Whether you feel called to the peaks of Maui’s Haleakala National Park, the big waves of the North Shore beaches of Oahu, or somewhere in between, the opportunities to explore paradise are plentiful in Hawaii. What pairs better with that than a fulfilling, flexible career in real estate? That’s why we’ve done our research to pair you with the best real estate school in Hawaii for your needs.

After all, before you can sit for your Hawaii real estate license exam, you’ll need to complete 60 hours of mandatory prelicensing coursework. The following six real estate schools provide a range of learning options—self-paced, in-person, on-demand, and more—to ensure you’re fully equipped with the knowledge and study materials needed to pass both your course and licensing exams. 

Ready to dive into the next steps of your real estate career in the Aloha state? Let’s find the school that’s right for you.

6 Best Real Estate Schools in Hawaii

Our Top Picks
Pricing From
Promo Codes
Best Overall: Maui Real Estate School
$450
Best for Online Learning: Colibri Real Estate
$377
TheClose25 - Save 25%
Best for Self-paced Learning: The CE Shop
$419
TheClose35 - Save 35%
Best for Instructor Support: Abe Lee Seminars
$475
Best for Live Online Instruction: Carol Ball School of Real Estate
$429
Best of Both Worlds: Vitousek Real Estate School
$145

(Hawaii prelicensing package prices as of November 2023)

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Quick Facts
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Hawaii Real Estate Governing Board:

The Real Estate Commission of the Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs

schedule

Prelicensing Requirements:

60 hours

inventory

Post-licensing Requirements:

None

school

Continuing Education Requirements:

20 hours every 2-year license period

Throughout the 60 hours of required prelicensing coursework, you’ll cover a variety of topics like licensing laws and regulations, ethical standards, the basic principles of real estate, financing and valuation, and more. Also, real estate licensees in Hawaii are required to complete 20 hours of approved continuing education (CE) every two years. To get a better idea of what these courses entail, jump to the helpful info section below. 

Already actively licensed in another state? While Hawaii does not have reciprocity with any other states, you can apply for equivalency. That allows you to skip past your prelicensing classes and simply take the Hawaii portion of the real estate license exam.

Related Article
How to Become a Real Estate Agent in Hawaii in 6 Easy Steps

Best Overall Real Estate School in Hawaii: Maui Real Estate School

Maui Real Estate School scorecard
Pros
  • Self-paced, on-demand learning
  • Live Zoom instruction option
  • All features and extras included in both packages
  • Free course exam retakes
  • 12-month course access
  • Private tutoring
Cons
  • No continuing ed courses
  • No refunds or money-back guarantees
The Close Score
4.5
Value:
4.5
Customer service:
2.3
Student experience:
5.0
Features:
4.0
Reputation:
5.0
Online experience:
5.0
out
of
5

Maui Real Estate School offers:

  • Prelicensing
  • Hawaii state-only course (for out-of-state agents)
  • One-day real estate school crash course
  • Broker courses

No matter which island of Hawaii you’re studying from, Maui Real Estate School is a fantastic local pick that offers flexibility and comes with a complete range of study materials included. When you enroll, you’ll get immediate access to the 60-hour online course with 12 months to complete your studies. If live classes are your speed, you can level up to the Instructor Series course, which gives you access to nine instructor help sessions (three classes per week over three weeks) in addition to the 60-hour online course.

Although Maui Real Estate doesn’t do refunds, they do offer payment plans—and as a bonus, course exam retakes are free. Worry not, though—past students described the school’s study materials as great resources to feel well-prepared for the exam. Other students mentioned feeling supported and encouraged by the school’s instructors and customer service throughout the course.

Related Article
Free Real Estate Practice Exam + 7 Hacks to Help You Ace Your Licensing Test

Maui Real Estate School Pricing

Regardless of the course delivery option you choose, you’ll have access to a wide range of study materials, including audio books, physical books, online quizzes with more than 800 questions, a vocabulary app, electronic flashcards, and a state licensing exam guide.

  • Online Self-paced Course ($450): This package gives students 24/7 on-demand access to the school’s online learning platform. When it comes time to pick a company to affiliate with, you can refer to its brokerage guide and lean on the school to help connect you with local brokers. 
  • Hawaii Instructor Series ($849): You get the complete online self-paced course package plus nine Zoom sessions (three times per week over three weeks) with a local Hawaii instructor. Both morning and evening sessions are available. 

