Hawaii Nurse License Overview
Getting your Hawaii nursing license can feel overwhelming—but it doesn’t have to be.
Whether you're applying for the first time, endorsing from another state, or renewing your license, this guide covers everything you need to know—requirements, fees, timelines, and continuing education.
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How long does it take to get a Hawaii Nursing License?
Permanent License
RN (BRN): Approximately 10–12 weeks once all materials (transcripts, fingerprints, and verification) are received.
LVN (BVNPT): Currently faster, averaging 3–4 weeks for endorsement applications as of early 2026.
Temporary License
RN (BRN): Yes. Valid for 6 months. It takes approximately 2–3 weeks to issue, but only after your fingerprints (Live Scan or Hard Card) have been processed by the DOJ and FBI.
LVN (BVNPT): No. Unlike RNs, Hawaii does not currently offer a temporary license for LVNs/LPNs coming from out of state. However, they do offer an Interim Permit ($50) for new graduates waiting to take the NCLEX-PN.
Board of Nursing
FEES
Fees Breakdown
Detailed overview of applicable fees and charges
| Item | RN (Registered Nurse) | LVN (Vocational Nurse) |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Application (Endorsement) | $166–$234 | $166–$234 |
| Renewal (2-year cycle) | ~$196 | ~$196 |
| Background Check | ~$50 | ~$50 |
Key Sections:
Hawaii License Renewal
- Renewal cadence: Your first Hawaii RN or LPN license is issued for two birthdays, not two years. It will expire on the last day of the month following your birth date. From that date forward, the license expires every two years if renewed timely.
- RN Renewal fee: $190.00 Note: If you have prescriptive authority, an additional $30.00 CURES fee is assessed, bringing the total to $220.00.
- LPN Renewal fee: $305.00
- Late fee: If renewed after the expiration date, a delinquent fee is added (+$90 for RNs / +$150 for LPNs).
Required contact hours:
- Standard Requirement: 30 contact hours every two years.
- First-Time Renewal: While the 30-hour requirement is generally waived for your very first renewal, you are now required to complete 1 hour of Implicit Bias training within the first two years of licensure per California AB 1407.
Renewal Process:
- Renewal of your license is done exclusively online through the BreEZesystem. It is highly recommended to renew at least 4–8 weeks before your expiration date to ensure your "Active" status updates in the system.
Working Status:
- You may work while your license renewal is pending, provided that the renewal fee and all requirements (including the mandatory implicit bias hour for first-timers) were submitted on or before the expiration date.
- Important Note:Most employers verify status via the online DCA search. If your license reaches its expiration date without the Board processing the renewal, your status will show as "Delinquent," which may prevent you from being scheduled for shifts.
Important Things to Know: Hawaii Nurse Licenses (2026)
| Feature | RN (Registered Nurse) | LVN (Vocational Nurse) |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Board | Hawaii Board of Nursing | Hawaii Board of Nursing |
| Compact Status | No | No |
| Background Check | Required (Fingerprinting) | Required (Fingerprinting) |
| License Verification | Via Nursys | Via Nursys |
| Education Standards | Approved nursing program | Approved nursing program |
| Application Portal | Hawaii PVL Online Portal | Hawaii PVL Online Portal |
| Criminal History | Must be disclosed and reviewed | Must be disclosed and reviewed |
| Processing Time | 4–6 weeks | 4–6 weeks |
HI Licensure by Endorsement
Process: Permanent License
- 1.
Online Application
- Apply through the Hawaii PVL online portal
- 2.
Verification of Licensure
- Completed through Nursys
- Manual verification required if needed
- 3.
Education & Documentation
- Graduation from an approved nursing program
- Transcripts (if required)
- Additional documents for foreign graduates
- 4.
Disclosure of Discipline
- Applicants must disclose any prior disciplinary actions and criminal convictions.
- Supporting documentation is required, and applications are reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
- 5.
Background Check & Fingerprints
- Required
- Fingerprint-based background check
Temporary License
- 1.
Availability
- Available for endorsement applicants
- 2.
Validity & Use
- Up to 90 days or until permanent license is issued
- Allows nurses to work while awaiting full licensure
Hawaii Continuing Education Requirements
Your Guide to Continuing Education Requirements in Hawaii
Quick Reference Table
| License Type | Hours Required | First Renewal (0-2 Years) | Standard Renewal (2+ Years) |
|---|---|---|---|
| RN | 30 contact hours | First-renewal requirements may vary depending on initial licensure timing | 30 contact hours every 2 years, or another board-accepted competency pathway if applicable. |
| LPN | 20 contact hours | First-renewal requirements may vary depending on initial licensure timing | 20 contact hours every 2 years, or another board-accepted competency pathway if applicable. |
| APRN | 30 contact hours | APRN renewal timing and requirements may vary by certification and prescriptive authority | 30 contact hours, with additional pharmacology or certification-related expectations applying as required for APRN practice. |
Key Notes for Hawaii
- Hawaii is not part of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC)
- Licenses must be renewed every 2 years (June 30, odd years)
- Uses a competency-based renewal system (not CE-only)
- Nurses can renew using: CE hours, National certification, Academic coursework
- Temporary permits are available, unlike many states
- Background check (fingerprinting) is required
- CE/competency records must be kept for at least 4 years
- APRNs require pharmacology-related CE for prescribing
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Download CerTracker for FreeFAQs About Hawaii Nursing License
How much does a Hawaii nursing license cost?
The cost ranges from $166–$234 for application, with about $196 for renewal.
How long does it take to get a Hawaii nursing license?
It typically takes 4–6 weeks, but may extend to 6–8 weeks depending on processing time.
How many CE hours are required to renew a nursing license in Hawaii?
Nurses must complete 30 CE hours every 2 years, or fulfill an approved competency-based alternative.