Hawaii Massage Therapy Continuing Education Requirements 2026
Hawaii massage therapists must complete 12 hours of continuing education during the two years preceding license renewal. Of the 12 required hours, 2 hours must consist of first aid, CPR, or other emergency-related training with a hands-on component. The remaining 10 hours must consist of continuing education that enhances the skills and knowledge of the massage therapist.
MassageTherapyCEU.com is an NCBTMB Approved Provider #409296-00, and Hawaii massage therapists can take up to 10 qualifying CE hours through MassageTherapyCEU.com. Our online massage therapy CE courses can be used toward the qualifying portion of Hawaii's continuing education requirement. The required 2 hours of CPR, first aid, or emergency-related training must be completed separately and include a hands-on component.
Because licensing and continuing education rules can change, we recommend verifying current requirements with the Hawaii Board of Massage Therapy before completing your renewal. You can verify this information or contact the state of Hawaii with further questions by visiting the Hawaii Board of Massage Therapy.
Suggested courses for Hawaii massage therapy license renewal:
- Integrated Massage - 10 CE hours
- Muscle Testing for Massage Therapists - 10 CE hours
- Cancer and Massage Therapy - 10 CE hours
- Pediatric Massage - 10 CE hours
Hawaii Massage Therapy CE Requirements at a Glance
| Requirement | Hawaii |
|---|---|
| CE required | 12 hours every 2 years |
| Renewal cycle | Biennial |
| CPR/First Aid/Emergency CE | 2 hours |
| Hands-on requirement | Required for the 2 emergency-related hours |
| Remaining CE | 10 hours |
| Online/distance learning | Accepted for qualifying CE |
| Practice-building business courses | Not accepted |
| CE certificates | Keep for possible audit |
| License renewal | June 30 of every even-numbered year |
Does Hawaii Require CPR or First Aid CE?
Yes. Hawaii requires 2 hours of first aid, CPR, or other emergency-related training as part of the 12-hour CE requirement.
The course must include a hands-on training component. Completely online CPR, first aid, or emergency-related courses do not satisfy this requirement. The Board's guidance states that the qualifying course must be sponsored by the American Heart Association or American Red Cross.
Does Hawaii Require Ethics CE?
No specific number of ethics hours is required.
However, Hawaii identifies ethics as an example of an acceptable subject for the remaining 10 CE hours, as long as the course enhances the skills and knowledge of the massage therapist. Therefore, a qualifying ethics course may be used toward the 10-hour portion of the Hawaii requirement.
Does Hawaii Accept Online Massage Therapy CE?
Yes. The Hawaii Board's continuing education guidance specifically states that distance learning courses are accepted. Distance learning can include online and home-study education delivered through various formats.
The exception is the required 2-hour first aid, CPR, or emergency-related training, which must include hands-on training.
Does Hawaii Accept NCBTMB-Approved CE?
Hawaii's Board guidance establishes requirements for CE providers and qualifying courses. The Board's FAQ identifies qualifying providers such as massage schools approved by a state massage board, nationally accredited massage certifying organizations, and local or national professional associations.
MassageTherapyCEU.com is an NCBTMB Approved Provider (#409296-00).
Because Hawaii allows up to 10 qualifying CE hours to be completed through MassageTherapyCEU.com, therapists can use our qualifying massage therapy courses for the non-emergency portion of their Hawaii renewal requirement.
When Does a Hawaii Massage Therapy License Renew?
Hawaii massage therapist licenses must be renewed by June 30 of every even-numbered year.
The current licensing period runs from July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2028. The Hawaii Board states that all massage therapist licenses are subject to renewal by June 30 of every even-numbered year, regardless of the date the license was originally issued.
Does Hawaii Require CE Certificates to Be Submitted With Renewal?
No. When renewing, massage therapists attest that they have completed the required continuing education. CE certificates do not normally need to be submitted with the renewal application.
However, the Hawaii Board may conduct a random CE audit. If selected for an audit, the licensee must provide documentation verifying completion of the required CE. The Board's guidance states that audited licensees must respond with the requested documentation within 60 days. For this reason, massage therapists should keep copies of their CE completion certificates.
What Should Hawaii Massage Therapists Complete for Renewal?
A simple way to plan your Hawaii CE is:
10 hours qualifying massage therapy CE + 2 hours hands-on CPR/first aid/emergency training = 12 hours total
Step 1
Choose up to 10 hours of qualifying massage therapy CE through MassageTherapyCEU.com.
Step 2
Complete 2 hours of CPR, first aid, or other emergency-related training that includes the required hands-on component.
Step 3
Make sure your courses were completed during the two-year period preceding your renewal date.
Step 4
Keep copies of your completion certificates.
Step 5
Complete your Hawaii license renewal by June 30 of the applicable even-numbered year.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many CE hours does a Hawaii massage therapist need?
Hawaii requires 12 CE hours every two years.
How many Hawaii CE hours can I take through MassageTherapyCEU.com?
You can take up to 10 qualifying CE hours through MassageTherapyCEU.com. The remaining 2 hours must be first aid, CPR, or other emergency-related training with a hands-on component.
Can all 12 Hawaii CE hours be completed online?
No. The 10 qualifying hours may be completed through distance learning, but the required 2 hours of CPR, first aid, or emergency-related training must include hands-on training.
Does Hawaii require CPR?
Yes. 2 of the 12 required CE hours must be first aid, CPR, or other emergency-related training, and the course must include a hands-on component.
Does Hawaii require ethics CE?
No specific ethics hours are required. However, professional ethics is an acceptable subject for the remaining 10 CE hours.
Can I take a business course for Hawaii CE?
No. Practice-building business courses are not accepted for the Hawaii massage therapy CE requirement.
Does Hawaii accept home-study CE?
Yes. Hawaii's Board guidance states that distance learning, including home study, is accepted for qualifying CE.
When does Hawaii massage therapy CE need to be completed?
The 12 required CE hours must be completed during the two-year period preceding the renewal date.
Does Hawaii audit massage therapists for CE?
Yes. The Hawaii Board may conduct random audits. If selected, a licensee must provide documentation verifying completion of the required CE.
Hawaii Massage Therapy CE: The Bottom Line
Hawaii massage therapists must complete 12 hours of continuing education every two years. Of those 12 hours, 2 hours must be first aid, CPR, or other emergency-related training with a hands-on component. The remaining 10 hours can be qualifying massage therapy education, and Hawaii accepts distance learning for this portion.
MassageTherapyCEU.com is an NCBTMB Approved Provider (#409296-00), and Hawaii massage therapists can take up to 10 qualifying CE hours through our online and home-study courses.