13 Best BSN Programs in Honolulu, HI in 2026

Honolulu, the capital of Hawaii located on the island of Oahu, is home to a thriving local economy mixed with island living and a rich cultural history. The tropical climate and natural beauty of the Hawaiian islands, along with employment opportunities in industries like healthcare, tourism, and hospitality, attract many people to live in Honolulu each year.

For those interested in becoming a registered nurse, Honolulu has over a dozen nursing programs to choose from, including several well-ranked Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) programs. A BSN provides registered nurses with enhanced clinical knowledge and leadership skills to advance their careers.

Here is a list of the top 13 BSN programs in Honolulu, HI for 2024:

1. University of Hawaii at Manoa

The University of Hawaii at Manoa, founded in 1907, offers an accredited BSN program for traditional undergraduates, as well as an RN to BSN completion program for licensed RNs. Key highlights include:

• Accredited by the CCNE Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
• Traditional 4-year BSN program with start dates each fall and spring
• RN to BSN can be completed fully online in 1 year or less
• Strong focus on culturally-competent healthcare and serving Hawaii’s diverse communities
• Clinical placements across major hospitals and healthcare facilities in Oahu

UH Manoa’s School of Nursing is highly regarded as one of Hawaii’s top nursing schools for its rigorous curriculum, experienced faculty, and state-of-the-art Simulation Lab. Graduates boast high licensure and certification exam pass rates.

Location: Honolulu, HI

Tuition & Fees: $$ (Hawaii resident), $$$ (non-resident)

Admissions Requirements: Competitive GPA, SAT/ACT scores for incoming freshmen

Website: manoa.hawaii.edu

2. Hawaii Pacific University

Hawaii Pacific University offers several nursing programs at its downtown Honolulu campus, including a traditional 4-year BSN program, an accelerated 16-month ABSN program, and an RN to BSN completion program.

• CCNE accredited with a celebrated nursing program since 1993
• Renowned for small class sizes and rigorous science-focused curriculum
• New state-of-the-art Nursing Education Simulation & Skills Lab opened in 2022
• Provides iPads and advanced technology to enhance interactive learning
• Strong reputation among major Honolulu healthcare employers

Hawaii Pacific University educates nurses who are clinically confident, inquisitive, caring and committed to improving healthcare in Hawaii and the Asia-Pacific region.

Location: Honolulu, HI

Tuition & Fees: $$$

Admissions Requirements: Competitive GPA, pre-requisite courses for BSN applicants

Website: hpu.edu

3. Chaminade University of Honolulu

Chaminade is one of Hawaii’s top private universities providing nursing education. They offer a traditional BSN program with two start dates per year in August and January. Key highlights include:

• CCNE accredited with 50+ years of nursing education excellence
• Renowned for small class sizes and hands-on clinical experience
• New Nursing Skills and Simulations Labs opened in 2021
• Strong focus on cultivating compassion and ethical decision-making skills
• Wide network of healthcare employers for job placement after graduation

From pediatric clinics to major hospitals, graduates pursue nursing careers across Oahu and many of Hawaii‘s islands meeting the demand for more nurses statewide.

Location: Honolulu, HI

Tuition & Fees: $$$

Admissions Requirements: Competitive GPA, SAT/ACT scores, on-campus interview

Website: chaminade.edu

4. Hawaii Medical College

Hawaii Medical College offers an accredited 20-month accelerated BSN (ABSN) program designed for non-nursing graduates to transition into the nursing field. Key highlights include:

• One of the shortest BSN programs in Honolulu at just 20 months duration
• CCNE accredited with 80% first-time NCLEX passing rate
• Meets 2-3 days a week for core nursing curriculum and labs
• Clinical rotations across major Oahu hospitals and health networks
• Provides resume, portfolio building and one-on-one career support

With a convenient location next to Honolulu’s China Town, Hawaii Medical College prepares driven, second-career students seeking to quickly gain registered nursing licensure in an immersive learning environment.

Location: Honolulu, HI

Tuition & Fees: $$

Admissions Requirements: Bachelor‘s degree, competitive GPA in science prerequisites

Website: HawaiiMedicalCollege.edu

5. Kapiolani Community College

Kapiolani CC is part of the University of Hawaii system and offers an associate degree in nursing (ADN) program to prepare students to become registered nurses. Key highlights include:

• One of Hawaii‘s top community colleges for nursing ranked 17th nationally (Intelligent)
• ADN degree can be completed full-time in just 2 years
• Curriculum integrates culturally-competent nursing practices
• New state-of-the-art nursing simulation labs
• Seamless transfer to UH Manoa’s RN to BSN program after graduation

With small class sizes led by highly skilled nursing faculty, Kapiolani CC successfully graduates nursing students that meet Hawaii‘s demand for qualified registered nurses, many of whom further their education after receiving an ADN.

Location: Honolulu, HI

Tuition & Fees: $

Admissions Requirements: Competitive GPA plus TEAS test score

Website: kapiolani.hawaii.edu

6. Chamberlain University

Chamberlain University‘s Honolulu campus provides an acclaimed 3-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing Degree program with six start dates per year. Key highlights include:

• CCNE accredited fully-online and blended core nursing curriculum options
• 6 start dates per year allows flexibility to begin studies
• Nationally-ranked for outstanding NCLEX passing rates
• Cutting-edge educational technology, specialized labs/manikins
• Faculty have extensive clinical experience working in Hawaii

Chamberlain University is considered one of the best private nursing schools in Honolulu to earn a BSN. Get the same education, faster pace and smaller classes to set you up for success as an RN in Hawaii.

