Registered Nurse License in Hawaii
Quick Answer
To become a registered nurse in Hawaii, you must graduate from a board-approved nursing program, pass the NCLEX-RN, and submit FBI fingerprints. Fees are explicitly listed: $40 application, $54 license fee, plus fingerprint costs, totaling approximately $340. Hawaii is NOT an NLC compact state.
- Exam
- NCLEX-RN (National Council Licensure Examination)
- Total Cost
- $340 (est.)
- Timeline
- 2-4 years (education) + 1-3 months (licensing)
- Background Check
- Required
- Renewal
- Every 2 years
Requirements
Registered Nurse registration in Hawaii
Estimated Costs Est.
- Application Fee
- $40
- Exam Fee
- $200
- Renewal Fee
- $54
- Total Estimated Cost
- $340
Cost Breakdown
Estimated costs for getting your Registered Nurse license in Hawaii. Values marked "Est." are extracted from official descriptions.
Enter the cost of your pre-licensing education program
Fees marked "Est." are extracted from official descriptions and may not reflect current pricing. Verify with the Hawaii licensing board.
Registered Nurse Salary in Hawaii
Entry Level
$82,380
Median
$136,320
Experienced
$146,480
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics. Salary data is for informational purposes only.
How to Get Licensed
Step-by-step roadmap to becoming a licensed Registered Nurse in Hawaii.
- 1
Complete Education Requirements
Degree required
- 2
Submit Background Check
Background check required
- 3
Pass the Required Exam
Third-party exam required — NCLEX-RN (National Council Licensure Examination)
- 4
Submit Your Application
File your application with the licensing agency. Application fee: ~$40.
- 5
Receive Your License
Processing typically takes 2-4 years (education) + 1-3 months (licensing).
Registered Nurse Licensing in Hawaii: What to Know
Hawaii explicitly lists fees: $40 application, $54 for a 2-year license, plus fingerprint and background check costs. The state requires graduation from a board-approved nursing program and passing the NCLEX-RN. An FBI electronic fingerprint for criminal background check is mandatory. Hawaii is NOT a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), requiring a separate Hawaii license. The state's island geography creates unique healthcare challenges — each island needs adequate nursing coverage. Travel nursing to Hawaii is extremely popular. The cost of living is among the highest in the nation, but nursing salaries partially compensate.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How much does a Registered Nurse license cost in Hawaii?
- The estimated total cost is $340, including application fees, exam fees ($200), and education costs.
- How long does it take to get a Registered Nurse license in Hawaii?
- The process typically takes 2-4 years (education) + 1-3 months (licensing), depending on education completion and exam scheduling.
- What exam do I need for a Registered Nurse license in Hawaii?
- You need to pass the NCLEX-RN (National Council Licensure Examination). Third-party exam required
Considering another state?
Compare Registered Nurse requirements across states.
View all states →Data from CareerOneStop (DOLETA/DEED). Last updated: February 14, 2026.