2027 Best Nursing Schools in Honolulu

Rankings help students choose nursing programs by providing a clear, objective measure of quality. Registerednursing.org is creating the Best Nursing Schools in Honolulu rankings, and we use NCLEX pass rates as the sole criterion. This allows for an unbiased evaluation of each program's effectiveness. To understand our process, please review our methodology at https://www.registerednursing.org/rn-ranking-methodology/.

#1

University of Hawaii at Manoa

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

Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Campus Based - Visit Website

The Traditional Bachelor of Science in Nursing at the University of Hawaii at Manoa is a three-year, in-person, full-time cohort program for current and former college students. Admission is highly competitive—with an acceptance rate of 10.5%—and Hawaii residents receive priority consideration. The curriculum covers health promotion, pathophysiology, pharmacology, and clinical nursing across diverse settings, preparing graduates for the NCLEX-RN. This bachelor's program does not require ACT or SAT scores; instead, applicants must take the TEAS entrance exam and meet a minimum 3.0 GPA. Accepted students average a 3.94 GPA. The program starts each fall, includes 120 credit hours, and is military-friendly. UH Manoa's 2023 BSN graduates achieved a 100% first-time NCLEX pass rate.

  • Entrance exam required
  • Exams: TEAS
  • 3-Year program
  • 120 total credit hours
  • Apply by 2027-01-05
  • Starts fall
  • Cohort-based structure
  • 3.0 GPA minimum
  • Prerequisite courses required
  • Prepares for NCLEX-RN

Bachelor's - High School Direct Entry in Nursing

Campus Based - Visit Website

UH Manoa's High School Direct Entry in Nursing is a four-year, full-time, cohort-based BSN designed for recent high school graduates who are Hawaii residents. This bachelor's pathway prepares beginning-level generalist professional nurses to deliver care in hospitals, community health, and other healthcare settings. The curriculum combines foundational nursing knowledge with clinical skill development, culminating in NCLEX-RN eligibility. No ACT or SAT entrance exam is required for this direct-entry option; students instead enter as freshmen and progress through the structured cohort with dedicated advising and peer support. UH Manoa's BSN programs posted a 100% first-time NCLEX pass rate in 2023 with 46 test-takers. Graduates emerge ready for registered nursing practice across diverse healthcare environments.

  • 4-Year program
  • 1 start dates per year
  • Starts fall
  • Cohort-based structure
  • Prepares for NCLEX-RN
  • Prepares beginning-level generalist professional nurses
  • Hawaii residency required
  • Contact via [email protected]
  • Schedule an advising appointment

Bachelor's - UH West Oahu Pre-Nursing to UH Manoa Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Campus Based - Visit Website

This three-year collaborative BSN pathway is designed for UH West Oahu Pre-Nursing students, offering in-person classes at West Oahu and periodic simulation events at UH Manoa. The full-time cohort curriculum includes health promotion, pathophysiology, pharmacology, women's and child health, community and public health nursing, psychiatric-mental health nursing, and leadership, with special attention to Indigenous health in Hawai'i and the Pacific. Admission is competitive—acceptance rates range from 13% to 16%—and uses a holistic review of GPA, TEAS scores, personal statement, and résumé. Applicants need a 3.0 GPA and 29 prerequisite credits, plus a TEAS overall score of at least 78%; no ACT or SAT is required. Graduates qualify for the NCLEX-RN; UH Manoa's 2023 BSN first-time pass rate was 100%.

