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9th Annual Hawaii RN Program Rankings by RNCareers.org

To help nursing students in their search for a top RN program, the education experts at RNCareers.org publish their annual findings of the best nursing schools for both Hawaii and the country. Schools ranked on our list have proven their ability to educate highly competent nurses.

To create our rankings, we evaluated 4 ADN degree programs and 4 BSN degree programs in Hawaii. We obtained each institution’s first-time NCLEX-RN passing rates, the number of students taking the test, the program nursing accreditation and more. We then compared the results against other nursing programs in Hawaii to provide our state rankings. View our methodology. 

RN Programs in Hawaii

Best ADN Programs in Hawaii

#1 Associate Degree in Nursing

Kapiolani Community College

98.55% 3-Year
Pass Rate
  • 4303 Diamond Head Road, Honolulu, HI - 96816-4421
  • (808) 734-9000
  • NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 98.55%
  • Programs: Registered Nursing
  • Award Levels: Associate

University Information

  • Total Faculty: 165
  • In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $3,284
  • Book and Supplies: $1,350
  • Percent Received Aid: 58%
  • Average Grant or Scholarship: $4,072
  • Percent Admitted: N/A
  • Percent Admitted who Enrolled: N/A
  • Graduation Rate: 22%

Kapiolani Community College is located in Honolulu, Hawaii.  Their motto is "Kulia I Ka Nu'u - Strive for the Highest." The nursing program at Kapiolani Community College ranks as one of the best in both the state and nation. Located in Honolulu, Hawaii prepares nurses to work in a variety of healthcare settings, including hospitals, doctors’ offices, community healthcare settings, and so on. 

Kapiolani Community College has incorporated a career ladder model into their Associate in Science degree in Nursing program. This model aims to allow students to acquire skills to become a nurse aid while also training for their licensure to become practical nurses and registered nurses.

The students are considered capable enough to become a nurse aide after completing the first semester of the ADN program in an acute setting. Similarly, the students who are interested in obtaining certification as a nurse aide in a long-term care setting need to apply and be accepted into their Long-Term Care Nurse Aide course. 

To guide potential students and help them evaluate their eligibility, Kapiolani Community College holds Nursing information sessions regularly. The college also provides federal financial aid, UH System tuition waivers, and private nursing scholarships to their students.

Undergraduate Programs: Kapiolani Community’s Associated Science Degree in Nursing Program prepares nurses to participate in the planning, implementing, and evaluating nursing care in various settings. Graduates of this degree are eligible to both work as RNs or get direct admission in the fourth year of the Bachelor of Science in Nursing programs at UH Manoa and UH Hilo.

#2 Associate Degree in Nursing

Hawaii Community College

90.69% 3-Year
Pass Rate
  • 1175 Manono Street, Hilo, HI - 96720-5096
  • (808) 934-2500
  • NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 90.69%
  • Programs: Registered Nursing
  • Award Levels: Associate

University Information

  • Total Faculty: 82
  • In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $3,204
  • Book and Supplies: $1,350
  • Percent Received Aid: 76%
  • Average Grant or Scholarship: $4,424
  • Percent Admitted: N/A
  • Percent Admitted who Enrolled: N/A
  • Graduation Rate: 27%

The Division of Nursing and Allied Health offers two separate nursing programs: the Certificate of Achievement in Practical Nursing leading to licensed practical nursing and the Associate of Science in Nursing leading to registered nursing. Adult Residential Care Home Operator classes are also offered. Upon completing the prescribed ARCH coursework, students will be eligible for licensure by the State Department of Health as an Adult Residential Care Home Operator.

The Nursing and Allied Health Division of Hawaii Community College ranks among the best in both the state and the country. The college is the perfect educational center for students who want to be a part of a close-knit community. Hawaii Community College is no less than a Hawaiian village composed of a family of administrators, faculty, staff, students, their family, and the Hawaii Island Community. 

Hawaii Community College has made a commitment to become the center for the study of Hawaiian culture, where students prosper in a work-based learning environment as they apply classroom education to the community. There are program advisory councils for each program, and continuous efforts are made to learn how the students and the college can assist in the development of the community. 

There are also multiple financial aid options to help students achieve their maximum academic potential without the burden of financial constraints. 

Undergraduate Programs: Hawaii Community College offers two undergraduate programs, one of which is the Certificate of Achievement in Practical Nursing. The course prepares students with the knowledge, skills, and attitudes required for entry-level positions as LPNs. Graduates are also eligible to sit for the NCLEX-PN.

Their Associate in Science Degree in Nursing prepares nurses to practice as RNs in all kinds of healthcare facilities such as hospitals, long-term care facilities, and community-based settings.

