Kahului vs Waipahu: Registered Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare registered nurse salaries between Kahului, HI and Waipahu, HI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Kahului, HI | Waipahu, HI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $152,015▲ | $120,092 |
| Hourly Rate | $73.09▲ | $57.74 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $94,474▲ | $85,016 |
| 25th Percentile | $106,753▲ | $97,666 |
| 75th Percentile | $152,657▲ | $132,992 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $153,468 | $169,649▲ |
| Total Employed | 1,270▲ | 9 |
Verdict
Kahului, HI offers better overall compensation for registered nurses, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Waipahu.
The salary gap between Kahului and Waipahu is $31,923 (26.58%). Kahului's median is +47.98% compared to the US national median of $102,730.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Kahului spans $58,994,Waipahu spans $84,633. Waipahu has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced registered nurses.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Kahului ($138,962 effective) pays 38.05% more than Waipahu ($100,664 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Kahului if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($152,015/year)
- ✓Larger job market (1,270 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $138,962)
- ✓You prefer the Hawaii area and lifestyle
Choose Waipahu if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($169,649)
- ✓You prefer the Hawaii area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, registered nurse salaries in Kahului grew 33.3% from 2020 to 2025, compared to -18.0% growth in Waipahu over the same period.
Kahului, HI
$108,330 (2020) → $144,350 (2025)
Waipahu, HI
$139,113 (2024) → $114,037 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Kahului, HI
Waipahu, HI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays registered nurses more: Kahului or Waipahu?
What is the hourly rate difference between Kahului and Waipahu?
Should I relocate from Kahului to Waipahu as a registered nurse?
What do entry-level registered nurses earn in Kahului vs Waipahu?
Written by Jordan Lee, RN, BSN
Career Analyst
Jordan Lee has 10 years of experience as a registered nurse. Their specialty is pediatric nursing in a community hospital. They analyze nursing workforce trends and salary data.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.31% 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 Jordan Lee, RN, BSN, a licensed registered nurse with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov