Compare costs, curriculum, and career outcomes for every practical nursing pathway available to Hawaii residents.
Hawaii has just four state-approved practical nursing programs, all concentrated on Oahu and Maui. With such limited capacity, local graduates are outnumbered by LPNs who trained on the mainland and later sought Hawaii endorsement.
For in-state residents, tuition at community colleges such as Kapiolani CC and UH Maui College costs just $3,284 per year, a fraction of what a private out-of-state LPN course can cost. However, this affordability comes with intense competition and waitlists that can stretch for months.
Hawaii’s NCLEX-PN pass rates for first-time test takers hover consistently in the 90s, but the exam is a gatekeeper: without it, no license is issued, regardless of where you trained.
Hawaii has just a handful of approved practical nursing programs, making each option critical for aspiring LPNs across the islands. Both programs listed here are state-approved, delivered on campus, and have strong recent outcomes that align with Hawaii’s healthcare workforce needs.
| Rank | School | Location | Net price | Best for | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Kapiolani Community College | Honolulu, HI | $5,000/yr | Oahu learners targeting NCLEX-PN success | |
As Hawaii’s largest and most established LPN program, Kapiʻolani Community College on Oʻahu achieved a 100% first-time NCLEX-PN pass rate in 2023. The selective admissions process requires completing prerequisites and a separate nursing application; free information sessions help applicants navigate the steps. With a net price of $5,202 and median graduate debt under $10,000, it delivers strong ROI and a built-in LPN-to-RN bridge pathway for career growth.
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| #2 | University of Hawaii Maui College | Kahului, HI | $8,000/yr | Maui County residents seeking local campus access | |
UH Maui College’s PN program is the primary LPN training option for Maui County, also posting a 100% first-time NCLEX-PN pass rate in 2023. The ACEN-accredited curriculum blends theory, lab, and clinicals in small cohorts that foster hands-on learning. Spring admission requires a TEAS exam and prerequisites, and graduates can seamlessly continue into the college’s ASN degree program.
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The path to LPN licensure in Hawaii typically takes 12-18 months of full-time study, plus time for prerequisites, exam preparation, and processing. Since the state has only four approved programs, many students also consider out-of-state options and then apply by endorsement.
Gaining admission to an LPN program in Hawaii is a competitive process that demands careful preparation. With only a few state-approved programs, meeting minimum requirements is just the starting point. Below we break down what you need to apply successfully.
Candidates must hold a high school diploma or GED. Beyond that, Hawaii’s LPN programs typically require completion of specific LPN prerequisites with a grade of C or better. At Hawaiʻi Community College, for example, applicants must finish 17 credits of prerequisites, including anatomy and physiology, English composition, and college-level math. A cumulative GPA of at least 2.0 in prior college coursework is expected, though competitive applicants often present higher GPAs.1
All UH system PN programs require the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) or an equivalent entrance exam. A score of Proficient or higher is the common benchmark. Additionally, students must demonstrate proficiency in reading, writing, and mathematics through either placement tests or completed coursework.1
With limited seats across Oahu, Maui, and the Big Island, admission is not guaranteed even for well-qualified applicants. Hawaii residents receive priority consideration at public programs; non-residents are admitted on a space-available basis only.1 In recent years, many programs have reported receiving far more qualified applications than available seats, so treat the process like a job application: be meticulous and timely. Strong TEAS performance, a solid prerequisite GPA, and a polished application are essential. Some schools also request a brief personal statement or interview, so be ready to explain your motivation for nursing.
Before enrolling, accepted students must clear a criminal background check and drug screening, submit immunization records (including hepatitis B, MMR, varicella, and TB testing), and hold current CPR certification at the healthcare-provider level. Some programs also require proof of health insurance. While not always mandatory, holding a CNA credential (earned through CNA programs in Hawaii) can strengthen an application and may be preferred, as it demonstrates hands-on patient care experience.
Because Hawaii offers only a handful of LPN programs, many aspiring nurses apply to mainland programs as a safety net. Online LPN options are rare due to clinical requirements, but some schools in neighboring states may accept Hawaii residents. If you are willing to relocate temporarily, broadening your search to the West Coast can improve your chances of starting your nursing education without delay.
