CNA Classes in Hawaii | Certified Nursing Assistant Training Programs

Hawaii DHS Approved Programs

CNA Classes & Training Programs in Hawaii

Launch your healthcare career in the Aloha State with state-approved certification programs. Hawaii offers the nation's highest CNA wages and unique island healthcare opportunities.

Find Programs Near You How to Get Certified

100

Training Hours Required

$200

State Exam Fee

$41,490

Average Annual Salary

4-8

Weeks to Complete

About CNA Certification in Hawaii

Top CNA Wages in Paradise

Hawaii offers exceptional opportunities for Certified Nursing Assistants, with the highest average CNA wages in the nation and a unique island healthcare environment. The Hawaii State Department of Health oversees CNA certification through the Office of Health Care Assurance (OHCA), requiring completion of a state-approved training program and successful passage of the competency evaluation administered by Prometric.

Healthcare in Hawaii presents unique characteristics—the islands' geographic isolation creates strong local demand for healthcare workers, and the state's diverse multicultural population requires culturally competent care. Major healthcare systems like The Queen's Health Systems, Hawaii Pacific Health, and Kaiser Permanente Hawaii employ thousands of CNAs across Oahu, Maui, the Big Island, and Kauai. The state's aging population, particularly among Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander communities, creates sustained demand for nursing assistants in long-term care, hospitals, and home health settings.

Highest average CNA wages in the nation

Strong job security due to island isolation

University of Hawaii Community Colleges statewide

Multicultural healthcare environment

Hawaii CNA Quick Facts

Training Hours 100 hours minimum

Classroom Hours 70 hours

Clinical Hours 30 hours

Exam Format 70 questions + 5 skills

Exam Fee $200 (written + skills)

Regulatory Body Hawaii DOH/OHCA

Registry HI Nurse Aide Registry

Training Programs

Find CNA Training Programs in Hawaii

Browse Hawaii DOH-approved nursing assistant training programs. Programs are available through the University of Hawaii Community Colleges, private vocational schools, and healthcare facilities across the islands.

Browse CNA Schools in Hawaii

Explore our directory of state-approved nursing assistant training programs. Filter by island, cost, and program type to find the perfect fit for your career goals.

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Certification Process

How to Become a CNA in Hawaii

Follow these three steps to earn your CNA certification and start your healthcare career in Hawaii.

Complete Approved Training

Enroll in a Nurse Aide Training Program approved by the Hawaii Department of Health Office of Health Care Assurance. Hawaii requires a minimum of 100 total training hours—70 hours of classroom and laboratory instruction plus 30 hours of supervised clinical experience. The University of Hawaii Community College system offers CNA training at campuses on multiple islands, including Kapiolani CC (Oahu), Maui College, Hawaii CC (Big Island), and Kauai CC. The American Red Cross Hawaii and private vocational schools also offer approved programs. Some healthcare facilities provide employer-sponsored training.

Pass the State Competency Exam

After completing your training program, pass the Hawaii Nurse Aide Competency Evaluation administered by Prometric. The exam consists of two parts: a written (or oral) knowledge test with 70 multiple-choice questions and a 90-minute time limit, and a clinical skills evaluation where you demonstrate 5 randomly selected competencies. The combined exam fee is approximately $200—higher than most states. Testing is available on Oahu (Honolulu area) and may be available on neighbor islands periodically. You must pass both portions within three attempts and 24 months of completing training.

Background Check & Registry

Complete a criminal background check as required by Hawaii law for all healthcare workers. Hawaii requires fingerprinting and checks through both the Hawaii Criminal Justice Data Center and FBI databases. Background checks in Hawaii typically cost $50-60. Once you pass the competency exam and clear the background check, your name is placed on the Hawaii Nurse Aide Registry maintained by the Office of Health Care Assurance. Your certification is valid for 24 months from the date of issue. Inter-island employers can verify your registry status electronically.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Get answers to common questions about CNA certification in Hawaii.

