Pharmacist License in Hawaii 2026: NAPLEX, MPJE, Board Requirements

Hawaii's island geography creates a unique pharmacy landscape where Honolulu's urban health systems anchor the market and neighbor island communities on Maui, Kauai, and the Big Island depend on a smaller pool of licensed pharmacists to meet local healthcare needs.

Pharmacist Licensing Requirements in Hawaii

All pharmacists licensed in Hawaii must hold a Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree from an ACPE-accredited program, pass the NAPLEX, and pass the MPJE jurisprudence examination. Hawaii pharmacist licensure is administered through the Hawaii Board of Pharmacy under the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs' Professional and Vocational Licensing division. Hawaii allows NABP score transfers for pharmacists who are currently licensed in other states.

Step-by-Step: Hawaii Pharmacist License Process

1. Create your NABP e-Profile, Fee: $35. Register at nabp.pharmacy. The Hawaii Board receives NAPLEX and MPJE score reports through NABP, so keeping your profile current and linked to your Hawaii application is essential.
2. Apply for a Hawaii intern license (if needed), If completing intern hours in Hawaii, obtain an intern pharmacist license through the DCCA's PVL division. Hawaii interns must work under the direct supervision of a licensed Hawaii pharmacist at all times.
3. Confirm 1,500 intern hours are documented, Hawaii requires a minimum of 1,500 supervised pharmacy practice hours. Your PharmD program certifies these hours to the Hawaii Board; confirm the submission has been made before filing your licensure application.
4. Register for and pass the NAPLEX, Fee: $695. After NABP authorization, schedule the NAPLEX at a Pearson VUE center. The primary testing center for Hawaii applicants is located on Oahu in the Honolulu metro area. Candidates on neighbor islands may need to travel to Oahu for testing.
5. Register for and pass the MPJE, Fee: ~$150. The Hawaii MPJE covers federal pharmacy law and Hawaii-specific statutes including Hawaii Revised Statutes Chapter 461 (Pharmacists and Pharmacies) and Hawaii Administrative Rules Title 16, Chapter 95. A passing score is 75.
6. Submit the Hawaii Board application, Apply through the DCCA PVL online portal. The fee is approximately $165. Submit official PharmD transcripts, NABP score reports, and intern hour documentation. Hawaii typically processes complete applications within 3-4 weeks, though island-specific logistics can occasionally extend timelines.
7. Background check and fingerprinting, Hawaii requires a criminal background check. Fingerprinting is done through the Hawaii Criminal Justice Data Center or approved third-party fingerprinting vendors on each island. Budget approximately $50-75 for this step.
8. Receive license and apply for DEA registration, Once your Hawaii pharmacist license is active, register with the DEA (~$888 for 3 years) to dispense Schedule II-V controlled substances. Hawaii pharmacists dispensing controlled substances must also register with the Hawaii Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (PDMP), which is free and mandatory for dispensing pharmacies.

Fees and Timeline

Timeline: Most candidates complete the Hawaii licensure process in 10 weeks. Applicants relocating from the mainland should factor in shipping time for any physical documents and potential island-specific logistics for fingerprinting.

NAPLEX Score Transfer

Hawaii allows NABP score transfers for pharmacists who hold an active license in another state. This is a common pathway for pharmacists relocating from California, Washington, or other West Coast states to Hawaii. You must still pass the Hawaii MPJE. Contact the Hawaii Board of Pharmacy through the DCCA PVL division for current score transfer requirements and procedures.

DEA Registration

After receiving your Hawaii pharmacist license, register with the DEA (~$888 for 3 years) to dispense Schedule II-V controlled substances. Hawaii's island geography means that pharmacies often serve as the sole point of access for patients with chronic pain, oncology, or complex medication needs, DEA registration is essential for practice across any Hawaii setting. Register at the DEA Diversion Control Division website using your active Hawaii license number.

Continuing Education (CE)

Hawaii requires 30 hours of CE per 2-year renewal cycle for pharmacists. At least 1 hour must cover pharmacy law. CE must be from ACPE-accredited providers and tracked through CPE Monitor. Hawaii pharmacists with immunization authority must maintain current CPR certification and complete vaccine administration training per Board requirements. Given Hawaii's geographic isolation, online CE through accredited providers is particularly practical for maintaining compliance.

Top Hawaii Employers Hiring Pharmacists

• Hawaii Pacific Health: The largest private healthcare system in Hawaii, operating Pali Momi Medical Center, Straub Medical Center, Wilcox Medical Center, and Kapiolani Medical Center; active hiring for hospital pharmacists and clinical specialists.
• Queen's Health Systems: The state's largest private hospital network, headquartered in Honolulu, with pharmacist openings across acute care, ambulatory, and specialty pharmacy settings.
• Kaiser Permanente Hawaii: Integrated health plan and care delivery system with pharmacist positions spanning hospital, medical center, and telepharmacy roles across Oahu and neighbor island clinics.
• Hawaii Health Systems Corporation (HHSC): State-operated regional medical centers on Maui, Hilo, Kona, and Kauai, with pharmacist openings in neighbor island settings where demand and COL premiums are highest.
• Longs Drugs (CVS): The dominant retail pharmacy chain in Hawaii with staff pharmacist and manager openings across all major islands.

Pharmacist Salary in Hawaii (2026)

• Staff pharmacist (retail/hospital): $128,000-$142,000
• Clinical pharmacist (hospital): $135,000-$158,000
• Neighbor island / rural pharmacy manager: $145,000-$165,000

Related: Pharmacist Salary Guide 2026, Hospital vs Retail Pharmacist, Clinical Pharmacist Salary Guide, Florida Pharmacist License Guide.