Honolulu vs Kahului: Licensed Practical Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare licensed practical nurse salaries between Honolulu, HI and Kahului, HI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Honolulu, HI | Kahului, HI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $86,411▲ | $76,791 |
| Hourly Rate | $41.54▲ | $36.92 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $62,334 | $62,712▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $75,682▲ | $69,815 |
| 75th Percentile | $104,395▲ | $84,000 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $113,339▲ | $88,947 |
| Total Employed | 68 | 110▲ |
Verdict
Honolulu, HI offers better overall compensation for licensed practical nurses, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Kahului.
The salary gap between Honolulu and Kahului is $9,620 (12.53%). Honolulu's median is +26.94% compared to the US national median of $68,071.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Honolulu spans $51,005,Kahului spans $26,235. Honolulu has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Honolulu ($72,432 effective) pays 3.18% more than Kahului ($70,197 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Honolulu if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($86,411/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($113,339)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $72,432)
- ✓You prefer the Hawaii area and lifestyle
Choose Kahului if…
- ✓Larger job market (110 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Hawaii area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, licensed practical nurse salaries in Honolulu grew 0.6% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 48.1% growth in Kahului over the same period.
Honolulu, HI
$81,244 (2024) → $81,751 (2025)
Kahului, HI
$49,050 (2019) → $72,650 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Honolulu, HI
Kahului, HI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays licensed practical nurses more: Honolulu or Kahului?
What is the hourly rate difference between Honolulu and Kahului?
Should I relocate from Honolulu to Kahului as a licensed practical nurse?
What do entry-level licensed practical nurses earn in Honolulu vs Kahului?
Written by Aisha Malik, LPN
Career Analyst
Aisha has 10 years of experience as a licensed practical nurse. She specializes in pediatric nursing. Aisha has worked in various outpatient clinics.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.70% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Aisha Malik, LPN, a licensed licensed practical nurse with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov