CNA Classes & Programs in Hawaii
- CNA Programs in Hawaii: At-a-Glance
- Why Become a CNA in Hawaii?
- Hawaii CNA Training & Certification
- CNA Curriculum & Clinical Training in Hawaii
- How Long Does it Take to Become a CNA in Hawaii?
- Do Online CNA Programs Exist in Hawaii?
- 2026 Fastest CNA Training Program Options in Hawaii
- 2026 Affordable CNA Training Program Options in Hawaii
- Hawaii CNA Employment and Wages
- How to Choose the Right CNA Program in Hawaii
- CNA vs Other Healthcare Roles in Hawaii
- 2026 Updated List of Hawaii Schools Offering CNA Classes
- Latest Articles & Guides
Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) play a vital role in Hawaii’s healthcare system, supporting kupuna in long-term care, assisting hospital patients, and helping families across the islands receive compassionate daily care. With Hawaii’s growing senior population and ongoing healthcare workforce needs, CNA training offers a dependable pathway into medical careers without years of schooling.
On this page, you’ll learn:
- How CNA certification works in Hawaii
- Minimum training hours and clinical requirements
- What CNA classes and curriculum include
- CNA program length and typical costs
- How to choose low-cost, high-quality CNA training in Hawaii
CNA Programs in Hawaii: At-a-Glance
| Category | Hawaii CNA Information |
| Minimum training hours required | 100 hours minimum |
| Clinical requirement | Supervised hands-on clinical training required |
| Certification exam | Prometric Hawaii Nurse Aide Exam (written + skills) |
| State registry | Hawaii Nurse Aide Registry |
| Typical program length | Between 6–12 weeks |
| Typical total cost | Approximately $1,200–$2,500 (varies by program) |
| Average CNA Salary in Hawaii | About $38,000–$45,000 per year (varies by island & setting) |
Why Become a CNA in Hawaii?
Hawaii consistently faces healthcare staffing shortages, especially in long-term care and home health, making CNA training one of the quickest ways to enter a stable, in-demand career. The state's aging population continues to grow, increasing the need for caregivers who can support daily living and medical monitoring.
Additional reasons to pursue CNA classes in Hawaii:
- Hospitals, nursing homes, and assisted living centers regularly hire new CNAs
- Many employers offer tuition reimbursement or paid training
- CNA work is an excellent stepping stone to LPN or RN programs
- Flexible schedules are common, including part-time and per-diem roles
For residents looking for inexpensive, shortest routes into healthcare, CNA certification is one of the most practical options available in Hawaii.
Hawaii CNA Training & Certification
To work legally as a CNA (sometimes referred to as a “nurse aide”) in Hawaii, candidates must follow the state process:
- Complete a state-approved CNA training program that meets Hawaii's 100-hour minimum (classroom + clinical).
- Pass the Prometric Hawaii Nurse Aide Competency Exam, which includes:
- A written or oral knowledge test
- A hands-on skills evaluation
- Be placed on the Hawaii Nurse Aide Registry to be eligible for employment.
- Renew certification according to state requirements, typically by verifying paid CNA work hours within the renewal period.
The exam tests real-world abilities such as infection control, patient safety, and assisting with mobility. Passing confirms that a graduate can safely provide basic nursing care under supervision.
CNA Curriculum & Clinical Training in Hawaii
CNA Coursework & Clinical Overview
| Training Component | What Students Learn |
| Nursing Fundamentals | Patient rights, infection control, safety procedures |
| Personal Care Skills | Bathing, feeding, dressing, grooming assistance |
| Vital Signs & Monitoring | Measuring blood pressure, pulse, temperature |
| Communication & Professionalism | Working with patients, families, and care teams |
| Clinical Training | Supervised hands-on practice with real patients |
Hawaii requires in-person supervised clinical experience as part of the 100-hour minimum. Clinical rotations typically occur in:
- Skilled nursing facilities
- Hospitals
- Assisted living communities
These hours allow students to practice transfers, personal care, and documentation before taking the state exam.
