Hawaii Contractor License Bond— Board-Set Amounts Starting at $5,000
Unlike most states that set a fixed bond amount, Hawaii's Contractors License Board determines your bond on a case-by-case basis under HRS §444-16.5. The minimum is $5,000, but your actual amount depends on your financial condition and experience. All three classifications — A (General Engineering), B (General Building), and C (Specialty) — must carry a bond unless the Board grants a waiver. Whether you're building on O'ahu or the Big Island, we can help you secure your bond and get licensed. Need a different bond type? See our contractor license bonds by state hub or surety bond cost guide.
Free 60-day lapse protection reminders included with every Hawaii bond. We alert you well before your bond expires to prevent the automatic license forfeiture that Hawaii enforces under HRS §444-16.5.
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Official Hawaii Requirements
"The board may require each licensee or applicant for a license to deposit with the board a bond... conditioned upon the payment of wages, honest conduct of the licensee's business, and right of any person injured or damaged by a wrongful act of the licensee."Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA) • Hawaii Revised Statutes §444-16.5
What Your Hawaii Bond Actually Protects Against
Under HRS §444-16.5, Hawaii contractor bonds serve three distinct purposes
Guarantees payment of wages to your employees and any other person entitled to wages. Under Hawaii law, wage claims take priority over all other claims against the bond — including client complaints and property damage.
Ensures honest and faithful conduct in running your contracting business. This covers misrepresentation, fraud, and failure to comply with Hawaii contractor licensing law. Claims can be filed by clients, subcontractors, or regulatory agencies.
Grants any person injured or damaged by a wrongful act of the licensee the right to bring an action on the bond. This broad language means employees, clients, neighbors, and even passersby can file claims for injury to persons or property.
Hawaii Contractor License Classifications
All classifications require a surety bond — the Board sets your amount based on financial condition and experience
Hawaii Contractor Classifications and Bond Requirements
Bond amounts determined case-by-case under HRS §444-16.5 — minimum $5,000 for all classes
| Classification | Scope of Work | Bond Minimum | Includes Specialty? |
|---|---|---|---|
| A — General Engineering | Highways, tunnels, dams, sewers, pipelines, utilities | $5,000+ | Yes — certain C specialties included |
| B — General Building | Buildings, structures, additions (2+ unrelated trades) | $5,000+ | Yes — certain C specialties included |
| C — Specialty | 36+ specialty trades (C-1 through C-62) | $5,000+ | N/A — single trade focus |
A and B licensees automatically receive certain Specialty (C) classifications under HAR §16-77-32 without additional examination or fees.
Source: Hawaii DCCA Contractors License Board — HAR Title 16, Chapter 77
Your Board-Set Amount Determines Your Premium
Your premium depends on bond amount and credit score — most Hawaii contractors pay 1–3%
Hawaii Contractor Bond Cost by Credit Tier
Based on a $10,000 bond amount — your actual amount is set by the Board
Excellent (720+)
$100-$200/yr
1-2% rate — instant approval
Good (680-719)
$200-$300/yr
2-3% rate — standard underwriting
Fair (600-679)
$300-$500/yr
3-5% rate — additional review
Poor (below 600)
$500-$1,000/yr
5-10% rate — specialized programs
Rates are industry estimates. Actual premiums vary by surety company and Board-determined bond amount.
Because the Board sets your bond amount individually, your annual premium varies significantly:
Minimum amount — smaller specialty contractors
Common for mid-size contractors
Larger general contractors
Major firms — waiver often available
For a detailed breakdown of surety bond pricing across all bond types, see our surety bond cost guide. Use our contractor bond calculator for a personalized estimate.
Bond Waiver: How to Eliminate Your Bond Requirement
Hawaii is one of the few states that allows contractors to request a bond waiver. After maintaining your bond for at least one year with a clean record, you may petition the Contractors License Board to waive the requirement entirely. This can save you hundreds or thousands annually in premiums.
Waiver Requirements
Important: The waiver is not automatic. The Board evaluates each request individually and may require additional documentation. Even after a waiver is granted, the Board can reimpose the bond requirement if your financial condition changes. Apply using the official form at cca.hawaii.gov.
