Licensed Practical Nurse in Hawaii
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for HI. Updated with 2024 BLS OEWS wage data.
BLS OEWS 2024, Hawaii.
Jobs (HI)
10-yr job growth
Licensing fees
Time to complete
route How to become a licensed practical nurse in Hawaii
To become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in Hawaii, individuals must complete a state-approved practical nursing program and pass the NCLEX-PN examination. Applicants then submit an application to the Hawaii Board of Nursing, which includes a $40 application fee, and undergo a criminal background check with fingerprinting. Hawaii is not a Nurse Licensure Compact state, so nurses licensed elsewhere must apply for licensure by endorsement. Licenses are renewed every two years on June 30th of odd-numbered years, requiring completion of 30 continuing education hours or an approved alternative learning activity.
bar_chart Salary percentiles
Source: BLS OEWS 2024 for Hawaii. Metro-area wages may differ significantly from the state aggregate.
checklist Hawaii requirements
| Licensing body | Hawaii Board of Nursing |
| State license | Required |
| Education | Completion of a state-approved practical nursing program |
| Exam | NCLEX-PN ($200) |
| Application fee | $40 |
| Renewal | Every 2.0 years |
| Continuing education | 30.0 hours per cycle |
| Reciprocity | Hawaii does not participate in NLC; nurses licensed in other states must apply for licensure by endorsement.Reciprocal states: Hawaii does not participate in the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC). Nurses licensed in other states must apply for licensure by endorsement. |
| Notes | Renewal is every two years on June 30th of odd-numbered years. CE can be met through various options, not just contact hours. A criminal background check and fingerprinting are required. Hawaii is not a Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) state. |
Source: Hawaii Board of Nursing
Already licensed elsewhere and moving to Hawaii? See whether Hawaii recognizes an out-of-state credential — with the tier and pathway for all 50 states — in our Licensed Practical Nurse license reciprocity guide.
work_outline Job outlook
AI & tech impact
This career has low exposure to AI automation. Most tasks require physical presence, human judgment, or hands-on skills that AI cannot easily replicate.
balance Is it worth it?
- check_circleHawaii license required — clearer credential signal to employers
- check_circleLow AI disruption risk
Compare Licensed Practical Nurse head-to-head
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