  • Entrance exam required
  • Exams: TEAS
  • 3-Year program
  • Apply by 2026-08-01
  • Starts spring
  • Cohort-based structure
  • 3.0 GPA minimum
  • Prerequisite courses required
  • Prepares for NCLEX-RN
  • Financial aid available
Show 2 More Programs ˅
#2

Kapiolani Community College

Honolulu, HI - Public 2-Year - kapiolani.hawaii.edu

Associate - Associate in Science Degree in Nursing

Campus Based - Visit Website

Kapiolani Community College's ACEN-accredited Associate in Science in Nursing degree delivers a rigorous blend of classroom theory and clinical practice to prepare entry-level RNs. Students master evidence-based care, nursing values, and leadership, then qualify for the NCLEX-RN. The 2023 NCLEX pass rate was 95.45% (44 test-takers). Admission is competitive, requiring a 2.5 GPA, TEAS exam scores, and healthcare experience; only about 20 students are accepted each semester. Prerequisite courses have no expiration, and retakes are allowed for better grades. Graduates can seamlessly transfer to UH Manoa or UH Hilo BSN programs. The college offers two campus locations, financial aid, scholarships, and a supportive small-cohort learning environment.

  • ACEN accredited
  • Entrance exam required
  • Exams: TEAS
  • 2 start dates per year
  • Starts fall/spring
  • 2.5 GPA minimum
  • Prerequisite courses required
  • Prepares for NCLEX-RN
  • Financial aid available
  • Scholarships available
#3

Chaminade University of Honolulu

Honolulu, HI - Private 4-year - chaminade.edu

Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Campus Based - Visit Website

Chaminade University of Honolulu's four-year, direct-entry Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) is a lock-step, full-time campus program grounded in Marianist values. The curriculum covers anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, and complex disease management, with clinical rotations in maternal-newborn, pediatric, psychiatric, and public health nursing. Accredited by CCNE, it features small classes, faculty mentorship, and a Four Year Graduation Guarantee. The 2023 NCLEX-RN pass rate was 89% among 100 first-time test-takers. Graduates are prepared for licensure and careers in hospitals, clinics, and community settings. The program emphasizes service, justice, and peace, integrating evidence-based practice with hands-on experience across community partnerships.

  • CCNE accredited
  • 4-Year program
  • Complete in four-year lock-step degree
  • Prerequisite courses required
  • Prepares for NCLEX
  • Financial aid available
  • Direct-entry, lock-step program
  • Four Year Graduation Guarantee
  • Hands-on clinical experiences
  • Values-based Marianist education
#4

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Campus Based - Visit Website

*Data provided by: National Center for Education Statistics, IPEDS 2025 collection.

Entry-Level ADN & BSN Programs in Honolulu, HI

The first step in a career as a registered nurse is a training program that will prepare you for the NCLEX licensing exam. For those new to the nursing profession, there are Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN) programs and Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) programs to choose from, as well as LPN to RN programs that are aimed at practical nurses who want to make the transition to registered nurses.

LPN to RN Programs

Many practical nurses decide to pursue a career as a registered nurse in order to have more job opportunities and higher earning potential. For these nurses, specialized LPN to RN bridge programs provide a pathway to either an ADN or BSN and prepare students to pass the NCLEX and begin working as an RN. For example, Hawaii Pacific University offers an LPN to BSN in which students complete 120 credit hours including 60 credit hours of nursing curriculum.

ADN Programs

ADN programs, like the one offered at Kapiolani Community College, prepare students to take the NCLEX exam and for their first jobs as registered nurses.  Coursework includes human anatomy and physiology, pharmacology, health promotion across the lifespan, pathophysiology, and professionalism in nursing.

Direct-Entry BSN Programs

Usually four-year programs that include more in-depth coursework in nursing as well as general education courses, BSN programs are becoming increasingly popular entry points to nursing. Hawaii Pacific University offers a BSN program that teaches nursing through challenging coursework, clinical placement in healthcare facilities throughout Oahu and practice hours in the on-campus Experiential Learning Center.

RN to BSN/MSN Programs in Honolulu, HI

Nurses who hold a bachelor’s degree or higher tend to make more money than registered nurses who hold an ADN. Not only do BSN-educated nurses make more money, they have a wider range of job opportunities available to them, and can also pursue the graduate-level study of nursing. Because of these factors and others, many nurses are considering going back to school to earn their BSN or MSN.

