Hawaii Nursing Schools

As a chain of islands, Hawaii offers different challenges to the health care industry than other areas do. There are not very many accredited schools for nursing in the state, and Hawaii is facing an acute nursing shortage that is worse than that faced by other areas of the country. Hawaii needs everything from practical nurses to nursing educators, and it is the distance from the contiguous U.S. means that the bulk of its nurses end up having to come from its own population.

Hawaii’s current population of nurses doesn’t include enough nursing educators to staff all of its educational programs, and its staff nurses are swiftly reaching retirement age. Not having enough new graduates to replace these health care workers means that Hawaii is going to end up hitting an even worse nursing shortage than it is already experiencing. This is bad news for Hawaiian hospitals, but good news for would-be nurses.

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Financial Aid and Other Incentives for Hawaii Nursing Students

Right now, Hawaii offers fewer monetary incentives to enroll in a nursing program than other states do, something which continues to worsen its shortage of new nursing students. This is very likely to change in the future, both on a state level, and within individual colleges and hospitals themselves.

Handling the nursing shortage is extremely tricky, and Hawaii has its hands full trying to keep its hospitals staffed, all while luring new students to its nursing programs. Measures like these will help attract some “new blood” to Hawaiian nursing schools, as well as encourage nursing students to go further down their educational paths.

Career Options for Hawaii Nurses

Hawaii isn’t a very big state, but it still covers a range of socioeconomic areas spanning several islands. While an RN working as a staff nurse in Honolulu will earn a median annual salary of $72,632, this number is just the middle of a range that goes from $60,000, all the way to the high $80,000s. All figures are from the BLS.

Hawaii Board of Nursing

The Hawaii Board of Nursing and Hawaii Nurses Association provide a wealth of information to RNs, LPNs, CNAs, and other nursing professionals. Any nurse or nursing student that needs information on licensing and examinations, approved nursing schools, industry news, health care laws, or other nursing-related topics should turn to the Hawaii Board of Nursing. The Board can be reached at King Kalakaua Building, 335 Merchant Street, 3rd Floor, Honolulu, HI, 96813 or on their website.

Hawaii Nursing Degrees by Program

Use the quick links below to view detailed information on the specific nursing degree you are considering. Includes degree info and school options in your state.

Become a Nurseprograms for nonnurses
Bachelor’s Degrees in Nursing (BSN) in Hawaii
Associate’s Degrees in Nursing (ADN) in Hawaii
RN (Registered Nurse) Programs in Hawaii
LPN / LVN Programs in Hawaii

Bridge / Transition Nursing Programsfor current nurses
RN to BSN Programs in Hawaii
RN to MSN Programs in Hawaii

Advanced Nursing Degrees
Master of Science in Nursing Degrees (MSN) in Hawaii
Direct Entry MSN Degrees
Doctorate of Nursing Practice (DNP) Degrees

Online Nursing Programs
Online RN to BSN Programs
Online RN to MSN Programs
Online LPN to RN Programs
Online MSN Programs
Online Doctorate of Nursing (DNP) Programs

Nursing Scholarship & Grant Information in Hawaii

The following nursing scholarships and grants are for Hawaii residents as well as non-resident students enrolled in Hawaii nursing programs.

Hawaii Student Nurses Association
The Association is a resource for nursing students who need tuition assistance.  Award amounts vary as do deadlines.  Each scholarship has specific eligibility requirements.  Contact the Association directly for current application opportunities.

Hawaii Community Foundation
The Foundation offers several scholarships for nursing students.  Eligibility requirements vary to include state residency and attendance at specific colleges in Hawaii.  An example is the Hans and Clara Davis Zimmerman Foundation Health Scholarship for nursing students in their last year of an accredited nursing program. Scholarships are need-based and vary in amounts from $250 to $6,550.  Applications are due by March annually.  Contact the Foundation at 1164 Bishop Street, Suite 800, Honolulu, HI 96813 or by calling them at (808) 537-6333.

Educational Institute Nursing Scholarships
Whether you are already attending a nursing school or have just been accepted, there may be nursing scholarships and grants available through the school.  You can talk to a financial aid representative at your school or nursing program personnel to learn about potential nursing scholarships and grant opportunities.  Following is an example of institutional-based nursing scholarships and grants.

University of Hawaii
Students enrolled in the School of Nursing are eligible for scholarships through the nursing department.  The Edward and Sally Sheehan Scholarship Fund in Nursing is available for full-time undergraduate or graduate nursing students. Award amounts vary and can be used for tuition or books.  For applications, contact the nursing department directly at 2528 McCarthy Mall, Webster Hall 330, Honolulu, HI 96822, or by calling them at (808) 956-8939.

Kapiolani Community College
Nursing students have over 10 scholarship opportunities through the College for tuition assistance. Award amounts vary as do eligibility requirements.  For a list of available nursing scholarships, contact the Nursing Department at the College located at Kopiko Building, Room 201, 4303 Diamond Head Road, Honolulu, HI 96816 or by calling them at (808) 734-9305.

Employer-Sponsored Nursing Scholarships
You may be eligible for company-sponsored nursing scholarships if your employer has such a program.  If you are a dependent of your parents, their employer may offer nursing scholarships that you can apply for.  The Rehabilitation Hospital of the Pacific Foundation offers employee-related as well as employer-sponsored scholarships for Hawaii nursing students not associated with the Hospital.  Servo Foundation offers only employee-related nursing scholarships.

