Last updated: March 9, 2026

ABA Programs in Hawaii (2026)

Hawaii's only ABA program — the University of Hawaii at Manoa's MEd with a Behavior Analysis track — is currently pausing enrollment. Here's what that means for aspiring BCBAs in the Aloha State, plus licensure requirements, salary context, and online alternatives worth considering.

Taylor Rupe

Founder & Editor

B.A. in Psychology, University of Washington — Seattle

ABA Programs in Hawaii (2026)

Key Takeaways

  • The University of Hawaii at Manoa offers a 35-credit MEd in Special Education with an ABA track at $650/credit for residents (~$22,750 total) — but is not enrolling for Summer 2026 admissions.
  • Hawaii has required behavior analyst licensure since 2015 through the DCCA Professional and Vocational Licensing Division — with biennial renewal by December 31 of odd-numbered years.
  • Hawaii's BLS median of $54,390 for behavioral health counselors is below the national average — and Hawaii's cost of living is approximately 70% above the national average, significantly reducing purchasing power.
  • With UH Manoa's enrollment pause, Hawaii residents should consider online ABA master's programs from accredited mainland universities — supervised fieldwork can still be completed at local Hawaii sites.
  • The 15–20 business day license processing time through DCCA-PVL is relatively fast — applications can be submitted online or by mail after obtaining BCBA certification.

The University of Hawaii at Manoa has been the state's sole provider of BCBA-qualifying graduate education through its MEd in Special Education with an Applied Behavior Analysis track. The 35-credit program is delivered part-time (two courses per semester) through the College of Education's Special Education department, with coursework covering foundational and advanced principles of behavior change, assessment, intervention, and ethical practice. At $650/credit for Hawaii residents, the total tuition runs approximately $22,750.

However, as of October 2025, the MEd in Special Education is not enrolling for Summer 2026 admissions. This enrollment pause creates a significant gap for Hawaii-based students — making online programs from accredited mainland universities the primary path to BCBA certification for the foreseeable future. The ABA track includes fieldwork supervision options: students with an eligible on-site supervisor attend group supervision sessions through UH Manoa (1 credit per semester for 4 semesters), while students needing full supervision enroll in 3 credits per semester.

Hawaii has licensed behavior analysts since 2015, administered by the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA) Professional and Vocational Licensing Division. Licensure requires current BCBA certification, a completed application, and associated fees. Licenses renew biennially by December 31 of odd-numbered years. The licensing process takes 15–20 business days — relatively fast compared to many states.

UH Manoa's ABA Track — Currently Paused, What to Know

School Tuition (In-State) Format Length Accreditation
University of Hawaii at Manoa — MEd in Special Education, ABA Track $650/credit (~$22,750 total, 35 credits) Part-time (2 courses per semester) 2–3 years part-time BACB-Aligned

University of Hawaii at Manoa — MEd in Special Education, ABA Track

Honolulu

In-State Tuition

$650/credit (~$22,750 total, 35 credits)

Out-of-State

Contact UH Manoa for current non-resident graduate rates

Format

Part-time (2 courses per semester)

Full-Time

2–3 years part-time

Field Hours

1,500 supervised experience hours (on-site supervisor option: 1 credit/semester group supervision; full UH supervision: 3 credits/semester)

Concentrations

Applied Behavior Analysis — behavioral assessment, intervention, ethical practice, fieldwork supervision, evidence-based strategies for individuals with disabilities

  • Hawaii's only BCBA-qualifying graduate program — housed in UH Manoa's College of Education
  • NOT ENROLLING for Summer 2026 admissions — contact [email protected] for updates on reopening
  • Part-time format (2 courses/semester) designed for working professionals
  • Flexible fieldwork supervision: use your own on-site supervisor or receive full supervision from UH Manoa faculty
  • UH Manoa is Hawaii's flagship R1 research university — strong institutional support
  • ABA track covers BACB 5th Edition Task List requirements
  • Located in Honolulu — centrally positioned for Oahu-based practicum placements
Visit Program Website → GRE: Not required · Min GPA: 3.0

DCCA-PVL Licensure Since 2015 — Biennial December Renewal

Licensed Behavior Analyst

Issued by: Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA) — Professional and Vocational Licensing Division

  • Current BCBA certification from the BACB in good standing
  • Completed application submitted online or by mail to the Behavior Analyst Program, DCCA-PVL
  • Required fees: approximately $270 (renewal: $120 + $100 CRF + $50 special assessment)
  • Proof of current BCBA certification — verifiable through the BACB registry
  • Hawaii has licensed behavior analysts since 2015, with DCCA-PVL administering the program since 2016
  • License processing takes approximately 15–20 business days
  • Licensed Assistant Behavior Analyst credential available for BCaBA holders

Renewal

Biennial renewal by December 31 of odd-numbered years. Must maintain BACB certification in active status. Renewal fees approximately $270. Licenses not renewed by the expiration date result in unlicensed status — you may not practice until renewed. Online renewal available through ehawaii.gov.

