Hainan Normal University, the former National Hainan Teachers College, is the first higher education institute on Hainan Island. It was established in the autumn of 1949 on the campus of the former Qiongtai Academy, which boasted a history of more than 300 years.

         In 1952, a nationwide restructuring of institutes of higher education was initiated, and Hainan Teachers College was renamed Hainan Normal Junior College.

          In 1962, Hainan Teacher Training School, Hainan Normal Junior College for Li and Miao Minorities Autonomous Regions, Hainan Industrial Junior College were incorporated into Hainan Normal Junior College, which was then the only normal junior college in Guangdong Province.

         In 1983, it began to offer four-year undergraduate programs. In 1986, it was resumed the name Hainan Teachers College.

          In 1999, Hainan Institute of Education was merged to it to form the new Hainan Normal College.

          In 2003, it was authorized by the Academic Degrees Committee of the State Council to grant masters degrees.

         In 2007, it was renamed Hainan Normal University by the approval of Ministry of Education.