Rehabilitation Hospital of the Pacific Foundation
The Foundation provides a variety of scholarship opportunities for Hospital employees as well as nursing students who are residents of Hawaii.  Award amounts vary as do deadlines for each scholarship.  For applications and current guidelines, contact the Foundation at 226 North Kuakini Street, Honolulu, HI 96817, or by calling them at (808) 566-3451.

Servco Foundation
Servco Pacific, Inc. offers employee-related scholarships to children and spouses of company employees.  Nursing students who demonstrate commitment to the community and plan to work in Hawaii upon graduation can apply if they meet all eligibility requirements.  Scholarship amounts typically range between $1,750 and $3,500.  For applications and guidelines, write the Foundation at P.O. Box 2788, Honolulu, HI 96803.

Community-Based Nursing Scholarships
Throughout Hawaii, there are community-based nursing scholarships. These financial programs generally have residency requirements such as graduating from a particular high school or living in a particular city.  Contact your local community foundation for information on these nursing scholarships and grants.  The Gromet Foundation is an example of a foundation that offers community-based nursing scholarships.

Gromet Foundation
Nursing students who graduated from high schools in Hawaii are eligible for scholarships from the Foundation.  Award amounts vary and are based on several criteria including financial need, academic potential, and applicant character.  Completed applications are due by mid-October annually.  Get applications by writing the Foundation at 841 Bishop Street, Suite 924, Honolulu, HI 96813 or by calling them at (808) 528-4788.

List of Top Nursing Schools, Colleges & Accredited Programs in Hawaii

Hawaii Community College

Nursing Programs Offered:
Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN)
Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN)
Accreditation: National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC)
Division of Nursing and Allied Health
200 @. Kawili Street
Hawaii 96720-4091
Phone: (808) 934-2650
Fox: (808) 934-2651
Website: hawaii.hawaii.edu
Hawaii Community College is a 2-year, public institution.

Hawaii Pacific University

Nursing Programs Offered:
Bachelors of Science in Nursing (BSN)
Masters of Science in Nursing (MSN)
Accreditation: National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC)
1164 Bishop Str5eet
Honolulu, Hawaii 96813-2785
Phone:(808) 544-0200
Phone: (866) 225-5478
Website: www.hpu.edu
Hawaii Pacific University is a 4-year, private not-for-profit institution.

Kapiolani Community College

Nursing Programs Offered:
Licensed Practical Nursing to Registered Nurse (LPN/RN)
Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN)
Accreditation: National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC)
Hawaii State Board of Nursing
4303 Diamond Head Rd
Honolulu, Hawaii 96816-4496
Phone:(808) 734-9000
Website: kapiolani.hawaii.edu
Kapiolani Community College is a 2-year, public institution.

Kauai Community College

Nursing Programs Offered:
Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN)
Registered Nurse (RN)
Accreditation: National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC)
3-1901 Kaumualii Hwy, Lihue, Hawaii 96766-9591
Phone:(808) 245-8311
Website: kauai.hawaii.edu
Kauai Community College is a 2-year, public institution.

University of Hawaii at Hilo

Nursing Programs Offered:
Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing (BSN)
Accreditation: National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC)
200 W Kawili St
Hilo, Hawaii 96720-4091
Phone:(800) 897-4456
Phone: (808)974-7414
Website: www.uhh.hawaii.edu
The University of Hawaii at Hilo is a 4-year, public institution.

University of Hawaii at Manoa

Nursing Programs Offered:
Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing (Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing (BSN))
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
Master’s of Science in Nursing (MSN)
Adult/Gerontology Nurse Practitioner
Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
Family Nurse Practitioner
Dual NP (FNP or PNP) with Advanced Public Health Nursing
Advanced Public Health Nursing*
Adult Health Clinical Nurse Specialist
Advanced Public Health Nursing*/ Family Nurse Practitioner
Nursing Administration*
Nursing Administration*/MBA Dual Degree
Post-Master’s of Science in Nursing Certificate
Ph.D. Nursing
Registered Nurse to Master of Science in Nursing (RN to MSN)
Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
2528 McCarthy Mall
Webster Hall, Honolulu, Hawaii 96822-2301
Phone:(808) 956-8939
Website: manoa.hawaii.edu
The University of Hawaii at Manoa is a 4-year, public institution.

University of Hawaii Maui College

Nursing Programs Offered:
Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN)
Registered Nurse (RN)
Accreditation: National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC)
310 Kaahumanu Ave
Kahului, Hawaii 96732-1644
Phone:(808) 984-3267
Website: maui.hawaii.edu
University of Hawaii Maui College is a 4-year, primarily associate’s, public institution.

University of Phoenix-Hawaii Campus

Nursing Programs Offered:
Bachelors of Science in Nursing (BSN)
Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN)
Registered Nurse to Bachelors of Science in Nursing (RN to BSN Mobility)
Masters of Science in Nursing (MSN)
Nursing and Health Care Education
Family Nurse practitioner
Master’s of Science in Nursing (MSN)/Master’s of Health Administration
Ph.D. in Nursing
Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
745 Fort Street
Honolulu, Hawaii 96813-3800
Phone:(800) 536-2686
Website: www.phoenix.edu
University of Phoenix-Hawaii Campus is a 4-year, private for-profit institution.