Hawaii nursing license by endorsement
How a nurse licensed in another state gets a Hawaii license by endorsement: the application fee ($186 for an RN), the steps, background check, temporary license, renewal and continuing education, with the board's own sources.
| At a glance | Hawaii |
|---|---|
| Licensing board | Hawaii Board of Nursing |
| Nurse Licensure Compact | Not in the compact |
| RN license by endorsement, application fee | $186 |
| LPN/LVN license by endorsement, application fee | $186 |
| Fingerprint background check | Required. Electronic fingerprints via Fieldprint for state and FBI checks; vendor fee paid separately; NPDB self-query report also required. |
| Nursys license verification | Accepted |
| Temporary license while you wait | Temporary permit, up to 365 days. Valid until license is granted, max 1 year; requires employment with one Hawaii health care entity; applied for with endorsement application. |
| RN renewal cycle | Every 2 years, fee $196 |
| Continuing education per renewal | 30 contact hours. 30 contact hours is one of nine options; others include refresher course, post-licensure academic credits, 120 preceptor hours; national certification exempts. |
| Processing time, per the board | Incomplete applications will delay processing time which is normally 15-20 working days. |
How to get your Hawaii license, step by step
- Plan for endorsement. Hawaii is not in the Nurse Licensure Compact as of October 15, 2026. A nurse licensed elsewhere applies to the Hawaii Board of Nursing for licensure by endorsement before working here, even with a multistate license.
- Start the application on the board's site. Use the board's licensure by endorsement page.
- Verify your license through Nursys. Request verification from each state where you are or were licensed. Boards that use Nursys receive it electronically.
- Complete the fingerprint background check. The board requires fingerprints for endorsement applicants. Follow its instructions for where to get them taken.
- Ask about the temporary license. The board offers a temporary permit valid up to 365 days while the application is processed. Check the conditions before you plan a start date.
- Pay the fee and send documents. The application fee is $186 for an RN. Fingerprint and vendor fees can be separate. Keep copies of everything you submit.
- Tell your recruiter your status. Employers set their own start dates around licensing, so your recruiter needs to know where your application stands.
Specific to Hawaii
- Endorsement fee of $186 applies to licenses issued 7/1/2026-6/30/2027; it includes a $40 non-refundable application fee.
- All nurse licenses expire June 30 of odd-numbered years regardless of issue date.
- Combined temporary permit plus endorsement application costs $236 for permits issued 7/1/2026-6/30/2027.
What RNs earn in Hawaii
The BLS median for registered nurses in Hawaii is $65.54 per hour, about $136,320 a year. See the full RN salary guide for Hawaii.
| Metro area | Median / hr | Median / year |
|---|---|---|
| Kahului-Wailuku, HI | $66.97 | $139,310 |
| Urban Honolulu, HI | $66.68 | $138,690 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS, May 2024.
RN jobs in Hawaii · Hawaii state guide · Nurse Licensure Compact guide · Endorsement checklist
Sources
These facts come from the Hawaii Board of Nursing web pages below. Checked 2026-10-16.
- cca.hawaii.gov/pvl/boards/nursing/application_publications/ (endorsement application)
- cca.hawaii.gov/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/RN-LPN-Nursing-endorsement-or-wi (fees)
- cca.hawaii.gov/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Combined-App-for-Temp-Permit-Lic (temporary license)
- cca.hawaii.gov/pvl/boards/nursing/ (renewal)
- cca.hawaii.gov/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/PVL_Nursing_Continuing_Competenc (continuing education)
Requirements change. Always confirm with the Hawaii Board of Nursing before you apply or accept a start date. This guide is general information and not legal advice.
Common questions
How much does a Hawaii nursing license by endorsement cost?
The Hawaii Board of Nursing lists an application fee of $186 for an RN and $186 for an LPN/LVN. Fingerprint and vendor fees can be charged separately.
Is Hawaii a nurse licensure compact state?
Hawaii is not in the Nurse Licensure Compact as of October 15, 2026. A license by endorsement is the route for nurses licensed elsewhere.
Can I work in Hawaii while my license is processed?
The board offers a temporary permit, valid up to 365 days. Valid until license is granted, max 1 year; requires employment with one Hawaii health care entity; applied for with endorsement application. Confirm the conditions with the board.
How much continuing education do Hawaii nurses need?
RN renewal requires 30 contact hours of continuing education. 30 contact hours is one of nine options; others include refresher course, post-licensure academic credits, 120 preceptor hours; national certification exempts. Licenses renew every 2 years.
How long does it take to get a Hawaii license?
The board says: Incomplete applications will delay processing time which is normally 15-20 working days.
Does Valorem Health help with Hawaii licensing?
Your recruiter tells you which license each role needs and what the facility requires. You apply to the board, and our credentialing team helps with documents for onboarding.
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