RN Programs in Hawaii
While Hawaii has one of the lowest unemployment rates in the nation, they are in the middle of a nursing shortage. RN programs in Hawaii are hard to get into due to the shortage of nursing educators in the state; however, the outlook for graduates of RN schools in Hawaii is excellent.
Hawaii’s retiree and elderly populations are rapidly growing, adding to the need for qualified registered nurses in the state. Graduates of Hawaii RN programs find work quickly, registered nurses in Hawaii also enjoy excellent job security as registered nurses are expected to remain in high-demand for many years to come.
Registered Nurses (RNs) are in demand in Hawaii, and they have the important job of healthcare for patients in and out of hospitals. If you are thinking about a nursing career, you need to know that there are two ways to become an RN. One of them is to attend a college that leads to an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN). This is a two-year program. The other way is to attend a four-year program at a college or university that leads to a Bachelor of Science Nursing (BSN). Both types of programs qualify graduates to take the NCLEX-RN exam that is necessary for licensure.
RN Licensure in Hawaii
Those who want to be licensed as RNs in Hawaii must graduate from an accredited RN program. They must then apply for their license and take the NCLEX-RN. After passing the exam, their credentials will be finalized and they will be licensed as an RN.
Hawaii RN Registry
Department of Commerce & Consumer Affairs
Professional and Vocational Licensing
King Kalakaua Building
335 Merchant Street, Room 301
Honolulu, Hawaii 96813
RN Jobs and Salary in Hawaii
Registered nurses in Hawaii are severely needed in home health care centers, skilled nursing facilities, hospitals, doctor’s offices, and clinics. The most in-demand RN jobs are found in and around Hawaii’s largest city Honolulu. Registered nurses in Hawaii make an average of $38.47 hourly and $80,020 annually.
Hawaii’s largest and most well-known employers of registered nurses include:
Fresenius Medical Care, Lanai City
Castle Medical Center, Kailua
Pali Momi Medical Center, ‘Aiea
Hawaii Pacific Health, ‘Aiea
Kaiser Permanente, Honolulu
Straub Clinic and Hospital, Honolulu
Hawaii Medical Center, Honolulu
RN Programs in Hawaii
Community colleges offer two year Associate Degree in Nursing programs, while universities have Bachelor of Science Nursing (BSN) programs. Students must meet the requirements for programs that are different for various schools. Typically, requirements are a C or above in math and science classes in high school for an Associate Degree. BSN programs require adequate SAT or ACT scores for entry to their program. Students are encouraged to apply around one year in advance of the time that they hope to begin classes.
Hawaii Community College
200 West Kawili Street
Hilo, HI 96720
This RN school offers an Associate Degree program.
Kapiolani Community College
Department of Nursing
4303 Diamond Head Road
Honolulu, HI 96816
This is an Associate Degree program that takes two years to complete.
Kauai Community College
Department of Nursing
3-1901 Kaumualii Highway
Lihue, HI 96766
Students who graduate from this RN program have an Associate Degree.
Hawai’i Pacific University
Department of Nursing
1164 Bishop Street
Honolulu, HI 96813
This is a four-year BSN program.
University of Hawai’i at Hilo
Department of Nursing
200 W. Kawili Steet
Hilo, HI 96720-4091
A BSN program is offered at this university.
University of Hawai’I at Manoa
Department of Nursing
2500 Campus Road
Honolulu, HI 96822
This is a BSN program that takes four years to complete.
University of Hawai’i Maui College
Division of Nursing
310 Ka’ahumanu Avenue
Kahului, HI 96732-1617
A BSN may be earned in this RN program.
For reviews and a full list of RN programs in Hawaii, please visit:
Nursing Schools in Hawaii.