Last Updated: April 2026
With the support of Advantis’ dedicated licensing team and established state connections, many clinicians are able to secure their Hawaii nursing license in as little as 1–2 weeks, significantly faster than the typical processing timeframe.
Getting a Hawaii nursing license allows nurses to practice across one of the most geographically unique healthcare systems in the United States. Hawaii is not part of the Nurse Licensure Compact, so nurses must obtain a Hawaii license before practicing—even if they already hold a multistate license elsewhere. One step that frequently slows applicants down is the fingerprinting and National Practitioner Data Bank (NPDB) self-query requirement, which must be submitted correctly before the Board can begin processing an application.
This guide explains the practical steps nurses follow to complete the process with fewer delays. You will find clear instructions for fingerprinting through Fieldprint, Hawaii nursing license renewal deadlines, endorsement documentation requirements, continuing competency rules, and temporary permit eligibility.
As a dedicated service for clinicians taking future assignments with Advantis Medical, our licensing experts provide 1-on-1 support to reduce stress and shorten processing times.
We’ll help you quickly get your HI license & connect you to top contracts in the state.
Our licensing specialists are your partners in navigating the complexities of state licensing so you can move forward with confidence. From understanding state requirements to submitting documentation, our team works closely with you to keep the process simple, organized, and efficient.
Hawaii Board of Nursing
P.O. Box 3469
Honolulu, HI 96801
Hawaii requires a state and federal criminal background check for nursing licensure applicants. Fingerprinting is completed through Fieldprint Hawaii, which sends results to the Hawaii Criminal Justice Data Center for both state and FBI checks.
Licensure by Endorsement: $186-$254
Licensure by Examination: $40
License Renewal: $196
Reinstatement Fee: $226
Temporary Permit + Endorsement Application: $236-$304
Fees vary and are subject to change. Always verify the most current pricing directly with the Board of Nursing.
RN and LPN licenses expire June 30 of every odd-numbered year. The renewal cycle is biennial, and Hawaii does not provide a grace period. Nurses may not legally practice on an expired license.
Hawaii uses a continuing competency model instead of a fixed continuing education requirement.
Most nurses must complete one approved learning activity during each renewal cycle.
Examples may include:
Because Hawaii is not a compact state, nurses licensed elsewhere must apply for a Hawaii license before practicing.
Licensure by endorsement allows a nurse who holds a license in another state or jurisdiction to obtain a Hawaii nursing license without retaking the NCLEX exam.
Hawaii allows a combined Temporary Permit + License by Endorsement pathway, with a maximum validity of one year from issuance.
You may qualify for a temporary permit only if you hold a valid, unrestricted RN or LPN license from another state and have accepted a position with a healthcare employer in Hawaii.
This pathway applies to graduates of approved nursing programs who have not previously held a nursing license and must take the NCLEX exam.
Application Fee: $40
NCLEX Exam Fee: $200
Hawaii is not a compact state, so travel nurses must obtain a Hawaii nursing license before beginning an assignment. Even nurses holding a multistate compact license must complete the endorsement process before practicing in the state.
We regularly see travel assignments in Honolulu, Hilo, Kailua, Kapolei, and Pearl City, where there are large systems, including The Queen’s Health Systems, Hawaii Pacific Health, and Hilo Medical Center.
Common licensing delays include missing NPDB self-query reports, incorrect fingerprint submissions, and delayed license verification. Travel nurses planning assignments should begin the endorsement process early to avoid pushing back contract start dates.
Explore our travel nurse jobs in Hawaii to review current assignment options.
Explore our travel nurse jobs in Hawaii to find your next great assignment.
Apply through the Hawaii MyPVL portal, complete fingerprinting through Fieldprint using service code FPHIBrdNursing, submit license verification through Nursys, and upload the required NPDB self-query report and supporting documents.
Complete applications are typically processed in about 15–20 working days once all required documents are received by the Hawaii Board of Nursing.
No. Hawaii is not a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact, so nurses must obtain a Hawaii nursing license before practicing in the state, even if they hold a multistate license elsewhere.
Hawaii RN and LPN licenses expire June 30 of every odd-numbered year under the state’s biennial renewal schedule
The renewal fee for an active Hawaii RN or LPN license is $196, and the restoration fee for renewing after expiration is $226.
Hawaii uses a continuing competency model rather than a fixed continuing education requirement, which generally requires completing one approved learning activity during each renewal cycle.
Yes. A National Practitioner Data Bank (NPDB) self-query report is required for endorsement applications and must be submitted as the original digital PDF or official mailed report.
Advantis Medical helps you leverage your license with 4,000+ high-paying travel nurse jobs & fast starts —trusted by thousands and backed by 700+ 5-star reviews.
