Hawaii’s Top-Rated Nursing Schools and Programs of 2024
With a national growth rate of 6%, there has never been a better time to go into nursing. Hawaii has a projected growth rate of 9% between 2020-2030, which is higher than the national average. If you’re considering pursuing your nursing degree, Hawaii has much to offer.
Hawaii offers an experience like no other place to live. There are eight islands known to Hawaii: The Big Island, Maui, Kauai, Oahu, Kaho’olawe, Moloka’i, Lanai, and Ni’ihau. Travel between islands is easy with frequent interisland flights, making access to all other islands easy. Each island is unique, with its rich history and Hawaiian culture.
Hawaii offers an outdoor activity for every type of adventurer. It is home to some of the most beautiful beaches, making it an excellent place for surfing, paddleboarding, kayaking, snorkeling, fishing, or other water sports. Hawaii contains jungles, beaches, volcanoes, and mountains, reaching daytime temperatures of 85 degrees Fahrenheit in the summer and 78 degrees Fahrenheit in the winter. There are also many opportunities to hike through tropical rainforests or pine forests to explore the islands. Or you can mountain bike and road bike to experience the sights of the Hawaiian Islands.
The cost of living in Hawaii is higher than the national average, but the RN median wage in Hawaii is also higher. Hawaii is the nation’s second-highest state for RN wages, which can help offset the high cost of living. The nursing shortage in Hawaii, combined with the high RN wages, beautiful islands, and gorgeous weather, all make Hawaii a great place to be a nurse.
The Best Nursing Schools in Hawaii
Learn more about the best nursing schools in Hawaii to help determine which college may be best for you.
Our site has ranked the best nursing schools in Hawaii based on the NCLEX-RN pass rates posted on the Hawaii Board of Nursing website.
ADN and BSN Programs:
#1 Hawaii Nursing Program
Hawaii Community College
Hawaii Community College, located in Hila, Hawaii, offers an Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) degree that prepares students with the knowledge, skills, and attitudes for entry-level positions as registered nurses. Their generic pathway consists of 27 credits of non-nursing prerequisites and general education courses followed by four semesters of nursing courses, which are 46 credits. They also offer an LPN to ASN pathway that licensed practical nurses (LPNs) are eligible for after one year of experience working as an LPN and have completed all prerequisite and general education courses. This pathway consists of one summer session and two semesters of coursework in nursing courses. However, this pathway will not be offered in the 2023-2024 calendar year. The National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) has reported a 100% pass rate for first-time testers for Hawaii Community College on their first attempt in 2021.
Average Tuition
In-State: $3,204
Out-of-State: $8,340
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| Average In-State Tuition |
$3,204 |
| Average Out-of-State Tuition |
$8,340 |
| NCLEX-RN Pass Rate 2021 |
100% |
| Program Completion Rate 2019 |
80% |
| Job Placement 2019 |
100% |
| Students Enrolled |
2,430 |
| Institution Type |
Public Community College |
| Percent Online Enrollment |
Not given |
| Accreditation |
Yes-through the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) |
#2 Hawaii Nursing Program
University of Hawaii Manoa
The University of Hawaii Manoa, located in Honolulu, HI, offers a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program that prepares students to deliver care to individuals in a variety of healthcare settings utilizing their Translational Health Science Simulation Center, web-based distance learning, theory courses, and clinical placements. Their program is committed to training competent, caring nurses through quality education. They also offer a high school direct entry into the nursing program. This BSN pathway provides direct entry to nursing for high school graduates dedicated to completing their BSN degree in four years. This allows high school students to complete their prerequisite classes in a cohort-based learning model, completing one year of pre-nursing coursework starting in the fall of their freshman year, followed by three years of nursing general education courses. An online RN to BSN program is also available to nurses with an ADN who want to earn their BSN.