Hawaii requires 100 hours of training, which typically takes 4-8 weeks to complete depending on program format and scheduling. Full-time accelerated programs at University of Hawaii community colleges or private vocational schools can be completed in as little as 3-4 weeks with intensive daily sessions. Part-time evening or weekend programs may take 8-12 weeks to accommodate students who are working or have other commitments. Program availability and scheduling may vary by island—Oahu has the most options, while neighbor islands may have fewer programs with less frequent start dates. After completing your DOH-approved training program, you'll schedule your competency exam through Prometric. Both the written and skills portions can usually be completed on the same day, with results typically available within a few business days. The background check process through Hawaii Criminal Justice Data Center usually takes 1-2 weeks. From enrollment to receiving your certification, most students can become fully certified CNAs in Hawaii within 6-10 weeks. Note that if you're on a neighbor island, you may need to travel to Oahu for testing, which can affect your timeline.

CNA training costs in Hawaii are generally higher than the mainland U.S., typically ranging from $1,200 to $2,500 depending on the institution and island. University of Hawaii Community College programs generally cost $1,200-$1,800 including tuition and fees for state residents—institutions like Kapiolani Community College on Oahu, Maui College, Hawaii Community College on the Big Island, and Kauai Community College offer programs at relatively affordable rates. The American Red Cross Hawaii chapters typically charge $1,500-$2,000 for their programs. Private vocational schools may charge $1,800-$2,500+ but may offer more flexible scheduling. In addition to tuition, budget approximately $200 for the state competency exam (one of the highest exam fees in the nation), $50-60 for background checks, plus costs for scrubs/uniforms ($50-$100), textbooks, TB testing, and any required immunizations. If you're on a neighbor island and need to travel to Oahu for testing, factor in inter-island flight costs ($100-200 round trip) and possible hotel stays. Some Hawaii nursing homes and healthcare facilities offer free CNA training in exchange for a work commitment—these opportunities can help offset Hawaii's generally higher costs.

Hawaii permits hybrid CNA training programs that combine online theoretical instruction with mandatory in-person clinical hours, but fully online programs are not approved for state certification. The classroom/didactic portion of your training (70 hours)—covering topics like infection control, patient rights, anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, nutrition, documentation, communication, and culturally competent care for Hawaii's diverse population—can sometimes be completed through online coursework. However, Hawaii Department of Health regulations require that clinical training hours (minimum 30 hours) be completed in person at an approved healthcare facility under the direct supervision of a licensed nurse. This hands-on component involves practicing essential skills with actual patients. Given Hawaii's island geography, online theory components can be particularly valuable for students on neighbor islands with limited local program options—you can complete classroom work online, then travel for condensed clinical sessions if necessary. When searching for programs, look for DOH-approved hybrid options that clearly specify their online vs. in-person requirements. Be cautious of any program advertising as completely online, as graduates would not be eligible for Hawaii certification.

Hawaii uses Prometric as its testing provider for the Nurse Aide Competency Evaluation. The exam consists of two parts that are typically taken on the same day at a testing site. The written knowledge test contains 70 multiple-choice questions with a 90-minute time limit. Questions cover essential CNA topics including patient rights and independence, communication and interpersonal skills (with emphasis on cultural sensitivity given Hawaii's diverse population), infection control, safety and emergency procedures, personal care skills, basic nursing skills, mental health and social service needs, care of cognitively impaired residents, basic restorative services, and relevant regulations. If you have difficulty reading English, you may request an oral exam format when registering. The clinical skills evaluation requires you to demonstrate competency in 5 randomly selected skills from a standardized list. Testing is primarily available in the Honolulu area on Oahu, though testing may occasionally be offered on neighbor islands depending on demand. The combined exam fee is approximately $200—significantly higher than most mainland states. You have three attempts to pass within 24 months of completing training. Plan ahead for testing logistics if you're on a neighbor island.

