Healthcare Market
$14 billion (estimated 2024)
Hawaii (HI)
Hawaii Medical License
Get licensed to practice medicine in Hawaii. 40th. IMLC member state for expedited licensure.
- Population
- 1,400,000
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- IMLC Compact member (joined 2025-01-01)
- Telehealth: Allowed
- CME: 40 hours per 2-year cycle
Medical board
Hawaii Medical Board
3-5 business days for inquiries; application updates within 2-3 weeks
- Phone
- (808) 586-3000
Quick answer
Quick Answer: Hawaii Medical License
- Time to License
- 6-10 weeks
- Total Cost
- $290-$392
- CME Requirements
- 40 hours per 2-year cycle
- IMLC Compact
- Yes - expedited licensing available
Healthcare market
Hawaii Healthcare Market
Key market data for physicians considering Hawaii.
Physician Demand
High
Primary Care Avg.
$260,000
Unique Opportunities in Hawaii
- Unique island practice environment
- Strong military and VA presence
- Neighbor islands have significant shortages
- Diverse patient population (Asian, Pacific Islander)
- Excellent quality of life and climate
- Telehealth growing to connect islands
Application sequence
Hawaii Licensing Timeline
Typical timeline: 6-10 weeks. Here's what to expect.
- 1
Submit Application
Complete application through Hawaii Medical Board.
1-2 days - 2
Pay Fees
Submit application fee.
Immediate - 3
Background Check
Complete fingerprinting.
2-4 weeks - 4
Verification
Credential verification.
3-5 weeks - 5
Approval
Board review and license issuance.
1-2 weeks
Application path
Hawaii License Requirements
Complete requirements for your HI medical license.
Medical Education
Graduate from LCME or AOA-accredited school, or approved international school
- Official transcripts required
Postgraduate Training
Minimum 2 year(s) required
- 24 months ACGME-accredited training
Licensing Exams
Pass USMLE Step 1, 2 CK, and 3
- COMLEX accepted: true
Background Check
Fingerprinting required
- FBI fingerprint background check
Professional References
3 references required
- Licensed physicians
- Program directors
Practice considerations
Practicing in Hawaii
What to expect when practicing medicine in Hawaii.
Specialties in Demand
Oahu urban; neighbor islands more rural and underserved
- Primary Care
- Family Medicine
- Internal Medicine
- Psychiatry
- OB/GYN
- General Surgery
Compensation
Above national average
- Primary Care: $260,000
- Specialist: $390,000
Cost of Living
193.3 (93.3% above national average - highest in US)
- Housing: Very high; Oahu median $950,000; neighbor islands $700,000+
- State Tax: 1.4% to 11% (highest brackets among highest in US)
Major Markets
Major metropolitan practice markets.
- Honolulu (Urban Honolulu - 950K)
- Hilo (Hawaii Island - 45K)
- Kahului-Wailuku (Maui - 170K)
Shortage Areas
Areas with documented physician demand.
- Big Island (Hawaii Island)
- Maui
- Kauai
- Molokai and Lanai
Major Healthcare Systems
Selected systems in the frozen state resource.
- Hawaii Pacific Health
- The Queen's Health System
- Kaiser Permanente Hawaii
- Tripler Army Medical Center
Avoid delays
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
Don't let these common issues delay your Hawaii license.
Underestimating Cost of Living
Hawaii has highest cost of living in US; compensation may not fully offset.
Solution: Research housing costs carefully; negotiate housing assistance; consider neighbor islands
Confusion About IMLC SPL Status
Hawaii joined IMLC in Jan 2025 but is NOT a State of Principal Licensure. Physicians cannot use Hawaii as their primary IMLC state.
Solution: If using IMLC, must establish SPL in another state first, then add Hawaii as a member state
Neighbor Island Isolation
Physicians may not realize how different neighbor island practice is from Honolulu.
Solution: Research specific island carefully; understand inter-island travel requirements
Common questions
Hawaii Licensing FAQ
Common questions about getting licensed in Hawaii.
How long does Hawaii medical licensure take?
Typically 6-10 weeks for complete applications.
Is Hawaii in the IMLC?
Yes, as of January 1, 2025, Hawaii is an IMLC member. IMPORTANT: Hawaii is NOT a State of Principal Licensure (SPL), meaning you cannot designate Hawaii as your primary IMLC state. However, if you have an SPL in another state, you can add Hawaii as a member state through IMLC.
What is the cost of living like in Hawaii?
Hawaii has the highest cost of living in the US, approximately 93% above national average. Housing is particularly expensive.
Are there physician shortages on the neighbor islands?
Yes, all neighbor islands (Big Island, Maui, Kauai, Molokai, Lanai) have significant physician shortages with incentives available.
Is military practice an option in Hawaii?
Yes, Tripler Army Medical Center and other military facilities offer significant opportunities for both military and civilian physicians.
Related states
Also Considering These States?
Many providers licensed in Hawaii also practice in these states.
Track Hawaii renewals in one tracker.
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