Application Fee
See agencyVerified by HI Board of Healthcare
Registered Nurse Licensing in Hawaii
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for registered nurse in Hawaii, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 17, 2026
Current
Exam Requirement
Third-party exam requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Registered Nurse in Hawaii
Estimated timeline: Varies by boardCore Requirements
- 1
Education: Degree required.
- 2
License Type: Stand-alone license.
Exam and processing details
- Third-party exam required
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Hawaii State Dept. of Commerce & Consumer Affairs • Professional and Vocational Licensing Division • Board of Nursing
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$136,320 median (46% above national)
- State Salary Rank
#2 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (4)
- 1. Meet Hawaii eligibility requirements for Registered Nurse licensure.
- 2. Complete required education or training: Degree required.
- 3. Pass required examination steps: Third-party exam required.
- 4. Submit the application to Hawaii State Dept. of Commerce & Consumer Affairs~Professional and Vocational Licensing Division~Board of Nursing and monitor board communications.
Salary Insights in Hawaii
With a median salary of $136,320, Registered Nurses in Hawaii earn 46% above the national median of $93,600. Hawaii ranks #2 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
SteadyQoQ Employment Change
-0.1%Average Weekly Wage
$1,316Median annual salary
$136,320Hourly estimate
$65.5446% above national median
Difference: +$42,720
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationRegistered Nurse Salary Ranking
#2 of 50 statesfor Registered Nurse median salary
| Rank | State | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | California | $140,330 |
| #2 | Hawaii | $136,320 |
| #3 | Oregon | $123,990 |
| #4 | Washington | $112,180 |
| #5 | Alaska | $110,690 |
Nearby States Comparison
Registered Nurse licensing across the region| State | Median Salary | Education | Exam | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hawaii | $136,320 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| California | $140,330 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| Oregon | $123,990 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| Washington | $112,180 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Alaska | $110,690 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
License by Endorsement
Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.
| State | Reciprocity Score | Tier | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hawaii | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| California | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| Oregon | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| Washington | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| Alaska | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
- Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Official Licensing Agency
Official website verified
Hawaii State Dept. of Commerce & Consumer Affairs • Professional and Vocational Licensing Division • Board of Nursing
P. O. Box 3469, [335 Merchant St., Rm. 301, Honolulu, HI 96813], Honolulu, HI, 96801
Phone: 8085863000
Related Careers in Hawaii
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acupuncturist | $78,140 | Degree required | 1-4 months |
| Anesthesiologist | N/A | Degree required | 3 years |
| Athletic Trainer | $70,930 | Degree required | 18 years |
| Audiologist | $92,120 | Degree required | Varies by board |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Registered Nurse in Hawaii?
Most applicants finish the licensing path in about Varies by board, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.
What exams are required for Registered Nurses in Hawaii?
Hawaii lists Third-party exam required as part of the licensure process for Registered Nurses.
What education do you need to become a Registered Nurse in Hawaii?
The board typically expects Degree required for Registered Nurse licensure in Hawaii.
What is the typical Registered Nurse salary in Hawaii?
The median annual salary for Registered Nurses in Hawaii is $136,320. Salaries range from $82,380 (10th percentile) to $146,480 (90th percentile).
How does the Registered Nurse salary in Hawaii compare to the national average?
Registered Nurses in Hawaii earn 46% above the national median of $93,600, with a state median of $136,320.
How many Registered Nurses work in Hawaii?
Hawaii employs approximately 13,100 Registered Nurses according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Registered Nurse license to Hawaii from another state?
Transfer requirements vary by board. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Who is the licensing agency for Registered Nurses in Hawaii?
The licensing agency is Hawaii State Dept. of Commerce & Consumer Affairs / Professional and Vocational Licensing Division / Board of Nursing. Review agency details at http://cca.hawaii.gov/pvl/boards/nursing/.
How often do you renew a Registered Nurse license in Hawaii?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.