RN to BSN Programs

RN to BSN programs provide an accelerated pathway to a BSN degree for experienced nurses who hold a valid RN license. The University of Hawaii at Manoa offers an accelerated part-time program that allows nurses with two or more years of professional working experience to finish their bachelor’s degree in 15 to 23 months.

Learn more about Hawaii RN to BSN Programs

RN to MSN Programs

There are also some schools that offer RN to MSN programs that help ADN-educated nurses go straight from an associate’s degree to master’s-level nursing study. Hawaii Pacific University offers an RN to MSN program with a Family Nurse Practitioner qualification that prepares nurses for certification as FNPs in only one additional year of study.

Learn more about Hawaii RN to MSN Programs

List of RN to BSN/MSN Programs

We have gathered a list of RN to BSN/MSN programs to help advance nursing careers. The table below shows each school's city and state, program highlights, and direct links to official program pages. This makes it easy to compare options and find the right fit. Explore the programs to learn about online or on-campus formats, admission requirements, and more. Take the next step toward a bachelor's or master's degree in nursing.

Honolulu, HI

Hawaii Pacific University

  • RN to BSN - RN to BSN

    Campus Based - Website

    • CCNE accredited
    • RN to BSN pathway offered

University of Hawaii at Manoa

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

    Online Learning - Website

    • Full-time and part-time options
    • Starts fall/spring
    • Online, on-demand format
    • Builds on current nursing degree
    • For ADN and diploma graduates
*Federal data source: IPEDS 2025, administered by NCES.

APRN & Nurse Practitioner Programs in Honolulu, HI

Currently, demand for experienced nurses with a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree exceeds the number of nurses with these qualifications. If you are interested in furthering your career by moving into a leadership role, becoming a nurse practitioner or becoming a nurse educator or administrator, an advanced practice nursing degree program is right for you. Options for these programs in Honolulu include traditional MSN programs, post-graduate certificate programs, DNP and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) programs.

MSN Programs

MSN programs prepare nurses for many different careers in advanced practice nursing, including as nurse practitioners, nurse educators, and administrators among many others. Program length can vary depending on the program selected and whether a student takes classes full- or part-time. One example of an MSN program in Honolulu is the MSN program at Hawaii Pacific University, which trains students to become adult-gerontology acute care nurse practitioners or family nurse practitioners.

Learn more about Hawaii Nurse Practitioner Programs.

Post-Master's Certificate Programs

Post-graduate certificate programs allow nurses to learn a new area of advanced practice nursing without repeating past master’s-level coursework. For example, Hawaii Pacific University offers the major courses for each of its MSN programs as graduate certificate programs.

Learn more about Hawaii Post-Master's Certificate Programs.

DNP & Ph.D. Programs

For nurses who are interested in careers in research, independent practice as nurse practitioners or to take on the highest levels of nursing leadership, a doctoral program may be a good step. In Honolulu, there are DNP programs that train nurses for the highest level of clinical practice, and Ph.D. programs that prepare students for careers in cutting-edge nursing research. The University of Hawaii at Manoa offers multiple DNP and Ph.D. options for advanced-practice nurses.

Learn more about Hawaii DNP Programs.

List of APRN (MSN, DNP, & NP) Programs in Honolulu

We have put together a list of Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) programs in Honolulu. This includes MSN, DNP, and Nurse Practitioner (NP) options. The table below lists each school, along with its city and state, program highlights, and a link to the official program page. Use this to compare programs and take the next step in a nursing career.