(Hawaii prelicensing package prices as of November 2023)

Best Feature

Maui Real Estate school’s base package comes complete with everything you need to study and prepare for the Hawaii real estate exam. Study on the go with electronic flashcards, audio books, and a real estate vocab app. Level up to the Instructor Series package for hands-on learning with the support of a local expert.

Room to Improve

Maui Real Estate offers nearly everything you could think of for a well-rounded real estate education in Hawaii, but it would be great to see continuing ed courses incorporated into their lineup.

Bottom Line

With direct instructor support, thorough study materials, and brokerage contacts, Maui Real Estate School is a top-tier local learning option to kick off your real estate career.

Visit Maui Real Estate School

Best Real Estate School in Hawaii for Online Learning: Colibri Real Estate

Colibri Real Estate scorecard
Pros
  • Flexible, on-demand learning
  • Intuitive, user-friendly learning platform
  • Live Q&A and exam prep sessions
  • Pass or don’t pay guarantee
Cons
  • No broker courses
  • No career development or networking
The Close Score
4.3
Value:
5.0
Customer service:
3.8
Student experience:
3.5
Features:
2.0
Reputation:
5.0
Online experience:
5.0
out
of
5

Colibri Real Estate offers:

With its range of course packages and user-friendly, on-demand learning platform, Colibri Real Estate is our top pick for students looking to complete the prelicensing process online. As a student, you’ll find a range of tools to help you stay organized, such as checklists, goal and progress trackers, real estate resources, and study tips. 

Although Colibri Real Estate doesn’t offer any live class options, the higher tier packages have the next best thing: instructor Q&A sessions and live webinars for exam prep. What’s more, if you don’t pass the exam on your first try, you’ll be eligible for the school’s “pass or don’t pay” guarantee. Wondering what past students thought of their learning experience with Colibri Real Estate? Reviews mention the course was user-friendly, easy to navigate, interesting and organized, and great for studying at your own pace. 

Colibri Real Estate Pricing

In Hawaii, Colibri offers four different packages:

  • The Basics ($377): For self-guided learners, this package includes the 60-hour prelicensing course, instructor support via phone or email, and three e-book study guides.
  • Exam Preparation ($484): This package includes everything listed above plus interactive exam prep through CompuCram. You’ll get access to simulated exams, flashcards, audio review guides, and readiness assessments. 
  • Exam Preparation Plus ($578): For students who crave live instruction, this package includes everything mentioned above plus access to Colibri’s Exam Crammer webinars and instructor-led Q&A sessions.
  • Ultimate Learning ($698): For career-minded individuals, this package covers everything mentioned in the above packages plus a printed textbook and one year of access to business resources such as how-to videos, job aids, checklists, and customizable action plan templates.

(Hawaii prelicensing package prices as of November 2023)

Related Article
Colibri Real Estate Review + Video Walk-through

Readers of The Close can SAVE 25% on any Colibri Real Estate prelicensing course in Pennsylvania. Use promo code TheClose25 at checkout.

Best Feature

Designed with online learners in mind, Colibri Real Estate’s intuitive platform is our favorite feature. Not only does it allow for on-demand studying, but the platform itself is well-organized and easy to navigate. You have checklists, goal and progress trackers, real estate resources, and course outlines at your fingertips.

Room to Improve

While Colibri Real Estate does offer a dash of live instruction through Q&A and exam prep sessions for Hawaii students, the school could increase its value by introducing livestream course packages as well. They do offer the livestream option in states like Illinois and Virginia, so we know it’s within the realm of possibility!

Bottom Line

Colibri Real Estate is a go-to option for self-paced virtual learning with an exam prep edge. The approachable user interface will make your online real estate education feel like a breeze.

