Hawaii’s unique position as a Pacific paradise and financial hub creates exceptional opportunities for accounting professionals. From wealth management for affluent residents to supporting the state’s thriving tourism industry, accountants in Hawaii enjoy diverse career paths with competitive salaries ranging from $65,470 to $208,000+, according to the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics data.
This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about launching your accounting career in the Aloha State, including CPA requirements, top schools, salary expectations, and career opportunities across Hawaii’s islands.
Hawaii CPA Requirements Overview
To become a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in Hawaii, you must meet the “Three E’s” established by the Hawaii Board of Public Accountancy under the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs:
Education Requirements
Hawaii requires 150 semester hours of college credit and a bachelor’s degree at a minimum. Since standard bachelor’s degrees in accounting provide only 120 semester hours, most candidates pursue one of these paths:
- Master’s degree in accounting (30+ additional hours)
- Post-baccalaureate certificate in accounting
- Five-year CPA track programs combining bachelor’s and master’s curricula
- Additional undergraduate coursework
Your 150 semester hours must include:
Exam Requirements
All candidates must pass the Uniform CPA Exam, which consists of four sections:
- Business Environment and Concepts (BEC) – 4 hours
- Financial Accounting and Reporting (FAR) – 4 hours
- Regulation (REG) – 4 hours
- Auditing and Attestation (AUD) – 4 hours
Experience Requirements
Hawaii offers two pathways to meet experience requirements:
- Public Accounting Path: 1,500 chargeable hours in auditing while working full-time (35+ hours/week) at a public accounting firm
- Alternative Path: Two years of full-time professional experience in private industry, government, education, or public accounting
Best Accounting Schools in Hawaii
Hawaii offers several accredited institutions with strong accounting programs designed to meet CPA requirements:
University Programs
University of Hawaii at Manoa – Shidler College of Business
- AACSB-accredited business school
- Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting
- Master of Accounting (MAcc) program
- Located in Honolulu with strong connections to Big Four firms
Hawaii Pacific University
- Bachelor of Science in Accounting
- MBA with Accounting concentration
- Downtown Honolulu campus near the business district
Chaminade University of Honolulu
- Bachelor of Science in Accounting
- Small class sizes and personalized attention
- Evening and weekend options available
Online Options
For flexibility, consider online accounting degree programs from accredited institutions. These programs offer the same curriculum and CPA exam preparation as traditional programs while allowing you to study from anywhere in Hawaii.
Hawaii Accounting Career Paths
Hawaii’s diverse economy creates opportunities across multiple sectors for accounting professionals:
Public Accounting
Three of the “Big Four” firms maintain offices in Honolulu:
- Deloitte Hawaii – Audit, tax, and advisory services
- Ernst & Young (EY) – Assurance, tax, and consulting
- KPMG – Audit, tax, and advisory
Boutique firms like Accuity LLP, N&K CPAs, and CW Associates also offer excellent opportunities, particularly in wealth management and estate planning for Hawaii’s affluent residents.
Corporate Accounting
Major Hawaii employers seeking accounting professionals include:
- Hawaiian Electric Industries – Controllers, financial analysts, internal auditors
- Bank of Hawaii – Financial reporting specialists, compliance officers
- Hawaii Pacific Health – Healthcare accountants, revenue cycle managers
- Matson Navigation – Cost accountants, financial planning analysts
Government Positions
Federal and state agencies offer stable careers with excellent benefits:
- Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard – Fund accountants, budget analysts
- State of Hawaii Department of Taxation – Tax auditors, revenue agents
- City and County of Honolulu – Municipal accountants, internal auditors
- U.S. Pacific Command – Defense financial managers
Non-Profit Opportunities
Hawaii’s robust non-profit sector includes:
- Kamehameha Schools – Fund accountants managing $11+ billion in assets
- Hawaii Community Foundation – Grant accountants, investment analysts
- The Queen’s Health Systems – Healthcare financial specialists
Accountant Salaries in Hawaii (2024)
According to May 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics data, Hawaii offers competitive salaries for accounting professionals:
Regional Salary Variations
Salaries vary by location within Hawaii:
Note: While Hawaii salaries are higher than the national median, the state’s cost of living is approximately 84% higher than the U.S. average, with housing costs being the primary driver.
Specialized Role Salaries
Forensic Accountants
Hawaii’s forensic accountants, who help investigate financial crimes and fraud cases, earn median salaries of approximately $95,000-$115,000.
