Hawaii offers exactly three practical routes from LPN to RN: two University of Hawaii community college bridges and one private BSN track at Hawaii Pacific University. That is the entire field, statewide, across all islands. With so few seats and cohorts admitted only once or twice a year, the program you choose carries more weight here than in states with a dozen options.
The ranking below orders these three by NCLEX-RN first-time pass rate, the clearest signal of how well a program prepares LPNs for licensure, with accreditation status and completion outcomes breaking any ties.
For most working LPNs, the real constraint is not preference but availability: a limited pool means less room for a second application cycle if the first choice does not pan out.
Best LPN to RN/BSN Schools in Hawaii by NCLEX-RN Pass Rate
For a Hawaii LPN planning a bridge to RN, the number that matters most is a program's NCLEX-RN first-time pass rate. It reflects how well graduates actually clear licensure after the transition, not just how many students a school admits. The order below follows that measure, with accreditation and completion data filling in the picture where pass rates alone sit close together.
How we ranked these
- Institution-wide graduation rates
- NCLEX-RN first-time pass rates
- Program accreditation status
- Retention and student-faculty ratios
- NCLEX first-time pass rates published by the state boards of nursing — ncsbn.org
- IPEDS institutional survey data from NCES covering graduation rates, retention rates and student-faculty ratios — nces.ed.gov
- College Scorecard graduate earnings — collegescorecard.ed.gov
- Internal program database
- Independent editorial research
Kauai Community College
Kauai Community College in Lihue is the University of Hawaii campus on Kauai, and its ACEN-accredited LPN to RN transition pathway lets licensed practical nurses earn an Associate of Science in Nursing without leaving the island. The program grants credit for prior nursing coursework after a course equivalency review and admits on a space-available basis, so applicants should plan around the May 1 deadline. The college reports an institution-wide graduation rate of about 48% and a student-to-faculty ratio near 11 to 1.
- ACEN accredited
- Credit granted for prior LPN coursework
- Valid Hawaii LPN license required
- 2.8 GPA minimum
- Entrance exam: ATI TEAS
- Application deadline: May 1
- Admission is space-available, not guaranteed
- Course equivalency review for prior nursing study
LPN to RN Transition Pathway, Associates — On-Campus
Kapiolani Community College
Kapiolani Community College in Honolulu runs one of the state's largest LPN to RN transition cohorts, an ACEN-accredited associate degree that finishes in three semesters and starts students in both fall and spring. The pathway dropped its 480-hour LPN work requirement for the spring 2026 application cycle, and admitted students complete a non-credit bridge course before the program begins. Graduates are prepared for NCLEX-RN and for transfer into BSN programs at UH Manoa and UH Hilo. The college's institution-wide graduation rate is about 22%, which reflects its broad mix of career and transfer students.
- ACEN accredited
- Three-semester program
- Fall and spring start dates
- Offered at Kapiolani and Leeward CC sites
- 2.5 GPA minimum plus prerequisite courses
- Valid Hawaii LPN license required
- Graduates eligible for BSN programs at UH Manoa and UH Hilo
- Non-credit bridge course required before the program starts
LPN to RN Transition, Associates — On-Campus
Hawaii Community College
Hawaii Community College in Hilo offers an on-campus LPN to RN transition track approved by the Hawaii State Board of Nursing. The associate degree pairs general education and nursing coursework with clinical placements in hospitals, long-term care, and community settings, and graduates leave with transfer agreements to four BSN programs. The college reports an institution-wide graduation rate near 33%, and its two nursing program options give LPNs some room to choose a fit.
- Approved by the Hawaii State Board of Nursing
- Entrance exam: ATI TEAS
- Financial aid available
- Two nursing program options
- Prepares graduates for entry-level registered nurse roles
- Transfer pathways to four BSN programs
- Clinical experience in hospitals and long-term care
- Prepares for NCLEX-RN
LPN to RN Transition, Associates — On-Campus
Hawaii Pacific University
Hawaii Pacific University is the private, four-year option in Honolulu for LPNs who want a bachelor's degree rather than an associate degree, and its LPN to BSN pathway runs full-time across three semesters. Students travel to clinical sites throughout Oahu, so reliable transportation is part of the planning, and new students are admitted in the fall term. The university reports an institution-wide graduation rate of about 35%.
