Reflexology and Foot Massage Regulations and Laws in Hawaii

Reflexology and Foot Massage Regulations and Laws in Hawaii

At Raynor Massage, we celebrate holistic healing and prioritize clarity in legal regulations. In Hawaii, reflexology and foot massage fall under the jurisdiction of the state’s massage laws—but specific exemptions and rules apply.

✅ Is Reflexology Legal in Hawaii?

Yes—reflexology is legal, but under current law it is not exempt from massage licensure requirements. In 2018, an amendment (HB1966) was proposed to exempt hand, foot, and outer-ear manipulation from massage licensing, but it was not passed; the Board confirmed that reflexology still requires a massage license under HRS § 452‑1 reflehawaii.com+11cca.hawaii.gov+11mindbodyandsoleonline.com+11.

️ Licensing Requirements Under Hawaii Law

To legally provide reflexology or foot massage for compensation, practitioners must:

• Hold a Hawaii Massage Therapist license issued by the DCCA Board of Massage Therapy

  • Complete 570 hours from an approved school or apprenticeship cca.hawaii.gov+6amtamassage.org+6massagemag.com+6

  • Pass the Hawaii state practical exam (not the MBLEx) massagemag.com+4reddit.com+4abmp.com+4

  • Provide fingerprints/background check, proof of CPR certification, and apply for licensure cca.hawaii.gov+7amtamassage.org+7nhi.edu+7

  • Renew every two years with 12 hours of continuing education cca.hawaii.gov+6hawaiispaassociation.com+6massageliabilityinsurancegroup.com+6

Reflexology Is Treated as Massage

The Board maintains that reflexology involves manipulation of soft tissue, and therefore falls within the definition of massage therapy. Thus, anyone offering paid reflexology must hold an active massage therapist license cca.hawaii.gov+9cca.hawaii.gov+9mindbodyandsoleonline.com+9.

Business and Establishment Requirements

Massage establishments in Hawaii must:

• Register through MyPVL under Massage Establishment (MAE)

• Pay renewal fees (e.g., $164/biennium for both license and establishment) mindbodyandsoleonline.com+12cca.hawaii.gov+12hawaiispaassociation.com+12

• Ensure anyone providing paid bodywork—including reflexology—is licensed

• Adhere to rules regarding advertising: it is illegal to advertise as “massage therapist” without a license (HRS § 452‑23) continued.com+2mindbodyandsoleonline.com+2cca.hawaii.gov+2en.wikipedia.org+4law.justia.com+4cca.hawaii.gov+4

Want to Learn Reflexology?

Raynor Massage offers professional-level Foot & Hand Reflexology and Raynor Massage Therapy training that works well for people compliant with Hawaii’s licensing standards:

➡️ Foot & Hand Reflexology Course
➡️ See all Raynor Massage Courses

Perfect for:

• Future Hawaii LMTs requiring skilled foot reflexology techniques

• Licensed therapists seeking holistic skill expansion

• Practitioners aiming to align with legal compliance and advanced bodywork methods

✅ Hawaii Reflexology Compliance Checklist

• COMPLETE 570 hrs training via state-approved school/apprenticeship

• PASS the Hawaii massage practical exam

• OBTAIN a Hawaii massage therapist license

• EARN 12 CE hours every 2 years

• ENSURE any reflexology business operates with licensed therapists and a registered establishment

• ADHERE to advertising regulations—only licensees may use “massage therapist” in promotions

⚖️ Disclaimer

This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Regulations can change. Always verify requirements with the Hawaii Board of Massage Therapy (DCCA) or consult a legal/professional advisor.

Raynor Massage
Holistic Training in Reflexology & Natural Bodywork
www.raynormassage.com