General Contractor License Requirements in Hawaii
| Licensing Authority | Contractors License Board — Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA) |
| License Type | B - General Building Contractor |
| Experience Required | 4 years of full-time supervisory experience in the B (General Building) classification within the last 10 years. Must provide chronological project documentation and certified references. |
| Education Substitute | Accredited construction management degree may substitute for up to 2 years of experience (minimum 2 years hands-on required) |
| Exam Required | Yes — Hawaii Contractor Business & Law + B - General Building Trade Exam |
| Bond Required | Yes — $5,000 |
| Insurance | General liability: required. Workers comp: required with employees |
| Continuing Education | Not required |
| Processing Time | 8-12 weeks (applications must be submitted by first Tuesday of month prior to Board meeting) |
Fee Breakdown
| Application Fee | $50 |
| Exam Fee | $165 |
| Initial License Fee | $633 |
| RME initial license fee | $208 |
| RME renewal fee | $208 |
| Business & Law exam fee | $80 |
| Trade exam fee | $85 |
| Est. Initial Total | $1,429 |
Renewal: $338 every 2 years (expires September 30 of even years)
Exam Requirements
Hawaii Contractor Business & Law
B - General Building Trade Exam
Exam provider: PSI
Notes
- Applicants must submit a CPA-prepared financial statement
- A clean credit report covering at least the previous 5 years is required
- Entity applicants (LLC, Corp) must designate a Responsible Managing Employee (RME)
- Hawaii State Tax Clearance required (issued within 6 months)
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a general contractor license in Hawaii?
Yes, Hawaii requires a statewide general contractor license through the Contractors License Board — Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs.
How much does a general contractor license cost in Hawaii?
The estimated initial cost is $848, including application, exam, and license fees. A $5,000 surety bond is also required.
What experience do I need for a general contractor license in Hawaii?
4 years of full-time supervisory experience in the B (General Building) classification within the last 10 years. Must provide chronological project documentation and certified references. Education substitute: Accredited construction management degree may substitute for up to 2 years of experience (minimum 2 years hands-on required)
What exams are required for a general contractor license in Hawaii?
You must pass the Hawaii Contractor Business & Law and B - General Building Trade Exam exams. A passing score of 75% is required. Exams are administered by PSI.
Do I need a bond for a general contractor license in Hawaii?
Yes, a $5,000 surety bond is required. Bond amount is determined case-by-case by the Board, ranging from $5,000 to $300,000 based on the contractor's experience, financial situation, and scope of work. Per HRS 444-16.5.
How long does it take to get a general contractor license in Hawaii?
Processing time is typically 8-12 weeks (applications must be submitted by first Tuesday of month prior to Board meeting) after submitting a complete application.
Is continuing education required for general contractors in Hawaii?
No, Hawaii does not currently require continuing education for general contractor license renewal.
Data last verified: 2026-04-02 | Source: DCCA