The exotic islands of Hawaii host many prominent beauty schools. After all, who doesn’t want to look their best in such a sunny, glamorous state? Hawaii is truly a wonderful place to train in esthetics, makeup artistry, massage therapy, and cosmetology. In this post, you’ll find a list of the five best cosmetology schools in Hawaii, as well as the Hawaii State Board of Cosmetology license requirements.
This post will also save you a lot of time typing “best cosmetology schools near me” into your search engine and sifting through the results. Instead, we’ll show you how to receive a customized list of the best cosmetology schools in Hawaii for your needs. We’ve got you covered!
Best Cosmetology Schools in Hawaii: Overview
- How to Become a Cosmetologist in Hawaii
- Job Employment Outlook: How Much Do Cosmetologists Make in Hawaii?
- Hawaii Board of Barbering and Cosmetology License Requirements
- The Top 5 Cosmetology Schools in Hawaii
- How to Begin Your Cosmetology Career: The Next Best Step
How to Become a Licensed Cosmetologist in Hawaii
In order to become a licensed cosmetologist in Hawaii, you must attend one of the state’s accredited cosmetology schools. In Hawaii, students must complete 1,800 hours of cosmetology training. This training consists of both written instruction in the classroom and hands-on learning. Another option is to complete 3,600 hours working as an apprentice under a licensed cosmetologist at a licensed salon.
After completing your training or apprenticeship hours, you must pass Hawaii’s cosmetology state board test. Again, this test is comprised of two parts: a written (theory) exam and a hands-on (practical) exam.
Once you’ve passed the cosmetology state board exam, you’ll soon receive your Hawaii cosmetology license. Now you can begin working as a licensed cosmetologist!
Check out our free Cosmetology Practice Exam & Study Guide!
Job Employment Outlook:
Salary & Career Info for Beauty Specialists in Hawaii
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, cosmetology jobs should increase in number by 13% between 2016 and 2026. In other words, that’s a projected 87,600 new jobs in just ten years! Compared to many other professions, this is an incredibly fast growth rate. This is because more and more people are understanding the importance of self-care, and they’re taking the time to pamper themselves. It really is true: sometimes looking great on the outside helps you feel the best on the inside!
How Much Do Cosmetologists Make in Hawaii?
In Hawaii, the average salary for cosmetologists, hairdressers, and barbers is $33,640. In other words, that’s an average of $16.17 per hour. Cosmetologists in Hawaii who are earning in the top 10% make an average of $61, 800 per year.
In contrast, the national average salary for cosmetologists, hairdressers, and barbers, is $30,490. (Or $14.66 per hour.)
As you can see, cosmetologists make much more money in Hawaii!
What Are the Top Paying Jobs?
If you’re focused on the absolute highest-paying cosmetology jobs, we suggest looking for positions in one of the following industries:
- Psychiatric and Substance Abuse Hospitals
- General Hospitals
- Performing Arts Companies
- Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
- Company and Enterprise Management
Video: Where to Work in the Beauty Industry
HI State Board of Cosmetology License Requirements
As mentioned above, the Hawaii State Board of Cosmetology requires students to complete a minimum of 1,800 hours of training before taking the cosmetology state exam. Alternatively, the Board permits 3,600 hours of documented work as a cosmetology apprentice at a licensing salon. Whichever route you take, you must pass Hawaii’s Cosmetology State Board Exam before receiving your license.
Hawaii Cosmetology License RenewalÂ
In Hawaii, cosmetologists must renew their licenses every odd-numbered year by December 31st. Failure to renew your license by the deadline results in an automatic loss of your license, so make sure to mark the renewal dates on your calendar. The process to reinstate your license after letting it lapse can take up to three years!
Hawaii Cosmetology License Transfer (Reciprocity)
Hawaii doesn’t offer license reciprocity in any capacity. Therefore, if you’re transferring your license from another state, you’ll need to show proof that you completed cosmetology training requirements that were equal to or greater than Hawaii’s requirements. However, you still might have to take the Hawaii State Board Exam.
Contact Info for the Hawaii State Board of Cosmetology
If you have further questions about license reciprocity, renewal, or testing, you’ll need to contact the Hawaii Board of Barbering and Cosmetology.
Hawaii Board of Barbering & Cosmetology
DCCA-PVL
ATT: BAR/COS
P.O. Box 3469
Honolulu, HI 96801
Phone: 808-586-3000
Fax: 808-586-3031
E-mail: barber_cosm@dcca.hawaii.gov
Requirements for Similar Beauty Careers in Hawaii
There are several other beauty careers that have less rigorous requirements than cosmetology in Hawaii. These are excellent options if you don’t want to spend as much time or money as cosmetology school takes. Below, you’ll find a list of the most popular ones with their corresponding requirements.
Esthetician:Â Either 550 hours or 1,100 apprenticeship hours
Nail Technician: 350 training hours
Barber: 1500 training hours
Electrologist: 600 training hours or 800 apprenticeship hours
Massage Therapist: 570 hours
Hairstylist: 1,250 training hours or 2,500 apprenticeship hours
Instructor:Â In order to become an instructor, you need 600 hours plus a year of active licensed experience.
The Top 5 Cosmetology Schools in Hawaii
There are many different types of beauty schools, but the following is our hand-picked list of the five best cosmetology schools in Hawaii:
- The Hawaii Institute of Hair Design in Honolulu offers a 12-month program. The program focuses heavily on hair cutting techniques, and it also stands out because financial assistance is available to qualified students.
- Another excellent option is the IBS School of Cosmetology and Massage. This beauty school is located in Maui and is a satelitte school from a larger cosmetology campus in Oregon.
- Additionally, you may want to consider the Paul Brown Institute at Remington College. Located in Honolulu, this beauty school has a reputation for philanthropy.
- The Honolulu Community College Cosmetology Program is more affordable than some of the other schools on the island. Since the tuition is less than $6,000, this is a great beauty schools for students on a budget!
- Finally, we want to recommend the Paul Mitchell School in Honolulu. This cosmetology school has a lot going for it: it offers financial services to deserving applicants, participates in local charities, and boasts a nearly 80% employment rate for students immediately after graduation.
The Best Cosmetology Schools in Hawaii:
Here’s What You Should Do Next
Are you feeling impassioned and ready to begin your cosmetology career? If so, don’t hesitate to use Campus Explorer’s easy, “no strings attached” search bar below. All you need to do is enter in your basic information, and you will receive a personalized list of the best cosmetology schools in Hawaii nearest you! (The best part? This service is 100% FREE, and you can unsubscribe at any time.)
Do you still feel like shopping around? There’s nothing wrong with that! You might also like:
How to Find the Best Esthetician School in Hawaii (Top Beauty Schools)
The Best Barbering Schools In Hawaii To Get Your Barber License!
The Ultimate Guide to Trade Schools in Hawaii