Dry needling in Hawaii: the rules for physical therapists
Hawaii law (HRS 461J-2.5) bars PTs from invasive procedures that break or puncture the skin, so dry needling isn't allowed.
Not allowedfor PTs
Not applicabletraining before you start
Rules to know
- Bills to allow PT dry needling were filed from 2019 to 2021 but didn't become law. Check the board for any newer change.
Official sources
A plain-language summary, last checked October 24, 2026. Dry needling rules change often and some states regulate it through board statements rather than law, so confirm with your board before you dry needle. OTs and athletic trainers have their own rules.
Dry needling courses in Hawaii
No in-person dry needling courses are listed in Hawaii right now. See dry needling courses in every state.
Common questions
Can physical therapists dry needle in Hawaii?
No. Hawaii law (HRS 461J-2.5) bars PTs from invasive procedures that break or puncture the skin, so dry needling isn't allowed.
How much training do PTs need to dry needle in Hawaii?
Not applicable, since PTs may not dry needle under current law.
More for Hawaii clinicians
Dry needling rules in other states
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- District of Columbia
- Florida
- Georgia
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming