Best Online RN to BSN Programs in Hawaii

The state of Hawaii isn't just picturesque sandy beaches. They have high standards for healthcare and are encouraging their registered nurses to advance their education in order to provide top-level patient care. Many registered nurses (RNs) in the state are upgrading to a Bachelor's Degree in Nursing through the specialized RN to BSN program, which is designed specifically for working RNs. Any registered nurse with high career aspirations and a desire to earn a larger salary can benefit from this convenient program.

2027 Best Online RN to BSN Programs in Hawaii

Registerednursing.org has evaluated an array of options to rank the best online RN to BSN programs in Hawaii. Online learning gives working nurses the flexibility to advance their education without putting careers on hold. Many programs blend distance learning with occasional on-campus sessions, and these hybrid or partially online formats are fully considered in our rankings. The strongest options deliver engaging virtual coursework, local clinical coordination, and robust student support. Our methodology weighs accreditation, affordability, and graduation outcomes to help nurses make informed choices. For a complete breakdown of our ranking criteria, see https://www.registerednursing.org/rankings-methodology/

#1

University of Hawaii at Hilo

Hilo, HI - Public 4-Year - hilo.hawaii.edu

RN to BSN - RN to BSN Program

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

The University of Hawaii at Hilo offers an RN to BSN program designed for registered nurses seeking to advance their education. This hybrid program features asynchronous online lectures, allowing you to balance work and family. You can complete clinical courses on your home island. The curriculum emphasizes culturally congruent nursing care in rural settings, preparing you for leadership roles in diverse communities. You'll engage in community health projects and benefit from prior learning credit for your RN experience. With dedicated faculty and a program coordinator, you'll receive personalized support. Start dates in January, May, and August offer flexibility.

• 120 total credit hours
• Full-time and part-time options
• 3 start dates per year
• Starts spring/summer/fall
• Asynchronous online classes
• Only BSN on neighbor islands
• Prior learning credit for RNs
• Clinical courses on home island
• Culturally congruent nursing care
• Community health projects

#2

University of Hawaii at Manoa

Honolulu, HI - Public 4-Year - manoa.hawaii.edu

RN to BSN - Online RN to Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Online Learning - Visit Website

The Online RN to Bachelor of Science in Nursing program at the University of Hawaii at Manoa is designed for registered nurses with an associate degree or diploma who wish to advance their education. This flexible, on-demand program allows you to study while working, with both part-time and full-time options. The curriculum builds on your existing nursing knowledge with coursework that enhances professional development, leadership skills, and evidence-based practice. Graduates are prepared for broader career opportunities in healthcare, including management, community health, and education. With fall and spring start dates, you can begin your journey toward a BSN at a time that fits your schedule. The program is delivered entirely online, offering convenience for working nurses across Hawaii and beyond.

• Full-time and part-time options
• Starts fall/spring
• Online, on-demand format
• Builds on current nursing degree
• For ADN and diploma graduates

*Reference: U.S. DOE, NCES, IPEDS 2025 data release.

Fast & Affordable Program Options

Those pursuing an advanced nursing degree may intend to do so while currently employed as a registered nurse. Because of this, many schools in Hawaii are now offering fully accredited online RN to BSN programs to offer maximum flexibility for students who want to complete their degree quickly, cheaply, and easily.

Fastest Online RN to BSN Degree Options

As a fast-tracked nursing bachelor’s degree, you can count on an RN to BSN program to be much faster than a typical BSN program. While BSN programs take 4-years or longer to complete. if you already have an associate degree and a few years in the field, you are eligible to get your BSN in as little as two years or even less. Here are a few of the fastest options for RN to BSN programs in Hawaii.

Learn more about the Fastest RN to BSN Programs.

Do 6-month RN to BSN Programs Exist?

While there are currently no 6-month RN to BSN programs based in Hawaii, these programs (though rare) exist on the mainland. If you’re looking in other states (in addition to Hawaii) for your RN to BSN program, you may be eligible to get your BSN degree in this amount of time if you have an ASN or ADN and a large number of transferable credits. If you have questions, you can contact your prospective school’s registrar.

Affordable Online RN to BSN Options

Lastly, one of the most well-known benefits of enrolling in an RN to BSN program is the cost. Because RN to BSN programs are half the length (or even less) that means that in most situations, you’ll be paying half the cost. Keep in mind that you may also be paying a much lower cost if you attend a state school as a Hawaiian resident. Here are a few affordable options for RN to BSN programs in the state.

Learn more about Affordable RN to BSN Degrees.

Admissions Requirements for Accredited RN to BSN Programs

Registered nurses who have previously earned an Associate's Degree in Nursing (ADN) will be familiar with most of the requirements for the RN to BSN program. The following are a few examples of common entrance requirements for accredited RN to BSN programs:

• Successful completion of an accredited associate degree or hospital diploma nursing program
• Completion of all prerequisite courses
• Minimum cumulative college GPA of 3.0

Classes & Courses: What is the Curriculum Like?

RN to BSN programs generally consist of pre-nursing courses, core nursing coursework, and electives. The University of Hawaii at Manoa offers the following upper-division nursing courses as part of its program:

• NURS 462: Community Health Nursing for Executive RN
• NURS 460: Complex Nursing and Leadership
• NURS 461: Advanced Pathophysiology and Neurobiology

2026 List of RN to BSN Programs in Hawaii

Check out the best accredited RN to BSN degree programs in Hawaii by looking at our listings below.

Find RN to BSN Programs By City:

• Honolulu RN to BSN Programs