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Becoming a floral designer in Hawaii might be the perfect fit if you’re looking for a challenging career combining artistry, nature, and design.
Floral designers use their skills to create beautiful arrangements for special occasions, events, or just for the joy of having fresh flowers in the home.
The islands of Hawaii, known for their tropical climate and stunning natural beauty, provide an ideal backdrop for floral designers to showcase their talent.
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Steps to Become a Floral Designer in Hawai’i
Like many other states without a requirement for certification, becoming a floral designer in Hawaii is simple.
But if you are wondering where to begin, here are a some essential steps:
- Learn about the floral industry in Hawaii. Currently, Hawaii does not require certification or licensing for floral designers. Researching the state’s requirements for floral designers can put you on the proper career path.
- Enroll in a floral design class. Although many florists hold workshops, Hawaii has limited in-person opportunities for floral designers. Numerous online courses provide robust floral and floristry education. Look for fundamental topics such as flower identification, color theory, and floral arrangement techniques. For in-person instruction, opt for those with hands-on training.
- Gain experience. Consider volunteering or applying for entry-level positions at local florist shops, hotels, or nurseries.
- Consider national certification. Hawaii does not have state certification for floral designers, and the Amerian Institute approves no programs of Floral Designers (AIFD) approved education program. So, to earn a national certification accepted in the state, look for an AIFD/PDFE-approved course and complete the PFDE online test and the hands-on design evaluation.
- Licensing. Currently, Hawaii does not require licensing for floral designers but does require florists to have permits to operate their businesses.
- Become a member. Floriculture is an evolving profession. Become a member of a professional organization such as the Society of American Florists for the opportunities and educational resources. Stay current by attending workshops, seminars, and conferences to stay on trend.
Floral Designer Programs and Classes
There are no requirements for floral design in Hawaii. But a strong understanding of floriculture and design principles is recommended in a place of such floral diversity.
Whether you want to work for an established florist or start a business, Hawaii is the perfect place to pursue your passion.
The University Of Hawai’i-Maui College
Preston Bailey’s Fundamentals of Floral Design (Part I) and Intermediate Floral Design (Part II) are offered online.
Preston Bailey is a world-class event designer partnering with the University of Hawaii.
These classes are available online and self-directed.
Part I costs $1,695, and Part II costs $1,895.
Both courses are 240 hours and take roughly six months to complete.
The enrollment fees include text workbooks, online access, and internship opportunities.
The prices do not include flowers and floral arrangement supplies needed to complete assignments.
The Honolulu Garden Club
A fundamental four-week program is available, costing $125, including manuals and most supplies.
Additional workshops are taught, highlighting unique applications of floral design such as tabletop, holiday arrangements, and Lei making.
The short classes require an additional fee.
The Complete Floristry Masterclass
This online, self-paced course is taught by international floral designer and author Willow Crossley.
It offers detailed information from sourcing flowers and plants to arrangements for every occasion.
It costs $157 and includes workbooks and 12+ hours of video lessons.
IAP Career College
The Florist Certificate Course is an online self-paced program that usually takes six weeks to complete.
The program costs $377 for classwork, a digital textbook, and an IAPO International Association of Professional Florists membership.
Penn Foster Career School
An online program offering a Certificate of Completion in Floral Design.
The curriculum consists of eight courses and seven practical exercises during which students can apply what they’ve learned.
The program can be completed in less than six months and costs $639.
Tuition can be paid in full or paid in monthly payments.
American Institute of Floral Designers
A national association, the AIFD supports the Certified Floral Designer designation.
If a CFD-approved provider is unavailable, the AIFD provides online education and an online evaluation, the Professional Floral Designers Evaluation (PFDE) exam, to earn AIFD and CFD level recognition.
The PFDE application costs $150 and $1,550 PFDE for the actual evaluation.
Floral Designer Schools in Hawaii – Summary Table
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| The University Of Hawai'i-Maui College | 310 W Kaahumanu Ave, Kahului, HI 96732, USA |
| The Honolulu Garden Club | P.O. Box 11840 | Honolulu, Hawai’i 96828 |
| The Complete Floristry Masterclass | |
| IAP Career College | |
| Penn Foster Career School | 925 Oak St, Scranton, PA 18515, United States |
| American Institute of Floral Designers | 2331 Rock Spring Road, Forest Hill, MD 21050 |
Salary
As a premier tourist and wedding destination, floral design in Hawaii is understandably competitive.
According to salary.com, the average Floral Designer salary in the islands earns $57,083, about $ 27.50/hr.
This salary is more than the national median salary of $54,702 – depending on certification and experience.
Hawaiian floral design salaries typically range from $46,340 and $68,986.
However, the upper end of the profession earns nearly $80,000 per year.
There are roughly 200 floral designers employed in the Hawaiian Islands.
And the Bureau of Labor and Statistics estimates an upward trend in the next few years.
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Ewa Beach | $56,862 |
| Waipahu | $56,837 |
| Hilo | $56,481 |
| Honolulu | $56,862 |
| Kahului | $56,481 |
| Kaneohe | $56,862 |
| Pearl City | $56,862 |
| Mililani | $56,760 |
| Kihei | $56,481 |
| Kealia | $56,481 |
Regional Salary in Hawaii
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kahului-Wailuku-Lahaina, HI | 40 | $40,000 | $19.23 | $61,140 | $22,300 |
| Urban Honolulu, HI | 110 | $36,120 | $17.36 | $58,120 | $21,010 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is floral design in Hawaii a good career choice?
If you love flowers and have a creative eye, then a career in floral design in Hawaii may be a good choice.
Other helpful skills are knowledge of native plants, varied experience, keeping up with trends, and organization.
What is the state flower of Hawaii?
Hawaii’s state flower, designated in 1988, is the Hibiscus (Hibiscus brackenridgei), also known in Hawaiian as Ma’o hau hele.
This luxurious yellow bloom can be seen growing on the roadside, in open fields, and in backyard gardens.
Are floral designers licensed in Hawaii?
There are also no state requirements for floral design in Hawaii.
You can work as a floral designer with a high school diploma or equivalent.
And while most positions require some floral education or experience, some prefer to train new designers from the beginning.
What is the most popular flower in Hawaii?
The Plumeria is Hawaii’s favorite flower. It is a petite, petal-centric bloom in white, yellow, baby pink, and fuchsia.
The Plumeria is known for its unmistakable scent and is often used to make the signature flower necklace, the Hawaiian Lei.
What is the difference between florists and floral designers?
Floral Designers create specific projects for meetings, events, and weddings.
Florists, however, sell pre-made and custom arrangements, floral services, and flowers.
Read the full guide: How to Become a Floral Designer
Floral Design by State