2 Online RN to BSN Programs in Hawaii 2026

Updated on:

February 10, 2026

Explore online RN to BSN programs in Hawaii with accredited options, flexible formats, and clear pathways designed for working nurses ready to grow professionally.

Hawaii may be a small state, but it offers several strong online pathways for registered nurses (RN) who want to continue their education by earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). If you’re looking for accredited online RN to BSN programs, you’ll find a mix of in-state and national options that support your goals.

These programs help you build new skills, strengthen your clinical judgment, and prepare for leadership roles without disrupting your work schedule. Below, we provide a detailed look at Hawaii-based opportunities along with additional flexible programs open to Hawaii residents.

Hawaii RN to BSN Programs Online

Even with limited in-state options, Hawaii still offers a couple of affordable online RN to BSN programs that support working nurses. Here are the programs based in Hawaii that allow you to earn your BSN without relocating.

1. University of Hawaii at Hilo

The University of Hawaii at Hilo offers a distance-education RN to BSN program designed to help you expand your clinical and leadership skills. You’ll complete online coursework paired with required in-person clinical experiences that help you apply new concepts in real-world settings.

Students move through a series of core nursing courses focused on communication, collaboration, and cultural care. This option works well if you’re looking for a mix of online flexibility and hands-on learning.

2. University of Hawaii at Manoa

The University of Hawaii at Manoa provides an RN to BSN program aimed at nurses who want to advance their professional knowledge. Online courses make it easier to continue working while completing required labs and clinical hours in person.

You may also have the opportunity to earn credit for your prior nursing experience through an experiential learning portfolio. This approach helps you save time while still gaining advanced competencies needed for career growth.

Other Top RN to BSN Programs Online

If the in-state options don’t match your needs, you can choose from many strong national programs. Each of the programs below is open to Hawaii residents and offers the flexibility you need as a working RN.

Chamberlain University

Chamberlain University’s RN to BSN program gives you a flexible way to build advanced nursing skills while continuing your current role. The curriculum includes clinical and community-based learning experiences that help you connect coursework with everyday practice.

You’ll explore topics such as community health, collaborative care, and leadership as you move through the fully online format. This program is structured to support busy learners who want a consistent path toward earning their BSN.

Drexel University

Drexel University’s RN to BSN program focuses on evidence-based care, clinical reasoning, and leadership development. The online format allows you to balance work and school while engaging with interactive learning materials created by experienced nursing faculty.

Students can progress steadily through a set sequence of nursing courses while receiving individualized academic support. This option is ideal if you want a structured, academically rigorous route to completing your BSN.

Herzing University

Herzing University’s RN to BSN program is designed for nurses who want a practical, flexible path to their bachelor’s degree. Instead of traditional clinical hours, you’ll complete a community health project that lets you demonstrate leadership and patient-education skills.

Courses cover topics such as leadership, informatics, and evidence-based practice, helping you grow in a variety of nursing roles. This is a strong match for students who prefer applied learning experiences.

Regent University

Regent University offers an online RN to BSN program built around leadership, evidence-based practice, and holistic care. Online courses allow you to move through your studies at a pace that fits your personal and professional life.

Students explore subjects like assessment, informatics, and ethics while also participating in practice-focused learning experiences. Nurses often choose Regent for its supportive environment and values-based approach to nursing education.

Southern New Hampshire University

Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) provides a flexible RN to BSN program that helps you strengthen communication, leadership, and public-health skills. Coursework is 100% online, giving you the freedom to learn on your own schedule.

You’ll also receive generous transfer credit for your RN license and prior college coursework. This option works especially well if you want a fast, efficient pathway to finishing your BSN.

Walden University

Walden University’s RN to BSN program focuses on evidence-based practice, advocacy, and nursing leadership. You can choose between course-based or self-paced (Tempo Learning) formats depending on how quickly you’d like to progress.

Students engage with topics like research, policy, and population health through interactive online modules. The curriculum prepares you for advanced nursing roles and offers a clear route toward graduate study.

Western Governors University

Western Governors University (WGU) offers a competency-based RN to BSN program that lets you move through material as soon as you master it. This structure gives you the chance to complete your degree faster if you have strong prior experience.

You’ll study topics such as leadership, theory, research, healthcare policy, and community health. Many working nurses appreciate WGU’s flexibility and ability to personalize the pace of their learning.

How We Rank Schools

Choosing an RN to BSN program can feel overwhelming, so we evaluate programs using factors that matter most to working nurses. Our goal is to highlight schools that offer high-quality education, practical flexibility, and strong student support.

  • Accreditation: We only include programs accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) or Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) to ensure you receive training that meets professional nursing standards.
  • Flexibility and Format: We look for programs that accommodate working nurses through online coursework, manageable clinical requirements, or self-paced learning.
  • Student Experience: We prioritize schools that offer advising, transfer-friendly policies, and clear pathways to graduation.

FAQs About RN to BSN Programs in Hawaii

Online nursing students in Hawaii often have questions about flexibility, program expectations, and admissions. The answers below can help you better understand what to expect as you compare your options.

Can You Finish an RN to BSN Program While Working Full Time?

Many RN to BSN programs are designed with full-time nurses in mind, offering asynchronous classes and flexible deadlines. You can usually complete coursework during evenings or days off without interrupting your work schedule.

Because programs understand the demands of nursing, assignments and clinical requirements are often structured to be manageable. Some schools even allow you to complete practice-based projects at your existing workplace.

Do Online RN to BSN Programs Require In-Person Clinical Hours?

Some programs require limited in-person clinical experiences, while others replace traditional clinicals with community projects or practicum-based assignments. This flexibility helps you find a program that fits your availability and career goals.

If clinicals are required, many schools allow you to complete them near your home or at your current place of employment. Always check with each program to understand its specific expectations.

How Long Does It Take To Earn a BSN Online?

Most RN to BSN programs take one to two years depending on your pace, transfer credits, and the program’s structure. Accelerated options may allow you to finish sooner if you have significant prior experience or a strong transfer-credit profile.

Self-paced programs can shorten the timeline even more by letting you move quickly through material you already know. A steady schedule and consistent weekly study time will help you stay on track.

Begin Your Online RN to BSN Program Today

If you’re ready to take the next step in your nursing career, earning your BSN online can open new opportunities and strengthen your clinical skills. Explore the programs on Learn.org to find the option that fits your goals and schedule.