Get Quotes from Top Electricians in Honolulu, HI

What Do I Need to Know Before Hiring an Electrician in Honolulu?  

The Honolulu Electrical Code prescribes standards and requirements that electrical works conducted within the city must comply with. Failure to adhere to these standards and requirements is illegal, and homeowners who violate the Code risk penalties of up to a $1,000 fine or one-year imprisonment. Code compliance is easier if hiring a professional electrician. Furthermore, the Code requires that only professionals conduct certain electrical works. So, it is highly recommended that only licensed electricians handle your electrical projects. 

Potentially hazardous situations are Instances where hiring a licensed electrician is critical, such as when you notice: 

• Constant buzzing sounds 
• Sparks and shocks 
• Melted wires 
• Oddly high energy bills 
• Overheated or fried circuit boards 
• You need new electrical installations or upgrades 

Are You Licensed as an Electrician in Honolulu? 

It is illegal to work as an electrician in Honolulu without a license. Electrician licenses are obtained at the state level. The Hawaii Board of Electricians and Plumbers (BEP) issues these licenses to eligible persons and businesses. Licenses are available in seven types, each with varying requirements. Penalties for unlicensed activity include a fine of up to $5,000 for each violation. 

Hiring licensed electricians improves your chances of getting safe and satisfactory service. The Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA) maintains a regularly updated portal of licensed contractors, including electricians, across the state. You can confirm your electrician’s license on this portal or contact the Hawaii BEP at (808) 586-2704 for inquiries or assistance with license verifications.  

What Rates Do You Charge for Your Electrical Services in Honolulu?

Electrician hourly rates in Honolulu range between $30 and $50. While electricians rarely charge below these estimates, they may sometimes charge higher. To get a better idea, comparing estimates from different electricians is best. This also protects you from falling prey to unreasonably pricey electricians.  

Note that many factors influence how much an electrician may charge, such as 

• Labor and equipment 
• Your location 
• The type of service you are requesting 
• Whether the project is time-bound 
• Materials costs 
• The electrician’s skill and expertise 

Are You a Master Electrician in Honolulu?

The Hawaii BEP issues seven types of electrician licenses, each with different requirements and authorizing different types of electrical works. The license types are the following: 

• Journey worker electrician licenses 
• Journey worker industrial electrician licenses 
• Journey worker specialty electrician licenses 
• Maintenance electrician licenses 
• Supervising electrician licenses 
• Supervising industrial electrician licenses 
• Supervising specialty electrician licenses 

The license with the most requirements is the journey worker electrician license, as applicants must have at least five years of experience in residential or commercial wiring, 10,000 hours of work experience, and 240 hours of electrical academic coursework. Holders of this license can perform all types of electrical work without supervision. Other licenses have lesser requirements, a more restricted scope of work, and holders may require supervision.

In any case, confirm that your prospective electrician’s license allows them to perform the work involved in your project and that the electrician has the necessary experience and skill. 

Will My Electrical Project Require a Permit in Honolulu? 

A building permit is required before conducting almost any type of electrical work per the Honolulu Fees and Permits Code. The few classes of electrical works that may not require a permit are listed under the Code, such as repair works by a licensed contractor costing less than $500 within a 12-month span. 

The Honolulu Department of Planning and Permitting (DPP) issues building permits. The Department receives and processes permit applications through the city’s online permitting webpage. Applicants may obtain an instant permit or building permit. Building permits are for more detailed jobs ineligible for instant permits.  

For more information on building permits and application processes, contact the DPP at (808) 768-8000, (808) 768-3123, or (808) 768-8220. 

What Type of Electrical Services Do You Offer in Honolulu?

Besides the specific services you may request, professional electricians in Honolulu offer other diverse services. Below are some of these services with their cost estimates: 

Whatever your electrical needs are, Honolulu electricians will generally be up to the task. However, be sure to confirm that any electrician you intend to hire is licensed to handle the task you are hiring them for. 

Will You Be Doing the Work, or Do You Outsource the Electrical Work in Honolulu?  

It is common for electricians in Honolulu and across the country to outsource parts of their work. This usually happens when time is limited or in projects that involve tasks outside the electrician’s specialty. Although outsourcing is more common in commercial projects, it is sometimes necessary for residential projects. So, ask your electrician if they will outsource any part of your project. If that is the case, know who will the work be outsourced to and verify the following points regarding the subcontractors and the project: 

• That they are licensed and insured 
• That they have the skill and experience 
• That they have obtained relevant permits 
• That there are lien waivers in your favor 

Are You a Fully Insured and Bonded Honolulu Electrician?  

Electricians operating in Honolulu are not required to carry insurance and bonding. However, homeowners are advised to prefer insured electricians for their projects to avoid unwanted personal expenses if any incident occurs during work.  

Home and business owners in Honolulu can verify if their electricians are insured by asking them for proof of insurance and double-checking the policy’s validity with the pertinent insurance agency.  

Do You Offer Any Warranties on Your Electrical Work in Honolulu? 

Warranties are assurances that a service will be as satisfactory as expected. Professional electricians in Honolulu typically offer warranties for their services. These are usually written and have a validity period that is either at the electrician’s discretion or agreed between them and the customer. They are usually valid for one year or less.  

Warranties give you peace of mind about the service you are receiving. So, you should be alert if your electrician hesitates or refuses to offer any warranty. Also, ensure any warranties you receive are in writing and that you understand all their terms. 

How Do I Resolve Any Issue I Have with Your Electrical Services in Honolulu?  

The Hawaii’s DCCA, through its Regulated Industries Complaint Office (RICO), regulates customer services provided by licensed professionals across the state and reviews related complaints. If you have any issues with your electrician, especially regarding poor customer service or fraudulent behavior, you can file a complaint with the RICO either online or by mail.

If you prefer to submit the complaint by mail, you must first complete a RICO Complaint Form and mail it to: 

The RICO maintains a separate online portal for reporting unlicensed activity. Inquiries regarding complaint submissions can be directed to the Office’s Consumer Resource Center at (808) 587-4272.