Best LPN Programs in Hawaii

Check out the top ranked LPN programs available in Hawaii in this comprehensive guide.
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Updated July 13, 2023

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Despite being one of the smallest states, Hawaii has many opportunities for aspiring and current practical nurses, including competitive salaries that are on par with many larger states, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. A report from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services notes that the island will be short some 300 LPNs by 2025, which means practical nurses with the right education and training should see decent employment opportunities, particularly on the island of Oahu where the number of employed LPNs has historically been the highest, according to the Hawaii State Center for Nursing. The following guide provides a detailed look at the practical nursing landscape in Hawaii, helps prospective students explore LPN programs, and offers step-by-step information on how to apply for licensure in the state.

Available LPN Programs in Hawaii

Like all other states, Hawaii requires practical nurses to complete an accredited LPN education and training program. These programs are offered primarily through the state's community colleges. The schools below offer prospective students board approved LPN programs in Hawaii to determine which school is the best fit.

#1 Best LPN Programs in Hawaii

Kapiolani Community College

  • Honolulu, HI
  • 2 years
  • Online + Campus

Learners interested in nursing can pursue a certificate or an associate degree from Kapiolani Community College, a public school. An associate degree or certificate qualifies graduates for many positions in the nursing field. These programs also prepare certificate-holders to transfer into bachelor's programs for further education.

The school's online programs eliminate costs associated with transportation and relocation. Online learning is also ideal for students who work full time and need flexible scheduling options. Before enrolling, applicants should consider their career goals and contact the admissions department for more information.

Kapiolani Community College at a Glance:

Number of Associate Programs: 20

Number of Associate Programs Available Online: 1

Number of Certificate Programs: 17

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$3,144
Out-of-state
$8,280
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
Not provided
Out-of-state
Not provided
Retention Rate
69%
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
6,488
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
49% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
No

#2 Best LPN Programs in Hawaii

University of Hawaii Maui College

  • Kahului, HI
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

From its main campus, the University of Hawaii Maui College is a public school educating learners through associate and certificate programs. Associate and certificate programs in nursing prepare students for entry-level roles. To increase their career options, graduates can transfer into a bachelor's program.

The school's online options provide opportunities for enrollees not based near Kahului. Additionally, the flexibility of online learning can be ideal for busy students with personal and professional responsibilities. Before enrolling, applicants should consider their career goals and contact the admissions department for more information.

University of Hawaii Maui College at a Glance:

Number of Associate Programs: 23

Number of Associate Programs Available Online: 1

Number of Certificate Programs: 17

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$3,144
Out-of-state
$8,280
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
Not provided
Out-of-state
Not provided
Retention Rate
62%
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
2,992
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
39% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission

#3 Best LPN Programs in Hawaii

Kauai Community College

  • Honolulu, HI
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Learners interested in pursuing an associate degree or certificate in nursing can consider Hawaii Pacific University, a private institution. Based in Honolulu, the school delivers programs online and on campus. Many online learners complete coursework on evenings and weekends so as not to interfere with their work schedule.

In addition to coursework, associate and certificate programs in nursing feature practical training opportunities to prepare participants for work in the field. This training is usually sufficient to begin entry-level jobs in nursing and related fields. To expand their career options, graduates of associate or certificate programs can complete a bachelor's degree before applying for positions in the field.

Hawaii Pacific University at a Glance:

Number of Associate Programs: 14

Number of Associate Programs Available Online: 8

Number of Certificate Programs: 1

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$27,000
Out-of-state
$27,000
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$20,250
Out-of-state
$20,250
Retention Rate
58%
Acceptance Rate
75%
Students Enrolled
4,170
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
39% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission

AccreditedSchoolsOnline.org is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.

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The Road to Employment: LPN Licensure

In order to work and practice as a nurse of any kind in the US, a state-issued license is an absolute requirement. Because licensure is handled at the state level — specifically by the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs in Hawaii — the requirements can be slightly different from other states. Take a look at the details of how LPN licensure is handled in Hawaii.

