The Aloha State offers LPN training through the University of Hawaii community college system — with in-state tuition around $131/credit hour and salaries above the national average.
Hawaii's LPN programs are offered through the University of Hawaii community college system — the most affordable route in the state. In-state residents pay approximately $131 per semester hour, making a full LPN program cost roughly $5,000–$10,000 in tuition. Non-residents pay around $345/credit hour. Private programs run $10,000–$15,000+.
💡 Hawaii's community college LPN programs are some of the few accredited options on the islands. Seats are limited — apply early. Demand for healthcare workers in Hawaii has increased 76% in recent years, making LPN one of the most sought-after roles in the state.
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⚠️ LPN program seats in Hawaii are limited. The number of LPNs in the state has declined 16% since 2005 — meaning less competition for jobs, but also fewer program options. Apply as early as possible and have a backup plan ready.
Hawaii LPNs earn a median salary of $58,910–$67,540/year — above the national average. However, Hawaii's cost of living is among the highest in the country, so factor that into your budget planning. Long-term care and home health roles are the most common employer settings.
| Region | Avg Annual Salary | Hourly Est. | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Honolulu / Oahu | $60,000–$67,000 | ~$29–$32/hr | Largest employer pool; highest COL |
| Maui County | ~$62,000 | ~$30/hr | Growing tourism-driven healthcare |
| Hawaii County (Big Island) | ~$58,000 | ~$28/hr | Strong rural demand; shortage areas |
| Kauai County | ~$57,000 | ~$27/hr | Small island; limited openings but steady |
| Statewide Average | $58,910–$67,540 | ~$28–$32/hr | BLS + Glassdoor blended estimate |
🌺 LPN demand in Hawaii is expected to grow 9% over the next decade, driven by an aging population and healthcare system expansion. Long-term care facilities and home health agencies are the top employers — offering stable hours that work well for moms.
File your FAFSA first — this is the foundation of all financial aid. At UH community college tuition rates (~$131/credit), a full Pell Grant can cover most or all of your LPN program cost. Many Hawaii LPN students graduate with zero tuition debt after Pell.
The Hawaii Community Foundation manages dozens of healthcare scholarships for Hawaii residents, with typical awards of $1,000–$3,000. Many are specifically designated for nursing students. Apply annually through their online portal.
LPNs who commit to working in federally designated Health Professional Shortage Areas in Hawaii (including many rural Big Island and neighbor island communities) can qualify for state and federal loan repayment assistance.
Federal scholarship covering tuition, fees, and a monthly stipend in exchange for service in a qualifying shortage area after graduation. Hawaii has multiple qualifying sites, especially on the neighbor islands.
Hawaii's major healthcare employers — including The Queen's Medical Center, Hawaii Pacific Health, and Maui Health System — offer tuition reimbursement for employees pursuing nursing credentials. Working as a CNA while in LPN school is a smart strategy here.
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Apply early — seats fill fast: Hawaii has fewer LPN programs than most states. UH community college cohorts are small and competitive. Get your application in as early as possible and have all prerequisites done.
Community college = best value: The UH system at ~$131/credit is dramatically cheaper than private programs. With Pell Grant aid, many Hawaii moms complete their LPN with little to no out-of-pocket cost.
Home health = flexible hours: A significant portion of Hawaii LPN jobs are in home health — meaning you set your own schedule around your patients and your family. Great for moms who need non-traditional hours.
Neighbor island advantage: If you live on the Big Island, Maui, or Kauai, you face less competition for both program seats and jobs than Oahu applicants. Rural shortage areas also open doors to loan forgiveness.
CNA first strategy: Getting your CNA certification before applying to LPN school gives you clinical experience, income, and a leg up on admission. Several Hawaii LPN programs prefer applicants with healthcare backgrounds.
Non-NLC planning: Hawaii isn't in the Nurse Licensure Compact. If you ever plan to work on the mainland, research endorsement requirements for your target state early — some require additional exams or waiting periods.
The University of Hawaii system offers LPN-to-ADN bridge pathways at several campuses, allowing working LPNs to advance to RN while continuing to work. The in-state tuition advantage carries over to the bridge program. With Hawaii's RN salary averaging well above LPN pay, the bridge is a strong investment.
Avg RN salary in Hawaii: ~$100,000+/year — significantly higher than the LPN average of $58,910–$67,540. The bridge pays for itself very quickly in Hawaii's high-cost healthcare market.
Explore LPN→RN Bridge Programs →Ready to prep for the NCLEX-PN? Visit our free NCLEX-PN study guide →
In-state residents pay approximately $131 per semester hour through the University of Hawaii community college system. A full LPN program typically costs $5,000–$10,000 in tuition. Private programs can run $10,000–$15,000 or more.
No — Hawaii has not joined the Nurse Licensure Compact. Your Hawaii LPN license is only valid in Hawaii. If you move to or work in another state, you'll need to apply for licensure there separately.
Hawaii LPNs earn a median salary of $58,910–$67,540/year depending on the source — above the national average. Keep in mind Hawaii's cost of living is among the highest in the country, so evaluate your net purchasing power carefully.
Most Hawaii LPN programs take 12–18 months to complete. The University of Hawaii community college programs are typically 12–18 months for full-time students.
Fully online LPN programs are not available in Hawaii due to mandatory clinical training requirements. Some hybrid options exist for theory coursework, but in-person clinicals are required by the Hawaii Board of Nursing.
Federal Pell Grant (up to $7,395), Hawaii Community Foundation scholarships, Hawaii State Loan Repayment Program, Nurse Corps Scholarship, and employer tuition reimbursement from major Hawaii hospital systems.
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