Hawaii Bar Exam

Hawaii Bar Exam Format

The Hawaii bar exam uses NCBE components but is not a portable UBE jurisdiction. It consists of the Multistate Performance Test (“MPT”), the Multistate Essay Exam (“MEE”), the Multistate Bar Exam (“MBE”), and a Hawaii Legal Ethics Exam. Hawaii plans to administer the NextGen UBE beginning July 2028 (with a jurisdiction-specific component; details TBA). Hawaii does not accept portable UBE score transfers. Confirm current rules with the Hawaii Board of Examiners and NCBE.

MPT / MEE / MBE / Hawaii Ethics
Standard MPT, MEE, and MBE components plus the Hawaii Legal Ethics Exam. Confirm the current day schedule and subject lists with the Board.

MBE / UBE Score Transfer
Hawaii does not accept transferred MBE scores or portable UBE scores.

Hawaii Bar Exam Dates and Application

The exam is offered in February and July. Applications, fees, and deadlines are published through the Hawaii Judiciary / Board of Examiners materials linked from the bar exam pages.

Grading

Passing Score
The minimum combined scaled score is 132 out of 200 (MBE weighted 50%; written/ethics share the remaining 50%). Confirm current weighting with the Board.

Retaking the Hawaii Bar Exam

Unsuccessful applicants may reapply. Hawaii does not offer traditional admission on motion. Confirm attempt limits with the Board.