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 some of the military's most important 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.
Property Tax Exemption
Full exemption for 100% disabled veterans
Veterans with 100% totally and permanently disabled status receive full exemption on property tax for primary residence. Lower ratings receive partial exemptions set by county.
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
Free hunting license for disabled veterans
Hawaii provides free hunting licenses for resident disabled veterans.
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 110,000 veterans, many of whom originally came to the islands on military orders and chose to stay. The concentration of military installations — particularly around Oahu — creates one of the densest military communities in the country. 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?
Full exemption for 100% disabled veterans. Veterans with 100% totally and permanently disabled status receive full exemption on property tax for primary residence. Lower ratings receive partial exemptions set by county.
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?
Free hunting license for disabled veterans. Hawaii provides free hunting licenses for resident disabled veterans.
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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