Hawaii requires 30 contact hours of continuing education per renewal cycle, though nurses can also satisfy the requirement through alternative learning activities like preceptorship or nursing research. Hawaii is a Nurse Licensure Compact state. Here's your complete guide.
Hawaii RN License Renewal Requirements Overview
The Hawaii Board of Nursing requires all nurses to complete 30 contact hours of continuing education every 2 years, or to complete one approved alternative learning activity. Nurses may choose only one learning activity per biennium and cannot combine multiple activities.
Hawaii is a Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) member state, allowing nurses with a multistate license to practice across all compact states without obtaining additional licenses.
What Is Required for Renewal?
For RNs:
- 30 total CE hours per 2-year renewal cycle, or one approved alternative learning activity
- Renewal fee: $186
Alternative Learning Activities (choose one instead of 30 CE hours):
- Preceptorship: 120 hours as a preceptor in a one-to-one relationship with a nursing student or employee transitioning into a new clinical practice area
- Refresher course: Completion of a Board-approved refresher course with at least 60 hours each of didactic and clinical practice
- Nursing research: Acting as the principal or co-principal investigator in a nursing research study or leading an evidence-based practice project
- Nursing education presentation: Developing and presenting a first-time nursing education presentation resulting in at least 5 contact hours of instruction for attendees
For APRNs:
- 30 total CE hours per 2-year renewal cycle (same as RN)
- APRN licenses cannot be renewed without also renewing the underlying RN license
- Renewal fee: $186 (plus RN renewal fee if separate)
Important Renewal Dates
- Deadline: June 30 of odd-numbered years (next deadline: June 30, 2027)
- All nursing licenses — RN, LPN, and APRN — expire on the same date
- Grace period: No formal grace period; licenses become inactive if not renewed by June 30 and the nurse must not practice until the license is restored
Step-by-Step: How to Renew Your Hawaii Nursing License
- Log in to the Hawaii PVL online portal. Visit the Professional and Vocational Licensing Division portal to access your renewal application.
- Select your license type (RN, LPN, or APRN) and begin the renewal application. APRNs must renew their RN license at the same time.
- Attest to completing 30 CE hours or one approved alternative learning activity during the biennium.
- Pay the renewal fee. $186 for RN/LPN via the online portal.
- Retain CE documentation for at least 4 years. The Hawaii Board of Nursing conducts random audits and you may be required to submit proof within 60 days.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Combining multiple learning activities. Hawaii only allows one learning activity per biennium. You cannot mix CE hours with preceptorship hours — choose one path and complete it fully.
- Not retaining documentation. Random audits require you to submit proof within 60 days. Keep certificates and records for at least 4 years.
- Forgetting to renew RN alongside APRN. APRN licenses cannot be renewed without also renewing the underlying RN license. Renew both at the same time.
- Waiting until the deadline. With no formal grace period, missing June 30 means your license goes inactive immediately. Renew well before the deadline.
Tips for a Smooth Renewal
- Start early in the biennium. With 30 hours to complete, spread your CE across the 2-year cycle. Completing 15 hours per year is a manageable pace.
- Consider alternative activities. If you already precept students or conduct research, one of the alternative learning activities may be more efficient than 30 CE hours.
- Use NLC benefits. As a compact state, your Hawaii multistate license may let you practice in other NLC states without extra licenses — ideal for travel nursing.
- Track your progress. RenewRN can track your CE hours, send renewal reminders, and help you stay organized throughout the biennium.
Track Your Hawaii License with RenewRN
With 30 CE hours to manage and random audits to prepare for, Hawaii's renewal process requires careful tracking. RenewRN sends reminders at 90, 60, 30, 7, and 1 day before your license expires so you never lapse.