To become a registered dietitian in Hawaii, complete a bachelor’s degree from an ACEND-accredited program, finish a dietetic internship, pass the CDR exam, and apply for Hawaii licensure through the Department of Health. Hawaii RDs earned an average salary of $80,380 in 2024.
Hawaii offers registered dietitians one of the highest average salaries in the nation, along with the unique opportunity to practice in paradise. As of June 2025, the Commission on Dietetic Registration reported 447 Registered Dietitians (RDs) and Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDNs) practicing in Hawaii, with strong career growth projected in healthcare, hospitality, and community nutrition settings.
Whether you’re a Hawaii resident looking to start your nutrition career or considering relocating to the islands, this comprehensive guide outlines every step required to become a licensed registered dietitian in Hawaii.
Follow the step-by-step process or choose what situation that best describes you:
- Complete Registered Dietitian Education Requirements in Hawaii
- Apply for your Dietetic Internship (DI) in Hawaii
- Pass the Commission on Dietetic Registration Examination
- Apply for Licensure as a Dietitian in Hawaii
- Maintain Your Registration and Apply for Specialty Certifications
Complete Registered Dietitian Education Requirements in Hawaii
Hawaii has required dietitians to become licensed since August 2012. Under Hawaii’s licensing rules, all applicants must have a bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited university with a major in human nutrition, dietetics, food and nutrition, or food systems management. Coursework must include nine semester hours in food preparation and food science.
All prospective Hawaii dietitians must first become Registered Dietitians under the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR). This requires completing educational and experiential requirements accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND).
The following bachelors and Master’s programs offer career-focused instruction delivered by trained nutritionists with experience in the field. Find out more what each individual course of study offers through the locations below.
Purdue Global's Bachelor of Science in Nutrition Program is an approved holistic nutrition education program through the National Association of Nutrition Professionals (NANP).
Arizona State University - Online offers an Online Masters in Medical Nutrition
UNC's MPH Nutrition concentration prepares students to provide, evaluate and communicate nutritional and dietary guidance that improves individual and population-wide health outcomes. In addition to developing their knowledge of nutrition science, students will explore behavior change, communication, counseling and the effects of dietary culture on individuals and communities.
Walden University's Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Health Studies - Health Promotion and Wellness gains job-ready, immediately applicable skills today's employers want.
The University of Texas at Austin offers an Online Master of Science in Nutritional Sciences.
Hawaii ACEND-Accredited Programs
Hawaii currently offers one ACEND-accredited program:
| Institution | Program Type | Degree | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Hawaii-Manoa | Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) | Bachelor of Science, Dietetics | Honolulu |
A Didactic Program in Dietetics offers coursework that fulfills the educational requirements of the CDR and Hawaii. After completion of coursework in food, nutrition, and dietetics, you must complete an internship to fulfill the experience requirements. Students interested in a master’s degree in nutrition can pursue advanced education to enhance career opportunities.
Apply for your Dietetic Internship (DI) in Hawaii
Hawaii residents face a unique challenge: as of 2025, there are no ACEND-approved Dietetic Internships located within the state. However, several options allow you to complete your internship requirements:
Distance Education Internship Options
| Program | Duration | Hawaii Sites Allowed | Specializations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Utah State University Distance DI | 31 weeks (7 months) | Yes | Child Nutrition, School Foodservice, Systems Management |
| Other Distance Education Programs | Varies (24-40 weeks) | Program dependent | Clinical, Community, Management |
The Utah State University program requires 1,200 hours of supervised practice across three areas:
- Clinical Nutrition: 13 weeks (520 practice hours)
- Community Nutrition: 6 weeks (240 practice hours)
- Food Service Systems Management: 11 weeks (440 practice hours)
In addition to practice hours, interns complete 26 hours of coursework online. Contact programs directly to confirm they accept Hawaii-based preceptors and rotation sites.
Pass the Commission on Dietetic Registration Examination
After completing your dietetic internship, you’re eligible to take the CDR Registration Examination. This computer-based exam consists of 125 multiple-choice questions covering four content areas.
Exam Details and Preparation
| Exam Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Time Limit | 3 hours (180 minutes) |
| Questions | 125 multiple-choice |
| Passing Score | 25 (on scale of 0-50) |
| Cost | $200 |
| Hawaii Test Center | Honolulu – 1441 Kapiolani Blvd, Suite 204 |
The exam covers four critical areas: Foodservice Systems, Food and Nutrition Sciences, Nutrition Care for Individuals and Groups, and Management of Food and Nutrition Services and Programs. Use CDR’s comprehensive study outline and registration handbook to prepare effectively.
Apply for Licensure as a Dietitian in Hawaii
Once you pass the CDR exam and receive your RD credentials, you must apply for Hawaii state licensure through the Department of Health, Office of Health Care Assurance.
Hawaii Licensure Application Process
Hawaii doesn’t provide downloadable licensing forms online. You must contact the licensing department directly:
- Contact: Hawaii State Licensing Section, Department of Health
- Phone: 808-692-7400
- Required Documents: Application form, fees, CDR registration card copy
- Processing Time: 4-6 weeks typically
Upon approval, you become a Licensed Dietitian (LD) in Hawaii, authorized to practice dietetics and use protected titles within the state.
