Hawaii Contractor License Requirements: 2026 Comprehensive Guide
Hawaii requires a contractor license for any project of $1,000 or more or any project requiring a building permit. The Contractors License Board under DCCA issues three license types: A (General Engineering), B (General Building), and C (Specialty). Hawaii has some of the more demanding licensing requirements in the country: four years of on-site construction supervisory experience, a CPA-prepared financial statement, and a board-determined surety bond. All Hawaii licenses expire September 30, 2026, the next biennial renewal cycle. This guide covers every Hawaii requirement in effect for 2026.
License Types
Class A: General Engineering Contractor for infrastructure and civil work.
Class B: General Building Contractor for commercial and residential construction.
Class C: Specialty Contractor with multiple sub-classifications.
Most GCs hold Class B.
4-Year Experience Requirement
Hawaii requires four years of verifiable on-site construction supervisory experience within the past ten years. This is one of the more demanding experience requirements in the US. Experience must be documented and submitted with the application for Board review before the exam is scheduled.
Exam and Financial Statement
Two-part exam: Part I (Business and Law) and Part II (Trade/Technical), both administered by PSI. PSI replaced Prometric as exam provider effective January 2023. Applications must be approved by the Board before the exam is scheduled. A current financial statement (within 1 year), compiled, reviewed, or audited by a licensed CPA, is required and submitted to the Board. This CPA requirement adds significant cost to the application process.
Surety Bond
A Board-imposed surety bond is required and must be maintained throughout licensure. Bond amount is board-determined at time of approval - not a fixed flat amount. Contractors must maintain the bond for at least one year before requesting a waiver. If bond coverage lapses, the license is automatically forfeited. Non-renewal within 60 days requires reapplication as a new applicant.
September 2026 Renewal - Action Required
All Hawaii contractor licenses expire September 30 of even-numbered years. All currently licensed Hawaii contractors must renew by September 30, 2026. Plan renewal early - the Board processes high volumes near the deadline. Verify current application and renewal fees at cca.hawaii.gov/pvl/boards/contractor/.
For insurance guidance see our Hawaii contractor insurance requirements guide.
Pro tip: Hawaii’s September 30, 2026 renewal deadline is a hard date affecting every licensed Hawaii contractor simultaneously. The Board receives high-volume renewal submissions near the deadline, which can create processing delays. Submit your renewal at least 60–90 days before the deadline to ensure processing is complete before your license expires. An expired Hawaii license that lapses without renewal requires reapplication as a new applicant.
Bottom Line and Next Steps
Take the Next Step
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Contractor Insurance Requirements by State - Compare coverage mandates across all 50 states
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Insurance Costs by State - See what GL and WC actually costs in your state
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Proof of Insurance Guide - What to have ready when clients or GCs ask
Insurance requirements, license requirements, and market premiums are subject to change alongside state legislation and carrier appetite. While we audit and update this data regularly to ensure reliability (Last Updated: May 2026), these figures are for research and planning purposes only. Always verify specific coverage mandates with your local licensing board or a licensed broker.
Frequently Asked Questions
What experience does Hawaii require for a contractor license?
Four years of verifiable on-site construction supervisory experience within the past ten years. Experience documentation is reviewed by the Board before the exam is scheduled.
When do Hawaii contractor licenses expire?
September 30 of even-numbered years. All currently licensed Hawaii contractors must renew by September 30, 2026.
Why does Hawaii require a CPA-prepared financial statement?
Hawaii’s Board uses the financial statement to assess the applicant’s financial responsibility. It must be compiled, reviewed, or audited by a licensed CPA and current within one year of application. This adds meaningful cost and time to the Hawaii licensing process.