Registered Nurse / Hawaii
2026 data Hawaii board official source

Hawaii Registered Nurse License Requirements

Compiled from official public sources by the publisher.

Requirements, fees, and renewal timing for this license, sourced from state board records.

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Provides patient care, administers medications, and coordinates with physicians. Requires NCLEX-RN exam.

What the Hawaii data shows for Registered Nurses

Hawaii's path to registered nurse licensure runs through 2,789 hours of approved instruction and a passing score on NCLEX-RN, plus a criminal history screening before applicants younger than 18 can be licensed. Hawaii folds the credential into its broader occupational licensing statute, which classifies the training track as "Associate or Bachelor of Science in Nursing".

Upfront cost is $80, with renewal running $80 on a 2-year cycle. Expect roughly 5 weeks of processing once a complete application is submitted. The license also carries an ongoing 30-hour continuing-education requirement per 2-year cycle that adds to the true cost of staying licensed.

Reciprocity for this profession works like this: NLC Compact: 41 states allow multistate practice.

Licensing Ease Score

F
Licensing Ease Score
39/100
Registered Nurse · Hawaii

A higher score means this specific license is LESS burdensome to obtain and maintain here than the national requirement corpus, based on education hours, fees, continuing education, and experience requirements, not an overall judgment of the profession or the state.

Education & Training F
2,789 hours
Documented education/training hours required
Initial Fee F
$213
One-time application/license fee
Renewal Burden F
$75/yr
$149 every 2 years
Continuing Education F
15.0 hrs/yr
30 hours every 2 years
Experience Required A+
None required
Supervised work experience required before licensure

Licensing Requirements in Hawaii

Education / Training Hours
Associate or Bachelor of Science in Nursing
2,789 hours
Exam Requirement
NCLEX-RN
Required
Initial License Fee
$213
Renewal Fee
$149
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Processing Time
After complete application submitted
5 wks
Continuing Education
30 hrs/cycle
Criminal History Check
Required
Minimum Age
18 years
Compare fees across all states for Registered Nurse →

Compare & Explore

Compare all states for Registered Nurse All Hawaii licenses
Data sources: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice, state licensing boards. Verify current requirements with Hawaii licensing authorities before making career decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What license do I need for Registered Nurse in Hawaii? ▼
Hawaii's requirements cover 2789 hours of education or training, the NCLEX-RN exam, and an initial fee of $213. Applicants also go through a criminal background check.
How do I get certified as a Registered Nurse in Hawaii? ▼
Hawaii licenses registered nurses who complete its requirements (2789 education hours) and a passing exam. Verify the latest details with the Hawaii licensing board.
Can I transfer my Registered Nurse license to Hawaii from another state? ▼
Registered Nurse licenses generally reciprocate as follows: NLC Compact: 41 states allow multistate practice. Interstate licensing compacts cover many professions and can further ease a move between states. The Hawaii licensing board can confirm the current rules for your credential.
Does Hawaii require a background check for Registered Nurse licensing? ▼
Hawaii does require a background check before issuing a registered nurse license. What counts as disqualifying, and how it's reviewed, is up to the state licensing board.
What are the continuing education requirements for Registered Nurse in Hawaii? ▼
Hawaii ties continued registered nurse licensure to 30 continuing-education hours, due every 2 years, alongside a $149 renewal fee.
How much does it cost to get a Registered Nurse license in Hawaii? ▼
The initial licensing fee in Hawaii is $80. The renewal fee is $80 every 2 years. Processing typically takes 5 weeks after submitting your complete application.
How long does Registered Nurse license processing take in Hawaii? ▼
In Hawaii, license processing for registered nurses typically takes approximately 5 weeks after your complete application is submitted. Processing times may vary based on application volume and completeness of documentation.

Related Guides

What to do with this registered nurse license

Registered Nurse in Hawaii, with a documented reciprocity path, is one requirement row in a registered nurse-wide, 50-state comparison.

  • See how Hawaii's registered nurse requirements compare to every other state before relocating. Registered Nurse in every state
  • Confirm whether your out-of-state registered nurse license transfers under an interstate compact before starting a new application. Reciprocity guide
  • See how Hawaii's overall licensing burden compares to other states, not just this one profession. Hawaii overview

Requirements shown are compiled from NCSL and Institute for Justice research; verify current rules with the Hawaii licensing board before making career decisions.

Source: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice License to Work (3rd Ed.), state licensing board websites

According to the National Conference of State Legislatures and the Institute for Justice, the PlainCredential comparison corpus (current as of May 15, 2026) maps 4,947 state licensing requirement records; see the methodology.

Read our methodology - how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.