Best LPN Programs in Hawaii 2026
Explore Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) programs in Hawaii with information on schools, curriculum, tuition, and clinical training. Learn about state licensing requirements and nursing career opportunities across the islands.
2026 Best LPN Programs in Hawaii
Kapiolani Community College
Honolulu, HI - Public 2-Year - kapiolani.hawaii.edu
Certificate/Diploma - Certificate Of Achievement – Practical Nursing
Campus Based - Visit Website
Kapiolani Community College's Certificate of Achievement in Practical Nursing is accredited by the Hawai'i Board of Nursing and prepares students for the NCLEX-PN exam through a curriculum blending classroom instruction with hands-on clinical experience. Emphasizing safe patient care and ethical responsibilities, this campus-based program equips graduates for entry-level nursing roles. Financial aid and scholarships enhance accessibility for students at various life stages, supporting a diverse range of aspiring nurses in achieving their career goals without requiring entrance exams for this certificate-level program.
- Accredited by Hawai'i Board of Nursing.
- Prepares for NCLEX-PN exam.
- Combines classroom and clinical learning.
- Financial aid available.
- Focus on safe patient care.
- Ethical responsibilities training.
- Entry-level nursing preparation.
- Hands-on clinical experience.
- Scholarships accessible.
- Designed for various life stages.
University of Hawaii Maui College
Kahului, HI - Public 4-Year - maui.hawaii.edu
Certificate/Diploma - Practical Nurse
Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of Hawaii Maui College offers a Practical Nurse Certificate of Achievement program that prepares students for healthcare roles under RN and physician supervision. Through rigorous clinical practice in hospitals, extended care facilities, clinics, and private agencies, graduates gain hands-on experience for diverse settings. Admission is competitive, requiring specific science prerequisites, strong academic performance, and a TEAS test. Students must complete background checks and drug testing while budgeting for professional fees. This campus-based program emphasizes real-world readiness without exam substitutions, making it ideal for those seeking thorough practical nursing training in Hawaii.
- Certificate of Achievement in Practical Nursing
- Clinical practice in healthcare facilities
- Competitive admission process
- Prepares for work in multiple healthcare settings
- TEAS test required for admission
Hawaii LPN Program Overview
Eligibility and Admission Requirements
It is important to note that the Hawaii Board of Nursing does not currently list any approved Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) programs within the state. Individuals seeking LPN licensure in Hawaii typically complete their nursing education in other states and then apply for licensure by endorsement. General eligibility and admission requirements for LPN programs outside of Hawaii typically include holding a high school diploma or GED equivalent, passing a background check, and completing a healthcare provider-level CPR certification. Many programs also require prospective students to take a pre-entrance exam, such as the TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills). Proof of immunizations and completion of a physical examination may also be required as part of the application process. In some cases, programs expect students to complete prerequisite courses in biology, math, and English composition before acceptance.
Program Curriculum and Accreditation
LPN programs are designed to combine classroom instruction with clinical experience. The curriculum includes subjects such as pharmacology, medical-surgical nursing, pediatric nursing, obstetrics, and mental health nursing. Students are trained in both theoretical knowledge and hands-on clinical practice to prepare for the diverse duties of an LPN, including medication administration, wound care, patient monitoring, and communication with healthcare teams.
Accreditation is crucial for ensuring the quality and integrity of LPN programs. In Hawaii, aspiring nurses must complete an accredited program approved by the Hawaii Board of Nursing to qualify for licensure. Accreditation signifies that a program meets state and national educational standards, which is essential for future employment and eligibility to sit for the NCLEX-PN licensure exam.
LPN Schools and Classes
Hawaii does not currently have state-approved LPN programs. Licensed Practical Nurses practicing in Hawaii typically complete their education at community colleges or vocational institutions in other states that offer LPN programs. These schools provide a mix of classroom learning and supervised clinical rotations in healthcare settings like hospitals, long-term care facilities, and clinics. Coursework commonly includes anatomy and physiology, human development, pharmacology, nursing fundamentals, and clinical skills labs. Students also receive education in specialized areas such as geriatric care, maternity nursing, and behavioral health.
Career Outlook
Licensed Practical Nurses in Hawaii are in demand due to the state’s aging population and ongoing need for skilled healthcare providers. LPNs in Hawaii typically work in a variety of settings, such as long-term care facilities, home health care, outpatient clinics, and physician offices. The work/life balance for LPNs can vary, but opportunities for flexible scheduling do exist, particularly in home healthcare. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Hawaii offers competitive wages for LPNs, and job growth is expected to continue in the coming years.
LPN Program Length
LPN programs typically take 12 to 18 months to complete for full-time students. Part-time and evening/weekend options are also available at some institutions, allowing students to balance education with work or family commitments. These alternative schedules may extend program completion to 18 to 24 months, depending on the credit load per term and clinical availability. Regardless of schedule, all students must complete the required clinical hours and coursework to graduate and sit for the NCLEX-PN exam.
2026 Shortest LPN Programs in Hawaii
| School Name | Highlights | Retention & Grad Rates |
|---|---|---|
| Kapiolani Community College |
|
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| University of Hawaii Maui College |
|
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Tuition and Costs
The cost of attending an LPN program varies depending on the institution, residency status, and program length. On average, tuition for LPN programs ranges between $4,000 and $12,000. Additional expenses include textbooks, uniforms, lab fees, and licensing exam costs. Due to Hawaii’s high cost of living, individuals considering an LPN career in Hawaii should also budget for housing, which can be a significant expense in areas such as Honolulu or Maui. Estimated monthly housing costs can range from $1,000 to $2,500, depending on location and roommates.
