State Board Contact: Hawaii Board of Massage Therapy – Website – Phone: 808-586-2694. Email: massage@dcca.hawaii.gov (common email for Hawaii Professional Vocational Licensing). Address: DCCA-PVL, King Kalakaua Building, 335 Merchant St., Room 301, Honolulu, HI 96813.
- Education Requirements: 570 hours of massage therapy education. Hawaii uniquely requires passing a Hawaii state massage exam (focused on Hawaii laws and perhaps Asian massage concepts) instead of accepting the MBLEx. Historically, Hawaii has had its own exam and does not use the national exam. Applicants also must show proof of high school graduation and CPR/first aid certification.
- Continuing Education: 12 hours of CE every 2 years are required in Hawaii for renewal. (Hawaii instituted CE relatively recently; it includes a requirement for some hours in professional ethics or Hawaii law updates.)
- Licensing Fees: $50 application fee, $100 initial license fee (two-year license). Renewal fee is $100 every 2 years. There is also a $10 surcharge for a compliance resolution fund at initial issuance.
- Healthcare Provider Status: Hawaii’s massage therapists (LMTs) are licensed by the Department of Commerce & Consumer Affairs, under Professional Licensing. They are viewed as licensed professionals providing therapeutic health services, but not explicitly listed as healthcare providers in insurance statutes. Hawaii’s scope of practice for LMTs is fairly broad in terms of techniques (including lomilomi, etc.) but does not include making medical diagnoses. Culturally, massage (including native Hawaiian lomilomi) is well-respected for health, and LMTs often work in clinics or spas. Yet, for regulatory purposes, they function more as a complementary health profession rather than a core medical provider.
- Licensing History: Hawaii has a long history with massage regulation – it first started licensing massage in 1947, recognizing both traditional Hawaiian practices and general massage. It also licenses massage establishments. Over time, the state maintained a separate exam (even after most states adopted the MBLEx). In recent years Hawaii added continuing education (effective around 2017) to align with national trends. The education hours (570) have been in place for many years and remain slightly above the 500-hour baseline that many states use. Hawaii’s inclusion of lomilomi practitioners under the licensing law is a unique aspect, reflecting integration of cultural practice with professional regulation.
- Insurance Billing:
Workers’ Compensation: Hawaii workers’ comp regulations do allow massage therapy treatments if prescribed by a physician for work-related injuries. LMTs can become approved providers for comp cases, and Hawaii’s comp has fee schedules that include massage therapy services. It’s somewhat more open than many states, possibly due to the acceptance of massage in local healthcare.
Auto Insurance (PIP): Hawaii is a no-fault state with PIP coverage. Massage therapy is generally covered by PIP when ordered by a physician or chiropractor for accident injuries. Hawaii insurers will reimburse LMTs for treatments (often with a medical referral). Some requirements may apply, such as treatment plans or progress notes.
Health Insurance: Hawaii’s Prepaid Health Care Act (for employer insurance) doesn’t specifically mandate massage coverage. However, some health plans in Hawaii (for instance, HMSA – Blue Cross Blue Shield of Hawaii) offer coverage for alternative care including massage therapy under certain plans or riders. Massage may be covered for specific conditions if referred by a doctor. Additionally, Hawaii’s large integrative medicine community (including acupuncture and lomilomi) means patients sometimes get insurance reimbursement for massage via worker’s comp, auto, or specific health plans. Many LMTs in Hawaii either partner with medical clinics for referrals or focus on cash clients (especially given the robust tourism/spa industry where insurance isn’t involved). - Continuing Education Resources: Hawaii’s CE requirements can be met through NCBTMB-approved courses or local approved providers. Because Hawaii is remote, the AMTA Hawaii Chapter and Hawaii Lomi Lomi Association often coordinate to bring educators to the islands for workshops. Topics like traditional lomilomi techniques, therapeutic medical massage, and ethics are popular. Online CE is also an option for Hawaii LMTs (except any hours that must be live, if stipulated). The Board provides information on CE guidelines, but individual therapists are responsible for finding acceptable courses.
- Professional Community & Mentorship: Hawaii has a close-knit massage community. Networking often happens at island-specific levels (e.g., Oahu vs. Maui therapists groups) given geographic separation. Social media groups exist, though many Hawaii therapists rely on in-person community through yoga studios, wellness centers, and school alumni networks. For mentorship, seasoned practitioners of lomilomi often take on apprentices; likewise, spa managers frequently mentor newer therapists in professional development.