Average Tuition
In-State: $12,186
Out-of-State: 34,218
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| Average In-State Tuition |
$12,186 |
| Average Out-of-State Tuition |
$34,218 |
| NCLEX-RN Pass Rate 2022 |
97.62% |
| Admission Rate |
70% |
| Retention Rate |
80% |
| Students Enrolled |
19,074 |
| Institution Type |
Public University |
| Percent Online Enrollment |
89% |
| Accreditation |
Yes-by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) |
#3 Hawaii Nursing Program
Kapiolani Community College
Kapiolani Community College, located in Honolulu, Hawaii, offers an ASN degree program with a curriculum that is designed to prepare students for nursing progression. This program is designed for students who currently are licensed practical nurses (LPNs) and wish to obtain their ASN degrees. Students may complete the LPN program at the college and then decide to continue their education to earn their ASN.
Average Tuition
In-State: $3,284
Out-of-State: $8,420
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| Average In-State Tuition |
$3,284 |
| Average Out-of-State Tuition |
$8,420 |
| NCLEX-RN Pass Rate 2022 |
96.08% |
| Admission Rate |
100% |
| Retention Rate |
68% |
| Students Enrolled |
6,100 |
| Institution Type |
Public Community College |
| Percent Online Enrollment |
Not given |
| Accreditation |
Yes-by the ACEN |
How to Choose a Nursing Program in Hawaii
When choosing a nursing program in Hawaii, you will want to look at the NCLEX-RN pass rates, admission and retention rates, and job placement rates. Programs with a high NCLEX-RN rate show that they provide their students with the tools and support to succeed and prepare them well to be RNs. You may also want to consider the cost of the program and scholarship opportunities, as a BSN program usually takes longer to complete. However, most ADN programs require you to complete your general education requirements before entering the program, so make sure you know what is required before entering the program.
Accreditation is also an important piece when choosing a nursing program. Programs that have undergone the accreditation process must meet specific standards to be accredited, and some state boards of nursing may only accept accredited programs. If you are considering continuing your education, some schools may only transfer the credits earned while receiving your RN if it was from an accredited program.
Additionally, some employers may only hire nurses who have completed their degrees through an accredited program.
Why Become a Nurse in Hawaii
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, nursing employment is predicted to grow by 6% nationwide. Hawaii is expected to have a growth rate for RNs of 9% between 2020-2030, which means there will be plenty of opportunities for RNs to find employment.
While some sites may report that Hawaii is not a good place for nurses to work, others say it is. Between 2012-2015, more than 15% of nurses in Hawaii achieved a higher education degree. About 68% of nurses in Hawaii hold a bachelor’s degree, making it the leader in the Institute of Medicine’s Future of Nursing recommendations that by 2020, 80% of nurses will have a bachelor’s degree or higher in nursing. U.S. News also ranks Hawaii third in the country for healthcare quality and first for healthcare access and public health.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that RNs in Hawaii earn an average annual salary of $113,320, which is the second highest-paid state for nurses in the nation. Hawaii continues to see a growth rate for RNs, which means there is a need for more nurses in the state.
Salary and Job Outlook for Nurses in Hawaii
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average mean wage for an RN in Hawaii is $113,320, and it employs 11,800 nurses. Hawaii also employs 530 advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) who earn a median annual wage of $128,310.
The nationwide employment of registered nurses is projected to grow by 6% from 2021 to 2031, with about 203,200 openings for registered nurses each year. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transferred to different occupations or who leave the labor workforce to retire.
| Top Paying Hawaii Cities for RNs |
| Urban Honolulu, HI |
$115,200 |
| Kahului-Wailuku-Lahaina, HI |
$109,840 |
| Hawaii/Kauai nonmetropolitan area |
$105,190 |
Citation: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, at https://data.bls.gov/oes/#/home (visited February 25, 2022).
Steps to Becoming a Nurse in Hawaii
Candidates can take multiple steps and paths to become an RN and advanced practice registered nurse (APRN). Each candidate must complete a program approved by the Hawaii Board of Nursing. Hawaii has three fully approved ADN programs and five BSN programs. Upon completing an approved nursing program, candidates must pass the NCLEX-RN exam.