2026 Low-Cost LPN Programs in Hawaii
| School Name | Highlights | Annual Estimated Tuition & Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Kapiolani Community College |
|
|
| University of Hawaii Maui College |
|
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Can I Take LPN Classes Online?
LPN programs cannot be completed fully online due to the clinical and hands-on training requirements mandated by state boards of nursing. While some general education or theoretical coursework may be offered in a hybrid format, practical nursing education requires in-person clinical rotations in healthcare settings. These experiences are essential for developing the hands-on skills needed to provide safe and effective patient care and are a requirement for licensure by the Hawaii Board of Nursing.
LPN Licensure Requirements in Georgia
NCLEX-PN Exam Information
Graduates of a practical nursing program in Hawaii must pass the NCLEX-PN exam to obtain licensure as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN). The exam, developed by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing, evaluates a candidate’s knowledge and skills necessary for safe and effective entry-level nursing practice. Candidates applying to take the NCLEX-PN in Hawaii must submit an application and fee to the Hawaii Board of Nursing and register separately with Pearson VUE, the testing administrator. Completion of a state-approved nursing program is required prior to applying.
LPN Reciprocity and Nurse Licensure Compact
Hawaii does not currently participate in the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC). This means licensed practical nurses from compact member states cannot practice in Hawaii without first obtaining a Hawaii LPN license. LPNs licensed in other U.S. states may apply for licensure in Hawaii through endorsement. Requirements for endorsement include verification of current licensure, evidence of meeting education standards, and passing of the NCLEX-PN. Applicants must also undergo a criminal background check and submit appropriate documentation to the Hawaii Board of Nursing.
Licensure Requirements
The Hawaii Board of Nursing, under the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, oversees the licensure and regulation of practical nurses in the state. To qualify for LPN licensure, applicants must graduate from an approved practical nursing program and pass the NCLEX-PN examination. Additionally, all applicants must submit a completed application, pay a nonrefundable fee, and complete a fingerprint-based criminal background check. International applicants may be required to demonstrate English proficiency and have their education evaluated for equivalency.
License Renewal
LPN licenses in Hawaii must be renewed every two years, with licenses expiring on June 30 of even-numbered years. The renewal process includes submission of a renewal application and fee. Effective for renewals after July 1, 2017, LPNs must complete one of the following continuing competency requirements: (1) 30 hours of continuing education; (2) national certification; (3) completion of a board-approved refresher course; or (4) evidence of practiced nursing for at least 520 hours within the past five years. Failure to renew on time may result in license forfeiture, requiring reactivation procedures.
Hawaii LPN Salary Compared to National Average Salary For LPN/LVNs
The average Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) salary in Hawaii is $67,540, which is more than $5,000 above the national average of $62,340. This significant wage difference is largely driven by Hawaii's exceptionally high cost of living index, which necessitates higher pay to attract and retain qualified professionals. Additional factors influencing this elevated salary include the state's unique island geography, specific healthcare regulations, and a potential high demand for long-term care services. These elements combine to create a distinct labor market where compensation for LPNs surpasses the national benchmark.
Average LPN National Salary
$62,340 per year
2024 Median Pay reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Hawaii LPN Certificate/Diploma vs. Associate Degree
📚 LPN vs Other Entry Level Healthcare Careers in Hawaii
| Career | Salary | Program Length | Exam | Clinical Hours | Tuition |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LPN | $55,500 - $79,900 | 10-12 months | NCLEX-PN | 500-600 hours | $8,000 - $15,000 |
| MA | $38,000 - $59,400 | 9-12 months | CMA (AAMA) or RMA (AMT) | 160-200 hours | $4,000 - $17,000 |
| CNA | $38,000 - $59,200 | 4-8 weeks | Prometric NNAAP Exam | 30-40 hours | $1,200 - $2,500 |
| DA | $39,200 - $62,100 | 9-12 months | DANB Radiation Health and Safety (RHS) for radiography | 150-300 hours | $4,500 - $18,000 |
| Pharm Tech | $38,800 - $61,000 | 6-12 months | PTCE (PTCB) or ExCPT (NHA) | 120-200 hours | $3,500 - $12,000 |
| Phlebotomist | $40,500 - $62,500 | 2-4 months | PBT (ASCP) or CPT (NHA) | 40-120 hours | $1,000 - $3,000 |
| OTA | $59,600 - $98,400 | 2 years (Associate's degree) | NBCOT COTA Exam | 640+ hours (16 weeks full-time) | $9,000 - $20,000 |
List of LPN Programs in Hawaii
Honolulu, HI
Kapiolani Community College
- Certificate/Diploma - Certificate Of Achievement – Practical Nursing
Campus Based - Website
- Accredited by Hawai'i Board of Nursing.
- Prepares for NCLEX-PN exam.
- Combines classroom and clinical learning.
- Financial aid available.
- Focus on safe patient care.
- Ethical responsibilities training.
- Entry-level nursing preparation.
- Hands-on clinical experience.
Kahului, HI
University of Hawaii Maui College
- Certificate/Diploma - Practical Nurse
Campus Based - Website
- Certificate of Achievement in Practical Nursing
- Clinical practice in healthcare facilities
- Competitive admission process
- Prepares for work in multiple healthcare settings
- TEAS test required for admission
Hawaii LPN Program Resources
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