How to become a private investigator in Hawaii
Hawaii private investigators are licensed by the Board of Private Detectives and Guards, DCCA Professional and Vocational Licensing. Here is what it takes to work as a licensed private investigator in Hawaii, from official sources checked November 4, 2026.
Part of the state's website could not be reached when we checked, so some details come from Hawaii law and official forms. Confirm them on the official page before you apply.
Who can become a private investigator in Hawaii?
- At least 18 years old
- High school diploma or equivalent
- No disqualifying conviction and a history of honesty and financial integrity
- FBI and Hawaii fingerprint check through Fieldprint
- An agency needs a surety bond of at least $5,000 before licensure.
Hawaii private investigator license requirements
| State license | Yes. Hawaii licenses private detectives; employees of a detective agency are registered with the Board by the agency. |
|---|---|
| Licensed by | Board of Private Detectives and Guards, DCCA Professional and Vocational Licensing |
| License name | Private Detective License (principal or sole proprietor) |
| Education or training | No coursework required; 4 years of verified investigative experience is required instead. |
| Experience | 4 years of full-time investigative work (licensed detective, police, government investigator, or attorney's investigator); no education substitute. |
| Exam | Pass the Board's private detective exam. |
| License term | 2 years; renews by June 30 of even-numbered years. |
How much does it cost?
| Application (principal/sole proprietor) | $50 |
|---|---|
| Examination | $50 |
| License (depending on year issued) | $280 or $108 |
| Renewal (active) | $344 |
Fees as listed by the state. Schools, courses, exam prep, insurance and equipment cost extra and vary by provider.
Steps to become a private investigator in Hawaii
- Build 4 years of full-time investigative experience
- Submit the application with fees and experience records
- Get fingerprinted at Fieldprint
- Pass the Board exam
- Post the bond and pay the license fee
- Renew online every even-numbered year
Apply on the official Hawaii site
How do you check a private investigator's license in Hawaii?
- Search the name or license number on the official Hawaii private investigator license lookup.
- Check that the status is active and the name matches the person or company you're hiring.
- Ask how long they've been licensed and whether any complaints or discipline are on record.