How to Get a Funeral Director License in Hawaii
Last updated: March 2, 2026
Hawaii is a premium market with some of the highest median home prices in the nation, making it an excellent place to start a career as a funeral director. Licensing in Hawaii is overseen by the Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs — Board of Mortuary Science. The process requires 2400 hours of pre-license education and costs between $29,500 and $30,500 in total. You'll need to pass the NBE - National Board Examination (administered by Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs — Board of Mortuary Science) with a score of at least 70%.
At 2400 hours, Hawaii has one of the higher pre-license education requirements in the country. This is close to the national average of 2352 hours. Budget between $29,500 and $30,500 for the total licensing process, including education, application, and exam fees. Most aspiring funeral directors complete the entire process in 4-7 months, depending on how quickly they move through the coursework and exam preparation.
Hawaii Funeral Director License Requirements
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Minimum Age | 18 years old |
| Pre-License Education | 2400 hours |
| Degree Required | No |
| Exam Required | Yes — NBE - National Board Examination |
| Passing Score | 70% |
| Background Check | Yes |
| Broker Sponsorship | Not required |
| Application Fee | $175 |
| Exam Fee | $600 |
| Governing Body | Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs — Board of Mortuary Science |
| License Reciprocity | Partial |
Reciprocity:
Steps to Get Your Funeral Director License in Hawaii
- 1
Complete a Mortuary Science Program
Graduate from an ABFSE-accredited mortuary science program. Programs take 1-4 years depending on the degree type.
Time: 1-4 years Cost: $350 - 2
Complete an Apprenticeship
Serve as an apprentice under a licensed funeral director. Most states require 1-2 years of supervised practice. Check the Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs — Board of Mortuary Science for specific requirements.
Time: 1-2 years - 3
Pass the National Board Examination
Register and pass the NBE (National Board Examination) through the ICFSEB. The exam covers arts, sciences, and embalming. The exam fee is $600.
Time: 2-4 weeks to schedule Cost: $600 - 4
Apply for State Licensure
Submit your application to the Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs — Board of Mortuary Science. Include NBE results, education transcripts, apprenticeship documentation, and the application fee of $175.
Time: 4-8 weeks Cost: $175 - 5
Begin Your Funeral Service Career
Once licensed, you can practice as a funeral director in Hawaii. Many funeral directors work for established funeral homes before potentially acquiring or starting their own.
Time: Immediate once licensed
Key Things to Know
- Education requirement: . Many providers offer online options, giving you flexibility to study on your own schedule.
- The licensing exam: The NBE - National Board Examination is administered by Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs — Board of Mortuary Science. You'll need to score at least 70% to pass. Study materials and practice exams are available from most education providers.
- Background check required: Hawaii requires a criminal background check as part of the application process. Plan for additional processing time and fees.
- Online application available: Hawaii accepts online applications, which can speed up processing time.
- Ongoing requirements: Once licensed, you'll need 0 hours of continuing education every 2 years. .
How Hawaii Compares
Hawaii requires 2400 hours of pre-license education for funeral directors. This is close to the national average of 2352 hours. The average total cost in Hawaii is around $30,000, compared to the national average of $22,750. Hawaii's 2-year renewal cycle is longer than the national average of 1.6 years.
How Much Does a Funeral Director License Cost in Hawaii?
| Cost Item | Estimated Range |
|---|---|
| Pre-License Education | $300 - $700 |
| Application Fee | $175 |
| Exam Fee | $600 |
| Total Estimated Cost | $29,500 - $30,500 |
License Renewal
- Renewal Period: Every 2 years
- Continuing Education: 0 hours
- CE Details:
- Renewal Fee: $50
Tips for Success
- Choose your education provider carefully: Compare prices, format (online vs. in-person), and reviews. Some providers offer exam prep materials bundled with the course, which can save you money. Check the Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs — Board of Mortuary Science website for a list of approved providers.
- Don't rush the exam: With 2400 hours of required coursework, consider a structured schedule — completing one course at a time helps avoid burnout. Use practice exams to identify weak areas before scheduling your test date.
- Start your apprenticeship early: Many mortuary science programs allow you to work as an apprentice concurrently. This dual approach lets you apply classroom knowledge immediately and may reduce your total time to licensure.
- Develop strong communication and business skills: Modern funeral directors are equal parts grief counselor and small business operator. Skills in compassionate communication, event planning, and business management are as important as technical embalming skills.
- Budget approximately $30,500 for your Hawaii license: This includes $175 in application fees, $600 for the exam, and education costs. Once licensed, plan for $50 in renewal fees every 2 years.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get a funeral director license in Hawaii?
Most people complete the process in 3-6 months total. The pre-license education (2400 hours) takes the longest. After completing education, the exam and application process typically adds 2-6 weeks.
How much does it cost to get a funeral director license in Hawaii?
The total cost ranges from $29,500 to $30,500, including pre-license education, the application fee ($175), and the exam fee ($600).
Can I get a Hawaii funeral director license with a criminal record?
The Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs — Board of Mortuary Science evaluates criminal history on a case-by-case basis. Having a criminal record does not automatically disqualify you, but certain offenses may affect your eligibility. Contact the Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs — Board of Mortuary Science for guidance before applying.
Do I need a college degree to become a funeral director in Hawaii?
No. Hawaii does not require a college degree. You only need to complete the 2400 hours of approved pre-license courses.
Can I take the pre-license courses online in Hawaii?
Many approved education providers offer pre-license courses online, allowing you to study at your own pace. Check the Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs — Board of Mortuary Science website for a list of approved providers.