How to Become a Private Investigator in Hawaii

Employment for private investigators is projected to rise by five percent nationally until the year 2024. These trained professionals work to gather information for clients regarding personal, legal, or financial matters, and often have a vital role in investigating crimes.

If you are interested in joining this exciting profession in Hawaii, there are a few requirements you must first meet. Each state has it’s own specific conditions regarding training and experience, as well as more general requirements such as age or citizenship. Read on to see how Hawaiian applicants can prepare.

Hawaii Private Investigator License Requirements

Minimum Requirements

  • Age: You must be at least 18 years old.
  • Provisional Requirements: If you choose to start your own agency, you must have at least four years of experience or should have a principal detective who has met this requirement.
  • Criminal Background Check: Candidates will be subject to a criminal background check. You should not have any criminal convictions that may indicate you are unable to perform P.I. duties or are a hinderance to the public.
  • Financial History: Your financial history must reflect the qualities of a successful private investigator. There should be no record of fraud or dishonesty.
  • Mental Health Check: Individuals with adjudicated mental incompetency or a record of being a danger to oneself and others are not qualified to work as a P.I. in Hawaii.
  • Automatic Disqualifiers: You are under 18 years of age; you are not a U.S. citizen; you have been convicted of a felony or other crime involving violence; you have attempted to work as a P.I. without a license.

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Hawaii Private Investigator Requirements

Education and Experience

  • Degree: Degrees in criminal justice or a related subject from an accredited four-year institution will qualify as valid experience for aspiring private investigators. Education beyond high school is not mandatory.
  • Accepted Experience: You must have four years of relevant experience in order to work as a private detective or open your own entity. You may work under the direct supervision of a licensed Hawaiian P.I. to earn the necessary experience requirement as well.
  • Written Exams: After you have been approved by the state board, you must pass an examination that covers Hawaii law and business best practices in the industry.

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Hawaii Private Investigator Training

The Hawaii Board of Professional and Vocational Licensing requires training in the following areas: Hawaii’s laws and ethics, interview techniques, investigation strategies, surveillance techniques, handling and collecting evidence, privacy regulations, background checks, CPR/first aid and more.

Forms Needed for a Private Detective License in Hawaii

  • Fees Required: The Hawaii private investigator application requires fees of either $81 or $117, depending on renewal and when you apply. There is also a $17 fingerprint fee.
  • Required Forms: The Hawaii private investigator application, evidence of minimum education requirement (high school diploma/GED), fingerprint card and certificate of training experience completion.
  • Maintenance Required for PI License: Private investigators should complete four continuing education hours in order to renew their license.

Hawaii Private Investigator Salary and Job Outlook

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Hawaii’s private detectives and investigators make an annual mean wage of $53,180, which is above the national average.

Helpful Hawaii Links and Resources

Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs Professional & Vocational Licensing

Hawaii Fingerprint Service

Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Handbook

Private Investigator Programs and Schools in Hawaii

Private Investigator Programs and Schools in Hawaii

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Choose your area of study and receive free information about programs you are interested in. Private investigators are used by law firms, law enforcement, insurance companies, as well as individuals to conduct investigations to build criminal and civil cases. A degree related to criminal justice could benefit an aspiring private investigator greatly. Request information from multiple schools to find the best program and educational opportunity for you!