Makeup Artist Schools in Hawaii
For a smaller state with a smaller population, Hawaii has some excellent training options for people who want to learn more about makeup. On this page, we've compiled a list of all the makeup schools in Hawaii, and we've also detailed some information about the career: the types of schools that teach makeup, the types of jobs that makeup artists have, and guidance on how to choose your career.
What Do You Want to Learn?
There are a couple different ways that people take makeup classes. The first is at a school dedicated solely to makeup. There aren't too many of those, and most of them operate in states with a LOT of people, such as Texas, New York, Florida, and California. There are, however, some FANTASTIC makeup schools in Hawaii, and we've listed those in the section titled "Hawaii MUA Classes" below. The classes themselves will cover a wide range of topics, including application techniques, color wheels and color theory, the types of makeup and brands you'll need to develop a makeup kit, how to build a portfolio, and so on. These schools can get a little pricey, and it's not uncommon for them to cost $7,500 or more.
There are also one-day or one-week workshops (sometimes called "intensives" or "makeup intensives") that are much more affordable. They usually take place in some of the busier metropolitan centers (so in Hawaii, you'd look for events in Honolulu and Hilo). At an intensive, you'll usually focus on a single aspect of makeup, such as airbrushing techniques, how to work with skin imperfections, or how to run a small makeup business. They'll allow you the opportunity to meet like-minded people, develop a professional network, and maybe even travel a little bit!
The last--and for some people, best--option is a cosmetology school or esthetician school. These don't focus solely on makeup products and techniques, but instead teach all aspects of beauty, including hair and hairstyling, skin care techniques and routines, nail technology, and makeup artistry. The most positive aspect about cosmetology and esthetician programs is that after you've completed the course, you'll be able to apply for a Hawaii state license, which is something you won't be able to do after a makeup artistry course.

Licensing Laws
Very often, we're asked about makeup licenses. Do people in Hawaii need a license to practice makeup and work as makeup artists? According to the information on the Hawaii Board of Cosmetology and Barbering website...
- There is no "independent makeup artist license," and there are many Hawaiians who work as freelance makeup artists, and do makeup for models, actors, brides, and so forth, who do not have any type of beauty license (they probably should, but they don't). These are men and women who are self-employed and do makeup, or who work at a makeup counter, and who DO NOT work in a beauty salon or day spa, because...
- If you work in a beauty salon or day spa, you DO need to have a Hawaii cosmetology license or a Hawaii esthetician license.
Those laws may change eventually, and it's our guess that Hawaii will at some point in the future will get serious about making independent makeup artists get a license. It's always a good idea to check back on the Board of Cosmetology site for more information, or contact them directly if you have concerns.
Take A Stroll Around The Site
Becoming a makeup artist can be rough. There's a lot you need to know, and it can be difficult to figure everything out on your own. We've written dozens of posts to help you get started. Browse through them and see what helps you. We've also written tons of product reviews, so check those out as well!
Hawaii MUA Classes
For a smaller state, there are some fantastic makeup schools in Hawaii! Take a look at the following educational institutions, followed by cosmetology schools.
Bella Torre Academy
99 Kauhale Street
Aiea, HI 96701
(808) 484-4871
Face Art Beauty
Honolulu, HI
(808) 636-4761
Last Looks Makeup Academy (beauty, TV and film, special effects)
DoubleTree By Hilton Alana Waikiki Hotel
1956 Ala Moana Boulevard
Honolulu, HI 96815
(866) TV-MAKEUP
Makeup Artist Hawaii
250 Ward Avenue
Honolulu, HI 96813
(808) 265-0407
If you’d rather go to a cosmetology school, here are a few in your area you can attend:
Honolulu Community College
874 Dillingham Boulevard
Honolulu, HI 96817
(808) 845-9211
Hawaii Institute of Hair Design
1128 Nuuanu Ave
Honolulu, HI 96817
(808) 533-6596
International School of Beauty and Esthetique
1888 Kalakaua Ave
Honolulu, HI 96815
(808) 942-0888
Paul Brown Institute at Remington College
1132 Bishop Street
Honolulu, HI 96813
(808) 772-5970
Paul Mitchell—The School
1123 11th Avenue
Honolulu, HI 96816
(808) 445-6573, extension 1