Maintain Your Registration and Apply for Specialty Certifications
Maintaining your credentials requires ongoing education and license renewal. Hawaii offers excellent opportunities for specialty certifications that can advance your career and salary potential.
License and Registration Renewal Requirements
| Credential | Renewal Period | Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Hawaii Dietitian License (LD) | Every 3 years | Renewal form and fee (no CE required as of 2025) |
| CDR Registration (RD/RDN) | Every 5 years | 75 Continuing Professional Education Units (CPEUs) |
Specialty Certification Opportunities
Hawaii’s diverse population and tourism industry create unique specialization opportunities:
- CDR Board Certifications: Sports Dietetics, Pediatric Nutrition, Oncology Nutrition, Gerontological Nutrition, Renal Nutrition
- Diabetes Education: Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (CDCES)
- Cultural Competency: Pacific Islander and Asian dietary practices
- Hospitality Nutrition: Resort and hotel food service management
Registered Dietitian Salary and Job Market in Hawaii
Hawaii offers registered dietitians exceptional earning potential and career opportunities. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, dietitians and nutritionists in Hawaii earned an average annual salary of $80,380 as of May 2024, ranking tenth nationally.
| Location | Average Annual Salary (2024) | Employment Settings |
|---|---|---|
| Hawaii Statewide | $80,380 | Hospitals, Schools, Military, Government |
| Honolulu Urban Area | $79,180 | Medical Centers, Private Practice, Hotels |
| Outer Islands | Varies | Community Health Centers, Schools |
Career opportunities span diverse sectors, including healthcare systems, military installations (Pearl Harbor, Schofield Barracks), luxury resorts, public schools, and community organizations. Hawaii’s focus on wellness tourism and preventive healthcare creates a growing demand for nutrition professionals.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a registered dietitian make in Hawaii?
Registered dietitians in Hawaii earn an average of $80,380 annually as of 2024, with salaries ranging from $60,000-$95,000 depending on experience, specialization, and work setting. Hawaii ranks among the top 10 states for dietitian compensation.
What degree do you need to become a registered dietitian in Hawaii?
You need a bachelor’s degree from an ACEND-accredited program in dietetics, nutrition, food science, or a related field, plus nine semester hours in food preparation and food science. The University of Hawaii-Manoa offers the state’s only ACEND-accredited program.
Does Hawaii have dietitian license reciprocity?
Hawaii recognizes RD credentials from other states but requires separate state licensure. Out-of-state RDs must apply for Hawaii licensure through the Department of Health, providing their CDR registration and meeting Hawaii’s specific requirements.
How long does it take to become a registered dietitian in Hawaii?
The complete process typically takes 4-5 years: 4 years for a bachelor’s degree, 6-12 months for a dietetic internship, plus 2-3 months for exam preparation and licensure processing. Some students pursue combined coordinated programs that integrate education and internship.
Are there dietetic internships available in Hawaii?
Currently, no ACEND-accredited dietetic internships operate in Hawaii. Students typically complete distance education internships that allow Hawaii-based preceptors and rotation sites, such as the Utah State University program.
Key Takeaways
- Hawaii requires both CDR registration AND state licensure for dietitians
- Complete a bachelor’s degree from the University of Hawaii-Manoa or an accredited mainland program
- Pursue distance education internships due to the lack of in-state options
- Pass the CDR exam at Honolulu’s Pearson VUE center
- Apply for Hawaii licensure through the Department of Health (contact required)
- Hawaii dietitians earn $80,380 average salary – 10th highest nationally
- Strong job prospects in healthcare, military, hospitality, and wellness sectors
Ready to Start Your Registered Dietitian Career in Hawaii?
Take the first step toward becoming a registered dietitian in Hawaii by exploring accredited nutrition programs. With Hawaii’s high salaries, diverse career opportunities, and paradise setting, now is the perfect time to begin your nutrition career journey.
View how to become a nutritionist in Hawaii here.
The following bachelors and Master’s programs offer career-focused instruction delivered by trained nutritionists with experience in the field. Find out more what each individual course of study offers through the locations below.
Purdue Global's Bachelor of Science in Nutrition Program is an approved holistic nutrition education program through the National Association of Nutrition Professionals (NANP).
Arizona State University - Online offers an Online Masters in Medical Nutrition
UNC's MPH Nutrition concentration prepares students to provide, evaluate and communicate nutritional and dietary guidance that improves individual and population-wide health outcomes. In addition to developing their knowledge of nutrition science, students will explore behavior change, communication, counseling and the effects of dietary culture on individuals and communities.
Walden University's Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Health Studies - Health Promotion and Wellness gains job-ready, immediately applicable skills today's employers want.
The University of Texas at Austin offers an Online Master of Science in Nutritional Sciences.
2024 US Bureau of Labor Statistics salary figures and job growth projections for dietitians and nutritionists and dietetic technicians reflect state and national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed September 2025.
