Best Family Nurse Practitioner Programs in Hawaii
- 2026 Best Family Nurse Practitioner Programs in Hawaii
- Educational Pathways in Hawaii
- FNP Program Formats Across the Islands
- Clinical Training in Hawaii
- Admission Standards
- Financial Considerations
- Hawaii APRN Licensure and Practice
- Career Landscape in Hawaii
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Latest Articles & Guides
Hawaii’s unique geographic isolation, multicultural population, and challenges in its healthcare workforce create exceptional opportunities for Family Nurse Practitioners (FNPs) across the Aloha State. From serving Native Hawaiian communities through Queen’s Health Systems to addressing provider shortages on neighbor islands like Molokai and Lanai, FNPs play a vital role in delivering primary care throughout the Pacific. Hawaii’s 1.4 million residents, spanning urban Honolulu to rural communities, military families at Pearl Harbor to agricultural workers on Kauai, need healthcare providers who understand the islands’ cultural diversity and geographic barriers.
In this article, you’ll learn:
- What MSN, DNP, and post-master’s certificate FNP programs offer Hawaii nurses
- How online, hybrid, and campus-based formats serve students across the Hawaiian Islands
- Where Hawaii FNP students complete clinical training from Oahu to the neighbor islands
- What Hawaii’s scope of practice laws mean for FNP autonomy and career options
- How salaries and cost of living affect FNP compensation in the islands
2026 Best Family Nurse Practitioner Programs in Hawaii
Chaminade University of Honolulu
Honolulu, HI - Private 4-year - chaminade.edu
Graduate Certificate - Post-Doctoral Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) Certificate
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Chaminade University's Post-Doctoral Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) Certificate provides advanced nursing professionals with an opportunity to expand their clinical expertise. This specialized 12-month, 18-credit online program prepares doctorally prepared nurses to provide comprehensive primary care across patient lifespans. With 630 clinical hours, students develop advanced skills in managing acute, chronic, and complex health conditions. The program costs $1,135 per credit hour and requires applicants to be doctorally prepared with an active APRN license and national board certification. Designed for ambitious healthcare professionals seeking to enhance their practice, the certificate offers a rigorous, flexible pathway to advanced nursing specialization.
- 100% Online Program
- 12 Month Duration
- 18 Total Credit Hours
- 630 Clinical Hours
- Doctorally Prepared Nurses
- APRN License Required
- National Board Certification
- $1,135 Per Credit Hour
- Annual On-Campus Immersion
- Focus on Diverse Populations
MSN to DNP - Doctor of Nursing Practice (Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP))
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Chaminade University's Doctor of Nursing Practice with Family Nurse Practitioner concentration provides advanced nursing professionals an opportunity to elevate their clinical expertise. This hybrid program prepares nurses to deliver comprehensive, evidence-based care across patient lifespans, focusing on disease prevention, health promotion, and holistic patient management. Graduates develop leadership skills to transform healthcare delivery, with a unique emphasis on serving Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander populations. The program blends online coursework with yearly immersion experiences, enabling working professionals to advance their careers without disrupting current employment.
- 100% online with yearly immersions
- No GRE required
- Advanced practice nursing focus
- Comprehensive clinical preparation
- Culturally informed practice approach
- CCNE accredited program
- Flexible learning environment
- Scholarly project component
- Leadership development emphasis
Hawaii Pacific University
Honolulu, HI - Private 4-year - hpu.edu
Graduate Certificate - Family Nurse Practitioner (Post Master’s Certificate)
Online Learning - Visit Website
Hawaii Pacific University offers an innovative online Post-Master's Certificate in Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) designed for advanced practice registered nurses seeking specialized family care expertise. This 16-month, 24-credit program prepares nurses to expand their clinical skills across patient life spans, from infants to seniors. Tailored for working professionals, the curriculum combines flexible online coursework with comprehensive clinical training, enabling students to address healthcare gaps in underserved communities. Graduates qualify to sit for national certification exams and gain advanced competencies translatable across diverse primary care settings.
