Hawaii Veteran Benefits (2026 Guide)
A complete guide to state-level benefits for veterans living in Hawaii, including property tax exemptions, education programs, employment preference, and more. These benefits are in addition to your federal VA benefits.
Official source: Hawaii veterans affairs agency — applications, forms, and current filing deadlines come from the state directly.
Benefits at a Glance
Hawaii's strategic position in the Pacific means the islands are home to military installations including Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Schofield Barracks, and Marine Corps Base Hawaii. Veterans who stay in Hawaii after service benefit from a state that offers targeted support for disabled veterans, though the high cost of living makes understanding every available benefit especially important.
Getting help in Hawaii
Accredited claims help
Hawaii Office of Veterans' Services
Phone: (808) 433-0420
459 Patterson Road, E-Wing, Room 1-A103, Honolulu, HI 96819
Verified September 2026. Call to confirm before you travel.
Local veterans offices
The Hawaii Office of Veterans' Services has local offices — Office locations across the islands
Verified September 2026.
Not sure what you qualify for yet? The briefing takes about three minutes and needs no signup.
Start the briefingProperty Tax Exemption
County exemptions for disabled veterans; a minimum tax still applies
Each Hawaii county sets its own disabled veteran exemption. Honolulu: veterans 100% totally disabled due to service-related injuries while on active duty are exempt except for the minimum real property tax (currently $300). Kauai: veterans at least 80% disabled due to injuries received on active duty are exempt from all property taxes except the $150 minimum tax, and veterans rated less than 80% can exempt up to $50,000 of taxable value. Maui: veterans with a 70% or higher VA disability rating from a service-connected injury on duty pay a real property tax of $150 a year. Hawaii County has its own veterans exemption; check with the county. In Honolulu and Kauai, the exemption continues for an unremarried widow or widower.
Income Tax Benefits
Military retirement pay partially exempt
Hawaii exempts military retirement pay received by veterans who are 100% disabled. Other military retirees pay state income tax. VA disability compensation is tax-free.
Hunting & Fishing Licenses
No veteran hunting license rate
Hawaii's hunting license fee schedule lists resident, senior, Kalaupapa patient and nonresident rates, with no veteran category.
Education Benefits
In-state tuition for veterans at University of Hawaii
Veterans receive in-state tuition at University of Hawaii system campuses.
Employment & Hiring Preference
5/10-point preference in state civil service
Hawaii grants 5-point preference to veterans and 10-point preference to disabled veterans in state civil service hiring. The state also operates a veterans employment program through the Department of Labor.
Vehicles & DMV
DV plates (10+ designs); partial registration fee exemption
Over 10 specialty veteran license plate designs available. Partial vehicle registration fee exemption ($46) for disabled veterans. Starting July 2026: $20 Honolulu registration fee exemption for veterans 65+.
State Parks
Free state parks admission for disabled veterans
Hawaii state parks offer free admission for veterans with service-connected disability.
Housing & Veterans Homes
Hawaii State Veterans Home
The Yukio Okutsu State Veterans Home in Hilo provides skilled nursing care for eligible veterans. Hawaii also participates in HUD-VASH programs for homeless veteran housing.
Veterans in Hawaii
Hawaii is home to roughly 105,000 veterans, many of whom originally came to the islands on military orders and chose to stay. Oahu is home to many of the state's military installations. Hawaii's high cost of living makes every benefit count, and the state's VA Pacific Islands Health Care System provides comprehensive care through facilities on Oahu, Maui, Hawaii Island, and Kauai. The state's isolation also means that VA telehealth services play an outsized role in reaching veterans on the outer islands.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hawaii Veteran Benefits
Does Hawaii offer property tax exemptions for veterans?
County exemptions for disabled veterans; a minimum tax still applies. Each Hawaii county sets its own disabled veteran exemption. Honolulu: veterans 100% totally disabled due to service-related injuries while on active duty are exempt except for the minimum real property tax (currently $300). Kauai: veterans at least 80% disabled due to injuries received on active duty are exempt from all property taxes except the $150 minimum tax, and veterans rated less than 80% can exempt up to $50,000 of taxable value. Maui: veterans with a 70% or higher VA disability rating from a service-connected injury on duty pay a real property tax of $150 a year. Hawaii County has its own veterans exemption; check with the county. In Honolulu and Kauai, the exemption continues for an unremarried widow or widower.
Are military retirement benefits taxed in Hawaii?
Military retirement pay partially exempt. Hawaii exempts military retirement pay received by veterans who are 100% disabled. Other military retirees pay state income tax. VA disability compensation is tax-free.
What education benefits does Hawaii offer veterans?
In-state tuition for veterans at University of Hawaii. Veterans receive in-state tuition at University of Hawaii system campuses.
Do veterans get free or discounted hunting and fishing licenses in Hawaii?
No veteran hunting license rate. Hawaii's hunting license fee schedule lists resident, senior, Kalaupapa patient and nonresident rates, with no veteran category.
Does Hawaii give veterans hiring preference for state jobs?
5/10-point preference in state civil service. Hawaii grants 5-point preference to veterans and 10-point preference to disabled veterans in state civil service hiring. The state also operates a veterans employment program through the Department of Labor.
Are there veterans homes or housing programs in Hawaii?
Hawaii State Veterans Home. The Yukio Okutsu State Veterans Home in Hilo provides skilled nursing care for eligible veterans. Hawaii also participates in HUD-VASH programs for homeless veteran housing.
Do veterans get free or discounted state park access in Hawaii?
Free state parks admission for disabled veterans. Hawaii state parks offer free admission for veterans with service-connected disability.
Want the full picture?
Hawaii benefits sit alongside federal compensation, healthcare, education, housing, and employment benefits. The optional briefing walks through what may apply to your specific service.
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