Visit Licensing Board →

BCBA Pay in Honolulu — Nominal Salary vs. Cost-of-Living Reality

BLS Median

$54,390

Entry Level

$36,000–$45,000

Experienced

$58,000–$75,000 (BCBA-certified, Honolulu)

Top Earners

$80,000–$100,000+ (clinical directors, private practice, military-connected families)

Hawaii's BLS median of $54,390 for behavioral health counselors is below the national average of $59,190 — a challenging data point given that Hawaii's cost of living is approximately 70% above the national average. A BCBA earning $65,000 in Honolulu has purchasing power equivalent to roughly $38,000 in a city at the national average. This cost-of-living squeeze is the most significant financial consideration for BCBAs in Hawaii. Honolulu (Oahu) drives the vast majority of ABA positions. The neighbor islands (Maui, Big Island, Kauai) have smaller markets with acute behavioral health shortages. Military families at the numerous bases across the islands create additional demand for ABA services, and TRICARE reimbursement rates can be higher than Medicaid.

Island ABA Practice: Unique Challenges & Opportunities

BLS Employment

1,870

Projected Growth

19% nationally through 2034

Top Employers

Hawaii Department of Education, Queen's Health Systems, Hawaii Behavioral Health, Military Family Support (TRICARE providers), Easter Seals Hawaii

Hawaii's ABA workforce faces unique island-specific challenges. The Hawaii Department of Education is the state's single statewide school district and a major employer of behavior analysts. Queen's Health Systems is the largest healthcare provider. Private ABA agencies serve families across Oahu, with limited presence on neighbor islands. The military community — spanning bases on Oahu, Maui, and the Big Island — creates steady TRICARE-funded demand for ABA services. Telehealth is expanding ABA access to neighbor islands, though internet connectivity varies in rural areas. The combination of high cost of living, limited local training programs (now paused at UH Manoa), and geographic isolation makes recruitment difficult — but also means less competition for BCBAs who commit to practicing in Hawaii.

Frequently Asked Questions

As of October 2025, the MEd in Special Education is not enrolling for Summer 2026 admissions. Contact [email protected] for the latest information on when the program will resume accepting students. In the meantime, online ABA master's programs from accredited mainland universities are the primary path to BCBA certification for Hawaii residents.
Any BACB-approved online ABA master's program accepts Hawaii students. Cost-effective options include Mississippi State ($558/credit, in-state for all), UCO ($292/credit), and Ball State. The key consideration for Hawaii residents is fieldwork: you'll need to arrange supervised practicum hours at local ABA agencies, schools, or healthcare facilities. Hawaii's relatively small ABA community means fewer placement sites than mainland cities, so start fieldwork planning early.
Significantly. Hawaii's cost of living — particularly housing — is approximately 70% above the national average. A BCBA earning $65,000 in Honolulu has less purchasing power than one earning $40,000 in most mainland cities. Some BCBAs offset this through telehealth serving mainland clients, military family contracts (TRICARE rates can be higher), or private practice with premium rates. Others accept the trade-off for Hawaii's lifestyle. The financial reality should be a major factor in your program choice — minimizing student loan debt is especially important when practicing in a high-cost state.
Yes, and the need is acute. Maui, the Big Island (Hawaii Island), Kauai, and Molokai all have significant behavioral health shortages. Some BCBAs split their time between islands, though inter-island travel costs add up. Telehealth-based ABA services are expanding, allowing BCBAs on Oahu to serve families on neighbor islands. If you're willing to live on a neighbor island, you'll face less competition and potentially strong demand — though the client base is smaller and more dispersed than on Oahu.
Yes — substantially. Hawaii hosts multiple military installations including Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Schofield Barracks, Marine Corps Base Hawaii, and others across the islands. Military families accessing ABA services through TRICARE create steady demand for BCBAs with experience serving this population. TRICARE reimbursement rates are often higher than Medicaid, making military-connected ABA practice financially attractive. Some ABA agencies in Hawaii specialize in serving the military community.