🌺 Aloha to Your Nursing Career in Hawaii!

Becoming a licensed nurse in Hawaii isn’t just about launching a career—it’s about building a life in one of the most beautiful, culturally rich, and welcoming places on Earth. Whether you’re a new graduate preparing for the NCLEX, a nurse moving from the mainland, or an internationally educated applicant, getting your Hawaii nursing license is your first step to providing care in the Aloha State.

At NCLEXPrepGuide.com, we’re here to make your licensure journey as smooth and stress-free as possible. This guide covers every detail you need to know to get licensed as an RN or LPN in Hawaii in 2025.

---

📌 Overview of the Hawaii Board of Nursing

The Hawaii Board of Nursing is the regulatory authority responsible for overseeing the licensing, education, and professional conduct of nurses statewide. It is part of the Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA).

Contact Information:

• 🌐 Website: cca.hawaii.gov/pvl/boards/nursing

• 📞 Phone: (808) 586-2695

• 📍 Address: 335 Merchant St, Room 301, Honolulu, HI 96813

---

👩‍⚕️ Types of Nursing Licenses in Hawaii

---

📝 Licensure by Examination (New Graduates: RNs & LPNs)

If you’ve just completed a nursing program and plan to take the NCLEX, follow this path.

✅ Step 1: Complete an Approved Nursing Program

• Graduate from a state-approved or accredited nursing school

• Obtain an official transcript showing graduation and degree conferred

✅ Step 2: Register for NCLEX

• Go to www.pearsonvue.com/nclex

• Register and pay the $200 exam fee

• Choose “Hawaii” as your nursing regulatory body

✅ Step 3: Submit Application to Hawaii Board of Nursing

• Apply online through MyPVL: https://pvl.ehawaii.gov

• Submit:

  • Proof of graduation (transcript)

  • Government-issued ID

  • Passport-sized photo

  • Application fee (~$40–$50)

💡 Pro Tip: Keep your email active—Hawaii sends Authorization to Test (ATT) and license notifications electronically.

✅ Step 4: Background Check & Fingerprinting

Hawaii does not currently require fingerprinting for initial licensure unless flagged. However, criminal history must be disclosed on the application.

✅ Step 5: Receive Your ATT & Schedule NCLEX

After the board verifies your documents, you’ll receive an ATT via email from Pearson VUE. You can now choose your test date and location.

✅ Step 6: Take & Pass the NCLEX

• Take the NCLEX-RN or NCLEX-PN at your scheduled test center

• Results are reported to the Hawaii Board of Nursing within days

✅ Step 7: License Issued

Once the Board receives your passing results, they will issue your Hawaii nursing license. You can confirm it via:
👉 Hawaii License Lookup

---

🌴 Licensure by Endorsement (Out-of-State Nurses)

Already licensed in another U.S. state and want to work in Hawaii? You’ll apply by endorsement.

🔔 Important: Hawaii is not part of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), so even if you have a multistate license, you must apply separately in Hawaii.

What You’ll Need:

1. Proof of an active, unencumbered nursing license

2. Verification of original license via Nursys

3. Official nursing school transcripts

4. NCLEX pass confirmation

5. Application form + $234 fee (RN) or $238 (LPN)

6. Passport photo and ID

Endorsement Application:

• Apply online via: https://pvl.ehawaii.gov

• Select “License by Endorsement”

🕐 Processing Time: 4–6 weeks
💳 Payment: Online via MyPVL portal

---

❌ Temporary License

Hawaii does not offer temporary permits for nurses applying by endorsement. You must wait until your full license is granted before working.

---

📚 Continuing Education (CE) Requirements

Hawaii does not currently require CE hours for license renewal. However, it’s strongly recommended that nurses pursue ongoing education to:

• Stay current on clinical guidelines

• Strengthen resume and career prospects

• Meet employer or national certification requirements

🔗 You can explore CE resources at:

• NursingCE.com

• CEUfast

---

🔁 License Renewal in Hawaii

Licenses must be renewed every 2 years by June 30 of odd-numbered years (e.g., 2025, 2027).

How to Renew:

• Log in to: https://pvl.ehawaii.gov/renewals

• Complete the renewal form and pay the renewal fee

🕒 Late renewals are subject to a $100 penalty, and your license may lapse.

---

👩‍⚕️ Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) in Hawaii

To apply as an APRN in Hawaii:

1. Hold an active Hawaii RN license

2. Graduate from an advanced practice program (MSN or DNP)

3. Hold national certification (e.g., ANCC, AANP)

4. Apply for prescriptive authority (if needed)

5. Submit:

   • Application

   • Certification documents

   • Proof of education

   • Application fee: ~$176

   • NPI number (optional)

🔗 Learn more: cca.hawaii.gov/pvl/boards/nursing

---

🔍 How to Verify a License

Employers and the public can verify nurse licenses via the Hawaii Professional and Vocational Licensing (PVL) portal:

👉 https://pvl.ehawaii.gov/pvlsearch/

Search by:

• Name

• License number

• Profession (RN, LPN, APRN)

---

💬 Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is Hawaii part of the NLC (Nurse Licensure Compact)?

No. As of 2025, Hawaii is not a member of the NLC. You must apply for a Hawaii-specific license to work there.

Q: Can I take the NCLEX in another state and still apply for Hawaii?

Yes. You can take the NCLEX at any testing center and still list Hawaii as your licensure board.

Q: How long does the process take?

Average processing time is 3–6 weeks from the time all documents are submitted.

Q: Can I work in Hawaii while waiting for my license?

No. Hawaii does not allow temporary practice without an active Hawaii license.

---

🧠 NCLEX Tips for Hawaii Applicants

Want to pass the NCLEX the first time and get licensed faster?

✅ Join over 20,000 students who’ve used our NCLEX Review Platform at NCLEXPrepGuide.com

🚀 We offer:

• Free & premium practice questions

• Full NCLEX-RN & NCLEX-PN courses

• Detailed study plans

• Real test simulations

👉 Visit: https://nclexprepguide.com/nclex-review-courses/

---

🏖️ Why Become a Nurse in Hawaii?

Aside from the island views, Hawaii offers:

• 🌡️ High nurse-to-patient safety ratios

• 💼 Strong union representation (e.g., HNA)

• 💰 Competitive salaries: RNs earn ~$110,000+ annually

• ❤️ A deeply respectful patient culture

Whether you’re living in Honolulu, Hilo, Maui, or Kauai—nursing in Hawaii is a deeply fulfilling calling.

---

📥 Download the Free Hawaii License Checklist (PDF)

Stay organized through your application with our printable checklist.
✅ Track your documents
✅ Monitor fees and dates
✅ Avoid missing a step

👉 Download Now

---

🎓 Final Thoughts

Applying for your Hawaii nursing license is a manageable process if you stay informed and organized. Whether you’re starting your nursing career or transitioning from another state, the Hawaii Board of Nursing offers a fair and transparent system.

Let NCLEXPrepGuide.com support your journey—from licensure to exam prep to ongoing growth.