Hawaii Nursing License

Hawaii is not a Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) state. Practicing in Hawaii requires an individual Hawaii nursing license, even with a multistate compact license.

How to get your Hawaii nursing license

  1. Complete an approved nursing program (RN or LPN/LVN).
  2. Pass the NCLEX-RN or NCLEX-PN examination.
  3. Apply to the Hawaii Board of Nursing for licensure by examination or endorsement.
  4. Complete the required criminal background check and pay licensure fees.

Hawaii licensing at a glance

Continuing education30 hours / 2 years
Compact (NLC) memberNo

Hawaii publishes RN license fees through its licensing system rather than a fixed schedule, so no fee is listed here. 30 CE contact hours are required per 2-year renewal (or a board-approved alternative activity). Not an NLC member — a separate Hawaii license is required even with a multistate compact license.

Hawaii nursing license FAQ

Does my compact nursing license let me work in Hawaii?
No. Hawaii is not a Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) member state, so you must hold an individual Hawaii nursing license even if you carry a multistate compact license.
How many continuing-education hours does Hawaii require?
Hawaii requires 30 hours / 2 years for RN license renewal.
How do I verify a Hawaii nursing license?
Verify any U.S. nursing license through Nursys, the national verification system operated by the state boards of nursing.