Hannah Pierce, BSN
June 23, 2025
Students who enroll in Hawaii Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) programs learn how to assist nurses and deliver fundamental care to patients within different healthcare environments. CNAs work in hospitals along with nursing homes and home healthcare environments to assist patients with bathing and dressing while feeding them and helping with their movement. The nursing population in Hawaii depends heavily on CNAs for maintaining patient comfort and safety because of the elderly demographic.
Students cannot complete Hawaii CNA programs entirely through online learning since clinical experience remains mandatory for certification purposes. The theoretical elements of CNA education are taught through online learning while students must complete clinical training in-person. Students taking hybrid programs study theoretical aspects and complete assignments through distance learning because this format enables better time management. The clinical component needs to take place at a healthcare facility which holds proper accreditation. Multiple educational institutions operating across Hawaiian islands provide traditional classroom programs which offer flexible class times for working students. The certification process requires direct patient care experience which students must complete after finishing their studies.
| Eligibility | Must be 18 or older, hold a government-issued photo ID, complete a DHS-approved 100-hour nurse aide program, and clear a background check, medical exam, and required immunizations |
|---|---|
| Certifying Board | Hawaii DCCA, Board of Nursing – Nurse Aide Registry |
| Training Program | At least 100 hours total, 30 hours of classroom instruction (covering anatomy, infection control, communication, resident rights, emergency procedures) and 70 hours of supervised clinical practice in long-term care settings |
| Exam Fees | $25 application fee, $216 for the combined knowledge and skills exam, optional oral exam surcharge of $60 |
| Certification Exam | Pass a 60-question written or oral test plus a timed practical evaluation of five core nurse-aide skills |
| Registry Activation | Exam vendors transmit results to the registry, certification is officially recorded within 30 days of passing |
| Renewal Requirements | Every two years, complete at least eight hours of paid nurse-aide work under RN/LPN supervision and submit a renewal application with a $27 fee |
| Endorsement | Active, unencumbered out-of-state CNAs transfer via Prometric’s reciprocity process by submitting verification and paying a $25 fee, no retesting required |
CNA salaries in Hawaii differ according to work experience, job location, and facility type. CNAs working in Hawaii earn average hourly compensation ranging between $21 and $22. New CNAs typically begin at lower wages until they gain experience in specific healthcare settings. The job market for CNAs in Hawaii remains positive because of the state’s rising elderly population along with rising healthcare service requirements. CNAs can find employment in nursing homes, hospitals, and home healthcare agencies across Hawaii. Urban areas such as Honolulu provide more job opportunities with better salary rates compared to rural locations.
| Salary & Career Outlook | Hawaii | USA |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Annual CNA Salary | $42,200 | $62,340 |
| Avg Hourly Wage | $20.30 | $29.97 |
| 90th Percentile Salary | >$50,000 | $80,510 |
| Median Salary | $42,200 | $62,340 |
| 10th Percentile Salary | <$36,000 | $47,960 |
| Projected Job Growth (2022–2032) | ~4% | 3% |
| Annual Job Openings | ~360 | ~54,000 |
After becoming certified in Hawaii CNAs can use their credential to progress toward advanced healthcare positions. After completing their CNA certification most nurses choose to attend school for Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN) or Registered Nursing (RN) degrees. Bridge programs and community college courses lead CNAs toward higher-paying roles. Healthcare organizations sometimes provide financial assistance to help their staff members attend CNA-to-LPN or CNA-to-RN training programs. CNAs who decide to specialize in geriatrics or home health can expect better job security as well as higher compensation. CNAs who want career advancement with higher pay must pursue continuous education while developing their professional skills.
Additional Nursing Programs in Hawaii
LEARN MORE
