Hawaii’s nursing education system is anchored in Honolulu and supported by community college campuses across the island chain. The University of Hawaii system – through its Manoa flagship and community college network – produces the majority of the state’s nursing graduates, who enter a healthcare market shaped by island geography, tourism-driven demand fluctuations, and one of the most persistent nursing shortages in the United States. Hawaii is not currently a member of the Nursing Licensure Compact (NLC), meaning nurses from compact states must obtain separate Hawaii licensure before practicing here.
Programs range from ADN degrees at community colleges through BSN, accelerated BSN, and graduate-level options at the University of Hawaii at Manoa, Chaminade University, and Hawaii Pacific University. RN salaries in Hawaii are among the highest in the country by absolute measure, though the state’s extremely high cost of living significantly reduces purchasing power relative to lower-cost states.
NLC compact membership
Hawaii is not a member of the Nursing Licensure Compact. A multi-state license issued by a compact state is not valid for nursing practice in Hawaii. Nurses relocating to Hawaii or taking travel assignments in the state must apply to the Hawaii Board of Nursing for licensure by endorsement before practicing.
Hawaii has been exploring NLC membership for several years. The University of Hawaii published a feasibility study in 2023 assessing the impact of joining the compact, and the state legislature convened a working group to evaluate key questions, including workforce implications and the effect on Hawaii’s existing licensure pipeline. As of mid-2026, Hawaii has not enacted NLC membership legislation. The Hawaii Board of Nursing continues to require separate state licensure for all nurses practicing in Hawaii regardless of compact status elsewhere.
Nurses considering Hawaii for travel or relocation should plan for a separate endorsement application and build lead time into their licensing timeline. Verify current status at nursecompact.com or the Hawaii Board of Nursing. For a full guide to state-by-state licensing, see nursing license by state.
Types of nursing programs available
Hawaii’s nursing education system covers the core preparation levels, with the University of Hawaii system providing the majority of in-state options.
ADN programs (2 years post-prerequisites) Associate Degree in Nursing and Associate in Science in Nursing programs are available through the University of Hawaii community college system, including Kapiolani Community College, Hawaii Community College, and Kauai Community College. These programs are the primary entry-level RN pathway in the state.
BSN programs (4 years) Four-year BSN programs are available at the University of Hawaii at Manoa, Chaminade University of Honolulu, and Hawaii Pacific University. BSN graduates are preferred by major Hawaii health systems including The Queen’s Health Systems and Hawaii Pacific Health.
Accelerated BSN (12–18 months) Programs for candidates with a non-nursing bachelor’s degree are available through select Hawaii institutions and national online programs accepted by the Hawaii Board of Nursing.
RN-to-BSN bridge programs Online and hybrid RN-to-BSN completion programs serve Hawaii’s ADN-prepared nursing workforce. Multiple national programs accept Hawaii nurses, and in-state options are available at UH Manoa and Chaminade.
MSN and DNP programs Graduate nursing education is available at the University of Hawaii at Manoa, covering advanced practice nursing, nursing leadership, and public health specializations.
| Program type | Length | Entry requirement |
|---|---|---|
| ADN | ~2 years | Prerequisites completed |
| BSN | 4 years | High school diploma |
| Accelerated BSN | 12–18 months | Bachelor’s degree (any field) |
| RN-to-BSN | 12–24 months online | Active RN license |
| MSN/DNP | 2–4 years | BSN + RN license |
Admission requirements
Admission requirements follow standard national patterns, with some variation across Hawaii’s programs.
Academic prerequisites: Most programs require Anatomy & Physiology I and II (with lab), Microbiology (with lab), General Chemistry or Biology, English Composition, Psychology, and Mathematics or Statistics. Science prerequisites must typically be completed within the past 5–7 years with a grade of C or higher.
GPA: Minimum cumulative GPA requirements generally run 2.5–3.0. Competitive BSN applicants at UH Manoa and Hawaii Pacific University typically present strong science GPAs. Community college ADN programs have limited cohort sizes, making competition high relative to available seats – particularly at Kapiolani, which draws applications from across Oahu. If your GPA falls below typical thresholds, see our guide on nursing schools that accept lower GPAs.