- Campus-based pathway with clinical experiences across Oahu
- 120 total credit hours
- 3.0 GPA minimum, 2.75 nursing GPA required to remain
- Two letters of recommendation and a personal statement
- TEAS entrance exam, with waiver available for strong candidates
- Fall entry only, with a February 15 priority deadline
- Three-semester, full-time pathway
- Current, unencumbered LPN/LVN license required
LPN/LVN to BSN, Associates — On-Campus
LPN to ADN Vs. LPN to BSN: Choosing the Right Hawaii Pathway
Hawaii LPNs weighing the jump to RN have two distinct routes, each with real trade-offs in time, cost, and long-term career reach. The community college ADN bridge is the faster, less expensive path to RN licensure, while the university BSN track positions you for broader hospital employment and future leadership roles. Because Hawaii's BSN bridge options are limited, many nurses pursue a practical two-step strategy: earn the ADN first, then complete an RN-to-BSN program online while working.
| Factor | LPN to ADN (Community College) | LPN to BSN (University) |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Total Credits | 70 to 73 credits (based on Kapiolani CC's LPN transition track) | Approximately 120 credits (based on Hawaii Pacific University's BSN curriculum) |
| Estimated Time to Completion | About 12 to 18 months of nursing coursework after prerequisites | Roughly 2 to 4 years, depending on transfer credits and enrollment status |
| Approximate Total Tuition | Lower overall cost at community college rates; exact figures vary by campus and residency status | Higher total cost at private university tuition rates; financial aid and scholarships may offset some expense |
| Clinical Requirements | Clinical rotations at community hospitals, long-term care facilities, and clinics across Oahu and neighbor islands | Extended clinical placements typically in acute care, community health, and specialty settings aligned with BSN competencies |
| Licensure Outcome | Qualifies you to sit for the NCLEX-RN and obtain Hawaii RN licensure | Also qualifies you for the NCLEX-RN and Hawaii RN licensure, with the added BSN credential |
| Employer Preference and Career Ceiling | Meets RN hiring requirements at most clinics, long-term care, and many community hospitals; some acute care employers increasingly prefer BSN holders | Preferred or required by Magnet-designated hospitals and many larger Hawaii medical centers; opens doors to charge nurse, case management, and graduate-level education |
| Hawaii Program Availability | Multiple UH community college campuses offer LPN-to-ADN bridge tracks, including Kapiolani Community College | Hawaii Pacific University lists an active LPN/LVN to BSN pathway accredited by CCNE; options remain limited statewide |
| Two-Step Strategy Viability | Earn your ADN quickly, begin working as an RN, then complete an RN-to-BSN program (many available online) while employed | Completes the BSN in a single program, eliminating the need for a later RN-to-BSN step |
Hawaii LPN to RN Admissions Requirements
A minimum 2.5 GPA on prerequisite coursework opens the door to Kapiolani Community College's LPN-to-RN Transition Program, while Kauai Community College sets its bar slightly higher at 2.75. Both community college nursing programs expect applicants to demonstrate academic readiness through specific prerequisites, exam scores, and documentation before competing for limited seats among the Best LPN Programs in Hawaii.
Kapiolani Community College Requirements
Kapiolani accepts applications during two windows: December 1 through February 1, and June 1 through September 1. For Spring 2026 entry, applications were accepted June 1 through September 1, 2025.
Academic benchmarks include:
- Prerequisite GPA: 2.5 minimum across prerequisite, general education, and support courses
- Kapiolani GPA: 2.0 cumulative for all courses taken at the college
- Course grades: C or higher in all prerequisite courses (credit-by-exam counts as C; credit/no-credit is considered C+ if verified)
- ATI TEAS: Adjusted individual total score of 65% or higher, valid within three years of application
A notable 2026 update removes the 480-hour work-experience requirement as an eligibility barrier. LPNs who have logged 480 or more hours of nursing work can still earn additional ranking points during competitive selection, but candidates without that experience are no longer disqualified from applying.
Kauai Community College Requirements
Kauai's LPN-to-RN Transition Pathway operates on a space-available basis, meaning seats open only after degree-seeking ADN students fill their cohort. The deadline is May 1 prior to the semester you wish to reenter.
Eligibility standards:
- Prerequisite GPA: 2.75 minimum; C-minus grades are not accepted
- Required courses: NURS 212 Pathophysiology and NURS 203 Pharmacology (or approved equivalents), each with a C or higher
- TEAS contingency: If your science or math courses are older than seven years, you must submit ATI TEAS scores showing Proficient or higher in all content areas
- Prior education: Completion of the first level of an Associate Degree Nursing program (UH Consortium, KCC Career Ladder, or equivalent)
Documentation Checklist
Both colleges require overlapping materials at application:
- Active, unencumbered Hawaii LPN license
- Official transcripts from all previously attended institutions
- Current CPR certification (BLS for Healthcare Providers)
- Immunization records meeting clinical-site requirements
Gathering these documents early prevents last-minute scrambles, especially when requesting transcripts from mainland schools or verifying licensure status with the Hawaii Board of Nursing.
