Licensed Practical Nurse in Hawaii: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start

Allied healthcare

Hawaii employs 840 LVNs, with a statewide median of $71,140 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Hawaii licensing picture, and where to train.

What LVNs Earn in Hawaii (May 2025)

Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for LVNs in major Hawaii markets:

What That Pay Is Worth in Hawaii

Prices in Hawaii run about 10% above the national average (cost-of-living index 110.0 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $71,140 median is worth closer to $64,673 once higher local prices are factored in.

Job Outlook in Hawaii (2024–2034)

Hawaii is projected to grow LVNs employment +8.0%, faster than the +2.6% projected nationally. The state expects about 70 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.

Hawaii License and Certification Requirements

Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) — regulated by the Hawaii DCCA — Board of Nursing.

1. Complete a board-approved practical nursing program (about a year).
2. Apply to the Hawaii Board of Nursing and clear a background check.
3. Pass the NCLEX-PN. Note: Hawaii is NOT a Nurse Licensure Compact state, so you'll hold a Hawaii-specific license.

Official requirements: Hawaii DCCA — Board of Nursing →

Training in Hawaii

Affordable, fast paid-healthcare entry. Because Hawaii isn't a compact state, plan to license directly with DCCA.

Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in Hawaii include:

• Hawaii Community College — Certificate
• Hawaii Medical College — Certificate
• Kapiolani Community College — Certificate
• Kauai Community College — Certificate

Where LVNs Work in Hawaii

Real Hawaii nursing & rehab facilities that employ LVNs include:

• Hale Nani Rehabilitation and Nursing Center — Honolulu
• Life Care Center of Hilo — Hilo
• Hale Makua - Kahului — Kahului
• Kuakini Geriatric Care, Inc — Honolulu
• The Care Center of Honolulu — Honolulu
• The Ching Villas — Honolulu

Is This the Right Move for You?

Best for: People who want a faster healthcare entry point and can handle direct care.

Think twice if: Bodily fluids, shift work, emotional stress, or physical lifting are dealbreakers.

Why it's resilient: Practical nursing relies on bedside presence, trust, care coordination, and licensed hands-on support.

First Steps

Compare state-approved LPN programs and NCLEX-PN pass rates.

Frequently Asked Questions

Sources and Verification

Wage data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025), Hawaii statewide and metro estimates for SOC 29-2061. Licensing summary compiled from the Hawaii DCCA — Board of Nursing (2026-06-11). Requirements change — always confirm current rules with the board and verify program costs and outcomes before enrolling.

BLS Occupational Outlook · O*NET Hawaii wages · Hawaii licensing/certification source

Employment projections: Projections Central / BLS Employment Projections (2024–2034); Cost of living: BEA Regional Price Parities; Employer lists from CMS Provider of Services, the FAA Part 145 directory, EIA Form 860, and USGS/state EMS registries (2026).

Pay percentiles describe current workers, not entry-level offers; training costs and local demand vary, so verify locally before committing money or quitting a job.