How to Become a Private Investigator in Hawaii

Written by Andrew in Private Investigator Licensing

private Investigator tips

Hawaii is probably one of the most interesting states to work as a private investigator if you are not used to the culture or a native of the state.  And if you are not a local, that is something that will quickly be determined by anyone that lives there.  

Hawaii does an average job at making the process to become a private investigator easy to understand. We have done our best to help you understand if you meet the requirements to become a private investigator in Hawaii and to point you to resources to make it easier to understand.

The Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, Professional and Vocational Licensing Division governs the licensing for private investigators within the state.  The state website does not clearly define what is needed to become a private investigator and it is our hope that reading this will make the process clearer.

There are essentially two ways to become a private investigator in the state of Hawaii. You can either start your own private investigation business (provided you meet the requirements) or you can work for a private investigation company as an employee. 

Requirements to Start a Private Investigator Business in Hawaii

  • An applicant must be at least 18 years of age.
  • Must be a United States citizen, U.S. National, or authorized to work in the United States. 
  • Have a high school diploma or equivalent.
  • Pass an examination.
  • Have at least 4 years of investigative experience.
  • Not suffering from any psychological disorder.
  • They are not convicted of a crime that would be unfavorable for the individual to participate in the investigation field.
  • Has a good history as it relates to integrity and finances.
  • Pass a background check.
  • Provide a bond of not less than $5,000

Requirements to Work for a Private Investigator Company

  • Have at least an 8th-grade education. 
  • Not suffering from any psychological disorder.
  • They are not convicted of a crime that would be unfavorable for the individual to participate in the investigation field.
  • Must be registered with the board after being hired by a private investigation agency.  The investigation agency will conduct a criminal history records check (with the written authorization of the employee).
Private Investigator Salary in Hawaii

Median Private Investigator Salary in Hawaii

The Median salary for private investigators in Hawaii is $59,610 which is $28.66 an hour which is very close to the national average for private investigators.

According to the living wage calculator for Hawaii, a couple with 3 children would need to earn $53.21 an hour (with only one person working) to meet the living wage standard in Hawaii.  This is nearly double what the average private investigator earns within the state. 

The minimum wage in Hawaii as of October 1, 2022, is $12.00 per hour. This will incrementally rise to $18.00 an hour by 2028.  This should eventually impact the private investigator’s salary in the state of Hawaii and could potentially bump it close to a living wage in the future. 

Fingerprinting 

All applicants, officers, directors, partners, managers, or members of a private investigation agency must submit an FBI fingerprint check through the Hawaii Criminal Justice Data Center (HCJDC).  This must be conducted through Fieldprint Inc.

The applicant must bear all the costs associated with fingerprinting.

The applicant must submit their application within 30 days of having their fingerprints taken.

The fingerprints obtained are used to conduct a criminal background check on the applicant. 

Further fingerprinting instructions can be found here.

Instructions for an Agency License

  1. Complete and submit the application with the appropriate fees a least 30 days prior to a board meeting date. (Meetings are in January, March, May, July, September, and November).
  2. Submit notarized employment records if needed.
  3. (Fingerprinting)Obtain an FBI criminal history check for every officer, director, partner, manager, or member.
  4. Provide social security for all officers, directors, partners, managers, or members.
  5. If moved along in the process, the board will schedule an interview with the applicant (Principal).

Further detailed information can be found here.

Hawaii Private Investigator Licensing Fees

Hawaii has some pretty reasonable licensing fees for private investigators.

Private Investigation Agency Fees

Applications Fees

  • For an Entity – $100
  • For a Sole-Proprietor – $50

Exam Fee

  • Principal/Sole Propreietor – $50

Private Investigator Licensing Fees

  • Entity Licensing Fee – $344 (July 1 even year to June 30 odd year). $140 (July 1 odd year to June 30 even year).
  • Principal/Sole Proprietor Fee – $280 (July 1 even year to June 30 odd year). $108 (July 1 odd year to June 30 even year).

Renewal Fees

  • Entity – $408
  • Principal/Sole Proprietor – $344

Additional Hawaii Private Investigator Licensing Documents

Hawaii Private Investigator Forms

Suggested Additional Licensing Locations

Many investigators will secure licensing in additional states that are within the proximity of their primary state. The following states may be worth obtaining your license in if your primary business location is within Hawaii.

Additional Resources for Private Investigators

Private Investigator Bundle Pack

How to Start a Private Investigator Business

How Much it Costs to Start a Private Investigation Business

How to Choose a Private Investigation Business Name

How to Build P.I. Experience

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