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Tuition and Financial Aid for Hawaii LPN to RN Bridge Programs
Tuition for Hawaii's LPN to RN bridge programs ranges widely depending on whether you attend a University of Hawaii community college or a private university. The two UH community colleges offer some of the most affordable paths in the state, while Hawaii Pacific University provides a direct LPN to BSN option at private university pricing. Keep in mind that the figures below reflect published tuition and fee rates; your actual out of pocket cost may be significantly lower after financial aid. At Kapiolani Community College, roughly 80% of students receive Pell Grants, and at Kauai Community College that share exceeds 94%, meaning the vast majority of enrolled students qualify for substantial federal aid. Given Hawaii's large active duty and veteran population, GI Bill and military tuition assistance can cover most or all community college costs and a meaningful portion of private university tuition. Both UH community colleges participate in the Yellow Ribbon Program, and Hawaii Pacific University offers military and veteran scholarships on top of federal benefits. Students should also explore Hawaii's Nursing Workforce Development grants and institutional scholarships at each school to further reduce costs.
| School | Program Type | In State Tuition per Credit | Out of State Tuition per Credit | Published Annual Tuition (In State) | Published Annual Tuition (Out of State) | Average Net Price After Aid | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kapiolani Community College | LPN to RN (AS) | $131 | $345 | $3,284 | $8,420 | $5,202 | Three semester program; additional $500 per semester nursing fee applies. Pacific Islander rate of $196.50 per credit is also available. Approximately 80% of students receive Pell Grants. |
| Kauai Community College | LPN to RN Transition (AS) | $131 | $345 | $3,252 | $8,388 | $10,436 | $54 per semester student fee in addition to tuition. Total program cost has been cited at approximately $6,585 for one published estimate, though actual costs will vary by residency and credits transferred. Over 94% of students receive Pell Grants. |
| Hawaii Pacific University | LPN/LVN to BSN | $34,392 (flat rate, no in state distinction) | $34,392 | $34,392 | $34,392 | $29,657 | Private university with uniform tuition regardless of residency. 120 total credit hours required. CCNE accredited. Scholarships and financial aid available, including military and veteran benefits. Approximately 60% of students receive Pell Grants. |
What Hawaii LPN-To-RN Bridge Programs Cost at a Glance
Tuition varies dramatically depending on whether you choose a community college associate degree route or a private university BSN pathway. For LPNs watching their budget, the two University of Hawaii community colleges cost roughly one-tenth what Hawaii Pacific University charges, though net price after aid narrows the gap somewhat.
Online, Hybrid, and Part-Time Options for Working LPNs in Hawaii
Working LPNs in Hawaii often ask whether they can finish an RN or BSN entirely online. The honest answer: not for prelicensure. Here is what actually exists for flexible study in the islands.
Fully Online Bridges Do Not Exist In-State
No Hawaii community college offers a fully online LPN-to-RN program. Clinical hours and skills labs must be completed in person under supervised faculty, and that requirement does not bend for distance learners. What local programs do offer is hybrid delivery: some theory coursework runs online, while scheduled skills work and clinical rotations take place at Hawaii healthcare facilities.1
Kapi'olani Community College runs a Bridge for Licensed Practical Nurses, and Kauai Community College operates an LPN to RN Transition Pathway that admits on a space-available basis and requires a course equivalency evaluation before you enroll. Neither program's public materials confirm dedicated evening, weekend, or part-time cohorts for bridge students, so verify current scheduling directly with the nursing department before you plan around a work schedule.
National Online LPN-to-BSN Options
Hawaii participates in SARA, which lets approved out-of-state institutions enroll Hawaii residents in distance programs without separate state authorization.2 The Hawaii DCCA also clarifies that out-of-state online programs do not need to apply for Hawaii authorization if they have no campus and no faculty physically teaching or precepting in the islands.3 For licensure eligibility, the program must be nationally accredited and meet HRS 457-7 or 457-8, as outlined in Accredited LPN and RN Programs.3
Herzing University Online LPN to RN/BSN Nursing Programs lists Hawaii as eligible for its online LPN-to-BSN ($755 per credit) and LPN-to-ASN ($925 per credit) bridges, though it has recently reported full capacity for Hawaii prelicensure applicants. Confirm seat availability before you apply.
