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.

2026 Best Online RN to BSN Programs in Hawaii

At RegisteredNursing.org, we've carefully evaluated and ranked the best online RN to BSN programs in Hawaii, recognizing the critical importance of accessible distance learning for working nurses seeking career advancement. Our comprehensive analysis considers factors like program flexibility, student support, clinical placement opportunities, and academic quality. Online programs have become essential for registered nurses who want to continue working while pursuing their bachelor's degree, offering unprecedented convenience and career growth potential. These virtual educational pathways allow nurses to balance professional responsibilities with academic goals, ultimately enhancing patient care and expanding professional opportunities across the healthcare landscape. Our expert team understands the unique challenges nurses face when pursuing higher education. Learn more about our ranking methodology.

#1

University of Hawaii at Manoa

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

Bachelor's - Online RN to Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Online Learning - Visit Website

The University of Hawaii at Manoa's online RN to BSN program provides a robust educational pathway for registered nurses seeking professional advancement. Tailored for Associate Degree and Diploma nursing graduates, the program offers unparalleled flexibility with part-time and full-time online learning options. Students benefit from a curriculum aligned with the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) Essentials framework, which emphasizes critical thinking, leadership development, and client-centered care. Military-friendly and accessible through fall and spring admissions, the program enables nurses to expand their knowledge, enhance professional competencies, and prepare for diverse healthcare leadership roles without disrupting their current employment.

• Online flexible program format
• Part-time and full-time options
• Fall and Spring admissions
• For ADN and Diploma graduates
• AACN Essentials curriculum framework
• Prepares for professional nursing roles
• Professional development focused

#2

University of Hawaii at Hilo

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

Bachelor's - RN to BSN Program

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

The University of Hawaii at Hilo's online RN to BSN program offers a transformative educational journey for practicing nurses seeking academic advancement. Designed with working professionals in mind, this hybrid program enables seamless learning through asynchronous coursework and flexible scheduling. Students benefit from multiple annual start dates and opportunities to earn credits from prior nursing experience. The curriculum distinctively emphasizes transcultural nursing and community health, preparing nurses for comprehensive, culturally sensitive healthcare delivery. Military-friendly and competitively priced, the program requires 120 total credits and provides robust support through experienced nursing faculty. Unique program highlights include community health projects and clinical courses tailored to students' home islands.

• Fully online, asynchronous curriculum
• Multiple start dates annually
• Prior learning experience credit
• Transcultural nursing emphasis
• Competitive tuition rates
• Part-time and full-time options
• 120 total credits required
• Community health projects
• Experienced nursing faculty
• Clinical courses on home island

*Data retrieved from: National Center for Education Statistics, IPEDS 2023.

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

2025 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