#3 Associate Degree in Nursing

Kauai Community College

86.66% 3-Year
Pass Rate
  • 3-1901 Kaumualii Highway, Lihue, HI - 96766-9500
  • (808) 245-8311
  • NCLEX Passing Rate: (B) 86.66%
  • Programs: Registered Nursing
  • Award Levels: Associate

University Information

  • Total Faculty: 52
  • In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $3,252
  • Book and Supplies: $1,350
  • Percent Received Aid: 73%
  • Average Grant or Scholarship: $4,033
  • Percent Admitted: N/A
  • Percent Admitted who Enrolled: N/A
  • Graduation Rate: 25%

Located in Lihue, Hawaii, the nursing school of Kauai Community College ranks among the state’s finest. Kauai Community College strives to create an inclusive environment for all kinds of students, and thus the college doesn’t tolerate discrimination of any kind. If you are looking for a safe and close-knit environment to thrive in, then you should definitely turn to Kauai Community College. 

The nursing students here benefit through the Career Ladder Nursing program, which allows students to get a Certificate of Achievement and eligibility to take the NCLEX-PN after the completion of the first year of the ADN curriculum. Similarly, graduates of the program are eligible for direct admission to the fourth year of the BSN program at UH Manoa. 

In addition to the courses, the college also encourages students to keep learning through its non-credit courses of business and lifelong learning through the Office of Continuing Education. The college provides open access, affordable education in small classes that value students’ individuality and quality education. 

Undergraduate Programs: The three-year ADN course at Kauai Community College helps to prepare competent nurses who develop clinical insights through reflective practice, self-analysis, and self-care. Nursing graduates of Kauai Community College are well-versed in communication, collaboration, critical thinking, and client-centered care.

#4 Associate Degree in Nursing

University of Hawaii - Maui College

Career Ladder Nursing Program Professional/Community

85.79% 3-Year
Pass Rate
  • 310 W Kaahumanu Ave, Kahului, HI - 96732-1617
  • (808) 984-3500
Nurse Admin: Anne Scharnhorst, MN, RN
Title: Allied Health Department Chair
  • NCLEX Passing Rate: (B) 85.79%
  • Programs: Registered Nursing
  • Award Levels: Associate

University Information

  • Total Faculty: 70
  • In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $3,278
  • Book and Supplies: $1,350
  • Percent Received Aid: 66%
  • Average Grant or Scholarship: $4,391
  • Percent Admitted: N/A
  • Percent Admitted who Enrolled: N/A
  • Graduation Rate: 25%

The Nursing Program at the University of Hawaii, Maui College, provides a collaborative learning experience that teaches the students the values of hope, harmony, compassion, responsibility, and goodness. The university itself is committed to providing affordable, convenient, and inclusive education to every student.

Nursing education at the University of Hawaii, Maui College incorporates knowledge, skills, and attitudes with quality learning and compassionate care in their education. The students learn nursing skills and theory from top-class instructors in small classroom sizes where each students’ individuality is valued. They also practice their clinical skills in a variety of healthcare institutions in the area where they learn clinical reasoning, judgment, patient evaluation, and communication. Various nurse leaders and care providers graduating from UHMC have gone on to work in a plethora of healthcare facilities all over the world.

Undergraduate Programs: UHMC has two undergraduate programs as a part of the Nursing Career Ladder program. The students are awarded a Certificate of Achievement (CA) when they graduate with their Practical Nurse degree. There is also an Associate in Science Degree (AS) for students who want to sit for their NCLEX-RN exam and become Registered Nurses.

IN addition to it, students who have successfully completed their PN and RN courses can study in the BSN program at UH Manoa or get admitted to the third level UHM Bachelor of Science courses offered at UHMC

Best BSN Programs in Hawaii

#1 Bachelor of Science in Nursing

University of Hawaii @ Manoa-MEPN

Nancy Atmospera-Walch School of Nursing

86.53% 3-Year
Pass Rate
  • 2500 Campus Road, Honolulu, HI - 96822-2217
  • (808) 956-8111
Nurse Admin: Clementia D. Ceria-Ulep, PhD, MS, RN
Title: Interim Dean
  • NCLEX Passing Rate: (B) 86.53%
  • Programs: Adult Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, Gerontology Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing
  • Award Levels: Accelerated MSN, Bachelor, BSN to DNP, MSN, MSN to DNP, Post Master's NP Certificate

University Information

  • Total Faculty: 1344
  • In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $12,186
  • Book and Supplies: $1,350
  • Percent Received Aid: 72%
  • Average Grant or Scholarship: $7,675
  • Percent Admitted: 84%
  • Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 20%
  • Graduation Rate: 62%

#2 Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Hawaii Pacific University

College of Nursing and Health Sciences

71.46% 3-Year
Pass Rate
  • 1 Aloha Tower Drive, Honolulu, HI - 96813
  • (808) 544-0200
Nurse Admin: Edna Magpantay-Monroet, EdD, APRN, CMDCP
Title: Dean and Professor
  • NCLEX Passing Rate: (C) 71.46%
  • Programs: Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing
  • Award Levels: APRN Certificate, Bachelor, LPN to BSN, MSN, Post Master's NP Certificate, RN to MSN

University Information

  • Total Faculty: 159
  • In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $1,300
  • Book and Supplies: N/A
  • Percent Received Aid: 97%
  • Average Grant or Scholarship: $12,723
  • Percent Admitted: 81%
  • Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 8%
  • Graduation Rate: 46%