After gaining experience as an RN, some nurses decide to return to school to obtain their APRN. After you have completed an APRN program, you will need to take the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) exam or the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) exam.
Each nursing license has specific requirements that need to be met to maintain your licensure. To become a nurse in Hawaii, you must complete the following requirements:
RN Requirements
These are the steps to take to become an RN in Hawaii:
- Enroll in an Associate Degree in Nursing Program (ADN) OR a Bachelor of Science in Nursing.
- An ADN program usually takes two years, while a BSN program usually takes four years to complete. Courses can be taken in person or online. However, both programs may offer a part-time track that will take longer.
- After completing your chosen nursing program, you will be eligible to take the NCLEX-RN exam. In addition, you must submit your
transcripts, proof of graduation, and proof of primary residence, and complete a fingerprint and criminal background check to the state board of nursing to receive your license.
- Once you’ve received your RN license for Hawaii, your license will expire on June 30 of every odd-numbered year, regardless of the issuance date. It will need to be renewed every two years after that. Hawaii requires 30 continuing education hours every two years, which the Hawaii Board of Nursing must approve. You must maintain your continuing education completion certificates for at least four years and have 60 days to submit documentation of this should you be audited.
APRN Requirements
These are the steps to become an APRN in Hawaii:
- Candidates must hold an active RN license to practice in Hawaii.
- RNs must have earned their BSN before entering an APRN program.
- RNs must enter an accredited nursing program to earn their Master of Science in Nursing or Doctor of Nursing Practice.
- Once an APRN program has successfully been completed, you will be required to pass the certification exam and hold and maintain current certification as a nurse practitioner, clinical nurse specialist, or nurse anesthetist from one of the following national organizations:
- American Nurses Credentialing Center
- National Certification Corporation for the Obstetric
- Gynecologic
- Neonatal Nursing Specialties
- Pediatric Nursing Certification Board
- American Association of Nurse Anesthetists
- American Academy of Nurse Practitioners
- Oncology Nursing Certification Corporation
- American Association of Critical-Care Nurses
- License renewal occurs every two years and expires on June 30 of every odd-numbered year, regardless of the issuance date. The Hawaii Board of Nursing requires 30 continuing education hours by a board-approved provider. Eight of those hours need to be in pharmacology. You must maintain your continuing education completion certificates for at least four years and have 60 days to submit documentation of this should you be audited.
Frequently Asked Questions About Nursing in Hawaii
Is Hawaii a good place for nurses to work?
Hawaii is the second highest-paying state for nurses in the nation. It has a warm climate, beautiful beaches, and plenty of outdoor activities. Hawaii was ranked third in the country for healthcare quality and first for healthcare access and public health by U.S. News. The state continues to see an increased number of nurses needed, making it a great place to work as an RN.
Is Hawaii a compact state for nursing?
No. Hawaii is not a compact state for nursing. To work as a nurse in Hawaii, you must apply for a Hawaii nursing license through the Hawaii Board of Nursing website.
What are the requirements for RNs in Hawaii?
After completing an accredited nursing program, you must successfully pass the NCLEX-RN exam. Once you have your RN license, you must renew your license every two years. Nurses are required to complete 30 hours of continuing education from a board-approved provider. All continuing education documentation should be kept for four years. If audited, nurses will have 60 days to submit proof of their continuing
education for the last four years.
How much does a Hawaii RN license cost?
The initial application fee for RN licensure by exam in Hawaii is $60. The RN licensure by endorsement application for licenses issued between July 1 of an odd-numbered year through June 30 of an even-numbered year is $234, which includes the $60 application, $36 license, $100 compliance resolution fund, $18 for half of the renewal fee, and $40 for center for nurse fees. The RN licensure by endorsement application for licenses issued between July 1 of an even-numbered year through June 30 of an odd-numbered year is $166. This includes the $60 application, $36 license, $50 compliance resolution fund, and $40 center for nurse fees. It costs $176 to renew a Hawaii RN license every two years.
