Do You Need a License for Reiki in Hawaii?

Hawaii defines massage, including lomilomi, as treating the superficial soft parts of the body by rubbing, stroking, tapotement, pressing, shaking or kneading. The only exemptions cover emergency or domestic help given without pay, holders of other healing arts licenses, and barbers and cosmetologists. Reiki and energy work are not named either way.

The Hawaii Board of Massage Therapy discussed Reiki and healing touch in 2014. The chair said they generally do not involve massage, yet the board deferred the question and never ruled. In 2019 it refused to count Reiki and energy healing courses toward massage training, without giving a reason. Keep any touch light and still, with no rubbing, pressing or kneading.

Yes, as far as the massage law goes. Sessions with your hands above the body, and remote sessions, do not fit its definition. The bigger risk is Hawaii's medical practice law, which covers any means, tangible or intangible, used to diagnose, treat, palliate or correct any disease, condition, pain or illness.

Describe your work as relaxation, balance and well-being, and never offer it to treat or correct a condition. Traditional Native Hawaiian healers certified by a kupuna council are protected under a separate provision.

For massage, yes. A massage license is needed to practice massage for compensation. The medical practice law applies whether you are paid or work for free, so the claims you make matter even in free sessions.

Advertising yourself as a massage therapist without a license is a misdemeanor, even for people the massage law exempts. Leave the word massage out of your listings. Do not advertise yourself as prepared to practice medicine, avoid using Dr., M.D. or D.O. in any way that suggests you practice medicine, and make no claim to diagnose, treat or cure disease.

The board has never ruled on Reiki, and its April 2025 FAQ does not mention Reiki or energy work. A written inquiry to the Hawaii Board of Massage Therapy, describing exactly how you work, would settle the question. Keep a copy of its reply.