From Application to Active License: 60-120 Days
Complete licensing timeline: 60–120 days from application to active license
Meet Experience Requirements
Four full years of supervisory experience within the past 10 years at Journeyman, Foreman, Supervisor, or Contractor level. Submit the Chronological History of Projects Form to the Board.
Pass the Licensing Exams
Two-part examination: Business & Law exam plus your Trade exam. Each costs $75. Schedule through DCCA after your application is accepted.
Purchase Your Surety Bond
Get your bond at the Board-determined amount (minimum $5,000). Complete the CT-09 bond form with your surety company — the form must be notarized with power of attorney attached.
Obtain Insurance Coverage
Secure general liability ($100K/$300K bodily injury, $50K property damage) and workers' compensation if you have employees. Both must name the DCCA.
Submit Application Package
Mail completed application ($50 fee), bond form CT-09, insurance certificates, experience documentation, and license fee ($663 sole proprietor / $438 RME) to DCCA PVL Licensing Branch, P.O. Box 3469, Honolulu, HI 96801.
Bond Plus Insurance: Hawaii Requires Both
A surety bond and insurance serve different purposes — Hawaii mandates both. Learn the difference in our bond vs. insurance comparison. For general bonding guidance, see how to get a surety bond.
Bodily Injury: $100,000/person, $300,000/occurrence
Property Damage: $50,000/occurrence
Must remain continuously active — lapse triggers license forfeiture
Required under HRS Chapter 386 if you have any employees
Coverage must be from an insurer admitted to do business in Hawaii
Same 60-day reinstatement rule applies
Amount: $5,000 minimum (Board-determined)
Form: CT-09
Waiver available after 1 year of maintenance
Ready to Get Your Hawaii Contractor Bond?
Most bonds approved same-day. All credit types accepted.
Get Your Free QuoteWhat Happens If Your Bond Lapses
Under HRS §444-16.5, failure to maintain continuous bond coverage causes automatic forfeiture of your contractor license. Hawaii enforces a strict 60-day reinstatement window:
Reinstate your bond coverage immediately. License can be restored without re-applying.
Must reapply as a brand-new applicant — including new fees, exams, and the full licensing process.
Any contracting work performed during a bond lapse is unlicensed activity under Hawaii law.
Under HRS §444-2, a property owner or lessee is exempt from contractor licensing if:
- The structure is for their own personal use (not public use)
- The structure is not offered for sale or lease within one year of completion
If you sell or lease a structure within one year of completion, the DCCA may investigate whether you should have been licensed. Hawaii also requires separate bonds for other regulated industries — vehicle dealers must carry an Hawaii auto dealer bond through the Department of Commerce. Business owners who notarize documents need a Hawaii notary bond from the Attorney General. For more on contractor licensing requirements nationwide, see our 50-state contractor bond requirements guide.
Hawaii Contractor Bond FAQs
Common questions about Hawaii contractor license bonds
How much is a Hawaii contractor license bond?
Can the Hawaii Contractors License Board waive the bond requirement?
What happens if my Hawaii contractor bond lapses?
What does a Hawaii contractor bond actually protect against?
What insurance do I need alongside my Hawaii contractor bond?
How do I submit my Hawaii contractor bond to the DCCA?
Explore More Hawaii Bond Resources
Official Hawaii Resources
Bond Requirements: cca.hawaii.gov — Bond Requirements
Insurance Requirements: cca.hawaii.gov — Insurance
Forms & Applications: cca.hawaii.gov — Applications
Bond Statute: Hawaii Revised Statutes §444-16.5
Licensing Law: HRS Chapter 444
Admin Rules: HAR Title 16, Chapter 77
License Renewal: Biennial — September 30 of even years
View HRS Chapter 444Other Hawaii Bonds
Additional surety bonds available in Hawaii
Protect Your Hawaii License — Bond Now, Build Tomorrow
CT-09 form included, DCCA-accepted format, lapse reminders built in. Trusted by contractors across all 50 states.
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