Honolulu, HI

Chaminade University of Honolulu

  • MSN to DNP - Doctor of Nursing Practice Pediatric Nurse Practitioner

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • CCNE accredited
    • 4 concentration options
    • Complete in Finish in 2–3 years
    • 68 total credit hours
    • Apply by 2026-06-01
    • Starts fall
    • Cohort-based structure
    • 2.8 GPA minimum
  • MSN to DNP - Doctor of Nursing Practice

    Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Website

    • CCNE accredited
    • 4 concentration options
    • Complete in Finish in 2–3 years
    • 68 total credit hours
    • Apply by 2026-06-01
    • Starts fall
    • Cohort-based structure
    • 2.8 GPA minimum
  • MSN to DNP - Doctor of Nursing Practice

    Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) - Online & Campus Based - Website

    • CCNE accredited
    • 4 concentration options
    • Complete in Finish in 2–3 years
    • 68 total credit hours
    • Apply by 2026-06-01
    • Starts fall
    • Cohort-based structure
    • 2.8 GPA minimum
  • MSN to DNP - Doctor of Nursing Practice

    Concentration: Pediatric Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Website

    • CCNE accredited
    • 3 concentration options
    • Complete in Finish in 2–3 years
    • 68 total credit hours
    • Apply by 2026-06-01
    • 1 start dates per year
    • Starts fall
    • Cohort-based structure
  • MSN to DNP - Doctor of Nursing Practice

    Concentration: Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Website

    • CCNE accredited
    • 4 concentration options
    • Complete in Finish in 2–3 years
    • 69 total credit hours
    • Apply by 2026-06-01
    • 1 start dates per year
    • Starts fall
    • Cohort-based structure

Hawaii Pacific University

  • BSN to MSN - MSN-AGACNP

    Concentration: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner - Online Learning - Website

    • Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education accredited
    • $1,156 per credit
    • 24-Month program
    • 46 total credit hours
    • Apply by 2026-04-24
    • $129,480 median earnings
    • 630 clinical hours
    • Prerequisite courses required
  • MSN to DNP - Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner

    Online Learning - Website

    • CCNE accredited
    • $1,156 per credit
    • 34-Month program
    • Apply by 2026-08-14
    • Full-time and part-time options
    • Starts fall
    • Asynchronous online classes
    • $129,480 median earnings
  • MSN to DNP - BSN to DNP – FNP

    Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Online Learning - Website

    • $1,156 per credit
    • 34-Month program
    • Complete in under 3 years
    • Apply by 2026-08-14
    • Full-time and part-time options
    • Starts fall
    • Asynchronous online classes
    • 100% licensure pass rate
  • MSN to DNP - BSN to DNP – PMHNP

    Concentration: Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner - Online Learning - Website

    • CCNE accredited
    • $1,156 per credit
    • 34-Month program
    • Complete in under 3 years
    • Apply by 2026-08-14
    • Full-time and part-time options
    • Starts fall
    • Asynchronous online classes
  • MSN to DNP - BSN to DNP

    Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) - Online Learning - Website

    • AACN accredited
    • No entrance exam required
    • $1,156 per credit
    • Complete in as few as 34 months (full time) or 44 months (part-time)
    • Apply by 2026-08-14
    • Full-time and part-time options
    • Starts fall
    • Asynchronous online classes
  • MSN to DNP - BSN to DNP

    Concentration: Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner - Online Learning - Website

    • CCNE accredited
    • $1,156 per credit
    • 34-Month program
    • Complete in Earn your BSN to DNP in under 3 years
    • Apply by 2026-08-14
    • Full-time and part-time options
    • Starts fall
    • Asynchronous online classes
  • MSN to DNP - Doctor of Nursing Practice

    Online Learning - Website

    • Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) accredited
    • 3 concentration options
    • $1,117 per credit
    • 34-Month program
    • Full-time and part-time options
    • Asynchronous online classes
    • 3.0 GPA minimum
    • $116,000 median earnings
  • MSN to DNP - Online BSN to DNP – FNP

    Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) - Online Learning - Website