Visit Colibri Real Estate

Best Real Estate School in Hawaii for Self-paced Learning: The CE Shop

The CE Shop scorecard
Pros
  • Intuitive, engaging platform
  • Customer support via live chat, email, and phone
  • Free 5-day trial
Cons
  • No direct access to instructors
  • Primarily text-based course
  • Refund policy does not apply in Hawaii
  • 6-month course expiration
The Close Score
4.3
Value:
5.0
Customer service:
3.5
Student experience:
3.0
Features:
3.0
Reputation:
5.0
Online experience:
5.0
out
of
5

The CE Shop offers:

  • Prelicensing
  • Exam prep
  • Continuing ed
  • Broker courses

Is self-paced learning your top priority? Look no further than The Close’s favorite one-stop shop for new real estate students, The CE Shop. With this school, you can truly knock out all of the courses you’ll need as you embark on a new career in real estate. Start with your 60-hour prelicensing course, take advantage of exam prep, and return for continuing ed courses to renew your license. When you’re ready for more, consider enrolling in the 80-hour broker course.

But let’s not get too far ahead of ourselves! The course is primarily text-based, but The CE Shop’s proprietary content platform creates a more engaging and interactive course experience. Fast learners can finish the course in as little as two weeks, but note that you have up to six months to access and complete your studies.

Try The CE Shop’s FREE 5-DAY TRIAL

The CE Shop is the only school on our list that lets you test drive their courses and features before you buy. Visit their website today!

The CE Shop Pricing

No matter which prelicensing course package you choose, you’ll be equipped with business e-books, digital flashcards, downloadable course content, career resources, and more.

  • Courses Only ($419): This basic package also includes the mandatory 60-hour prelicensing course, digital flashcards, a real estate glossary, and study schedules.
  • Standard Package ($485): Get everything listed above plus Exam Prep Edge, which covers everything you’ll need to know for both the national and state-specific portions of the licensing test. 
  • Value Package ($525): Want help launching your real estate business? This package includes all of the features and materials listed above, plus business-building courses for new agents. 
  • Premium Package ($685): Cover all of your new-to-real-estate bases with this package. It includes all of the previously mentioned features and materials, plus the 20 hours continuing ed courses you’ll need to complete before your first license renewal. You also get one year of access to a Hawaii prelicensing e-book.

(Hawaii prelicensing package prices as of November 2023)

Related Article
The CE Shop Review: Real Estate Courses & Test Prep

Best Feature

The CE Shop makes self-paced, on-demand learning easy. That’s why we think their best feature is the variety of continuing education courses. Whether you opt for a CE package or individual classes, you’ll be on the right track to renew your license when the time comes. 

Room to Improve

While The CE Shop is our pick for self-paced learning, the six-month time limit on course access makes for a smaller window of opportunity for students studying part-time or on a more sporadic basis. An extended expiration—plus more direct access to instructors—would make The CE Shop even more appealing.

Bottom Line

If you’re new to real estate and looking to cover all of your bases in one go, The CE Shop is a solid option. Hawaii licensees can choose from every course needed to keep their real estate career moving.

Visit The CE Shop

Best Real Estate School in Hawaii for Instructor Support: Abe Lee Seminars

Abe Lee Seminars scorecard
Pros
  • Live webinars
  • Access to instructors via email and phone
  • Online video and audio archives
  • Scholarship opportunity
Cons
  • No exam prep or broker courses
  • Website is difficult to navigate
  • 6-month course expiration
The Close Score
4.1
Value:
3.5
Customer service:
3.8
Student experience:
5.0
Features:
1.5
Reputation:
5.0
Online experience:
5.0
out
of
5

Abe Lee Seminars offers:

  • Prelicensing
  • Continuing ed

As you begin the 60-hour journey into Hawaii real estate education, you’ll want to know that your instructors have your back. In our research, we found an abundance of reviews that mention Abe Lee Seminars’ knowledgeable and experienced instructors. If you appreciate a healthy learning environment and engaging anecdotes that bring otherwise murky concepts to life, you will likely succeed with Abe Lee Seminars.

Although the school doesn’t provide any exam prep or broker courses, you can choose between online independent study or live webinars for your prelicensing education. As you prepare for the Hawaii real estate exam, explore the online video archives to review any missed or confusing material from the course. Better yet, bring your questions directly to your Abe Lee Seminars instructor via mail, email, and phone.

