Best LPN Programs in Honolulu 2026

Find Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) programs in Honolulu, Hawaii with details on schools, coursework, tuition, and clinical training. Review licensing steps and career opportunities for practical nurses in the Honolulu area.

Written by Jane Dewy and Edited by The PracticalNursing.org Editorial Team.
Expert Guide Verified updated on May 29th, 2025.
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Honolulu Hawaii LPN programs offering nursing education and hands-on clinical experience for entry-level healthcare roles

2026 Best LPN Programs in Honolulu, HI

If you want to become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in Honolulu, HI, finding the right program is key. At practicalnursing.org, we have carefully reviewed and ranked the best LPN programs in the area to help you make a smart choice. Our rankings look at factors like program quality, cost, and student support to give you reliable information. We aim to guide you toward programs that set you up for success in your nursing career. Check out our detailed rankings to see which schools stand out. https://www.practicalnursing.org/rankings-methodology/
#1

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 program is accredited by the Hawai'i Board of Nursing and prepares students for the NCLEX-PN exam through a blend of classroom instruction and hands-on clinical training. The curriculum emphasizes safe patient care practices and ethical responsibilities, equipping graduates for entry-level nursing positions. Financial aid and scholarship options are available to support students at various life stages, making this program accessible to diverse learners seeking to enter the practical nursing field in Honolulu.

  • 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.
*Source documentation: IPEDS 2023 Technical Review Panel report, NCES.

Honolulu LPN Program Overview

Licensed Practical Nurses are vital contributors to Honolulu’s healthcare system, delivering direct, hands-on care under the supervision of registered nurses and providers. In hospitals, long-term care facilities, outpatient clinics, and home health settings, LPNs assist with monitoring patients, administering treatments within scope, supporting chronic disease management, and coordinating care that helps reduce hospital readmissions and improve access for diverse patient populations across Oahu.

Honolulu is home to the state’s largest concentration of healthcare services, including major hospitals, specialty centers, skilled nursing and rehabilitation facilities, federally qualified health centers, and home health agencies. This mix creates steady opportunities for entry-level nursing roles. Nationally, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects ongoing employment growth for practical nurses through 2032, and statewide workforce reports from the Hawaii State Center for Nursing continue to highlight nursing needs across care settings, with particular demand in long-term and community-based care. Together, these factors support consistent employment prospects for LPNs in Honolulu’s urban and suburban neighborhoods.

Practical nursing programs in Honolulu are designed to prepare students for safe, competent entry into practice. Local colleges typically offer:

  • Full-time tracks that can be completed in about 12 months, depending on the academic calendar and clinical scheduling.
  • Part-time or extended options, when available, that may take 18 to 24 months.
  • Coursework in fundamentals of nursing, pharmacology, medical-surgical nursing, maternal-child and geriatric care, plus simulation and supervised clinical rotations in hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities in Honolulu.
  • Structured preparation for the NCLEX-PN, including NCLEX-style testing, skills check-offs, and comprehensive review.

Licensure for LPNs in Hawaii is overseen by the Hawaii Board of Nursing, which approves nursing programs in the state and requires graduates to pass the NCLEX-PN for licensure by examination. Students should confirm that their chosen Honolulu program is board-approved and meet all application, background, and examination requirements before seeking employment as an LPN.

Employment Opportunities for LPNs in Honolulu

The healthcare landscape in Honolulu, Hawaii, presents a vibrant and growing employment market for Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs). Nationally, the employment of LPNs is projected to increase by 5% from 2022 to 2032, leading to approximately 54,700 annual job openings. Honolulu’s LPN job market mirrors this trend, offering numerous opportunities across diverse healthcare settings.

LPNs in Honolulu typically work under the supervision of registered nurses and physicians, providing essential patient care. A variety of facilities actively seek qualified LPNs, including hospitals, rehabilitation centers, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and home health agencies.

  • Nursing and Residential Care Facilities:These facilities are a significant employer of LPNs. Prominent employers include Avalon Health Care Management Inc., with its Avalon Care Center Honolulu, The Care Center of Honolulu, which often offers sign-on bonuses for full-time hires, and Hale Nani Rehabilitation and Nursing Center, known for its rehabilitation services. Other facilities like Palolo Chinese Home and Waialae Senior Living also employ LPNs to care for their residents.
  • Home Health Agencies:The home healthcare sector is particularly active in Honolulu. Agencies such as HiHealthCare regularly list home care LPN positions across Oahu, providing flexible part-time and per diem options. Ohana Pacific Health also offers home health services and career opportunities.
  • Assisted Living Facilities:LPNs find roles in assisted living communities like The Plaza Assisted Living, which has locations in Waikiki, Moanalua, and Kaneohe. Kahala Nui also provides senior living options and employment within its community. Always Best Care Senior Services – Oahu places LPNs in both assisted living and skilled nursing facilities.
  • Hospitals and Outpatient Clinics:Major healthcare providers in Honolulu are key employers. Kaiser Permanente’s Honolulu Medical Offices frequently hire LPN – Clinic I (Meds) and LPN – Clinic II (Meds) roles, sometimes including sign-on bonuses. The Queen’s Health Systems is another significant healthcare employer in Hawaii. The State of Hawaii also offers Licensed Practical Nurse positions in specialized settings, such as mental health hospitals like the Hawaii State Hospital on Oahu.
  • Rehabilitation Centers:Facilities dedicated to rehabilitation, such as Hale Nani Rehabilitation and Nursing Center, rely on LPNs for patient recovery and care. Ohana Pacific Health also contributes to rehabilitation services in the region.
  • Hospice Care:LPNs can also find specialized roles in hospice care, with employers like Bristol Hospice LLC hiring for positions such as LVN/LPN Scheduling Coordinators in Honolulu.

Successful LPN candidates in Honolulu typically possess a current, active State of Hawaii LPN license, CPR/BLS certification, recent TB clearance, a physical exam, and a clear background check. Many positions prefer at least six months of previous experience, and flexibility for various shifts may be required.

List of LPN Programs in Honolulu, HI

If you're looking to start a career as a Licensed Practical Nurse in Honolulu, HI, you have several great options. The table below lists schools in the city and state, along with program highlights and links to learn more. Each school offers unique features to help you succeed in your nursing education. Check out the details to find the best fit for your goals and get started on your path to becoming an LPN.
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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.
*National Center for Education Statistics. (2023). IPEDS data system. Retrieved from https://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/