- 100% Online Coursework
- 16-month Program Length
- 24 Total Credits
- Three Annual Start Dates
- 500+ Clinical Hours
- Preparation for Certification Exams
- Flexible Class Scheduling
- First Online Post-Master's Nursing Program in Hawaii
- Dedicated Clinical Placement Assistance
MSN to DNP - BSN to DNP (Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP))
Online Learning - Visit Website
Hawaii Pacific University's online BSN to DNP Family Nurse Practitioner program prepares nurses to address critical healthcare shortages by developing advanced clinical skills. Designed for working professionals, the program offers flexible scheduling and comprehensive training across culturally diverse communities. Students gain expertise through over 1,000 clinical hours, preparing to pass certification exams and take leadership roles in family healthcare settings, with completion possible in under 4 years.
- 100% online coursework
- Small, accessible classes
- Prepare for certification exams
- Dedicated student support
- Complete DNP in under 4 years
- Up to 12 transfer credits
- Flexible class scheduling
- 1,000+ clinical training hours
- Faculty are practicing clinicians
- Leadership skill development
University of Hawaii at Hilo
Hilo, HI - Public 4-Year - hilo.hawaii.edu
MSN to DNP - Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) (Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP))
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of Hawaii at Hilo's Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) with Family Nurse Practitioner concentration equips advanced nurses to transform healthcare through leadership and evidence-based practice. Focused on rural and transcultural health, the program prepares practitioners to address complex healthcare challenges across patient lifecycles. Graduates develop advanced clinical skills, policy expertise, and the ability to improve population health outcomes in underserved communities, with a strong emphasis on cultural competence and social justice.
- Doctoral degree for advanced nursing practice
- Family Nurse Practitioner concentration
- Hybrid program format
- Transcultural healthcare focus
- Rural population health emphasis
- Advanced leadership preparation
- Evidence-based practice training
- Prepares for advanced nursing roles
- Multidisciplinary collaboration skills
- Policy development expertise
BSN to DNP - Doctor of Nursing Practice (Family Nurse Practitioner)
Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of Hawaii at Hilo's Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program prepares advanced practice nurses as Family Nurse Practitioners with a specialized focus on rural healthcare and transcultural nursing. Students gain comprehensive skills in leadership, evidence-based practice, and healthcare transformation, targeting professionals seeking to elevate their clinical expertise. The program offers two entry points - post-baccalaureate and post-masters - and requires 1,000 practice hours, ensuring graduates are well-equipped to address complex healthcare challenges in diverse community settings.
- Family Nurse Practitioner concentration
- Minimum 1,000 practice hours
- Post-BSN and Post-Masters entry
- Rural health care focus
- Transcultural nursing emphasis
- Leadership development
- Practice Inquiry Project required
- Advanced clinical preparation
University of Hawaii at Manoa
Honolulu, HI - Public 4-Year - manoa.hawaii.edu
MSN to DNP - Doctor of Nursing Practice (Family Nurse Practitioner)
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of Hawaii's Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) in Family Nurse Practitioner prepares highly skilled advanced practice nurses to deliver exceptional, evidence-based primary care. This rigorous program equips nurses with comprehensive leadership skills, clinical expertise, and systemic healthcare knowledge. Students develop advanced clinical competencies through a competency-based curriculum emphasizing quality improvement, health policy, and patient-centered care. Graduates are prepared to address complex healthcare challenges, improve patient outcomes, and lead transformative changes in healthcare delivery across diverse populations.
- Full-time cohort program
- Fall (August) admission only
- For RNs with bachelor's degree
- Hybrid course delivery
- DNP project required
- Mandatory semester orientations
- Individual academic advising
- Board certification eligible
- Meets AACN doctoral standards
- Emphasizes evidence-based practice
Educational Pathways in Hawaii
MSN Programs: Foundation for FNP Practice
Program structure: 42-50 credits, 18-24 months full-time or 2-3 years part-time
Master of Science in Nursing programs with FNP concentrations provide comprehensive preparation for primary care across the lifespan. Hawaii MSN programs emphasize cultural competency crucial for serving the islands’ diverse populations, including Native Hawaiian, Japanese, Filipino, Pacific Islander, military, and mainland communities.
