What is the average RN salary in Honolulu?

The average RN salary in Honolulu is $115,983 per year. This Honolulu figure is 23.9% above the U.S. RN median salary of $93,600, and it reflects higher nominal pay compared to the national benchmark while also coinciding with Honolulu’s elevated cost of living.

How many hospitals are in Honolulu?

There are 8 hospitals in Honolulu. Notable hospitals include The Queen's Medical Center and Straub Medical Center; these large acute-care centers represent two of the primary inpatient hubs among the city's eight total hospitals.

What is the cost of living in Honolulu?

The cost of living index in Honolulu is 179.7 (U.S. average = 100). Honolulu’s COL index of 179.7 indicates substantially higher expenses, driven largely by housing costs, which are a major contributor to the elevated overall index.

Is Honolulu a good place for nurses?

Honolulu can be a good fit for nurses seeking higher nominal pay: the RN average salary is $115,983 and there are 8 hospitals providing clinical opportunities. However, the city’s COL index of 179.7 and adjusted salary of $64,543 mean quality-of-life tradeoffs tied to housing and living expenses.

What is the real purchasing power for nurses in Honolulu?

The adjusted salary (purchasing power) in Honolulu is $64,543 after accounting for cost of living. Using the city’s COL index of 179.7, that adjusted figure shows Honolulu nurses have less real buying power compared with the U.S. RN median salary of $93,600 when national costs are used as the baseline.

How long does it take to get a nursing license in HI?

Expect roughly 4–8 weeks for initial RN licensure or endorsement in Hawaii, depending on documentation and background check timelines. Hawaii requires verification of education, an active NCLEX-RN pass, and completion of state licensure paperwork before the Board issues an RN license.

What nursing specialties are most in demand in Honolulu?

Demand in Honolulu centers on ICU, Emergency Department (ED), med-surgical, Labor & Delivery (L&D), and behavioral health settings. The presence of multiple acute-care hospitals and teaching-affiliated centers in the city supports these inpatient and acute specialties across Honolulu’s hospital network.

Nursing in Honolulu, HI

Practical guide to nursing in Honolulu, HI — salaries, cost of living, hospitals, climate, and what nurses actually earn after local taxes and rent.