Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Classes & Programs in Hawaii

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.

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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.

2027 Fastest CNA Training Program Options in Hawaii

Seeking CNA training in Hawaii, time often matters. For students, the fastest route to certification means entering healthcare sooner. The quickest programs focus on core skills and can be completed in a matter of weeks. Why does that matter? Because shorter training usually costs less, and graduates can start working in places like Honolulu or Hilo without delay. In 2027, certificate and diploma options across the state vary, but the most streamlined programs help meet high demand for nursing assistants. Faster completion not only fills jobs but also gets people earning income quickly. So, considering these accelerated options is a practical first step for a stable career in patient care.

School Name	Highlights	Retention & Grad Rates
Kapiolani Community College Long-Term Care Nurse Aide	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.	Graduation Rate: 22% Retention Rate: 63% Student to Faculty Ratio: 15 :1
Leeward Community College Nurse Aide	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.	Graduation Rate: 35% Retention Rate: 72% Student to Faculty Ratio: 21 :1
Windward Community College Certified Nurse's Aide (CNA)	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	Graduation Rate: 31% Retention Rate: 63% Student to Faculty Ratio: 19 :1

*Source: NCES, IPEDS 2025. https://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/

2027 Affordable CNA Training Program Options in Hawaii

We know choosing the right CNA program can feel overwhelming, especially with costs in Hawaii. That's why we've put together this helpful table of school options across the islands. It lists each school, the program offered, key highlights, and tuition ranges. Understanding the overall cost of training is important. By focusing on affordable programs, future healthcare workers can start their careers without heavy debt. A low tuition does not mean low quality. Many programs offer great hands-on learning at a solid pace. This table makes it easier to compare what fits your needs and budget. Check the details below and take the next step toward a rewarding career in nursing.

School Name	Highlights	Annual Estimated Tuition & Fees
Leeward Community College Nurse Aide	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.	$2,600 - $3,900 (Undergrad In-State) $6,700 - $10,000 (Undergrad Non-Resident)
Kapiolani Community College Long-Term Care Nurse Aide	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.	$2,600 - $3,900 (Undergrad In-State) $6,700 - $10,100 (Undergrad Non-Resident)
Windward Community College Certified Nurse's Aide (CNA)	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	$2,600 - $3,800 (Undergrad In-State) $6,700 - $10,000 (Undergrad Non-Resident)

*Data source: NCES IPEDS survey, 2025.

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	1,448,910	$42,260
Hawaii	5,050	$45,350

Table data taken from 2025 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

Jump to City:

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.

*Data derived from the 2025 IPEDS survey conducted by NCES.

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