Tax Preparers
Tax preparers in the Honolulu metro area earn median salaries of $48,500, with experienced preparers earning up to $75,000 during busy season.
Government Accountants
Federal positions through agencies like the Department of Defense offer GS-11 to GS-14 pay scales, ranging from $72,750 to $136,908 annually, plus locality pay adjustments.
May 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics salary data for Accountants and Auditors reflect state and national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed June 2025.
Job Market Outlook
Hawaii’s accounting profession shows steady growth potential:
Growth Projections
The Hawaii Department of Labor and Industrial Relations projects:
- 5,340 accountants and auditors were employed in 2018
- 5,590 projected by 2028 (4.7% growth)
- 530 average annual job openings due to growth and turnover
Top Employers
Hawaii’s largest accounting employers by sector:
Getting Started Guide
Follow this step-by-step process to launch your accounting career in Hawaii:
Step-by-Step Process
- Choose Your Educational Path
- Research accredited accounting programs
- Consider online vs. traditional formats
- Evaluate 5-year integrated programs vs. bachelor’s + master’s
- Complete Your Education
- Earn bachelor’s degree (120 hours)
- Complete additional 30 hours for CPA eligibility
- Focus on required accounting and business courses
- Prepare for the CPA Exam
- Register through CPA Examination Services (CPAES)
- Study using review courses and practice exams
- Schedule exams at Hawaii Prometric testing centers
- Gain Required Experience
- Secure internships during college
- Apply for entry-level positions
- Document experience under CPA supervision
- Apply for CPA License
- Submit application to Hawaii Board of Public Accountancy
- Pay licensing fees ($110-$165 depending on year)
- Complete 80 hours of continuing education
Timeline to CPA
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to become a CPA in Hawaii?
The typical timeline is 6-7 years: 4 years for a bachelor’s degree, 1-2 years for additional education to reach 150 credit hours, 6-12 months for CPA exam preparation and testing, and 1-2 years to gain required experience. You can work while completing some requirements, potentially shortening the overall timeline.
What is the average accountant salary in Hawaii?
According to May 2024 BLS data, accountants and auditors in Hawaii earn a median salary of $85,480. Entry-level positions start around $65,470, while experienced CPAs and financial managers can earn $125,970 to over $208,000 annually. Keep in mind Hawaii’s higher cost of living when evaluating salaries.
Can I become a CPA in Hawaii with an online degree?
Yes, Hawaii accepts online degrees from regionally accredited institutions. The Hawaii Board of Public Accountancy recognizes online coursework that appears on official transcripts from accredited colleges. Many candidates successfully complete their 150-hour requirement through a combination of traditional and online courses.
What are the best accounting firms to work for in Hawaii?
Top firms include the Big Four (Deloitte, EY, KPMG), regional firms (CW Associates, N&K CPAs, Accuity LLP), and specialized boutique firms. The “best” firm depends on your career goals – Big Four firms offer prestige and diverse experience, while smaller firms may provide better work-life balance and client interaction.
How many credit hours do I need for Hawaii CPA licensure?
Hawaii requires 150 semester hours of college credit, including a bachelor’s degree. Within those 150 hours, you need 24 semester hours of accounting courses (18 upper division) and 24 semester hours of upper division business courses. Most bachelor’s degrees provide 120 hours, so you’ll need 30 additional credits.
Is the Hawaii CPA exam different from other states?
No, Hawaii uses the Uniform CPA Examination, which is the same nationwide. The exam consists of four sections (AUD, BEC, FAR, REG) totaling 16 hours of testing. Hawaii candidates can take the exam at Prometric testing centers in Honolulu or on the mainland if traveling.
What types of experience qualify for Hawaii CPA licensure?
Hawaii offers two paths: (1) 1,500 chargeable hours in auditing at a public accounting firm, or (2) two years of full-time professional accounting experience in private industry, government, education, or public practice. Experience must be verified by a licensed CPA supervisor.
Are there accounting opportunities outside of Honolulu?
Yes, accounting opportunities exist throughout Hawaii. Maui has positions in the hospitality and healthcare sectors, the Big Island offers roles in agriculture and astronomy-related organizations, and Kauai has opportunities in tourism and local government. However, Honolulu remains the primary hub with about 70% of accounting jobs.