Curriculum includes advanced health assessment, pathophysiology, pharmacology, primary care of families, diagnostic reasoning, and 500-700 supervised clinical hours at Hawaii healthcare facilities. Upon graduation, Hawaii nurses are eligible for national FNP certification through AANPCB or ANCC.
DNP Programs: Doctoral Preparation
BSN to DNP pathway: 75-85 credits, 3-4 years
BSN to DNP programs integrate master’s-level FNP training with doctoral education in healthcare policy, systems leadership, and quality improvement. You’ll complete a scholarly project addressing Hawaii-specific healthcare challenges.
Post-master’s DNP pathway: 30-36 credits, 1-2 years
Already practicing as a certified FNP? Post-master’s DNP programs add doctoral credentials for Hawaii FNPs pursuing leadership positions at Queen’s Health Systems, Kaiser Permanente Hawaii, or faculty roles at the University of Hawaii.
Post-Master’s FNP Certificates
Program structure: 36-45 credits, 12-18 months
Hawaii nurses holding master’s degrees in other nursing specialties can add certification through focused FNP post-master’s certificate programs, which are particularly valuable on neighbor islands where specialty-only positions are limited.
TIP: If you plan to practice on neighbor islands long-term, comprehensive FNP training provides maximum flexibility. Specialized certifications work well on Oahu but may limit opportunities on Maui, Hawaii Island, or Kauai.
FNP Program Formats Across the Islands
Campus-Based Programs
Traditional on-campus programs in Hawaii are primarily concentrated on Oahu, with University of Hawaii at Manoa offering the state’s main campus-based nursing program. Campus programs provide in-person instruction, simulation lab access, and established clinical partnerships with Queen’s Medical Center, Kaiser Permanente Hawaii, and Hawaii Pacific Health facilities.
Challenge: Limited geographic access for neighbor island residents; commuting from Maui, Kauai, or Hawaii Island to Oahu is impractical without relocation.
Online Programs
Fully online FNP programs have become increasingly important for Hawaii nurses given the state’s geography. Students complete didactic coursework remotely while arranging clinical practica at Hawaii healthcare facilities near their home islands.
Considerations: Clinical placement responsibility often falls on students. Time zone differences with mainland programs (Hawaii is 2-3 hours behind Pacific Time, 5-6 hours behind Eastern Time) may affect synchronous session scheduling.
Hybrid Programs
Hybrid programs blend online coursework with periodic in-person requirements; typically intensive weekends or week-long sessions, offering a middle ground between fully online and traditional campus attendance.
TIP: Hawaii nurses frequently attend mainland online programs due to limited local options. Verify the program’s willingness to support Hawaii clinical placements and check whether required campus visits conflict with inter-island or mainland travel costs.
Clinical Training in Hawaii
All FNP programs require 500-700 supervised clinical hours (up to 1,000 for BSN to DNP programs).
Clinical Sites Across the Hawaiian Islands
| Island | Major Healthcare Facilities |
| Oahu | Queen’s Medical Center, Kaiser Permanente Hawaii, Straub Medical Center, Hawaii Pacific Health, Tripler Army Medical Center, Waianae Coast Comprehensive Health Center |
| Maui | Maui Memorial Medical Center, Maui Health System clinics, Malama I Ke Ola Health Center |
| Hawaii Island | Hilo Medical Center, Kona Community Hospital, North Hawaii Community Hospital, Bay Clinic |
| Kauai | Wilcox Medical Center, Kauai Medical Clinic |
Neighbor Island Challenges: Limited clinical site availability on Molokai and Lanai often requires students from these islands to complete rotations on larger islands, sometimes necessitating temporary housing during clinical intensives.
