Massage Therapy Permit Requirements in Honolulu, HI

Complete permit and license guide for starting a massage therapy in Honolulu, Honolulu County, Hawaii.

$200 -- $700 4–10 weeks to obtain all licenses 5 requirements

Not legal advice. Requirements may change — always verify with your local government authority before applying. Last verified: .

Honolulu / Honolulu County Requirements

2 requirements
1

City and County of Honolulu Department of Budget and Fiscal Services — Business License

Honolulu requires a City business registration and applicable permits from the Department of Planning and Permitting in addition to the state GET license. This license must be renewed annually and displayed at your place of business.

$50–$500/year depending on business type and gross revenues1–3 weeks
Official government source
2

Zoning / Certificate of Occupancy

A Certificate of Occupancy is required for any commercial space used as a massage therapy practice. Confirm with City and County of Honolulu Department of Budget and Fiscal Services that the location is properly zoned for personal service businesses.

$50–$2001–4 weeks
Official government source

Hawaii State Requirements

2 requirements
1

Hawaii Board of Massage Therapy — License

Massage therapists in Hawaii must be licensed by the Hawaii Board of Massage Therapy. Requires 570 hours of massage therapy education and passing the MBLEx.

$100 (initial)4–8 weeks
Official government source
2

Hawaii Department of Taxation — General Excise Tax License

Hawaii does not have a traditional sales tax but requires all businesses to pay a General Excise Tax (GET) on gross income from business activities. The GET rate is 4% (4.5% in Honolulu). All businesses must register for a GET license with the Hawaii Department of Taxation.

$20 (one-time registration fee)2–4 weeks (by mail) or immediate (in-person)
Official government source

Federal Requirements

1 requirement
1

EIN (Employer Identification Number)

Required if you have employees or operate as an LLC or corporation. Free from the IRS.

FreeImmediate (online application)
Official government source

Official Sources

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