How Long Does it Take to Become a CNA in Hawaii?
Most Hawaii CNA programs can be completed in 6 to 12 weeks. Timing depends on:
- Full-time vs. part-time class schedules
- Availability of clinical placements
- Evening or weekend course formats
Accelerated, quickest CNA classes may finish in about a month, while part-time options can take 3 months or more.
Do Online CNA Programs Exist in Hawaii?
Hawaii allows hybrid CNA training, but not fully online certification.
- Theory portions may be completed online
- Hands-on skills and clinical hours must be in person
- The state exam requires in-person skills testing
Any program claiming 100% online CNA certification without local clinical training will not meet Hawaii approval standards.
2026 Fastest CNA Training Program Options in Hawaii
| School Name | Highlights | Retention & Grad Rates |
|---|---|---|
| Kapiolani Community College |
|
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| Leeward Community College |
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| Windward Community College |
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2026 Affordable CNA Training Program Options in Hawaii
| School Name | Highlights | Annual Estimated Tuition & Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Leeward Community College |
|
|
| Kapiolani Community College |
|
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| Windward Community College |
|
|
Hawaii CNA Employment and Wages
CNA salaries in Hawaii are among the highest in the nation due to cost of living and strong demand across the islands.
CNA Salary in Hawaii
| Location | Total Employment | Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| United States | 1,388,430 | $39,530 |
| Hawaii | 4,620 | $44,830 |
Table data taken from 2024 BLS (http://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes311131.htm)
How to Choose the Right CNA Program in Hawaii
When comparing CNA classes in Hawaii, use this checklist:
- State approval and eligibility for the Prometric exam
- Guaranteed clinical placement on your island
- Transparent, low-cost tuition with no hidden fees
- Schedule options (evenings/weekends)
- Employer partnerships with hospitals or care homes
- Good student pass rates on the state test
Look for programs that clearly list total hours, exam preparation, and support with registry placement.
CNA vs Other Healthcare Roles in Hawaii
| Role | Training Time | Scope of Work | Average Path |
| CNA | 6–12 weeks | Basic patient care, ADLs, vitals | Entry-level |
| Medical Assistant | 9–12 months | Clinic tasks, phlebotomy, admin | Outpatient focus |
| LPN | 12–18 months | Medication administration, nursing care | Licensed nurse |
| RN | 2–4 years | Full nursing scope, assessments | Registered nurse |
CNAs offer the shortest and most inexpensive entry point, while LPN and RN roles require longer schooling but provide higher responsibility and pay. Explore CNA to RN programs, or check out nursing schools in Hawaii.
2026 Updated List of Hawaii Schools Offering CNA Classes
Honolulu, HI
Kapiolani Community College
- Certificate/Diploma - Long-Term Care Nurse Aide
Campus Based - Website
- 150-hour state-approved course.
- Combines online and in-person learning.
- Prepares for CNA certification exam.
- Tuition cost $2,200.
- Textbooks included in tuition.
- CPR/First Aid certification required.
- Health documents and immunizations needed.
- COVID vaccinations required.
Kaneohe, HI
Windward Community College
- Certificate/Diploma - Certified Nurse's Aide (CNA)
Campus Based - Website
- Hybrid online and campus model
- 150-hour course duration
- Acute care concentration available
- Includes clinical practicum hours
- State competency exam preparation
- Certificate of Professional Development
- Cultural Hawaiian health integration
- Requires computer and internet access
Pearl City, HI
Leeward Community College
- Certificate/Diploma - Nurse Aide
Campus Based - Website
- Campus-based program.
- Course number HLTH5100.
- Prepares for long-term care.
- Teaches sterile gloving skills.
- Covers wound care techniques.
- Includes oral suctioning training.
- Diabetes care instruction.
- Enteral nutrition education.
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