Hydroxyapatite (HA) has excellent biological activity and biocompatibility, which widely used in bone repair, regeneration as well as replacement in bone tissue engineering. However, the intrinsic dispersibility, low mechanical properties, poor integration with polymer materials limit its application. In order to overcome their shortcomings, many researchers have explored the modify/composite methods of HA to improve the dispersion, hydrophilicity, antibacterial and mechanical strength for the clinical applications. This review introduces commonly modification methods of HA nanoparticles, such as ions doping, surface modification and material composite. Finally, we also discuss the current research hotspots so that provide more enlightenment and instructive effect on fundamental research of HA composite materials.