Tuition at UH community college LPN programs is remarkably affordable for Hawaii residents. Both Kapiolani Community College and UH Maui College list in-state tuition at $3,284 per year, while non-residents pay $8,420. But the number that matters most is the net price, what students actually pay after grants and scholarships. At Kapiolani, the average net price comes to $5,202, and at Maui College it is $8,061. These figures reflect real out-of-pocket costs after aid, and they stand out as competitive even by mainland standards. Remember, though: low tuition doesn’t erase Hawaii’s high cost of living. Housing, food, and transportation will strain any student budget, so account for these when comparing programs.
To tap into federal, state, and institutional funding, every applicant should file the FAFSA and the UH Common Scholarship Application. Pell Grants are widespread: 80% of Kapiolani students and 88% of Maui College students receive them, which drastically reduces the upfront burden. Hawaii-specific options add further relief:
Make sure to check deadlines: the Pauahi Foundation scholarships close in November, and UH Mānoa-specific awards like the Gordon & June Ito Foundation Scholarship appear on the Common Scholarship Application.
Even with modest debt levels, LPN graduates in Hawaii see a quick payback. Median debt at program completion is $9,229 at Kapiolani and $13,040 at Maui College. While program-level earnings aren’t yet reported, institution-wide median earnings a decade after entry offer a rough benchmark, about $44,599 for Kapiolani and $34,453 for Maui College. That gives Kapiolani a debt-to-earnings ratio of roughly 4.8, meaning cumulative earnings quickly surpass total borrowing. At Maui College the ratio is still a solid 2.6. In practical terms, a graduate could recoup their entire educational investment within the first year or two of working as an LPN. Keep in mind residency status heavily influences the equation: in-state tuition is less than half the non-resident rate, so establishing Hawaii residency before enrolling can double your ROI.
Hawaii's practical nursing programs remain squarely focused on campus-based, in-person training, and the state offers no fully online alternative.
Most state-approved practical nursing programs in Hawaii lead to a Certificate of Achievement and require 44-46 credits. Kapiʻolani Community College and the University of Hawaii Maui College each complete the nursing coursework and clinicals in 12 months. Hawaii Community College's program also totals 46 credits, with 29 nursing-specific credits built on 17 prerequisite credits. Across the islands, the total time from start to finish typically falls between 11 and 14 months, depending on prerequisite completion and term start dates.
The curriculum balances foundational nursing knowledge with direct patient care skills. Core subjects include: - Fundamentals of Nursing: patient safety, hygiene, and basic assessment. - Pharmacology: medication administration, dosage calculation, and drug classifications. - Medical-Surgical Nursing: care for adults with acute and chronic conditions. - Maternal and Pediatric Nursing: family-centered care during pregnancy, childbirth, and childhood. - Mental Health Nursing: therapeutic communication and care for clients with psychiatric disorders.
Clinical experiences run parallel to these courses, so theory is applied immediately in practice settings.
No fully online LPN program exists in Hawaii. All standard prelicensure tracks, at Hawaii Community College, Kapiʻolani Community College, and UH Maui College, are delivered in person. The only hybrid option in the state is the CNA-to-LPN bridge offered through UH Maui College, and even that combines online didactic work with mandatory in-person labs and clinicals. For anyone entering without a CNA background, the path is entirely campus-based.
Clinical placements send students into a mix of hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, and community health sites. Because each program serves its local island community, rotations are arranged with partner facilities nearby, on Oʻahu, Maui, Hawaiʻi Island, and other locations, giving students experience with the populations and healthcare challenges specific to their region.
Part-time enrollment is not available in Hawaii's practical nursing programs. All three public PN programs, Hawaii CC, Kapiʻolani CC, and UH Maui College, require a full-time schedule. Students should prepare for weekdays filled with lectures, labs, and clinical shifts, which makes balancing outside employment difficult during the program.
For certified nursing assistants in Hawaii, enrolling in CNA-to-LPN programs doesn’t have to mean stepping away from work or taking on heavy debt. The Ohana Pacific Health / UH Maui College CNA-to-LPN Bridge program compresses the journey into a single year of hybrid study, fully funded by the employer while participants continue earning a paycheck.1
This unique partnership targets CNAs, medical assistants, and other healthcare workers who already hold a high school diploma or equivalent and are at least 18 years old. Applicants must have an active Hawaii CNA certification, or an equivalent qualification, and complete prerequisite courses before starting.2 Once admitted, students progress through a 12-month hybrid curriculum that blends online coursework with in-person clinical training.1 Ohana Pacific Health covers full sponsorship, meaning tuition, fees, and often materials are paid for, and students work in a paid capacity while studying.1 This employment-based model removes two common barriers, cost and lost income, making LPN preparation accessible for those already committed to the islands’ healthcare workforce. Application is handled through UH Maui College2, and cohorts are intentionally small to ensure robust support.