Yes, Hawaii accepts CNA certification from other states through reciprocity, but you must apply for endorsement through the Hawaii Office of Health Care Assurance before working in the state. To transfer your certification, submit a completed Reciprocity Application along with verification of your current certification directly from your previous state's nurse aide registry. Your out-of-state certification must be active and in good standing with no findings of abuse, neglect, or misappropriation of resident property. You'll also need to complete a Hawaii criminal background check, including fingerprinting through the Hawaii Criminal Justice Data Center and FBI. The reciprocity application fee is approximately $50-75, and processing typically takes 3-6 weeks once all documentation is received—potentially longer than mainland states due to Hawaii's geographic isolation and mail transit times. While your application is pending, you cannot legally work as a CNA in Hawaii. If relocating from the mainland, plan ahead and submit your application well before your move date. If your previous state required fewer than 100 training hours, Hawaii may still grant reciprocity based on federal OBRA requirements. Once approved, your Hawaii certification will follow the state's standard 24-month renewal cycle.

Certification Maintenance

CNA Certification Renewal in Hawaii

Hawaii CNA certification is valid for 24 months and must be renewed to remain on the Nurse Aide Registry. To renew your certification, you must have performed at least 8 hours of compensated nursing-related services within the 24-month certification period. This employment must occur in a qualifying healthcare setting under the supervision of a licensed nurse—acceptable settings include nursing homes, hospitals, home health agencies, adult residential care homes, assisted living facilities, hospice organizations, and similar healthcare environments. Hawaii does not currently require specific Continuing Education Units (CEUs) for CNA renewal beyond federal OBRA requirements, though individual employers typically provide annual in-service training as mandated by federal regulations. The renewal application must be submitted to the Office of Health Care Assurance before your certification expires. Hawaii charges a renewal fee of approximately $40-50, and you can submit your renewal application by mail or in person. OHCA sends renewal notices approximately 60-90 days before your expiration date. If your certification expires because you did not meet the work requirement or failed to renew on time, you will need to retake and pass both portions of the competency exam to regain active status. Given Hawaii's relatively small healthcare workforce, maintaining current certification is important as employers consistently verify registry status.

Renewal Fee

~$40-50

Renewal Period

Every 24 months

Work Requirement

8 hours in 24 months

CEU Requirement

None (per employer)

Career Outlook

CNA Career Opportunities in Hawaii

Nation's Highest CNA Wages

Hawaii offers CNAs the highest average wages in the nation, reflecting both the state's high cost of living and strong demand for healthcare workers in an isolated island environment. According to Bureau of Labor Statistics data, CNAs in Hawaii earn a median salary of $41,490 per year, or approximately $19.95 per hour—significantly higher than the national average of around $35,000. In the Honolulu metro area and at major healthcare systems, experienced CNAs can earn $21-25 per hour, with premium pay for night shifts, weekends, and hard-to-fill positions on neighbor islands.

Hawaii's healthcare industry is anchored by major systems including The Queen's Health Systems (the state's largest private healthcare provider), Hawaii Pacific Health, Kaiser Permanente Hawaii, and Adventist Health Castle. The state's aging population—including a large Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander community with unique healthcare needs—creates sustained demand for culturally competent nursing assistants. Opportunities exist across all islands, though Oahu (particularly Honolulu) has the largest job market.

While Hawaii's wages are high, the cost of living is also the highest in the nation—housing, food, and transportation costs significantly exceed mainland averages. Many CNAs share housing or take advantage of employer housing assistance programs. Despite the high costs, Hawaii's unique lifestyle, climate, and tight-knit healthcare community attract CNAs who value quality of life. Career advancement opportunities are available through University of Hawaii nursing programs for those seeking LPN or RN degrees.

Average Annual Salary

$41,490

per year

$19.95/hour • Highest in nation

Pacific & West Coast States

Explore CNA Training in Other States

Looking for CNA programs in other states? Check out these resources.

Resources

Official Hawaii CNA Resources

Access official state resources for CNA certification, testing, and verification.

Hawaii Office of Health Care Assurance

State regulatory agency overseeing CNA certification, training program approval, and nurse aide registry.

Visit Website

Hawaii Nurse Aide Registry

Verify your CNA status and check certification details through the official registry.

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Prometric Testing

Schedule Exam

University of Hawaii Community Colleges

Find approved CNA training programs at UH community colleges across the islands.

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OHCA Nurse Aide Program

1250 Punchbowl Street, Room 440
Honolulu, HI 96813

Call: (808) 692-7420

Prometric Support

Contact Prometric for exam scheduling, results, and testing accommodations.

Call: (800) 274-5457

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