Hawaii Physician License 2026: Hawaii Medical Board, Non-IMLC, Timeline & The Queen's / Kaiser Hawaii / Straub Credentialing

Hawaii is not an IMLC member as of 2026 — no compact fast-track exists. Hawaii has the highest physician license application fee in the US at $935. The monthly board review cycle means missing a meeting adds 4–5 weeks. Despite the friction, Hawaii's isolation creates unique demand for physicians willing to commit.

Key facts

• No IMLC: Full Hawaii Medical Board endorsement required for all applicants
• Fee: $935 initial, $700 biennial renewal — highest in the US
• Timeline: 8–14 weeks standard; monthly board cycle

Major health system credentialing (HI)

• The Queen's Medical Center (Honolulu): 90–120 days. Largest hospital in HI; Level I trauma, Hawaii's primary tertiary referral center.
• Kaiser Permanente Hawaii (Honolulu): 90–120 days integrated system; largest insured patient population in HI.
• Hawaii Pacific Health / Straub (Honolulu): 90–120 days; 4 hospitals across Oahu and Maui.
• Kapiolani Medical Center (Honolulu): 90–120 days; HI's only Level III NICU.
• Maui Health System (Wailuku): 90–120 days; primary Neighbor Island hospital.

What we see at Ava Health

Neighbor Island positions (Maui, Big Island, Kauai, Molokai) have severe primary care shortages and geographic premiums. Locum physicians in Hawaii typically stay 4–13 weeks. The $935 fee and non-IMLC status filter for genuine commitment — competition is lower than the fee implies once a physician commits to the market.

Related: California Physician License 2026, Alaska Physician License 2026.