Hawaii Massage Therapy Exam | Hawaii Massage Therapist License Exam
Study Guide & Exam Prep 2026–2027 | Hawaii Board of Massage Therapy
Licensing Exam Review | Massage Therapy Anatomy & Physiology, Structural
Kinesiology, Massage Techniques, Assessment, Contraindications, Hygiene &
Sanitation, Draping, Client Records, Professional Ethics, Hawaii Massage
Therapy Laws & Rules, Scope of Practice, Licensing Requirements, Safety,
Professional Practice & Client Care | Practice Questions, Case-Based
Scenarios & Detailed Rationales
Question 1: Under Hawaii Revised Statutes Chapter 452, what is the definition
of "massage" commonly known as lomilomi?
A. Any method of treatment of the deep internal organs using surgical
instruments
B. Any method of treatment of the superficial soft parts of the body consisting of
rubbing, stroking, tapotement, pressing, shaking, or kneading
C. Any method of treatment involving only the prescription of herbal remedies
D. Any method of treatment of the skeletal system using manual adjustment only
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Any method of treatment of the superficial soft parts of
the body consisting of rubbing, stroking, tapotement, pressing, shaking, or
kneading
Rationale: HRS §452-1 defines massage, massage therapy, and Hawaiian massage
(lomilomi) as 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, whether or not aided by mechanical or electrical
apparatus or supplementary aids.
Question 2: According to Hawaii Administrative Rules, what is the minimum
duration of an apprenticeship training program for a massage therapist?
A. Not less than three months
B. Not less than six months nor more than twelve months
C. Not less than twelve months nor more than eighteen months
D. Not less than twenty-four months
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Not less than six months nor more than twelve months
,Rationale: HAR §16-84-23 specifies that the apprenticeship program shall be of
not less than six nor more than twelve months duration from the date of issuance
of the permit.
Question 3: Which muscle is known as the "boxer's muscle" due to its role in
protracting and stabilizing the scapula during punching movements?
A. Pectoralis major
B. Deltoid
C. Serratus anterior
D. Latissimus dorsi
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Serratus anterior
Rationale: The serratus anterior protracts and stabilizes the scapula against the
thoracic wall. It is nicknamed the "boxer's muscle" because it pulls the scapula
forward during a punching motion.
Question 4: What is the primary purpose of draping during a massage session in
Hawaii?
A. To keep the client warm only
B. To protect client privacy and maintain professional boundaries
C. To reduce friction during strokes
D. To comply with time regulations
CORRECT ANSWER: B. To protect client privacy and maintain professional
boundaries
Rationale: Draping protects client modesty, maintains professional boundaries,
and is required by Hawaii state law. It ensures the client feels safe and respected
throughout the session.
Question 5: Which of the following conditions is considered an absolute
contraindication for massage therapy?
A. Mild muscle soreness
B. Chronic fatigue
C. Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
D. Anxiety disorder
,CORRECT ANSWER: C. Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
Rationale: DVT is an absolute contraindication because massage over the affected
area can dislodge the clot, potentially causing a life-threatening pulmonary
embolism.
Question 6: Under Hawaii law, which agency is responsible for licensing
massage therapists?
A. Hawaii Department of Labor
B. Hawaii Board of Health
C. Hawaii Medical Board
D. Hawaii Professional and Vocational Licensing (DCCA-PVL)
CORRECT ANSWER: D. Hawaii Professional and Vocational Licensing (DCCA-PVL)
Rationale: The Hawaii Professional and Vocational Licensing Division of the
Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA-PVL) is the agency
responsible for licensing massage therapists in Hawaii.
Question 7: How many continuing education hours are required for a massage
therapist to renew their license biennially in Hawaii?
A. 10 hours
B. 12 hours
C. 24 hours
D. 36 hours
CORRECT ANSWER: C. 24 hours
Rationale: Per HAR 16-84-19, a licensed massage therapist in Hawaii must
complete 24 hours of continuing education every two years for license renewal.
This total includes specific requirements such as ethics training and updates on
Hawaii laws and rules.
Question 8: Which nerve provides innervation to the biceps brachii muscle?
A. Radial nerve
B. Median nerve
C. Musculocutaneous nerve
D. Ulnar nerve
, CORRECT ANSWER: C. Musculocutaneous nerve
Rationale: The musculocutaneous nerve, arising from nerve roots C5 through C7,
innervates the biceps brachii, brachialis, and coracobrachialis muscles. It is
responsible for elbow flexion and forearm supination.
Question 9: What is the minimum number of total education hours required to
qualify for the Hawaii massage therapy state exam?
A. 500 hours
B. 570 hours
C. 600 hours
D. 750 hours
CORRECT ANSWER: B. 570 hours
Rationale: Hawaii requires completion of a minimum 570-hour approved
program, including 50 hours of anatomy/physiology/kinesiology, 100 hours of
theory/demonstration, and 420 hours of practical training.
Question 10: Which massage technique is characterized by kneading, rolling,
and squeezing the soft tissues to increase circulation and relax muscles?
A. Effleurage
B. Petrissage
C. Tapotement
D. Friction
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Petrissage
Rationale: Petrissage involves deep kneading, compression, and rolling of muscle
tissue. This technique is used to enhance blood flow, stretch muscle fibers, and
remove metabolic waste.
Question 11: What is the passing score required for the Hawaii massage
therapist state examination?
