Fire Department · Career
Honolulu Fire Department
Honolulu, HI · Honolulu County
“Pride, Service, Dedication”
The Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) protects and serves the City and County of Honolulu, which spans the entire island of Oʻahu, Hawaiʻi. All firefighting on Oʻahu is career-staffed — the department notes there are no volunteer firefighters on the island.
HFD responds to a broad mix of emergencies, from structure and wildland fires to medical calls such as heart attacks, strokes, and vehicle crashes, and it maintains dedicated hazardous materials and rescue companies. Ocean and water rescue are a natural part of operations on an island jurisdiction.
The department is guided by Hawaiian core values — Palekana (Safety), Lōkahi (Integrity), Laulima (Teamwork), Mākaukau (Competency), and Paʻahana (Commitment). It holds Commission on Fire Accreditation International (CFAI) accreditation, having re-accredited in 2005, 2010, 2015, and 2020, placing it among a small group of accredited fire agencies worldwide.
MissionOur mission is to provide for their safety through prevention, preparedness, and effective emergency response.
Firefighter recruit hiring is run through the City and County of Honolulu Department of Human Resources on governmentjobs.com. Applicants submit an online application during an open filing period, then self-schedule a written test (first-come, first-served), and those who pass are placed on an eligible list. From there candidates move through a Physical Ability Test, an interview/assessment ordered by written-test score, a character and background investigation, and a medical evaluation by the City Physician.
Prospective applicants can complete an online Job Interest Card and select "Fire & EMS" to be notified when the next recruit filing period opens. New hires complete an approximately 34-week recruit training program followed by a one-year probationary period.
Requirements
- At least 18 years of age
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Valid Hawaiʻi State Driver's License (Type 3) required prior to appointment
- Must pass a Physical Ability Test (PAT)
- Must pass a character and background investigation, including fingerprinting and review of criminal and driving records
- Must pass a medical evaluation by the City Physician
Hiring process
- Submit an online application via governmentjobs.com during the open filing period
- Self-schedule and take the written test during the designated period (first-come, first-served)
- Pass the written test to be placed on the eligible list
- Pass the Physical Ability Test
- Interview/assessment conducted in order of written-test scores
- Character and background check (fingerprinting, criminal history, driving records)
- Medical evaluation by the City Physician
- Complete the approximately 34-week recruit training program
- Complete a one-year probationary period
New firefighters complete an approximately 34-week recruit training program covering fire operations, hose evolutions, ladder drills, forcible entry, Emergency Medical Technician-Basic, water safety, apparatus driver training, and hazardous materials awareness.
How do I apply to become a Honolulu firefighter?
Applications are submitted online through the City and County of Honolulu Department of Human Resources Job Opportunities portal on governmentjobs.com during an open recruit filing period. You can also complete an online Job Interest Card and select "Fire & EMS" to be notified when recruitment opens.
What are the minimum requirements to become a firefighter?
You must be at least 18 years old, have a high school diploma or equivalent, hold a valid Hawaiʻi State Driver's License (Type 3) prior to appointment, and pass a Physical Ability Test, background investigation, and a City Physician medical evaluation.
What is the starting pay?
The starting salary for a Fire Fighter Recruit is $63,864 per year, subject to change through collective bargaining.
How long is the recruit academy?
Recruit training lasts approximately 34 weeks and covers fire operations, EMT-Basic, water safety, apparatus driver training, and hazardous materials awareness, followed by a one-year probationary period.
Are there volunteer firefighter positions on Oʻahu?
No. There are no volunteer firefighters on Oʻahu — all firefighting on the island is career-staffed.
Is there a program for youth interested in firefighting?
Yes. The Honolulu Fire Department Fire Explorers Program is open to ages 14-21 and exposes participants to firefighter duties.