TIP: Join organizations such as the Hawaii Nurses Association and the Hawaii Association of Professional Nurses early in your program. Attend annual conferences to connect with potential preceptors; personal relationships are especially important in Hawaii’s close-knit healthcare community.
Admission Standards
| Requirement | Typical Expectation |
| RN License | Current Hawaii RN license (Hawaii doesn’t participate in Nurse Licensure Compact) |
| Undergraduate GPA | 3.0 minimum; competitive programs prefer 3.2+ |
| Nursing Experience | 1-2 years recommended |
| GRE | Waived by most programs including University of Hawaii |
| References | 2-3 professional letters |
Explore nurse practitioner schools in Hawaii.
Financial Considerations
Program Costs
| Program Type | Estimated Total Cost |
| UH Manoa MSN (Hawaii residents) | $22,000 – $35,000 |
| Out-of-state online MSN | $30,000 – $60,000 |
| Private university MSN | $40,000 – $70,000 |
| UH Manoa DNP (Hawaii residents) | $38,000 – $55,000 |
| Post-master’s certificate | $20,000 – $42,000 |
Hawaii-Specific Funding
- Native Hawaiian Health Scholarship Program: Supports Native Hawaiian students entering healthcare
- HRSA Nurse Corps Scholarship: Federal program covering full tuition for students working in shortage areas
- Employer Support: Queen’s Health Systems, Kaiser Permanente Hawaii, and Hawaii Pacific Health offer tuition reimbursement
Hawaii APRN Licensure and Practice
Certification and Licensure
- Complete FNP program meeting Hawaii Board of Nursing requirements
- Pass national FNP certification (AANPCB or ANCC)
- Apply for Hawaii APRN licensure
- Apply for DEA registration for prescriptive authority
Hawaii Scope of Practice
Hawaii requires APRNs to maintain collaborative agreements with physicians but grants substantial autonomy. FNPs practice independently in day-to-day clinical care, have full prescriptive authority including Schedule II-V controlled substances, and can serve as primary care providers. Hawaii’s isolated geography means FNPs often practice with significant autonomy, particularly on neighbor islands.
Career Landscape in Hawaii
Employment settings: Primary care clinics throughout all islands, community health centers, hospital-based primary care at Queen’s and Kaiser, occupational health for tourism industry and military, school-based health centers, telehealth platforms connecting to neighbor island patients, and retail health clinics on major islands.
Compensation:
- Oahu FNPs: $105,000 – $125,000 annually
- Neighbor island FNPs: $100,000 – $120,000 annually
- Experienced FNPs: $120,000 – $140,000+
Cost of living context: Hawaii’s high cost of living significantly affects purchasing power. Median home prices exceed $800,000 on Oahu, and groceries cost 50-70% more than mainland averages. Employer-provided housing assistance, relocation packages, and loan repayment programs substantially impact total compensation. Neighbor island positions sometimes include housing allowances to address limited rental availability.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is there an FNP shortage in Hawaii, and are jobs available?
A: Yes. Hawaii faces persistent healthcare provider shortages, particularly on neighbor islands. Primary care positions are available, especially for FNPs willing to serve rural communities, Native Hawaiian populations, or military families. Oahu has more competition than neighbor islands.
Q: Do Hawaii FNP programs prepare students for the state’s unique cultural context?
A: Quality Hawaii programs emphasize cultural competency for Native Hawaiian, Asian-Pacific Islander, and military populations. University of Hawaii specifically incorporates Hawaiian health perspectives. Mainland online programs may lack Hawaii-specific cultural training, so supplement with additional learning about local health beliefs and disparities.
Q: Will my Hawaii FNP license transfer to the mainland if I move?
A: Hawaii doesn’t participate in the APRN Compact, so you’ll need separate licensure for each state. Your national FNP certification is recognized nationwide, simplifying licensure applications.
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