Related Article
The 5 Best Real Estate Continuing Education Providers

Abe Lee Seminars Pricing

  • Online Independent Study ($475): You’ll get access to the 60-hour online prerecorded course, textbook, and study materials. International textbook shipping costs an additional $50. This package also includes supplemental audio and video archive access.
  • Live Webinar Classroom ($500): Similar to classroom-style learning, these live, scheduled classes provide a more structured, interactive experience. With the aid of an included textbook, you’ll complete the 60-hour course through GoTo webinars over four weeks with three sessions per week. 

(Hawaii prelicensing package prices as of November 2023) 

Best Feature

We’re big fans of Abe Lee Seminars’ No Pass No Pay guarantee for live webinar students, which states that if you don’t pass the school’s final exam with a 70% score or higher, you can re-attend the courses once more at no additional charge. The only catch? You must re-attend within six months of taking the course exam. 

Room to Improve

We’d like to see Abe Lee Seminars offer exam prep and broker courses. Given rave reviews that mention their instructor’s engaging anecdotes and relaxing-yet-informative teaching style, exam prep courses would certainly benefit students who want a little more support in that area. And such expertise would likely make for great broker courses as well.

Bottom Line

Abe Lee Seminars is a great, affordable local learning outlet for real estate students. You can’t beat the combination of direct access to knowledgeable instructors, live webinars, and online video archives.

Visit Abe Lee Seminars

Best Real Estate School in Hawaii for Live Online Instruction: Carol Ball School of Real Estate

Carol Ball School of Real Estate scorecard
Pros
  • Direct access to instructors
  • All features and extras included in both packages
Cons
  • High price tag for live instruction
  • Hawaii real estate exam book at additional cost
The Close Score
4.1
Value:
4.0
Customer service:
2.3
Student experience:
4.0
Features:
2.5
Reputation:
5.0
Online experience:
5.0
out
of
5

Carol Ball School of Real Estate offers:

  • Prelicensing
  • Continuing ed (via Continuing Ed Express)
  • Broker courses
  • Exam prep

Looking for live online instruction to carry you through the prelicensing process? Carol Ball School of Real Estate’s live online Zoom classes provide students with a well-rounded assortment of learning mediums, including lectures and discussions, daily quizzes and reviews, anecdotes, reading materials, and memory aids.

Past students described the live classes as intense and fast-paced, but credit the instructors with being readily available for help and making the course material informative, memorable, and fun. Based on these reviews, this combination makes for a personable and interactive learning experience that ultimately sets a solid foundation for real estate success. 

Carol Ball School of Real Estate Pricing

With Carol Ball School of Real Estate, you can complete the 60-hour course entirely independently or live via Zoom:

  • Online Course ($429): Modeled after the school’s live class, this on-demand and self-paced course is offered through Continuing Ed Express. You’ll get everything you need to study independently, including end-of-chapter snapshots, audio prefaces from the instructor on each chapter, course overviews, visual aids, chapter quizzes, and study tips. The course content also links you directly to the instructor via email, should any questions arise as you study. 
  • Live Zoom Course ($895): This interactive, 60-hour prelicensing course is held over Zoom and includes all textbooks and materials for Maui students (off-island registrants must pay additional shipping and handling costs). Instruction includes directed reading, lectures, PowerPoints, Q&A sessions, small group discussions, drills, daily quizzes, and reviews. 

(Hawaii prelicensing package prices as of November 2023)

Related Article
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Best Feature

Carol Ball Real Estate School’s live classes are its winning feature, based on its many positive reviews. Past students mentioned their appreciation for the instructor’s ability to incorporate humor and fun into the course content. While several schools on our list offer some class time via Zoom, Carol Ball Real Estate School gives you all 60 hours in this format. For fast-paced learners who thrive in a more structured, interactive learning environment, Carol Ball Real Estate School is an excellent—and local—option.

Room to Improve

It’s clear that exam prep is naturally built into the live course offering, but the additional $200 cost of the Hawaii real estate book for exam prep is a steep add-on for students enrolled in the on-demand course. Alternatively, a specific exam prep course—especially one that would be as engaging and informative as the Zoom course—would benefit both independent students and those with established real estate experience who might be expanding their reach to Hawaii. 

Bottom Line

For live online instruction that injects a little more life and laughter into the learning experience, look no further than Carol Ball School of Real Estate. We look forward to seeing more rave reviews from future Hawaii real estate students.

