Prepare for the Hawaii Bar Exam
Master every MBE subject and MEE/MPT component with AI-powered case briefs, flashcards, practice exams, and attack sheets. Briefly gives you the tools to pass the Hawaii bar on your first attempt.
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72%
Overall Pass Rate
78%
First-Time Pass Rate
268
Passing Score
Non-UBE
Exam Type
stable
Hawaii Bar Exam Overview
Key facts about the Hawaii bar exam to help you plan your study schedule.
Exam Format
Non-UBE state-specific exam using MBE, MEE, MPT, and a Hawaii Legal Ethics Examination. MBE is 50%, essays 25.7%, Hawaii Legal Ethics 4.3%, and MPT 20%. A minimum combined scaled score of 132 is required.
Exam Dates
February and July
Passing Score
268 (UBE scale)
Bar Admissions
Hawaii Supreme Court Board of ExaminersRecommended Study Time
10-12 weeks full-time, with additional time for Hawaii Legal Ethics preparation
Reciprocity
Hawaii does not offer general reciprocity or admission on motion. Limited exceptions exist for full-time University of Hawaii Law School faculty and military legal service providers. Hawaii will begin administering the NextGen UBE in July 2028.
UBE Advantage: Hawaii uses the Uniform Bar Examination, which means your score is portable to other UBE jurisdictions. The exam consists of the Multistate Bar Examination (MBE), Multistate Essay Examination (MEE), and Multistate Performance Test (MPT).
Character & Fitness
The Hawaii Board of Examiners conducts a comprehensive character and fitness investigation. Applicants bear the burden of proving they meet the good character and fitness standard required for admission.
Key Facts
- Hawaii does not use the UBE but administers all three UBE components (MBE, MEE, MPT) plus a Hawaii Legal Ethics exam.
- The passing score was adjusted to 132 for the February 2025 exam.
- Hawaii has very limited reciprocity and does not accept UBE score transfers.
- Hawaii will transition to the NextGen UBE in July 2028.
Hawaii-Specific Subjects
Common Essay Topics
Study Tips for the Hawaii Bar Exam
Expert-recommended strategies to maximize your chances of passing.
- 1
Study Hawaii-specific legal ethics rules, as the Hawaii Legal Ethics Examination is a unique component not found in other jurisdictions.
- 2
The MBE is worth 50% of your score, so dedicate substantial study time to multiple-choice practice.
- 3
Hawaii has a small applicant pool, so pass rate statistics can vary significantly between administrations.
- 4
The passing score was adjusted to 132 beginning with the February 2025 exam -- verify the current requirement.
- 5
Begin your character and fitness application early, as Hawaii's process can be time-consuming.
- 6
Consider using a national bar prep course supplemented with Hawaii-specific ethics materials.
MBE Subject Prep
The MBE tests seven subjects. Browse case briefs for each to build a strong foundation for the Hawaii bar exam.
Constitutional Law
Due process, equal protection, First Amendment, and federalism
Contracts
Offer & acceptance, consideration, breach, remedies, and UCC
Criminal Law & Procedure
Mens rea, actus reus, homicide, defenses, and Fourth Amendment
Evidence
Relevance, hearsay, privileges, and expert testimony
Real Property
Estates, future interests, easements, and takings
Torts
Negligence, strict liability, intentional torts, and defenses
Civil Procedure
Jurisdiction, pleading, discovery, and summary judgment
Study Tools for Bar Prep
Everything you need to study smarter for the Hawaii bar exam.
AI Case Brief Generator
Generate a complete brief for any bar-tested case in under 30 seconds.
Smart Flashcard Generator
Create flashcards from any rule, element, or black-letter law concept.
Practice Exam Generator
Generate MBE-style multiple choice and essay hypos to test your knowledge.
Attack Sheet Builder
Build condensed attack sheets organized by issue for each MBE subject.
Study Guides
Free guides on case briefing, the IRAC method, and study strategies to help you prepare for the Hawaii bar.
Top Law Schools in Hawaii Law Schools
These law schools produce the most bar exam takers in Hawaii.