Entrance exams: The ATI TEAS is the most widely required entrance exam for Hawaii nursing programs. Some programs also accept the HESI A2. Competitive scores for ADN programs typically fall at the 60th percentile and above; BSN programs may seek higher scores. See ATI TEAS vs. HESI A2 for a full comparison.
Healthcare experience: Many BSN programs recommend documented direct patient care experience – CNA work, EMT certification, or medical volunteering. Requirements vary by institution.
Background check and drug screening: Required by all programs and clinical placement sites. Contact the Hawaii Board of Nursing for guidance on how prior criminal history affects licensure eligibility.
For a full prerequisites breakdown by program type, see nursing school prerequisites.
Top nursing programs in Hawaii
University of Hawaii at Manoa School of Nursing – Honolulu UH Manoa’s School of Nursing is accredited by CCNE and offers the state’s most comprehensive nursing programs, including BSN, RN-to-BSN, MSN, and DNP tracks. The school’s clinical partnerships span the major Honolulu health systems – The Queen’s Medical Center, Hawaii Pacific Health’s Pali Momi Medical Center and Kapiolani Medical Center for Women and Children – as well as VA Pacific Islands Health Care System. MSN tracks cover family nurse practitioner, psychiatric-mental health, and nursing education, reflecting the state’s significant needs in primary care access and mental health services. UH Manoa is the primary pipeline for graduate-prepared nurses in Hawaii.
Chaminade University of Honolulu – Honolulu Chaminade’s nursing programs are CCNE-accredited and emphasize values-based practice with strong community connections. The BSN curriculum integrates individualized mentoring, evidence-based practice, and clinical simulation, with placements across Honolulu-area health systems. Chaminade offers a traditional four-year BSN and RN-to-BSN options, with an approach that appeals to students seeking a smaller cohort environment relative to UH Manoa’s larger university setting.
Hawaii Pacific University – Honolulu Hawaii Pacific University’s nursing programs are approved by the Hawaii Board of Nursing and accredited by CCNE. The BSN program builds clinical skills alongside Hawaii Pacific University’s broader health sciences programs, with clinical placements in Honolulu acute care and community health settings. HPU also offers MSN tracks for nurses pursuing advanced practice or leadership roles.
Kapiolani Community College – Honolulu Kapiolani’s Associate in Science in Nursing program is ACEN-accredited and one of the most competitive community college nursing programs in the state. The program reported a 95.45% NCLEX first-attempt pass rate in 2023, among the highest in Hawaii. Kapiolani’s in-state tuition is substantially lower than four-year university options, making it a high-value entry point to RN licensure for students who plan to complete a BSN bridge program.
Hawaii Community College – Hilo Hawaii Community College’s nursing programs are ACEN-accredited and authorized by the Hawaii State Board of Nursing. The program serves the Big Island and provides clinical education in settings including Hilo Medical Center, addressing nursing workforce needs across the island’s rural and community health settings.
Kauai Community College – Lihue Kauai Community College’s Associate in Science Nursing program is ACEN-accredited and has reported exceptional NCLEX outcomes, including a 100% first-attempt pass rate in recent years. The program serves Kauai’s local nursing workforce and provides clinical placements at Wilcox Medical Center. For students committed to practicing on Kauai, this is the primary in-island RN training option.
| School | Location | Degrees offered | Accreditation |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Hawaii at Manoa | Honolulu | BSN, RN-to-BSN, MSN, DNP | CCNE |
| Chaminade University | Honolulu | BSN, RN-to-BSN | CCNE |
| Hawaii Pacific University | Honolulu | BSN, MSN | CCNE |
| Kapiolani Community College | Honolulu | ADN (AS) | ACEN |
| Hawaii Community College | Hilo | ADN | ACEN |
| Kauai Community College | Lihue | ADN (AS) | ACEN |
NCLEX pass rates and program quality
The Hawaii Board of Nursing oversees RN and LPN licensure and monitors NCLEX pass rate data by program. Hawaii programs have generally reported strong NCLEX outcomes. Kapiolani Community College’s 95.45% first-attempt pass rate and Kauai Community College’s reported 100% pass rate in recent cycles are notable for community college-level programs, where national averages tend to be lower than BSN programs.
