HONOLULU (KHON2) — Home to nearly one million people, Honolulu is Hawaiʻi’s largest city. Despite this steady flow of people, Honolulu has a lower-than-average violent crime rate and a property crime rate close to the national average.
The Honolulu Police Department (HPD), with more than 1,800 sworn officers and nearly 500 civilian workers, plays a key role in keeping the city safe.
For those who want to join HPD, the Sheriff Division or another county police department, there are set requirements and training paths to follow.
Honolulu police officer requirements
To apply to HPD, you must be at least 21 years old by graduation from the police academy. You must be a U.S. citizen, national or legal permanent resident.
A high school diploma or GED and a valid driver’s license are required.
Applicants need 20/20 vision with normal color and depth perception, and they must meet hearing standards and other physical fitness rules.
Felony convictions or disqualifying misdemeanors will block applications.
The process begins with a written exam, taken within two months of applying. Applicants who advance move to a fitness test and submit a personal history statement for a background check.
Those who continue take medical and psychological exams before being appointed to the police academy.
Ke Kula Makaʻi
Recruits train at Ke Kula Makaʻi, the HPD academy. The program lasts about six months and includes courses on laws, department policies, arrest tactics and physical fitness.
After graduation, officers complete field training before being assigned. Most start on foot patrol in downtown Honolulu or Waikīkī.
Lateral-entry program
HPD also offers a lateral-entry path for experienced officers. To qualify, applicants must complete at least 664 hours of general law enforcement training. This includes 200 hours of basic training in the United States.
Officers with a valid California POST certificate or equivalency certificate automatically qualify.
Applicants must be employed as full-duty sworn officers with a recognized municipal, city, county or state agency. At least two years of post-academy service is required, with experience in patrolling, answering emergency calls, performing enforcement actions and investigating crimes and accidents.
Federal law enforcement officers, military police and state of Hawaiʻi law enforcement officers do not qualify for this program.
Other requirements include being at least 21, holding a valid driver’s license and meeting state and federal firearm eligibility rules.
Applicants also undergo medical reviews that include vision and hearing standards. Internal affairs convictions for integrity violations, civil rights issues, harassment, excessive force or theft disqualify candidates.
Sheriff deputies
The Sheriff Division operates under the state Department of Law Enforcement. Deputies serve at the Capitol, Honolulu Airport and on neighbor islands.
Requirements include being at least 21, a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, a high school graduate and legally eligible to carry firearms.
A valid driver’s license, clean record and good character are necessary. Two years of work experience using written English is required, though a bachelor’s degree is preferred.
County officers
Other counties also hire. Maui Police Department recruits officers who are at least 20, meet physical standards and pass written, psychological and polygraph exams. Starting pay is $63,108 per year.
On Hawaiʻi Island, county officers must be at least 21, hold a driver’s license and meet firearm laws. Their starting pay is $61,716 per year.
Salary and outlook
Honolulu recruits earn $64,368 per year during training and the first year of service. The average salary for HPD officers is $75,270.
Officers also receive retirement benefits, with early retirement possible at age 55 after 25 years of service.
Across Hawaiʻi, about 2,700 police and sheriff’s patrol officers serve in seven major agencies. Job growth is projected at 6.7% through 2026, with about 200 openings each year.
For those ready to “serve and protect with aloha,” the path is challenging but offers a career of purpose across the islands.
You can click here for information from HPD about joining the department. You can also click here and here for more expanded how-guides.
With Honolulu being named one of the best cities to work, opportunities to join various openings across the county provide both stability and the chance to serve the community.