Hawaii Business Broker License 2026 — Requirements, Fees & M&A Advisor Guide

In Hawaii, business brokers must hold a Real Estate Broker License issued by the Hawaii Real Estate Commission. This guide covers the exact education hours, fees, exam requirements, and M&A advisor pathways for 2026 — verified against current Hawaii Real Estate Commission regulations.

Last verified: 2026 | Source: Hawaii Real Estate Commission (cca.hawaii.gov/rec)

Hawaii Business Broker License — Quick Facts 2026

How Hawaii compares: higher fees than most states; unique leasehold property laws add complexity not found in mainland states.

Step-by-Step: How to Become a Licensed Business Broker in Hawaii

1. Complete pre-license coursework — 60 hours of Hawaii Real Estate Commission-approved real estate education
2. Pass the PSI — national + Hawaii state exam — both national and Hawaii state portions required
3. Obtain your Hawaii salesperson / associate license — activate under a licensed employing broker
4. Gain 3 years as a licensed salesperson — actively transacting under broker supervision
5. Complete broker upgrade coursework — 80 hrs broker pre-license coursework
6. Pass the Hawaii broker exam — separate from the salesperson exam
7. Apply for your Real Estate Broker License — $245 application fee to Hawaii Real Estate Commission

Education & Exam Requirements

• Pre-license (salesperson level): 60 hours of approved coursework
• Broker upgrade education: 80 hrs broker pre-license coursework
• Exam: PSI — national + Hawaii state exam
• Continuing education: 20 hours per 2 years (mandatory ethics and law topics included)

Licensing Fees — Hawaii 2026

• Application fee: $245
• License fee: $125
• Renewal: Every 2 years — check cca.hawaii.gov/rec for current renewal fees

M&A Advisor Licensing in Hawaii — What's Different

Hawaii Division of Financial Institutions and DCCA oversee financial services licensing. FINRA Series 79 applies for securities-related M&A advisory. Hawaii's small market size limits M&A volume but creates premium fee opportunities.

Industry Certifications That Open More Doors

• CBI (Certified Business Intermediary) — IBBA. Required for most serious business brokerage practices.
• M&AMI (M&A Master Intermediary) — IBBA, for advisors handling deals $5M and above
• CMAP (Certified M&A Professional) — AM&AA, the M&A advisory credential
• Series 79 (Investment Banking Representative) — FINRA, for larger M&A advisory
• Series 82 (Private Securities Offerings Representative) — FINRA

Hawaii Market Insight for Business Brokers

Hawaii's business sale sectors: tourism, hospitality, retail, and food/beverage. Leasehold property structures require specialized broker knowledge.

Key differentiator for Hawaii brokers: Hawaii has unique leasehold land structures (fee simple vs. leasehold) that significantly affect business valuations — a specialized knowledge area that differentiates Hawaii business brokers from mainland counterparts.

Frequently Asked Questions — Hawaii Business Broker License

Do I need a real estate license to be a business broker in Hawaii?

Yes. In Hawaii, business brokers are required to hold a Real Estate Broker License issued by the Hawaii Real Estate Commission. This applies to any transaction involving the sale of a business where the broker receives a commission or fee.

How long does it take to get a business broker license in Hawaii?

The typical timeline in Hawaii is 18–36 months: approximately 60 hours of pre-license coursework, passing the PSI — national + Hawaii state exam, then gaining 3 years as a licensed salesperson before qualifying for the full broker exam.

How much does a Hawaii business broker license cost in total?

Total licensing costs in Hawaii typically run $245 in application fees plus $125 in license fees, plus the cost of pre-license coursework (typically $500–$2,000 depending on the provider). Budget approximately $1,500–$3,500 total to reach licensed broker status.

What is the difference between a business broker and an M&A advisor in Hawaii?

Business brokers in Hawaii typically handle transactions under $5M enterprise value using the real estate broker license. M&A advisors work on larger deals ($5M–$250M+) and often affiliate with FINRA-registered broker-dealers, holding a Series 79 (Investment Banking Representative) license in addition to the state real estate broker credential.

Does Hawaii recognize out-of-state broker licenses (reciprocity)?

Hawaii has reciprocity agreements with select states. Check directly with the Hawaii Real Estate Commission (cca.hawaii.gov/rec) for the current list of approved reciprocal states, as these agreements change periodically. Reciprocity typically requires passing a Hawaii-specific state law exam even if your prior license is recognized.

Ready to Become a Licensed Business Broker in Hawaii?

The fastest path from zero to licensed business broker combines proper pre-license coursework, industry mentorship, and the right training program. Explore our business broker training pathway → designed specifically for professionals entering the Hawaii market in 2026.