Healthcare Resource
Registered Nurse Salary in Hawaii 2026: Island-by-Island Pay Data
In brief
Hawaii RN salaries average $104,000/year in 2026: highest in the US. Strong unions, regulated ratios, and a separate Hawaii license required (not NLC compact).
In this article
Hawaii registered nurses earn an average of $104,000 per year in 2026, the highest average RN salary of any US state. Union representation is strong, staffing ratios are regulated, and Hawaii's isolation creates persistent demand for experienced nurses. Cost of living partially offsets the headline number; plan accordingly.
Hawaii RN Salary by Island (2026)
| Island / City | Avg Annual Salary | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Oahu (Honolulu) | $106,000 | $50.96 |
| Maui | $103,500 | $49.76 |
| Hawaii Island (Hilo / Kona) | $100,000 | $48.08 |
| Kauai | $99,000 | $47.60 |
| Molokai / Lanai | $97,000 | $46.63 |
Highest-Paying Nursing Specialties in Hawaii
| Specialty | Avg Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| CRNA | $260,000 |
| ICU / Critical Care RN | $119,000 |
| ER / Emergency RN | $115,000 |
| OR / Surgical RN | $112,000 |
| Labor & Delivery RN | $108,000 |
| Med-Surg RN | $102,000 |
Top Employers in Hawaii
- The Queen's Medical Center, Honolulu; flagship private hospital, strong HGEA union contract
- Kaiser Permanente Hawaii, integrated system; competitive salaries plus full benefits
- Straub Medical Center (Sutter), Honolulu; strong specialty units
- Maui Health System (Kaiser), Maui Memorial Medical Center; union wages
- Hilo Medical Center, Hawaii Island; state-operated, civil service pay scale
NLC Compact Status
Hawaii is NOT an NLC compact member. Every nurse who wants to practice in Hawaii must hold a separate Hawaii RN license, multistate compact licenses from other states are not valid here. The Hawaii Board of Nursing processes endorsement applications in approximately 8-12 weeks.
Cost of Living Context
Hawaii's cost of living is approximately 85-95% higher than the US national average, primarily driven by housing. A $104,000 RN salary in Hawaii has purchasing power roughly equivalent to $56,000-$62,000 in a mid-cost mainland state. Median 1-bedroom apartment rent in Honolulu exceeds $2,400/month.
Hawaii RN Market Outlook
Hawaii's geographic isolation means it cannot easily draw from neighboring states. It recruits nationally and internationally. Travel RN assignments in Hawaii run $2,400-$3,000/week; housing stipends are often lower than mainland contracts due to employer-provided housing arrangements. Neighbor islands (Maui, Big Island, Kauai) have the most acute shortages with housing assistance programs.
Related: RN Salary California 2026, RN Salary Alaska 2026, Hawaii RN License Guide.
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