HAWAII MASSAGE EXAM 2027
COMPREHENSIVE PREP QUESTIONS
AND ANSWERS
1. According to Hawaii Administrative Rules Title 16 Chapter 84, what is the minimum
number of hours of ‘hands-on’ practical massage training required in a board-approved
massage program?
A. 100 hours
B. 570 hours
C. 200 hours
D. 150 hours
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Hawaii requires 570 total hours for licensure, but specifically
150 of those must be ‘hands-on’ practical training under the supervision of a qualified
instructor.
,2. Which muscle originates on the internal surface of the iliac fossa and inserts on the lesser
trochanter of the femur?
A. Psoas Major
B. Iliacus
C. Pectineus
D. Sartorius
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: The Iliacus originates on the iliac fossa. While the Psoas Major
also inserts on the lesser trochanter, it originates on the T12-L5 vertebrae.
3. When a client experiences ‘transference,’ they are:
A. Applying their feelings or expectations from a past relationship onto the therapist.
B. Attempting to move from a prone to a supine position without draping.
C. Moving the pain from a primary site to a referred site.
D. The therapist projecting personal issues onto the client.
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Transference is a psychological phenomenon where a client
redirects feelings for another person toward the therapist. The reverse is counter-
transference.
, 4. In Hawaii, a massage therapist license expires on June 30th of every:
A. Odd-numbered year
B. Even-numbered year
C. Year
D. Five years
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: In the state of Hawaii, massage therapy licenses are biennial and
expire on June 30 of even-numbered years.
5. Which of the following is a local contraindication for massage?
A. Acute Flare-up of Rheumatoid Arthritis
B. Mild Chronic Hypertension
C. An active Wart
D. Stable Fibromyalgia
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: A wart is a viral infection (HPV). While the whole body doesn’t
need to be avoided, the specific area should be avoided to prevent spread, making it a local
contraindication.
6. Which nerve innervates the diaphragm?
A. Vagus nerve
COMPREHENSIVE PREP QUESTIONS
AND ANSWERS
1. According to Hawaii Administrative Rules Title 16 Chapter 84, what is the minimum
number of hours of ‘hands-on’ practical massage training required in a board-approved
massage program?
A. 100 hours
B. 570 hours
C. 200 hours
D. 150 hours
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Hawaii requires 570 total hours for licensure, but specifically
150 of those must be ‘hands-on’ practical training under the supervision of a qualified
instructor.
,2. Which muscle originates on the internal surface of the iliac fossa and inserts on the lesser
trochanter of the femur?
A. Psoas Major
B. Iliacus
C. Pectineus
D. Sartorius
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: The Iliacus originates on the iliac fossa. While the Psoas Major
also inserts on the lesser trochanter, it originates on the T12-L5 vertebrae.
3. When a client experiences ‘transference,’ they are:
A. Applying their feelings or expectations from a past relationship onto the therapist.
B. Attempting to move from a prone to a supine position without draping.
C. Moving the pain from a primary site to a referred site.
D. The therapist projecting personal issues onto the client.
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Transference is a psychological phenomenon where a client
redirects feelings for another person toward the therapist. The reverse is counter-
transference.
, 4. In Hawaii, a massage therapist license expires on June 30th of every:
A. Odd-numbered year
B. Even-numbered year
C. Year
D. Five years
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: In the state of Hawaii, massage therapy licenses are biennial and
expire on June 30 of even-numbered years.
5. Which of the following is a local contraindication for massage?
A. Acute Flare-up of Rheumatoid Arthritis
B. Mild Chronic Hypertension
C. An active Wart
D. Stable Fibromyalgia
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: A wart is a viral infection (HPV). While the whole body doesn’t
need to be avoided, the specific area should be avoided to prevent spread, making it a local
contraindication.
6. Which nerve innervates the diaphragm?
A. Vagus nerve