Location: Honolulu, HI

Tuition & Fees: $$$

Admissions Requirements: Competitive GPA, completed healthcare pre-reqs

Website: chamberlain.edu

7. Hawaii Community College

For an affordable pathway to start a nursing career, Hawaii CC provides highly-regarded ADN degrees and LPN to RN programs. Key highlights include:

• Accredited ADN program that can be completed full-time in just 2 years
• Seamless transfer options to UH West Oahu for RN to BSN program
• Highly qualified teaching faculty with deep roots in the local community
• Meets healthcare demand for graduates to work at Hawaii hospitals/clinics
• Allows students to work as nurses in Hawaii while earning their BSN

Hawaii CC has been educating nurses on Oahu for over 70 years and remains dedicated to growing the local nursing workforce across the islands.

Location: Hilo, HI

Tuition & Fees: $

Admissions Requirements: Competitive GPA, criminal background check, drug screening

Website: hawaii.hawaii.edu

8. Purdue University Global

Purdue Global offers an accredited online RN to BSN completion program for licensed RNs in Hawaii seeking career advancement opportunities. Key highlights include:

• Fully online flexibility with rolling admissions
• CCNE accredited RN to BSN program
• Can be completed in less than 2 years part-time
• Competitively priced at less than $17,000 total
• Dedicated academic advisors and technical support

With a longstanding history of nursing education, Purdue Global makes earning a BSN completely online both affordable and convenient for busy nurses in Hawaii.

Location: Online

Tuition & Fees: $$

Admissions Requirements: Associate degree or diploma in nursing

Website: PurdueGlobal.edu

9. Hawaii Institute of Nurse Aide Training

For those considering a nursing career, the Hawaii Institute of Nurse Aide Training provides accredited Medication Aide, CNA, and PCT training to become certified for nursing assistant and technician roles. Key highlights include:

• Medication Aide course prepares students to pass the state exam for certification
• CNA training available with day and evening courses with high job placement rates statewide
• PCT course meets requirements to work as a patient care tech in hospitals
• Convenient downtown location with plenty of free parking
• Programs range from 4 weeks duration up to 4 months maximum

With small classes of 8 students maximum, students gain hands-on practice in HINT‘s skills labs to be prepared for clinical rotations and a future job in healthcare.

Location: Honolulu, HI

Tuition & Fees: $

Admissions Requirements: High school diploma or equivalent 18+ years old

Website: hintschool.com

10. Remington College

Remington College‘s Honolulu campus provides an accredited 12-month accelerated BSN degree for non-nursing graduates to switch careers into nursing. Key highlights include:

• Accelerated 12-month program meets 3-4 days a week on campus
• ACEN accredited with hands-on learning in simulation labs
• Clinical rotations arranged across hospitals and clinics statewide
• Dedicated career support for job placement after graduation
• Flexible financing options including no-interest payment plans

Remington College allows busy students to complete a BSN faster than traditional programs so they can quickly sit for the NCLEX and become licensed RNs meeting Hawaii‘s healthcare workforce demand.

Location: Honolulu, HI

Tuition & Fees: $$

Admissions Requirements: Bachelor‘s degree, letters of recommendation

Website: remingtoncollege.edu

11. Galen College of Nursing

Galen College offers an acclaimed pre-licensure BSN program at their Oahu campus with multiple start dates annually. Key highlights include:

• CCNE accredited BSN program can be completed in 8 quarters (2 years)
• High-tech learning labs and simulation technology on campus
• 90% first-time NCLEX passing rate over last 5 years
• Clinical experience across major Oahu hospitals like Queens Medical Center
• Dedicated career support through job placement assistance

With flexible full-time and part-time scheduling options, Galen College of Nursing prepares graduates with the skills and clinical judgement to excel as entry-level registered nurses meeting local workforce demands.

Location: Honolulu, HI

Tuition & Fees: $$

Admissions Requirements: High school diploma or equivalent

Website: galencollege.edu

12. Medcom Nursing School

Medcom Nursing School provides accredited fast-track nursing programs like LPN training for beginning nurses or LPN to RN bridge programs for career advancement. Key highlights include:

• CCNE accredited LPN diploma program takes just 12 months
• LPN to RN transition program earns an ADN in 18 months
• Small class sizes with a 10:1 student-teacher ratio for personalized instruction
• Hands-on clinical experience across major Oahu hospitals and clinics
• Excellent graduate employment rates statewide

As one of Hawaii‘s top-rated nursing schools, Medcom Nursing School successfully prepares graduates to pass the NCLEX exam, receive licensure, and launch their nursing careers improving local access to quality healthcare across the islands.

Location: Honolulu, HI

Tuition & Fees: $

Admissions Requirements: High school diploma or GED equivalency plus entrance exam

Website: medcomnurse.com

13. University of Phoenix

University of Phoenix has an online RN to BSN program available to licensed nurses in Hawaii seeking enhanced leadership skills and career mobility. Key highlights include:

• Fully online flexibility meets nurses desire for career growth and degree completion
• CCNE accredited and can be completed in as little as 15 months
• Competitively priced RN to BSN program at less than $17,000 total
• Academically qualified faculty provides tailored student support and guidance
• No required login times or group projects provides scheduling flexibility

University of Phoenix brings over 40 years educating nurses online with its career-focused curriculum, affordability, and accessibility ideal for working RNs statewide.

Location: Online

Tuition & Fees: $$

Admissions Requirements: Must have RN licensure and diploma

Website: phoenix.edu