CPA License Cost in Hawaii 2026: $1,266 Fees, $87K Salary
Getting a CPA license in Hawaii costs $1,266 upfront. At state-adjusted salaries, that pays back in 0.6 months.
CPA License in Hawaii — Key Numbers
$1,266
Upfront Cost
$87K
Median Salary (Licensed)
$100
Renewal (every 1 yr)
0.6 mo
Payback Period
Salary data: BLS OEWS 2024 state estimates. Fees: state licensing board schedules.
CPA License Cost Breakdown — Hawaii
Exam fee
$976
Application fee
$170
Initial license fee
$120
Total upfront
$1,266
Renewal fee (every 1 yr)
$100
CE hours required per cycle
40 hours
Salary without license (Hawaii)
$61,600/yr
Salary with license (Hawaii)
$87,360/yr
5-year net ROI
$128K
Licensing body: Hawaii Board of Accountancy. Verify current fees before applying — schedules change.
CPA License in Hawaii — What to Know
Hawaii has one of the strongest CPA markets in the country. Public accounting, financial services, and corporate finance teams require or strongly prefer the CPA for senior roles. The $87K median reflects Hawaii's above-average financial sector wages. The 150 credit-hour requirement applies in Hawaii — most candidates complete 30 hours beyond a bachelor's degree before applying. The four CPA exam sections ($244 each) plus a review course ($1,500–$3,000) are the major cost; state fees are secondary. Most Hawaii employers in public accounting cover exam fees at hire.