Hawaii Nursing License: Requirements, Cost & How to Apply (2026)

Hawaii Board of Nursing

Hawaii Board of Nursing

Hawaii Board of Nursing

Last verified Oct 25, 2026

Open the official agency page

https://cca.hawaii.gov/pvl/boards/Nursing/

Board of Nursing

Last verified Oct 25, 2026

Open the official agency page

https://mypvl.dcca.hawaii.gov

MyPVL - Manage Your PVL License Online

Last verified Oct 25, 2026

Alternatives include a Board-approved refresher course (60 didactic plus 60 clinical hours), at least two semester credits in an accredited nursing program, 120 hours of qualifying preceptorship, qualifying research or publication, a qualifying five-hour presentation, a Board-recognized residency, or another preapproved activity.

Alternatives include a Board-approved refresher course (60 didactic plus 60 clinical hours), at least two semester credits in an accredited nursing program, 120 hours of qualifying preceptorship, qualifying research or publication, a qualifying five-hour presentation, a Board-recognized residency, or another preapproved activity.

60 hours didactic + 60 hours clinical Minimum 2 semester credits from an accredited nursing program 120 hours as a preceptor in a one-to-one organized preceptorship program Completed IRB-approved research study or Board pre-approved EBP project as principal/co-principal investigator Author or co-author a published nursing or health-related article, book, or book chapter Minimum 5 contact hours of organized instruction qualifying as CE Completion of a Board-recognized nurse residency program Board pre-approval required before starting

Last verified Oct 25, 2026

The 2025 renewal schedule lists $196 for active RN renewal and $196 for active LPN renewal for the July 1, 2025–June 30, 2027 licensing period.

The 2025 renewal schedule lists $196 for active RN renewal and $196 for active LPN renewal for the July 1, 2025–June 30, 2027 licensing period.

On-time renewals for the licensing period of July 1, 2025 to June 30, 2027 Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) – active status $196.00 Registered Nurse (RN) – active status $196.00

Last verified Oct 25, 2026

After passing the exam, additional license fees will be due. *The application fee is not refundable.

Additional license fees are due after passing the exam; the $40 application fee is nonrefundable.

After passing the exam, additional license fees will be due. *The application fee is not refundable.

Last verified Oct 25, 2026

All Hawaii nurse-license applicants must be fingerprinted for a criminal-history record check.

All Hawaii nurse-license applicants must be fingerprinted for a criminal-history record check.

All applicants for a Hawaii nurse license are required to be fingerprinted for a criminal history record check.

Last verified Oct 25, 2026

Renew by June 30 every odd-numbered year

Renew by June 30 every odd-numbered year Applies to: Hawaii RN and LPN licenses.

Renew by June 30 every odd-numbered year

Last verified Oct 25, 2026

Biennium: July 1, 2025 – June 30, 2027

2

Biennium: July 1, 2025 – June 30, 2027

Last verified Oct 25, 2026

Unless exempt, complete one learning-activity option per biennium. The CE-course option requires 30 contact hours from approved providers, directly related to nursing practice or health care.

Unless exempt, complete one learning-activity option per biennium. The CE-course option requires 30 contact hours from approved providers, directly related to nursing practice or health care.

You must complete exactly ONE learning activity option per biennium. 1 Continuing Education (CE) 30 contact hours from approved providers CE courses must be directly related to nursing practice or health care.

Last verified Oct 25, 2026

$40

40

INITIAL fee for REGISTERED NURSES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Application - $40* INITIAL fee for PRACTICAL NURSES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Application - $40*

Last verified Oct 25, 2026

U.S. examination applicants must have their nursing school send proof of successful program completion; the official final transcript showing the degree conferred is required before licensure. Completing an RN program does not automatically qualify an applicant for the PN exam.

U.S. examination applicants must have their nursing school send proof of successful program completion; the official final transcript showing the degree conferred is required before licensure. Completing an RN program does not automatically qualify an applicant for the PN exam.

Please note that completion of an RN nursing program does not automatically qualify you to sit for the PN exam. If you have just graduated or will be graduating soon, have your nursing school send the following directly to the Board: 1) An official final transcript verifying degree conferred or 2) An official letter from your school certifying the successful completion of your nursing program which must be received in the Board's office first in order to be deemed eligible to sit for the exam. (An official final transcript verifying degree conferred must follow and be received prior to licensure.)

Last verified Oct 25, 2026