Basic Eligibility for LPNs in Hawaii

  • Must be at least 18 years of age
  • Must be a US citizen, national, or otherwise authorized to work in the US
  • Register to take the National Council Licensure Examination-Practical Nurse (NCLEX-PN)

LPN Education in Hawaii

Training for LPN takes place through programs approved by the Hawaii Board of Nursing, at community colleges, undergraduate schools, and universities. There are currently fourteen approved programs on the Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs list of nursing schools, offering associate, bachelor's, and master's degrees in nursing.

LPNs are required to complete a program in practical nursing, which can be done in roughly a year. This includes classroom and clinical training, and qualifies graduates to sit for the NCLEX-PN exam. Upon passing the exam, LPNs are granted a license to practice in Hawaii.

Hawaii also has specific provisions for granting licenses to practical nurses who have already completed the licensure process in another state, for those who have been trained outside of the country, and for members of the military who have practiced as LPNs. Candidates who have previously been granted an LPN license may not have to take the NCLEX-PN exam.

Additional Requirements for LPN Licensure in Hawaii

  • Pay a non-refundable $40 application fee
  • Provide a valid Social Security Number
  • Pass the National Council Licensure Examination-Practical Nurse exam (NCLEX-PN) within two years of registering to take the exam
  • LPNs who are licensed in another state must apply for licensure by endorsement in Hawaii, which requires a non-refundable $40 application fee

Maintaining LPN Licensure in HI

Most states require LPNs to be periodically relicensed. In Hawaii, LPN licenses are valid for two years, and expire on June 30 of every odd-numbered year, regardless of the issuance date. Once a licensed has lapsed, LPNs are no longer legally allowed to practice and must apply to have their licenses restored within two years. Once that two-year period has lapsed, the state of Hawaii requires LPNs to retake and pass the NCLEX-PN for licensure reinstatement.

As part of the licensing renewal process, LPNs in Hawaii must demonstrate that they've completed one of several continuing education activities. Some options include:

  • National certification or recertification
  • 30 contact hours of CE
  • Complete a Board approved refresher course
  • Complete at least two semester credits of post-licensure nursing practice education at an accredited school

For more information on acceptable CE learning activities, including new options beginning July 21, 2017, visit Hawaii's Board of Nursing.

LPN Salaries: Hawaii vs. National

Salaries for LPNs vary from region to region, both within the US and within individual states. This is often correlated with the relative supply and demand of newly licensed practical nurses, a factor that shapes up quite favorably for Hawaii, where the increase in employment opportunities for LPNs is predicted to be much greater than the national average of 16 percent for the next decade. Here's what the data looks like for LPN salaries and employment in the state.

LPN Employment Outlook in HI

According to the latest BLS data, Hawaii ranks in the lowest category for per-capital employment of LPNs, with between 678 - 799 LPNs per 100,000 people across the state. That's among the nine lowest states, according to the National Center for Health Workforce Analysis, and well below the US average of 225 per 1,000. The jobs forecast in Hawaii indicates that the demand for LPNs is likely to outstrip the supply of newly licensed LPNs by 2025. This shortfall is expected to be in the range of 200. The demand for LPNs will likely vary from region to region within the state, but there are expected to be job openings across the board for LPNs in Hawaii over the next decade.

Top Employment Locations for LPNs in Hawaii
Area Total Employment (2014)
Honolulu 800
Hawaii / Maui / Kauai nonmetropolitan area 420

Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2014

Employment of LPNs in Hawaii

2012: 1,340

2022: 1,560

Average Annual Openings: 60

Source: Projections Central

Additional Resources

The Hawaiian chapter of the American Nurses Association, a professional group that provides continuing educational assets, advocacy, and professional tools for nurses in Hawaii and the US. The state branch of the American Organization of Nurse Executives, a national organization that provides resources and networking for nursing professionals. A professional group affiliated with the American Association of Nurse Practitioners that lobbies the state government in Hawaii and provides resources for nurses in the state. The state agency in Hawaii that functions as the board of nursing, oversees nurse licensing, and provides information about nursing exams, licensing applications, and the process of becoming an LPN in Hawaii. The state affiliate of the National Student Nurses Association, a member group dedicated to the personal and professional development of nursing students.

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