The national first-attempt NCLEX-RN pass rate for US-educated candidates has run approximately 82–87% in recent years. Programs consistently achieving rates above 85% demonstrate strong outcome performance. Program-specific data can be accessed through the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) or the Hawaii Board of Nursing.
Nursing salary expectations in Hawaii
Hawaii RN salaries are among the highest in the United States by absolute measure, reflecting the state’s elevated cost of living and persistent nursing shortage.
| Setting | Approximate annual RN salary |
|---|---|
| Honolulu metro | $105,000–$125,000 |
| Maui | $100,000–$118,000 |
| Hilo / Big Island | $95,000–$115,000 |
| Outer islands | $95,000–$120,000+ (with incentives) |
| Travel nursing (HI-based) | $100,000–$150,000+ (varies) |
Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS 2024 data places Hawaii’s mean annual RN wage at approximately $111,070 ($53.40 per hour), significantly above the national mean of approximately $93,600. However, Hawaii’s cost of living – particularly housing costs in Honolulu – is among the highest of any US state or territory. The real purchasing power of a Hawaii RN salary is substantially lower than the nominal figure suggests. Nurses weighing Hawaii for employment should compare total compensation including benefits, housing allowances, and loan repayment against their actual cost of living in the specific community where they will work.
Travel nurses who commit to Hawaii assignments often receive additional housing stipends that partially offset the cost-of-living premium, but base wages for permanent positions are worth evaluating carefully against specific living cost scenarios.
For a full cost-benefit analysis of the nursing education investment, see is nursing school worth the debt?.
Finding the right program
Hawaii’s limited program inventory and high cost of living make program selection particularly consequential.
Accreditation: All major Hawaii programs hold either CCNE or ACEN accreditation, which is the correct baseline. Avoid any program lacking active accreditation from one of these two bodies.
NCLEX pass rates: Hawaii’s community college programs – particularly Kapiolani and Kauai – have reported exceptional recent outcomes. UH Manoa’s BSN program has consistently strong results. Multi-year trends are more informative than a single year; verify current data through the Hawaii Board of Nursing.
Clinical placement depth: Hawaii’s geographic isolation means clinical placements are limited to in-state facilities. Honolulu-based programs offer the widest variety of acute care settings; island-specific programs like Hawaii CC and Kauai CC provide placements in community and rural health environments distinct from urban acute care training.
Cost: Kapiolani Community College and other UH community colleges offer in-state ADN tuition that is substantially lower than four-year university programs. Given Hawaii’s high living costs, minimizing tuition debt before entering the workforce is a meaningful financial consideration. See nursing school GPA requirements for context on how GPA affects program access.
Frequently asked questions
Is Hawaii a compact nursing state? No. As of mid-2026, Hawaii is not a member of the Nursing Licensure Compact. The state has been studying NLC membership since at least 2023, and a state legislative working group assessed the feasibility and workforce impact of joining. No legislation has passed. Nurses with multi-state licenses from compact states must obtain separate Hawaii licensure before practicing. Monitor current status at nursecompact.com or the Hawaii Board of Nursing.
How long does nursing school take in Hawaii? ADN programs at Hawaii community colleges take approximately two years of full-time clinical coursework after prerequisites are completed. BSN programs at UH Manoa, Chaminade, and Hawaii Pacific University are four years. Accelerated BSN programs run 12–18 months of intensive full-time study for non-nursing degree holders. RN-to-BSN bridge programs for working RNs typically take 12–24 months in an online or hybrid format.
What GPA do I need for nursing school in Hawaii? Most Hawaii nursing programs require a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5–3.0. BSN programs at UH Manoa and Hawaii Pacific University are competitive – admitted applicants typically present strong science GPAs. Community college ADN programs at Kapiolani are highly competitive given demand relative to available cohort seats. See nursing school GPA requirements for a full breakdown.
How much do RNs make in Hawaii? BLS OEWS 2024 data places Hawaii’s mean annual RN wage at approximately $111,070, well above the national mean of $93,600. However, Hawaii’s cost of living – especially housing in Honolulu – substantially reduces real purchasing power. Nurses evaluating Hawaii opportunities should weigh total compensation against actual living costs in their target community. For the full cost-benefit picture, see is nursing school worth the debt?.