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Travel Nursing in Hawaii
Hawaii is one of the most sought-after travel nursing destinations in the country, combining tropical island living with competitive pay packages. The state's geographic isolation and small population create persistent nursing shortages that drive strong demand across all major specialties. The Queens Medical Center and Kapiolani Medical Center in Honolulu are the state's largest hospitals, while Maui Memorial Medical Center, Hilo Medical Center, and Kona Community Hospital serve the outer islands.
Travel nursing in Hawaii is a bucket-list experience for many nurses, offering world-class beaches, hiking, snorkeling, and a unique Polynesian culture. However, Hawaii is not a compact license state, so all nurses must obtain a separate Hawaii license. The cost of living is among the highest in the nation, particularly for housing and groceries. Despite these challenges, the combination of premium pay, adventure, and natural beauty continues to make Hawaii one of the most popular travel nursing destinations.
Quick Stats
Agencies
20+
Avg Weekly Pay
$2,400-$3,600/wk
Compact License
No
Hawaii is not part of the Nurse Licensure Compact. You must obtain a Hawaii RN license through the Hawaii Board of Nursing.
Top Cities
HonoluluMauiHiloKailua-KonaLihue
Top Agencies for Hawaii
These agencies are known for strong Hawaii assignment inventories, competitive pay, and solid recruiter support.
Licensing Information
Hawaii does not participate in the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC). All travel nurses must obtain a Hawaii RN license through the Hawaii Board of Nursing (HBON). Applications are submitted online through the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs portal. You will need license verification, proof of education, and a criminal background check.
Processing Time: Processing times average 6 to 10 weeks. Apply well in advance due to the state's geographic isolation and processing timelines.
Tips for a Smooth Application
- Start your Hawaii license application at least 12 weeks before your intended start date.
- Request license verification through Nursys to speed up the endorsement process.
- Hawaii requires a criminal background check through the Hawaii Criminal Justice Data Center.
- Some agencies assist with licensing costs for Hawaii assignments given the premium pay rates.
Popular Cities in Hawaii
Honolulu
Honolulu on Oahu is home to the majority of Hawaii's healthcare jobs. The Queens Medical Center, Kapiolani Medical Center for Women and Children, and Straub Medical Center are the major employers. Travel nurses find the widest range of specialties here, though housing costs in Waikiki and surrounding areas are high.
Maui
Maui Memorial Medical Center serves the Valley Isle and offers a smaller-hospital experience with resort-island living. Assignments are less frequent but highly sought after. Travel nurses enjoy world-class beaches and the Road to Hana on their days off.
Hilo
Hilo Medical Center on the Big Island's windward side serves a diverse rural community. Assignments here offer a more affordable cost of living than Honolulu, with access to Volcanoes National Park and lush tropical rainforest.
Kailua-Kona
Kona Community Hospital on the Big Island's sunny west coast offers travel assignments in a resort setting. The dry, sunny climate differs from Hilo's rain, and the area is popular with nurses who enjoy snorkeling, diving, and deep-sea fishing.
Lihue
Wilcox Medical Center on Kauai, the Garden Isle, offers a truly remote island nursing experience. Assignment availability is limited but the natural beauty is unmatched. Travel nurses here enjoy some of the most dramatic landscapes in the Pacific.
Popular Specialties in Hawaii
ER
Hawaii's tourism industry and outdoor recreation contribute to steady ER volumes, particularly for trauma from ocean sports, hiking injuries, and tourist-related emergencies.
ICU
Limited critical care capacity across the islands means ICU travel nurses are consistently in demand, especially at The Queens Medical Center in Honolulu.
Med Surg
General medical-surgical nursing is the most commonly filled travel position in Hawaii, with openings across both Honolulu and outer island facilities.
L&D
Kapiolani Medical Center is the state's premier women's and children's hospital, maintaining steady demand for L&D and NICU travel nurses.
Housing Notes
Hawaii has some of the highest housing costs in the country. A one-bedroom apartment in Honolulu averages $1,800 to $2,400 per month. Outer islands can range from $1,400 to $2,000. Agency housing stipends typically range from $2,000 to $2,800 per week, but finding available rentals can be challenging. Many agencies provide company-arranged housing for Hawaii assignments. Shared housing, extended-stay options, and short-term rentals are available but competitive. Starting your housing search early is essential.
Nursing Schools in Hawaii
Top nursing programs for those looking to build or advance their career.
Hawaii Pacific University College of Health and Society
Honolulu, HI
BSNMSN
AccreditedCampus
Average Pay by Specialty
Weekly gross pay ranges for travel nurses in Hawaii, based on current market data.
| Specialty | Weekly Pay Range |
|---|---|
| ICU | $2,800-$3,800/wk |
| ER | $2,600-$3,600/wk |
| OR | $2,700-$3,700/wk |
| Med Surg | $2,200-$3,000/wk |
| Telemetry | $2,400-$3,200/wk |
| L&D | $2,600-$3,400/wk |
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Hawaii is not part of the Nurse Licensure Compact. You must obtain a Hawaii RN license through the Hawaii Board of Nursing regardless of your compact license status.
Hawaii's cost of living is among the highest in the nation, particularly for housing and groceries. However, agency stipends of $2,000-$2,800/week help offset costs. Nurses who find shared housing or company-arranged accommodations can manage expenses effectively.
Oahu (Honolulu) has the vast majority of travel nursing assignments in Hawaii. The Big Island (Hilo and Kona), Maui, and Kauai have limited but available positions that tend to fill quickly due to high demand.
Hawaii has consistent year-round demand thanks to its stable climate. Winter months (December-March) see increased tourist volume and can have slightly higher demand. There is no true off-season for travel nursing in Hawaii.
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