Hilo vs Kahului: Registered Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare registered nurse salaries between Hilo, HI and Kahului, HI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Hilo, HI | Kahului, HI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $116,298 | $152,015▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $55.91 | $73.09▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $85,798 | $94,474▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $97,142 | $106,753▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $133,957 | $152,657▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $160,914▲ | $153,468 |
| Total Employed | 7 | 1,270▲ |
Verdict
Kahului, HI offers better overall compensation for registered nurses, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Hilo.
The salary gap between Hilo and Kahului is $35,717 (30.71%). 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 Hilo spans $75,116,Kahului spans $58,994. Hilo 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, Kahului ($138,962 effective) pays 42.55% more than Hilo ($97,484 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Hilo if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($160,914)
- ✓You prefer the Hawaii area and lifestyle
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
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, registered nurse salaries in Hilo grew -18.0% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 33.3% growth in Kahului over the same period.
Hilo, HI
$134,717 (2024) → $110,434 (2025)
Kahului, HI
$108,330 (2020) → $144,350 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Kahului, HI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays registered nurses more: Hilo or Kahului?
What is the hourly rate difference between Hilo and Kahului?
Should I relocate from Hilo to Kahului as a registered nurse?
What do entry-level registered nurses earn in Hilo vs Kahului?
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