After earning an LPN license, many nurses look toward registered nursing. Hawaii’s University of Hawai‘i community colleges offer LPN-to-ADN bridge pathways that recognize prior practical nursing education. Kapi‘olani Community College on O‘ahu, UH Maui College, and Hawai‘i Community College on the Big Island all have articulation tracks that allow LPNs to enter an associate degree in nursing (ADN) program at an advanced point, often reducing total time to RN licensure by a semester or more. These programs build on foundational clinical skills while adding the critical thinking and leadership content required for the NCLEX-RN. Applicants typically need a current Hawaii LPN license, a minimum number of practice hours, and completion of general education prerequisites. Since ADN programs are offered on multiple islands, geography is less of a hurdle than one might expect.
LPNs who envision a career in public health, leadership, or hospital-based acute care often pursue a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). While dedicated LPN-to-BSN tracks are less common in Hawaii than traditional prelicensure BSN programs, several schools accept LPNs into RN-to-BSN completion programs after they earn an ADN and RN license. Some institutions evaluate prior LPN coursework and clinical experience for credit, shortening the time to a bachelor’s degree. Checking with individual universities about specific bridge policies is essential, as articulation agreements can shift.
In a state where the cost of living is among the highest in the nation, career mobility is not just aspirational; it’s a financial necessity. Registered nurse positions far outnumber LPN roles across Hawaii’s hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities, and RN salaries are substantially higher. Transitioning from LPN to RN often doubles earning potential while expanding job settings and responsibility. For CNAs and LPNs, each step up the career ladder brings greater stability and a stronger footing in a competitive healthcare economy. Employers like Ohana Pacific Health actively invest in these pathways because they understand that cultivating homegrown talent is more sustainable than recruiting from the mainland. Taking advantage of bridge programs isn’t just smart individual planning; it strengthens the entire healthcare system statewide.
Licensing is the state authorization that lets you practice as a licensed practical nurse in Hawaii, and it culminates with passing the NCLEX-PN exam. After completing an approved practical nursing program, you apply to the Hawaii Board of Nursing (BON) for permission to test. The process includes a background check, fees, and meeting all education requirements.
If you graduated from a Hawaii board-approved program, you'll apply for licensure by examination. The application package requires official transcripts, verification of program completion, and a fee. You must also register for the NCLEX-PN through Pearson VUE and pay the exam fee separately. Hawaii requires a fingerprint-based background check; the fingerprinting fee is $52. Once the BON approves your application and declares you eligible, Pearson VUE issues an Authorization to Test (ATT). Passing the NCLEX-PN is the final step before your license is issued.
Hawaii is not part of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), so every LPN must hold a Hawaii-issued license to practice here. If you hold an active, unencumbered LPN license from another state, you can apply by endorsement. The endorsement application fee is $55, but total costs typically range from $186 to $254 when you include fingerprinting ($52), a state nursing center fee (about $60), and other administrative charges. If you have a job offer in Hawaii, you may qualify for a temporary permit while your full endorsement processes; the combined fee for endorsement plus temporary permit ranges from $236 to $304. Temporary permits are valid for 12 months and require proof of employment. The Board processes endorsement applications in roughly 15–20 business days, though volume can extend that timeline. You must provide verification of your original state license and complete the same fingerprint background check. Applications are available online and on paper through the Hawaii BON website.
Hawaii LPN licenses renew every two years. The active renewal fee is $196; an inactive status renewal costs just $12, but you cannot practice on an inactive license. If you let your license lapse, there is no grace period, you'll need to pay a $226 restoration fee and meet any additional requirements. The 2025 renewal window ran from April 21 to June 30, 2025; late renewals after June 30 were subject to the restoration process. Continuing competency is satisfied by completing one approved learning activity each cycle; the Board specifies acceptable activities, which may include in-service training, academic courses, or presentations. Check the BON website for the current list.
Contact the Hawaii Board of Nursing directly via their website for current applications, fee schedules, and detailed instructions.
Because Hawaii has just two to three approved practical nursing programs, space is extremely limited and admissions are highly competitive, with waitlists that can stretch for months. A backup plan is essential: apply to all available island campuses, and research mainland PN programs recognized by the Hawaii Board of Nursing for endorsement after graduation.
Here are answers to some of the most common questions about LPN programs and licensure in Hawaii. Use these FAQs as a starting point for your nursing education planning.
