They often say, “Maui No Ka ‘Oi” – “Maui is the best,” but each of the islands has its own character and beauty. Although the islands are not large in comparison to many states, a May 2020 Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) report revealed 1,070 paralegal jobs in Hawaii, the majority of which were found on the main island of Oahu, where tourism and businesses flourish and where interests from a multitude of nations merge.
Banking, real estate, and development companies and a wide array of other businesses all need legal support. Individuals interested in finance, insurance, shipping, or government should all be able to find a niche on one of the islands where their legal skills can be put to use. According to the BLS, the average salary for Hawaii paralegals was $55,520, or $26.69 per hour as of May 2020. For the profession’s top earners (top 10%), salaries here can reach $79,290, or $38.12 per hour.
It can be hard work, but the challenges are definitely rewarding and paralegals in Hawaii have one of most beautiful, exciting places in the world in which to relax or play when the work is done.
Paralegal Certification
There is currently no mandatory licensing or certification for paralegals in Hawaii.
Where to Earn Your Paralegal Certificate or Degree in Hawaii
Paralegal Certificates
Liberty University Online
A Christian university based in Virginia, Liberty University offers an online program that gives prospective paralegals the opportunity to gain an education while still working or tending to family responsibilities. Its undergraduate certificate in paralegal studies prepares students with a comprehensive course of study offered from a moral and biblical perspective. Students have a strong support system that includes academic advisers, a writing center and 24/7 access to online tutors and online ministries. Military students receive a tuition discount and book voucher; in addition, military members enrolled in at least six hours can receive a technology fee waiver.
- Estimated Program Cost: $6,120
- Prerequisites: High school diploma; 2.0 GPA on all high school and college coursework
- ABA Approved: No
- Format: Online
Paralegal Associate Degrees
Kapi’olani Community College (KCC)
A public, two-year institution, Kapi’olani Community College is part of the University of Hawaii community college system. Its paralegal Associate in Science is a 60-credit program includes course work in legal research, writing and litigation. Students may explore their personal interests with courses in specialty fields of the law that can give them a foundation for pursuing those specialties upon graduation, and a cooperative education capstone provides hands-on experience. With the majority of law courses being taught at the Richardson School of Law on the University of Hawaii Manoa campus, students have the benefit of a law-specific environment not ordinarily found at community colleges. Select courses are also offered via distance learning
- Estimated Program Cost: $6,840 for state residents; $18,960 for out-of-state students (based on 2014-2015 per-credit tuition)
- Prerequisites: High school diploma, GED or age 18 or above
- ABA Approved: Yes
- Format: On campus or hybrid (on campus and online)
Sample required courses:
- The Hawaii Legal System
- Law Office Management
- Computer Applications in the Law Office
- Legal Interviewing, Negotiating & Advocacy
- Real Property Law
Paralegal Bachelor’s Degrees
Post University
Post University was founded in Connecticut over 120 year ago, and now offers online programs to students across the country. In 2013, U.S. News & World Report named Post University on its list of best online bachelor’s degree programs. Post’s Bachelor of Science in legal studies gives students a liberal arts education with a core curriculum in legal studies. Students learn substantive law, research skills, oral and written communication and the technical skills necessary to perform well in the legal environment.
- Estimated Program Cost: $66,000 (based on 2013-2014 full-program tuition)
- Prerequisites: High school diploma or GED
- ABA Approved: No
- Format: Online
Sample required courses:
- Civil Litigation Practice
- Legal Research
- E-Commerce: The Legal Context
- Business Organizations & Practice
Professional Organization
- The Hawaii Paralegal Association (HPA) promotes the paralegal profession and supports paralegals in the state of Hawaii. Members have access to networking through HPA events, can take advantage of educational programs, receive news and legal updates through an online newsletter and have access to job listings. Members of the HPA are also members of the National Federation of Paralegal Associations (NFPA).
2020 US Bureau of Labor Statistics salary data and job market trends for paralegals reflect state and national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed January 2022.