Hawaii Nursing License Requirements 2026
Hawaii requires RNs and LPNs to complete a state-approved or nationally accredited nursing program, pass the NCLEX exam, and apply to the Hawaii Board of Nursing. The Board licenses by examination for first-time applicants and by endorsement for nurses already licensed in another U.S. state. Hawaii is not a Nurse Licensure Compact state.
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The Hawaii Board of Nursing, a division of the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, oversees licensure for LPNs, RNs, and APRNs. Whether you’re applying by exam for the first time or transferring a license from another state, the process runs through the Board. For CNA and APRN requirements, see our separate guides: Hawaii CNA requirements and Hawaii APRN requirements.
Use the links below to jump to licensing requirements, application steps, and renewal information.
- Hawaii’s licensing pathways and compact state status
- LPN licensing requirements in Hawaii
- RN licensing requirements in Hawaii
- Renewing your Hawaii nursing license
- Hawaii nursing resources and organizations
Licensing Pathways in Hawaii
Hawaii offers two main paths to licensure for RNs and LPNs: licensure by examination and licensure by endorsement. First-time applicants who have completed an approved program apply to take the NCLEX and submit their application directly to the Board. Nurses already licensed in another U.S. jurisdiction apply by endorsement instead.
Hawaii is not a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC). A multistate compact license issued by another state is not valid for practice in Hawaii. Out-of-state nurses must apply to the Board and receive a Hawaii-specific license before working in the state.
LPNs have one additional alternative pathway: a candidate who has completed a portion of an RN program may be eligible for LPN licensure without completing a standalone LPN program, provided the completed coursework is deemed equivalent by the Board.
All initial applicants, for both LPN and RN licensure, must complete electronic fingerprinting for a criminal history background check. Check the Board’s application instructions for the current deadline to complete fingerprinting after submission.
LPN Licensing Requirements in Hawaii
LPN Education Requirements
Prospective LPNs must complete a practical nursing program that is either nationally accredited or approved by the Hawaii Board of Nursing. Hawaii has historically had four practical nursing programs, located in Hilo, Honolulu, Kahului, and Lihue, though program approvals can change over time. Programs completed through the armed forces may also qualify, provided the candidate submits transcripts, course descriptions, and a certified letter from the board of the state where the program was physically located confirming equivalency to a Board-approved program.
For a detailed list of accredited programs and criteria for choosing among them, see our guide to LPN programs in Hawaii. For information on LPN scope of practice, typical work settings, and job outlook in the state, see our Hawaii LPN career overview.
The NCLEX-PN and Application Process
Once you’ve completed your program, submit your application to the Hawaii Board of Nursing along with the required application fee. A transcript or letter from your program verifying completion is required before the Board can issue your license, though official transcripts aren’t always required before exam authorization. A letter confirming completion is sometimes accepted in the interim to move the process forward.
After the Board confirms eligibility, you’ll receive a bulletin with instructions for registering for the NCLEX-PN through Pearson VUE. The NCLEX-PN registration fee is $200. Once registered, you’ll receive an Authorization to Test (ATT) that establishes your testing window. Pearson VUE maintains a test center on Oahu, and the exam is available year-round in a computer-adaptive format.
If you don’t pass on the first attempt, you can retake the exam after the minimum waiting period required by the testing company. Applications that remain inactive for an extended period without communication to the Board may be closed, so contact the Board if you need additional time to complete the process.
Out-of-State LPNs
LPNs licensed by examination in another U.S. jurisdiction can apply for Hawaii licensure by endorsement. If you completed an approved program in another state and passed the NCLEX-PN there, you don’t need to retest. You’ll need to provide license verification from your home state board.
A temporary work permit may be available while your endorsement application is in process. Contact the Board to confirm current eligibility requirements, but in some cases, the Board can issue a permit once you’ve provided proof of your current license and requested official verification from your home state board, even before that verification has arrived.
International LPNs
Nurses educated outside the U.S. must have their credentials evaluated by the Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS). CGFNS offers two options: the full certification program, which includes a credential review and two examinations, or a course-by-course credential report without examination. The Board will advise which option applies based on your situation.
RN Licensing Requirements in Hawaii
RN Education Requirements
Candidates for RN licensure must complete a professional nursing program that is nationally accredited or approved by the Hawaii Board of Nursing. Hawaii has historically had four ADN programs in Hilo, Honolulu, Kahului, and Lihue, and five BSN programs with three in Honolulu and one each in Hilo and Kaneohe. Diploma and master’s-entry programs are also acceptable pathways to RN eligibility. The Board notes that programs completed through the armed forces are generally not considered equivalent to civilian RN programs.
For a full list of accredited options and what to consider when choosing a program, see our guide to RN programs in Hawaii.
The NCLEX-RN and Application Process
As graduation approaches, download or request the RN application from the Hawaii Board of Nursing. The application requires documentation verifying educational completion and the required application fee. Candidates previously licensed as LPNs should include all required documents with the new application since the Board does not copy materials from an existing file.