Clinical Site Availability by Island
Oahu carries the deepest bench of clinical partners, which is why most bridge activity concentrates there. Neighbor island LPNs on Kauai, Maui, or Hawaii Island should expect a narrower rotation pool and, in some cases, inter-island travel or temporary relocation to complete required clinical hours.
Hawaii RN Licensure: NCLEX-RN, Nurse Licensure Compact, and Renewal
Passing the NCLEX-RN is the universal gateway, but the administrative path you follow after completing a bridge program differs by state. Hawaii has its own process and, as of 2026, remains a single-state license jurisdiction, so understanding the local requirements before you graduate saves time and frustration.
Applying for Your Hawaii RN License
Once you finish your LPN-to-RN bridge program, you will apply to the Hawaii Board of Nursing for licensure by examination. Applications can be submitted online through the state's MyPVL portal or by mailing a printed copy of the current Board-approved form to P.O. Box 3469, Honolulu, HI 96801. Paper applications must use the most recently revised version, be completed in dark ink, and bear an original signature. Incomplete submissions may be delayed or rejected.
Separately, register for the NCLEX-RN through Pearson VUE. After the Board confirms your eligibility, an Authorization to Test (ATT) is issued, and you can schedule your exam. The Board requires applicants to disclose any criminal history, and additional documentation such as court records may be requested. Prospective applicants should contact the Board directly at (808) 586-3000 for the most current guidance on background screening steps and fees.
Nurse Licensure Compact Status
As of 2026, Hawaii has not enacted the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC). Your Hawaii RN license authorizes practice only within the state. If you relocate or want to practice across state lines via telehealth, you will need to obtain licensure in each additional state , see LPN/LVN Reciprocity , or wait for any future compact legislation. Working LPNs on neighbor islands who serve patients through telehealth platforms should confirm with the Board that their practice remains within Hawaii's jurisdictional boundaries.
Renewal and Continuing Education
Hawaii RN licenses renew biennially, with the next deadline falling on June 30 of the next odd-numbered year. The renewal fee is $196, payable through the MyPVL portal. Under Hawaii Statute 457-9.2, RNs must complete 30 contact hours of approved continuing education units each renewal cycle and retain documentation for four years. Alternatives to traditional CE include completing two semester credits of academic coursework or 120 hours in a preceptorship or refresher course, giving working nurses flexibility in how they meet the requirement.
Career Outlook: RN Salary and Job Growth in Hawaii
Planning your Hawaii RN salary and job outlook as you consider LPN to RN Bridge Programs means checking current public data rather than relying on a single static figure. Wages vary by island, facility type, experience, and shift, so the practical step is to build a short research routine that uses official sources and updates it each year.
Start with BLS wage data
Open the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) query system. Choose Hawaii statewide for a broad view, then run a second search for the Honolulu metropolitan area, home to the Best LPN Programs in Honolulu, to see the busiest urban job market. Use SOC code 29-1141 for Registered Nurses and 29-2061 for Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses. For each occupation, record the median annual wage as the middle estimate, then note the 10th and 90th percentile wages to understand the lower and upper ends of typical pay.
Check Hawaii-specific job projections
For forward-looking estimates, go to the Hawaii Department of Labor and Industrial Relations (DLIR) Research and Statistics Office or the state Workforce Development Council. Projections Central is another searchable option for state long-term occupational projections. Look for the Registered Nurses occupation page or long-term projections and note the projection period, usually through 2032. Pay attention to whether the figures are for Hawaii statewide or a specific county.
Cross-check with local nursing sources
Use Hawaii nursing school websites, such as UH Manoa, Chaminade, HPU, and Kapiolani CC, for program outcome details rather than regional salary averages. The Hawaii State Center for Nursing and the Hawaii Nurses Association can add workforce reports and salary survey context from local employers.
A quick verification checklist
- Check the latest BLS release date before citing any wage figure.
- Compare Hawaii statewide and Honolulu MSA numbers instead of using one number for every location.
- Confirm the projection vintage and geographic scope on each state or Projections Central page.
- Contact local employers or nursing associations if you need current hiring ranges for a specific island or specialty.
Registered nurses in Hawaii earn a median wage well above the national RN average, making the LPN-to-RN jump one of the highest-return moves a practical nurse can make in the state.
