Hawaii Caretaker Requirements

Everything an agency needs to hire compliant caretakers in Hawaii — and everything an individual needs to know before starting work.

Training

32h

Min Age

18

Pay

$1726

TB Test

Yes

CPR

Yes

1

Verify Eligibility

Minimum age: 18 years oldRequired
Valid government-issued IDRequired
Legal authorization to work in the U.S.Required
High school diploma or GEDRecommended

Not required by most states for non-medical home care, but preferred by many agencies

2

Complete Background Checks & Screening

The hiring agency initiates and pays for these checks. All must clear before the caretaker has any client contact.

Criminal background checkRequired

State and FBI fingerprint-based criminal history check

Drug screeningVaries

Not required by the state, but many agencies require a pre-employment drug test

TB test / health screeningRequired

Must be completed within 12 months of hire. Some agencies require annual rescreening.

CPR / First Aid certificationRequired

Must be obtained before working with clients. American Heart Association or equivalent. Renewed every 2 years.

3

Complete Required Training

Agencies are responsible for providing or arranging this training. It must be completed before the caretaker works independently with clients.

Personal Care Attendant (PCA)

Non-medical caretaker providing in-home personal care.

32

Hours

Pre-service training

12 hours

Personal care skills, safety, communication, and emergency procedures

CPR/First Aid

8 hours

Must be certified before client contact

Annual continuing education

12 hours

Ongoing training in care topics

Scope of Practice — What This Role Covers

Personal careMeal preparationLight housekeepingTransportationCompanionship
4

Meet Additional State Requirements

Must complete TB clearanceRequired
CPR/First Aid required before independent workRequired
5

Maintain Ongoing Compliance

Agencies must track these deadlines and ensure all staff remain compliant. Lapsed credentials can result in fines and loss of licensure.

Renewal & Continuing Education

CPR renewed every 2 years; annual CE required

CPR / First Aid renewalRequired

Every 2 years

TB test rescreeningVaries

Annually or per agency policy

Regulatory Body

Hawaii Department of Health

Employment type: W-2 Employee

Visit official website

Average Hourly Pay

$17 – $26

per hour for non-medical care

Higher rates for weekends, overnights, and specialized care (dementia, hospice support). Urban areas typically pay 15–25% more than rural.

Demand Outlook

Strong — isolated geography creates consistent demand

Home care is one of the fastest-growing employment sectors in the U.S. Demand is driven by the aging population and preference for aging in place.

Hawaii-Specific Notes

  • 1
    High cost of living means higher pay but also higher costs for agencies
  • 2
    Neighbor islands (Maui, Big Island, Kauai) have acute shortages
  • 3
    Cultural competency in Hawaiian and Pacific Islander communities is valued

Frequently Asked Questions

How many training hours are required for caretakers in Hawaii?

Hawaii requires 32 hours of pre-service training for Personal Care Attendants. This typically covers pre-service training, cpr/first aid, annual continuing education. The hiring agency is responsible for providing or verifying this training.

What background checks are required for home care caretakers in Hawaii?

Hawaii requires: State and FBI fingerprint-based criminal history check. The hiring agency must complete all screening before the caretaker has any client contact. Drug testing policy: agency discretion.

How much do home care caretakers earn in Hawaii?

Non-medical home care caretakers in Hawaii earn $17–$26 per hour on average. Pay varies by region, experience, care complexity, and whether the shift is weekday vs weekend/overnight.

What is the minimum age to work as a caretaker in Hawaii?

You must be at least 18 years old to work as a non-medical home care caretaker in Hawaii. Most agencies also require a valid ID and legal work authorization.

What ongoing requirements do caretakers have in Hawaii?

CPR renewed every 2 years; annual CE required Agencies are responsible for tracking compliance and ensuring all staff maintain current credentials.

Managing caretaker compliance across your team?

HomeCareAtlas automatically tracks certifications, training deadlines, background check expirations, and renewal dates for every caretaker on your roster.

See how it works

This guide is for informational purposes only. Requirements change — always verify with Hawaii Department of Health before starting training or employment. HomeCareAtlas is not a certifying body and does not guarantee the accuracy of this information.