A. 60%
B. 70%
C. 75%
D. 80%
Study Guide & Exam Prep 2026–2027 | Hawaii Board of Massage Therapy
Licensing Exam Review | Massage Therapy Anatomy & Physiology, Structural
Kinesiology, Massage Techniques, Assessment, Contraindications, Hygiene &
Sanitation, Draping, Client Records, Professional Ethics, Hawaii Massage
Therapy Laws & Rules, Scope of Practice, Licensing Requirements, Safety,
Professional Practice & Client Care | Practice Questions, Case-Based
Scenarios & Detailed Rationales
Question 1: Under Hawaii Revised Statutes Chapter 452, what is the definition
of "massage" commonly known as lomilomi?
A. Any method of treatment of the deep internal organs using surgical
instruments
B. Any method of treatment of the superficial soft parts of the body consisting of
rubbing, stroking, tapotement, pressing, shaking, or kneading
C. Any method of treatment involving only the prescription of herbal remedies
D. Any method of treatment of the skeletal system using manual adjustment only
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Any method of treatment of the superficial soft parts of
the body consisting of rubbing, stroking, tapotement, pressing, shaking, or
kneading
Rationale: HRS §452-1 defines massage, massage therapy, and Hawaiian massage
(lomilomi) as 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, whether or not aided by mechanical or electrical
apparatus or supplementary aids.
Question 2: According to Hawaii Administrative Rules, what is the minimum
duration of an apprenticeship training program for a massage therapist?
A. Not less than three months
B. Not less than six months nor more than twelve months
C. Not less than twelve months nor more than eighteen months
D. Not less than twenty-four months
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Not less than six months nor more than twelve months
,Rationale: HAR §16-84-23 specifies that the apprenticeship program shall be of
not less than six nor more than twelve months duration from the date of issuance
of the permit.
Question 3: Which muscle is known as the "boxer's muscle" due to its role in
protracting and stabilizing the scapula during punching movements?
A. Pectoralis major
B. Deltoid
C. Serratus anterior
D. Latissimus dorsi
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Serratus anterior
Rationale: The serratus anterior protracts and stabilizes the scapula against the
thoracic wall. It is nicknamed the "boxer's muscle" because it pulls the scapula
forward during a punching motion.
Question 4: What is the primary purpose of draping during a massage session in
Hawaii?
A. To keep the client warm only
B. To protect client privacy and maintain professional boundaries
C. To reduce friction during strokes
D. To comply with time regulations
CORRECT ANSWER: B. To protect client privacy and maintain professional
boundaries
Rationale: Draping protects client modesty, maintains professional boundaries,
and is required by Hawaii state law. It ensures the client feels safe and respected
throughout the session.
Question 5: Which of the following conditions is considered an absolute
contraindication for massage therapy?
A. Mild muscle soreness
B. Chronic fatigue
C. Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
D. Anxiety disorder
,CORRECT ANSWER: C. Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
Rationale: DVT is an absolute contraindication because massage over the affected
area can dislodge the clot, potentially causing a life-threatening pulmonary
embolism.
Question 6: Under Hawaii law, which agency is responsible for licensing
massage therapists?
A. Hawaii Department of Labor
B. Hawaii Board of Health
C. Hawaii Medical Board
D. Hawaii Professional and Vocational Licensing (DCCA-PVL)
CORRECT ANSWER: D. Hawaii Professional and Vocational Licensing (DCCA-PVL)
Rationale: The Hawaii Professional and Vocational Licensing Division of the
Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA-PVL) is the agency
responsible for licensing massage therapists in Hawaii.
Question 7: How many continuing education hours are required for a massage
therapist to renew their license biennially in Hawaii?
A. 10 hours
B. 12 hours
C. 24 hours
D. 36 hours
CORRECT ANSWER: C. 24 hours
Rationale: Per HAR 16-84-19, a licensed massage therapist in Hawaii must
complete 24 hours of continuing education every two years for license renewal.
This total includes specific requirements such as ethics training and updates on
Hawaii laws and rules.
Question 8: Which nerve provides innervation to the biceps brachii muscle?
A. Radial nerve
B. Median nerve
C. Musculocutaneous nerve
D. Ulnar nerve
, CORRECT ANSWER: C. Musculocutaneous nerve
Rationale: The musculocutaneous nerve, arising from nerve roots C5 through C7,
innervates the biceps brachii, brachialis, and coracobrachialis muscles. It is
responsible for elbow flexion and forearm supination.
Question 9: What is the minimum number of total education hours required to
qualify for the Hawaii massage therapy state exam?
A. 500 hours
B. 570 hours
C. 600 hours
D. 750 hours
CORRECT ANSWER: B. 570 hours
Rationale: Hawaii requires completion of a minimum 570-hour approved
program, including 50 hours of anatomy/physiology/kinesiology, 100 hours of
theory/demonstration, and 420 hours of practical training.
Question 10: Which massage technique is characterized by kneading, rolling,
and squeezing the soft tissues to increase circulation and relax muscles?
A. Effleurage
B. Petrissage
C. Tapotement
D. Friction
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Petrissage
Rationale: Petrissage involves deep kneading, compression, and rolling of muscle
tissue. This technique is used to enhance blood flow, stretch muscle fibers, and
remove metabolic waste.
Question 11: What is the passing score required for the Hawaii massage
therapist state examination?
A. 60%
B. 70%
C. 75%
D. 80%