#3 Bachelor of Science in Nursing

University of Hawaii at Hilo

University of Hawaii at Hilo

70.39% 3-Year
Pass Rate
  • 200 W Kawili St, Hilo, HI - 96720-4091
  • (808) 932-7446
Nurse Admin: Jeanette Ayers-Kawakmi, DNP, MSN, RN
Title: Director School of Nursing
  • NCLEX Passing Rate: (C) 70.39%
  • Programs: Family Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing
  • Award Levels: Bachelor, BSN to DNP, MSN, MSN to DNP

University Information

  • Total Faculty: 191
  • In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $7,838
  • Book and Supplies: $1,350
  • Percent Received Aid: 89%
  • Average Grant or Scholarship: $7,680
  • Percent Admitted: 74%
  • Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 20%
  • Graduation Rate: 38%

About RN Programs in Hawaii

  • There are 9 nursing schools in Hawaii. The CCNE accredits 4 nursing schools and the ACEN accredits 7 schools in Hawaii.
  • Typically, an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) will take between 18 to 24 months to complete, and a Bachelor Degree in Nursing (BSN) will take about 4 years to complete.
  • The average NCLEX passing rate range for ADN students in Hawaii is between 83.13% and 98.55%.
  • The average NCLEX passing rate range for BSN students in Hawaii is between 76.85% and 99.12%.
  • The average annual salary for registered nurses is between $52,080 to $111,220 a year.
  • Registered Nurses (RN) throughout the country and in Hawaii can expect a favorable job growth of 15 percent from 2016 to 2026 which much faster than the average for all occupations.

There are currently 11,410 Registered Nurses and 390 Nurse Practitioners working in the state of Hawaii. The average annual salary of the former is $104,920, while NPs earn $72,930; this figure only goes on to show how Hawaii is a great place for nurses to work and thrive in. 

While both RNs and NPs work in a culturally diverse and ever-changing environment in Hawaii, the latter has been given Full Practice Authority by the State Board of Nursing. A Full Practice Authority allows NPs to evaluate patients, diagnose, order, and interpret diagnostic tests, and initiate and manage treatments, including prescribing medications and controlled substances, under the exclusive licensure authority of the state board of nursing.

One of the best qualities of nursing schools in Hawaii is that they create a close-knit community-like environment for their students to learn and thrive in. 

Nursing Schools in Hawaii prepare professional, competent, and compassionate care providers who are culturally sensitive. The schools allow their students to practice in high-end healthcare clinics as well as in rural settings, so that they are competent enough to work in any kind of setting. The nursing schools mentioned in this article are some of the best in the state and the entire country and they provide their students with countless opportunities to excel at their study and profession while also being accessible and affordable.

It is a fact that a highly educated nurse has the ability to provide safer and more effective patient care. Hawaii was chosen as a recipient of the Robert Wood Johns Foundation Academic Progression in nursing grant in 2012. It was a $300,000 grant that was used to create strategies that led to highly educated and diverse nursing population. There is a wide selection of jobs available in the nursing market of Hawaii that are based on your educational level. The Department of Health in Hawaii also has a variety of specialized nursing positions, which are perfect for a nurse with a Bachelor’s degree and they include:

  • Public Health Nursing
  • Genetics
  • Immunizations
  • Emergency Medical Services
  • Early Intervention for at Risk Children and Families
  • Rural Health

Hawaii RN Program Comparisons: ADN vs BSN

Compare RN Programs ADN BSN
Number of Nursing Programs 4 4
Average NCLEX Passing Rate 89.33% 85.16%
NCLEX Passing Rate Range 83.13% to 98.55% 76.85% to 99.12%

Nursing Programs Offered by Hawaii Nursing Schools

  • Registered Nursing: 8
  • Family Nurse Practitioner: 3
  • Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner: 1
  • Adult Nurse Practitioner: 1
  • Gerontology Nurse Practitioner: 1
  • Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner: 1

Hawaii Nursing Schools with the Most Degree Types

Become a Nurse Practitioner in Hawaii

Research the best Hawaii NP programs, and find comprehensive guides to the following NP careers:

Become an APRN in Hawaii

RNs who wish to become advanced practice registered nurses will want to pursue any number of avenues to earn Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree. Earning a Master of Science in Nursing consists of graduate-level coursework and clinical practice for those nurses who wish to direct patient roles such as a nurse practitioner. You can also pursue indirect patient roles such as teaching or leadership roles, or become involved in policy, state-wide health initiatives or community engagement. There are many clinical and non-clinical avenues that an RN with MSN can pursue.

Learn about Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Degree.

RN Licensing Requirements in Hawaii

Comprehensive guide to Hawaii Nursing License Requirements Renewals RN and APRN.

Hawaii State Board of Nursing
King Kalakaua Building
335 Merchant Street, Room 301
Honolulu, HI 96813
(808) 586-3000

More of the Best RN Programs in Hawaii

Grade
University
Hawaii Rank
Degree
83.13 Hawaii Pacific University 2 BSN
81.56 University of Hawaii at Hilo 3 BSN

Compare Nursing Salaries in Hawaii

How much do nurses earn in Hawaii?

RN Programs Near Me


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