Hawaii Massage Licensing

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Hawaii has licensed the practice of massage therapy since 1947. There are approximately 6,300 massage therapists there and they are regulated by the Hawaii Professional and Vocational Licensing Board They require that you have 570 hrs of education and a written exam administered by the state. Apprenticeship permits are available.

They define massage therapy as the following (as taken from their website)""Massage", "massage therapy", and "Hawaiian massage" commonly known as lomilomi, means any method of treatment of the superficial soft parts of the body, consisting of rubbing, stroking, tapotement, pressing, shaking, or kneading with the hands, feet, elbow, or arms, and whether or notaided by any mechanical or electrical apparatus, appliances, or supplementary aids such as rubbing alcohol, liniments,antiseptics, oils, powder, creams, lotions, ointments, or other similar preparations commonly used in this practice. Any mechanical or electrical apparatus used as described in thischapter shall be approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration."

They require a massage establishment permit and to do outcall massage.

They have restrictions on what advertisement a massage therapist can do with this being one of them:

"By using in any mass distribution, print advertisements such as newspaper advertisements, or telephone directory listings, pictures depicting the human form other than hands, wrists, and forearms;"

So does that mean you don't get to see people's faces?

Please let me know other things about becoming a massage therapist in Hawaii and what is required and what it is like to practice. Thanks

I am looking for help in gathering the information on massage laws in your state so that people considering a career in massage can make more informed decisions about their careers and also to help massage therapists further define the profession.
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