    • $1,156 per credit
    • 34-Month program
    • Apply by 2026-08-14
    • Full-time and part-time options
    • Asynchronous online classes
    • 100% licensure pass rate
    • 624 clinical hours
    • Prerequisite courses required
  • MSN to DNP - Online BSN to DNP – PMHNP

    Concentration: Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) - Online Learning - Website

    • CCNE accredited
    • $1,156 per credit
    • 34-Month program
    • Apply by 2026-08-14
    • Full-time and part-time options
    • Starts fall
    • Asynchronous online classes
    • $128,671 median earnings

University of Hawaii at Manoa

  • BSN to MSN - Master of Science in Nursing Education & Leadership

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • 2-Year program
    • Complete in Two-years full-time or three-years part-time
    • 36 total credit hours
    • Full-time and part-time options
    • Synchronous and asynchronous options
    • Capstone required
    • Flexible online learning format
    • Supports career development in education and leadership
  • MSN to DNP - Doctor of Nursing Practice

    Concentration: Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Website

    • 6 concentration options
    • Full-time enrollment
    • 1 start dates per year
    • Starts fall
    • Cohort-based structure
    • Capstone required
    • School-coordinated clinical placements
    • Interprofessional care collaboration
  • MSN to DNP - Doctor of Nursing Practice

    Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Website

    • 6 concentration options
    • Full-time enrollment
    • 1 start dates per year
    • Starts fall
    • Cohort-based structure
    • Capstone required
    • Financial aid available
    • School-coordinated clinical placements
  • MSN to DNP - Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • Full-time, 3-year cohort model
    • 74 total credit program
    • 810 supervised clinical hours
    • Prepares for PMHNP certification
    • Hybrid program delivery
    • Advanced psychotherapy training
    • Focus on vulnerable populations
    • DNP project included
*NCES, IPEDS 2025 survey, U.S. Department of Education. https://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/

Comprehensive List of Nursing Schools Near Honolulu, HI

Below is a comprehensive list of nursing schools near Honolulu, HI. The table gives each school's city and state, highlights of its nursing programs, and a link to the program page for more details. Use this list to compare options by location, program strengths, and special features. We've pulled together the essential facts so you can quickly narrow down your choices and find a nursing program that fits your goals.

,

Hawaii

Honolulu, HI

Chaminade University of Honolulu
  • Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing

    Campus Based - Website

    • CCNE accredited
    • 4-Year program
    • Complete in four-year lock-step degree
    • Prerequisite courses required
    • Prepares for NCLEX
    • Financial aid available
    • Direct-entry, lock-step program
    • Four Year Graduation Guarantee
Kapiolani Community College
  • Associate - Associate in Science Degree in Nursing

    Campus Based - Website

    • ACEN accredited
    • Entrance exam required
    • Exams: TEAS
    • 2 start dates per year
    • Starts fall/spring
    • 2.5 GPA minimum
    • Prerequisite courses required
    • Prepares for NCLEX-RN
University of Hawaii at Manoa
  • Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing

    Campus Based - Website

    • Entrance exam required
    • Exams: TEAS
    • 3-Year program
    • 120 total credit hours
    • Apply by 2027-01-05
    • Starts fall
    • Cohort-based structure
    • 3.0 GPA minimum
  • Bachelor's - High School Direct Entry in Nursing

    Campus Based - Website

    • 4-Year program
    • 1 start dates per year
    • Starts fall
    • Cohort-based structure
    • Prepares for NCLEX-RN
    • Prepares beginning-level generalist professional nurses
    • Hawaii residency required
    • Contact via [email protected]
  • Bachelor's - UH West Oahu Pre-Nursing to UH Manoa Bachelor of Science in Nursing

    Campus Based - Website

    • Entrance exam required
    • Exams: TEAS
    • 3-Year program
    • Apply by 2026-08-01
    • Starts spring
    • Cohort-based structure
    • 3.0 GPA minimum
    • Prerequisite courses required
*Higher education data sourced from: IPEDS 2025, National Center for Education Statistics.