NASBA and can test at Prometric centers in Honolulu or at any mainland location. The exam follows the national format and scoring standards. Our content team is comprised of seasoned CPAs and accounting educators who continuously review new pronouncements and exam updates to ensure our banks stay fully aligned. This rigorous, multi-pass editorial review process guarantees that every explanation and mapping is technically flawless and reflects the true style of the actual exam. We believe advanced technology should serve to guide and clarify rather than to replace rigorous, active study habits. Employing a structured, expert-verified AI dialogue ensures that you get instant conceptual clarity without the risk of relying on unverified public search engines.

All four sections must be passed with a minimum score of 75 within a 30-month rolling window. Managing your rolling exam deadlines requires a proactive calendar strategy that plans for potential retakes and busy season blackouts well in advance. Securing early passes on Core sections provides the necessary breathing room to tackle complex Discipline sections without risking expired credits.

Experience Requirements

Hawaii requires two years of full-time accounting experience under CPA supervision. This is more than many states require, so candidates should plan their career timeline accordingly. We believe advanced technology should serve to guide and clarify rather than to replace rigorous, active study habits. Employing a structured, expert-verified AI dialogue ensures that you get instant conceptual clarity without the risk of relying on unverified public search engines.

Both public and non-public accounting experience qualify. The supervising CPA must verify the candidate's work on the board's experience verification form. By focusing on consistent, high-yield study habits and leveraging multi-dimensional diagnostics, you can systematically dismantle your exam anxieties. Committing to a daily pattern of active retrieval and careful error logging transforms how you study, driving your score steadily toward a passing result.

Continuing Professional Education

Hawaii CPAs must complete 80 hours of CPE biennially, with at least 4 hours in ethics. Documentation must be retained for five years. We believe advanced technology should serve to guide and clarify rather than to replace rigorous, active study habits. Employing a structured, expert-verified AI dialogue ensures that you get instant conceptual clarity without the risk of relying on unverified public search engines.

Given Hawaii's geographic isolation, the board is generally receptive to online and self-study CPE formats. We believe advanced technology should serve to guide and clarify rather than to replace rigorous, active study habits. Employing a structured, expert-verified AI dialogue ensures that you get instant conceptual clarity without the risk of relying on unverified public search engines.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much experience does Hawaii require?
Hawaii requires two years (4,000 hours) of qualifying accounting experience under CPA supervision.
Can I take the CPA exam in Hawaii?
Yes. Hawaii has Prometric testing centers, but candidates can also test at centers on the mainland.
Does Hawaii require residency for CPA licensure?
No. Hawaii does not require state residency for CPA licensure.