Hawaii Registered Nurse (RN) Continuing Education Requirements
Requirements Overview
Hawaii uses a broad continuing competency model rather than a simple CE hours mandate. While 30 contact hours is the most common pathway, nurses can choose from nearly 10 alternatives: national certification, 2+ semester credits of post-licensure education, 120 hours of preceptorship, serving as principal investigator on a research project, publishing a peer-reviewed article, teaching 5+ hours of organized instruction, completing a nurse residency program, or finishing a Board-approved refresher course.
This flexibility means nurses who are active in research, education, or mentorship can satisfy the requirement through their existing professional activities rather than purchasing additional CE courses.
RN licenses expire biennially on June 30 of odd-numbered years. The Board may conduct random audits, and licensees have 60 days from notification to provide documentation verifying compliance.
Renewal Pathways
Exemptions
- Exemptions Referenced In Statute — The Board page states 'all Hawaii nurse licensees who do not meet one of the exemptions will be required to complete' the requirements, indicating exemptions exist but specific details are in the Continuing Competency Booklet and HAR 16-89.Refer to the Board's Continuing Competency Booklet for specific exemption criteria.
How You Can Complete Your CE
Provider Requirements
Hawaii does not specify an exclusive list of approved providers on the Board's CE page. The Hawaii State Center for Nursing is accredited by ANCC's Commission on Accreditation. CE from ANCC-accredited providers is accepted. Refer to the Board's Continuing Competency Booklet for complete provider information.
Tips for Hawaii RNs
- Review all available pathways before defaulting to 30 CE hours. If you precept students, teach, publish, or hold a national certification, you may already meet the requirement.
- Preceptorship of 120 hours with a single student or employee counts as a full competency pathway — document your hours carefully if you mentor regularly.
- Keep your competency documentation organized year-round. Hawaii gives only 60 days to respond to audit requests.
- APRNs have additional requirements beyond the base RN competency — at least 8 hours in pharmacology and 22 hours in practice specialty.