Visit Carol Ball School of Real Estate

Best Real Estate School in Hawaii for Best of Both Worlds: Vitousek Real Estate School

Vitousek Real Estate School scorecard
Pros
  • In-person instruction
  • Affordably priced courses
  • Additional study sessions for in-class students
  • 12-month course expiration
Cons
  • No live online courses
  • No continuing ed courses
  • No career development or networking
The Close Score
4
Value:
4.0
Customer service:
2.3
Student experience:
4.0
Features:
2.0
Reputation:
5.0
Online experience:
5.0
out
of
5

Vitousek Real Estate School offers:

  • Prelicensing
  • Exam prep
  • Broker courses

As our learning landscape continuously adapts to online courses, you might be wondering where in-person learning is still an option. Enter: Vitousek Real Estate School, our pick for the best of both worlds in Hawaii real estate schools. The In-Classroom/Home Study combination package gives students the opportunity to learn in a structured, scheduled Honolulu-based classroom before completing the remainder of the course from home at their own pace. According to past students, the in-person class size was perfect for discussion and the experience provided real-life examples and tips that you wouldn’t get from static learning.

It’s also worth noting that the school is known for its caring team and commitment to providing student support—such as offering additional study sessions after the course concludes—until candidates successfully pass the state exam. Reviewers double down on this, calling out the professional and knowledgeable instructors who are committed to their students’ success and work to ensure they understand the course content. 

Vitousek Real Estate School Pricing

In Hawaii, Vitousek Real Estate School offers three learning options for would-be agents:

  • Hard Copy Independent Study ($450 plus $50 textbook): Learn offline with this self-directed, hard-copy course. With the aid of a textbook, exam prep book, and study guide, you will complete the workbook’s lessons, assignments, and quizzes at your own pace.
  • Online Independent Study ($475): This fully on-demand, online 60-hour class includes the course text, interactive quizzes, reading assignments, instructional graphics, and chapter reviews. 
  • In-Classroom/Home Study ($495 plus $50 textbook): This package includes seven in-person classes and four self-paced home-study sessions to cover the required 60 hours of prelicensing coursework. Materials include quizzes, supplemental handouts, and a workbook.

(Hawaii prelicensing package prices as of November 2023)

Related Article
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Best Feature

The most balanced prelicensing course on this list, Vitousek Real Estate School’s In-Classroom/Home Study package is something we haven’t seen offered by any other real estate schools in Hawaii. It truly is a best-of-both-worlds option for Oahu-based students who want to split their time between a classroom and their own space—and for a good price, at that.

Room to Improve

Course enrollment through Vitousek Real Estate School is a little outdated, requiring potential students to print and mail their registration and payment. This also applies to exam prep kit purchases. A little updating could go a long way for future students!

Bottom Line

Whether you’re an adaptable learner who likes a classroom environment as much as an independent study session or you’re simply indecisive (we’ve all been there), Vitousek Real Estate School’s combination course will tick all the boxes. And better yet, they’ll stick with you until you pass your Hawaii real estate exam.

Visit Vitousek Real Estate School

Helpful Info

At a glance, the journey to getting licensed in the state of Hawaii might seem overwhelming. But we’re here to make sure that deciding on the right school—whether for prelicensing, exam prep, or continuing education—is an easy step in the process. Next, we’ll walk you through the requirements and expectations that come with each stage of your real estate education.




Methodology: How We Selected the Best Real Estate Schools in HI

We are dedicated to making sure The Close’s Hawaii readers choose the best real estate school for their needs. That’s why our team of licensed real estate professionals, writers, and editors use a weighted rubric to score national and local state schools based on criteria such as:

  • Accreditation
  • Course cost and value
  • Live class offerings
  • Presentation of content
  • Instructor experience
  • Exam prep options
  • Student reviews

Read more about The Close’s methodology here.

FAQs

Still have lingering questions about real estate licensing in Hawaii? We can help.







Bringing It All Together

With so many factors to consider, we hope this guide on the best real estate schools in Hawaii provided useful insight into which schools offer the most flexible learning schedules, interactive courses, supportive instructors, and more. 

The Close is dedicated to providing thorough research and resources to guide you through every stage of your real estate career. Have additional thoughts or questions? Let us know in the comment section below!