Once the Board approves your application, you’ll receive instructions for registering for the NCLEX-RN through Pearson VUE. The exam fee is $200. You’ll wait for your Authorization to Test (ATT) and then schedule your exam at an available test center. The NCLEX-RN is computer-adaptive and available year-round.
A passing result plus payment of the licensing fee completes the process. Candidates who need to retake the exam can do so after the required waiting period. Applications that remain inactive for an extended period may be closed, though candidates can restart the process at any time.
Newly licensed RNs in Hawaii can access transition-to-practice support through the Hawaii Nurse Residency Program, which operates at eight facilities, including Queen’s Medical Center in Honolulu.
Out-of-State and International RNs
Graduates of accredited nursing programs in other U.S. jurisdictions can apply for Hawaii licensure by endorsement. License verification can be submitted as an official document with a seal, or provided electronically through Nursys.com. Candidates who already hold a valid NCLEX-RN result won’t be required to retest.
International RN candidates must have their credentials evaluated through CGFNS before applying. Most international nurses will need to take the NCLEX-RN. Canadian nurses who passed the State Board Test Pool Examination (SBTPE) may be exempt from the NCLEX requirement.
Renewing Your Hawaii Nursing License
Hawaii nursing licenses renew on a two-year cycle. If you hold both an RN and an APRN license, each must be renewed separately. Check with the Hawaii Board of Nursing for the current renewal schedule, fees, and submission instructions, as these are subject to change.
Hawaii does not currently have a mandatory continuing education requirement for LPN or RN license renewal. APRNs with prescriptive authority do have CE requirements. Your national certification agency may also have independent CE requirements regardless of state renewal rules, so verify both when planning your renewal.
You can verify the current status of your license or check your application status through the Hawaii Board of Nursing website.
Hawaii Nursing Resources and Organizations
The Hawaii Board of Nursing is the primary regulatory body for nursing practice in the state. The Board handles all applications, compliance actions, and rule-making for LPN, RN, and APRN licenses. Nurses are responsible for knowing the statutes and administrative rules in Hawaii Revised Statutes Chapter 457.
The Hawaii State Center for Nursing collects workforce data and oversees programs designed to attract and retain qualified nurses across the islands. Nursing students can access resources related to clinical placement in state facilities through the Center.
The Hawaii Nurses Association has represented the state’s nursing workforce since 1917. The Hawaii Student Nurses Association maintains chapters at nursing schools throughout the state.
Find nursing licensure requirements by state for RNs, LPNs, LVNs, and advanced practice nurses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Hawaii a nurse compact state?
No. Hawaii is not a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact. A multistate compact license from another state is not valid for practice in Hawaii. Nurses relocating to Hawaii or taking travel assignments there must apply to the Hawaii Board of Nursing for licensure by endorsement before practicing.
How do I get a Hawaii nursing license by endorsement?
Submit an application to the Hawaii Board of Nursing, pay the required fee, and provide license verification from your current state board. Verification can be submitted as an official document with a seal or through Nursys.com. If you passed the NCLEX in another state, you won’t need to retest. A temporary work permit is available while your endorsement application is pending.
Does Hawaii require continuing education to renew a nursing license?
Hawaii does not currently have a mandatory CE requirement for LPN or RN license renewal. APRNs with prescriptive authority do have CE requirements, and your national certification body may have its own independent CE standards to maintain your specialty certification. Check with the Board for the current renewal schedule and any changes to CE policy.
What nursing programs does Hawaii have?
Hawaii has historically had four ADN programs and five BSN programs for RN candidates, and four practical nursing programs for LPN candidates, with locations including Hilo, Honolulu, Kahului, Lihue, and Kaneohe. Program approvals can change over time, so check the Hawaii Board of Nursing’s website for the current list of approved prelicensure programs.
Do I need a background check to get a Hawaii nursing license?
Yes. All initial applicants for Hawaii nursing licensure must complete electronic fingerprinting for a criminal history background check. Check the Board’s current application instructions for the required deadline and fingerprinting process.
Key Takeaways
- Endorsement available for out-of-state nurses — RNs and LPNs already licensed in another state can apply for Hawaii licensure by endorsement. If you hold a valid NCLEX result, you won’t need to retest.
- NCLEX is required for initial licensure — LPN candidates take the NCLEX-PN and RN candidates take the NCLEX-RN. Both exams are owned by the NCSBN and delivered through Pearson VUE, which operates a test center on Oahu.
- Fingerprinting is required for all new applicants — All initial applicants must complete electronic fingerprinting for a criminal history background check. Check the Board’s application instructions for the current deadline.
- Licenses renew on a two-year cycle — Hawaii does not require CE for LPN or RN renewal, though APRN prescriptive authority holders have CE obligations. Verify the current renewal schedule with the Board.
- Alternative LPN pathway exists — Candidates who’ve completed part of an RN program may qualify for LPN licensure without a standalone LPN program if their coursework is deemed equivalent by the Board.
Select your state below to find approved nursing programs, application links, and licensing requirements for your area.