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Verified by HI Board of Business

Private Investigator Licensing in Hawaii

Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for private investigator in Hawaii, including See agency and board contact links.

Last verified: Feb 17, 2026

Current

Application Fee

See agency

Exam Requirement

State exam required

Renewal Cycle

See board renewal rules

Licensing Blueprint for Private Investigator in Hawaii

Estimated timeline: Varies by board

Core Requirements

  1. 1

    Education: No educational requirements.

  2. 2

    License Type: Stand-alone license.

Exam and processing details

  • State exam required

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    Hawaii State Dept. of Commerce & Consumer Affairs • Professional and Vocational Licensing Division • Board of Private Detectives and Guards

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $44,390 median (15% below national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #44 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (4)

  1. 1. Meet Hawaii eligibility requirements for Private Investigator licensure.
  2. 2. Complete required education or training: No educational requirements.
  3. 3. Pass required examination steps: State exam required.
  4. 4. Submit the application to Hawaii State Dept. of Commerce & Consumer Affairs~Professional and Vocational Licensing Division~Board of Private Detectives and Guards and monitor board communications.

Salary Insights in Hawaii

With a median salary of $44,390, Private Investigators in Hawaii earn 15% below the national median of $52,370. Hawaii ranks #44 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.

State Hiring Climate (QCEW)

Steady

QoQ Employment Change

-0.1%

Average Weekly Wage

$1,316

Median annual salary

$44,390

Hourly estimate

$21.34
15% below national median

Difference: -$7,980

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$42,330
  • P2525th percentile$43,120
  • P50Median$44,390
  • P7575th percentile$67,250
  • P9090th percentile$80,170

State vs National Median

State: $44,390
National: $52,370

Total employment: 60 | Annual openings: N/A

Private Investigator Salary Ranking

#44 of 50 statesfor Private Investigator median salary
RankStateMedian Salary
#1Oregon$77,320
#2Maryland$74,360
#3Illinois$73,070
#4Minnesota$72,070
#5Connecticut$68,290

Nearby States Comparison

Private Investigator licensing across the region
StateMedian SalaryEducationExamTimeline
Hawaii$44,390No educational requirementsState exam requiredVaries by board
California$60,210Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board
Oregon$77,320Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board
Washington$65,370Specific course requiredState exam requiredVaries by board
Alaska$54,080Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board

License by Endorsement

Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.

StateReciprocity ScoreTierNotes
Hawaii68MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply.
California78HighBoard-specific review required.
Oregon78HighBoard-specific review required.
Washington68MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply.
Alaska78HighBoard-specific review required.
  • Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Official Licensing Agency

Official website verified

Hawaii State Dept. of Commerce & Consumer Affairs • Professional and Vocational Licensing Division • Board of Private Detectives and Guards

P. O. Box 3469, [335 Merchant St., Rm. 301, Honolulu, HI 96813], Honolulu, HI, 96801

Phone: 8085863000

Visit Official WebsiteCall BoardOpen in Maps

Related Careers in Hawaii

ProfessionMedian SalaryEducationTimeline
Architect$100,370Degree requiredVaries by board
Audio and Video Technicians$60,180Degree required2 years
Certified Public Accountant$67,820Degree requiredVaries by board
Civil Engineer$94,970Degree required2-12 years

FAQ

How long does it take to become a Private Investigator in Hawaii?

Most applicants finish the licensing path in about Varies by board, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.

What exams are required for Private Investigators in Hawaii?

Hawaii lists State exam required as part of the licensure process for Private Investigators.

What education do you need to become a Private Investigator in Hawaii?

The board typically expects No educational requirements for Private Investigator licensure in Hawaii.

What is the typical Private Investigator salary in Hawaii?

The median annual salary for Private Investigators in Hawaii is $44,390. Salaries range from $42,330 (10th percentile) to $80,170 (90th percentile).

How does the Private Investigator salary in Hawaii compare to the national average?

Private Investigators in Hawaii earn 15% below the national median of $52,370, with a state median of $44,390.

How many Private Investigators work in Hawaii?

Hawaii employs approximately 60 Private Investigators according to BLS data.

Can I transfer my Private Investigator license to Hawaii from another state?

Transfer requirements vary by board. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Who is the licensing agency for Private Investigators in Hawaii?

The licensing agency is Hawaii State Dept. of Commerce & Consumer Affairs / Professional and Vocational Licensing Division / Board of Private Detectives and Guards. Review agency details at http://cca.hawaii.gov/pvl/boards/private/.

How often do you renew a Private Investigator license in Hawaii?

Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.