Can I get a multistate nursing license in Hawaii?

Generally no. Hawaii does not currently issue multistate licenses to its residents. You would hold a single-state Hawaii license, or apply by endorsement if you are licensed elsewhere. Verify with the Hawaii Board of Nursing.

Can I work in Hawaii with a compact license from another state?

Generally no. Hawaii does not currently recognize compact privilege, so an out-of-state compact license does not authorize practice in Hawaii. You would usually apply for licensure by endorsement with the Hawaii Board of Nursing.

Does the compact in Hawaii cover RNs and LPNs/LVNs?

The Nurse Licensure Compact covers RN and LPN/VN licenses. It does not, by itself, cover APRN roles — APRNs generally need separate authorization in each practice state. This applies wherever the compact is in effect.

Is Hawaii a nursing compact state?

Non-compact stateCompact: No

No. Hawaii is not currently a Nurse Licensure Compact state. Nurses whose primary state of residence is Hawaii generally cannot obtain a Hawaii-issued multistate nursing license, and a compact license from another state does not authorize practice in Hawaii.

Check another state Verify your license status

The short version

Hawaii is not a compact state. Hawaii residents hold single-state licenses, and compact privilege from another state doesn’t extend to Hawaii. Expect to license by endorsement if you’re moving or taking an assignment there.

What nurses need to know

Because Hawaii has not joined the compact, there is no Hawaii multistate license. Hawaii residents hold a single-state license that is valid only in Hawaii.

To work in Hawaii with an out-of-state license, you generally apply for licensure by endorsement directly with the Hawaii Board of Nursing. A compact license from another state does not cover you in Hawaii.

If you move your primary residence to a compact state later, you may then become eligible for a multistate license through that state.

If you live in Hawaii

If you live in Hawaii, your license is single-state — valid in Hawaii only. Hawaii residents can’t get a multistate license unless Hawaii joins the compact. To work in another state, you’d apply there.

If you want to work in Hawaii

You’ll need a Hawaii license — usually by endorsement — even if you hold a compact license elsewhere. Compact privilege doesn’t reach Hawaii.

Does the compact cover RNs, LPNs/LVNs, and APRNs?

The compact covers RNs and LPNs/LVNs. It does not, on its own, cover APRNs — nurse practitioners, CRNAs, CNSs, and CNMs generally need separate APRN authorization in each state. See the APRN guide for details, and confirm specifics with the Hawaii Board of Nursing.

Planning a move or a telehealth role? For telehealth you’re generally licensed where the patient is. Run your exact situation through the compact state checker.

Hawaii compact questions

No. No. Hawaii is not currently a Nurse Licensure Compact state. Nurses whose primary state of residence is Hawaii generally cannot obtain a Hawaii-issued multistate nursing license, and a compact license from another state does not authorize practice in Hawaii.

Why we point you to Nursys

CompactStates explains the state rules. Nursys confirms your individual license. Nursys QuickConfirm is the official, free service where nurses can look up whether their own license is single-state or multistate. We’re an independent guide; Nursys and your board are where personal license status is verified.

Open Nursys QuickConfirm

Sources reviewed

NLC member states map & status— NCSBN / NurseCompact (nursecompact.com)
Identifies full members, partial implementation (Guam), and enacted/awaiting implementation (Massachusetts, U.S. Virgin Islands).
NLC frequently asked questions— NCSBN / NurseCompact (nursecompact.com)
Covers multistate licenses, primary state of residence, the 60-day rule, telehealth, and license type coverage.
Nursys QuickConfirm license verification— NCSBN / Nursys (nursys.com)
Recommended destination to verify whether a license is single-state or multistate.

Facts on this page were last reviewed against official sources on 2026-06-17. Compact law changes — always verify with your state board of nursing.

This page is a practical guide, not a licensing decision. Always confirm your situation with your board of nursing.