Getting your Hawaii Contractor license is a crucial step for those looking to work in the construction industry. The process involves several key requirements:

Experience: Applicants must have at least four years of relevant construction experience within the last ten years. Experience must be documented and verified.
Pre-License Education: Completion of a 16-hour pre-license education course is mandatory. This course covers essential topics such as construction law, safety regulations, and business practices.
Financial Responsibility: Demonstrating financial responsibility is essential. This may involve providing financial statements, proof of assets, or credit reports.
Insurance and Bonding: Contractors are required to obtain liability insurance and secure a contractor’s bond. These protect clients and ensure financial accountability.
Examination: Most applicants must pass a licensing exam specific to their trade. The exam evaluates knowledge of industry standards, regulations, and best practices.
Application and Fees: Submitting a comprehensive application with all required documentation and paying the necessary fees is crucial. Fees vary based on the type of license sought.
Background Check: Expect a thorough background check, including criminal history and financial history.
Maintaining Licensure: Once licensed, contractors must meet ongoing requirements, such as renewing their license periodically and fulfilling continuing education requirements.

Hawaii Contractor License Classifications:

(A) General Engineering Contractor

(B) Building Contractor

C-1 Acoustical and insulation contractor;
C-2 Mechanical insulation contractor;
C-3 Asphalt paving and surfacing contractor;
C-3a Asphalt concrete patching, sealing, and striping contractor;
C-3b Play court surfacing contractor;
C-4 Boiler, hot-water heating, and steam fitting contractor;
C-5 Cabinet, millwork, and carpentry remodeling and repairs contractor;

C-5a Garage door and window shutters contractor;
C-5b Siding application contractor;

C-6 Carpentry framing contractor;
C-7 Carpet laying contractor;

C-9 Cesspool contractor;
C-10 Scaffolding contractor;

C-12 Drywall contractor;
C-13 Electrical contractor;
C-14 Sign contractor;
C-15 Electronic systems contractor;
C-15a Fire and burglar alarm contractor;
C-15b Telecommunications contractor;
C-16 Elevator contractor;
C-16a Conveyor systems contractor;
C-17 Excavating, grading, and trenching contractor
C-19 Asbestos contractor;
C-20 Fire protection contractor;
C-20a Fire repressant systems contractor;
C-22a Glass tinting contractor;
C-23 Gunite contractor;
C-24 Building moving and wrecking contractor;
C-25 Institutional and commercial equipment contractor;

C-27 Landscaping contractor;
C-27a Hydro mulching contractor;
C-27b Tree trimming and removal contractor;

C-31 Masonry contractor;
C-31a Cement concrete contractor;
C-31b Stone masonry contractor;
C-31c Refractory contractor;
C-31d Tuckpointing and caulking contractor;
C-31e Concrete cutting, drilling, sawing, coring, and pressure grouting contractor;
C-32 Ornamental, guardrail, and fencing contractor; C-32a Wood and vinyl fencing contractor;
C-33 Painting and decorating contractor;
C-33a Wall coverings contractor;
C-33b Taping contractor;
C-33c Surface treatment contractor;
C-34 Soil stabilization contractor;
C-35 Pile driving, pile and caisson drilling, and foundation contractor;
C-36 Plastering contractor;
C-36a Lathing contractor; C-37 Plumbing contractor;
C-37a Sewer and drain line contractor;
C-37b Irrigation and lawn sprinkler systems contractor;
C-37c Vacuum and air systems contractor;
C-37d Water chlorination and sanitation contractor;
C-37e Treatment and pumping facilities contractor;
C-37f Fuel dispensing contractor;
C-38 Post tensioning contractor;
C-40 Refrigeration contractor;
C-40a Prefabricated refrigerator panels contractor; C-41 Reinforcing steel contractor;
C-42 Roofing contractor;
C-42a Aluminum and other metal shingles contractor;

C-42b Wood shingles and wood shakes contractor;
C-42c Concrete and clay tile contractor;
C-42e Urethane foam contractor;
C-42g Roof coatings contractor;
C-43 Sewer, sewage disposal, drain, and pipe laying contractor;
C-43a Reconditioning and repairing pipeline contractor;
C-44 Sheet metal contractor;
C-44a Gutters contractor;
C-44b Awnings and patio cover contractor;

C-48 Structural steel contractor; C-48a Steel door contractor;
C-49 Swimming pool contractor;
C-49a Swimming pool service contractor;
C-49b Hot tub and pool contractor;
C-51 Tile contractor;