Hawaii Veteran Benefits

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Benefits organized by category so you can quickly compare tax relief, education support, recreation perks, and more.

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How Hawaii compares

Hawaii is better than most states for veterans, with strong value in Property Tax, Income Tax, Education, Employment.

Quick categories

🏠 Property Tax 💰 Income Tax 🎓 Education 💼 Employment 🚗 Vehicle 🏥 Healthcare ⭐ Other 🏘️ Housing

🏠 Property Tax

1 tracked item

Totally Disabled Veteran Property Tax Exemption

Rating: 100% (total disability)

Complete exemption from all county property taxes on owner-occupied home for totally disabled veterans (except nominal minimum tax). Administered by each county separately.

Eligibility: Totally disabled veterans or surviving spouses who own and occupy their home. Source

💰 Income Tax

3 tracked items

Military Retirement Pay Full Exemption

Rating: None

Military retirement pay and Survivor Benefit Plan payments are completely exempt from Hawaii state income tax.

Eligibility: All military retirees and SBP recipients. Source

Guard/Reserve Drill Pay Exemption

Rating: None

Tax-free drill pay up to E-5 with 8 years of service for 48 drills and 15 days annual training.

Eligibility: Guard/Reserve members up to E-5 paygrade with 8 years of service. Source

Reserve Component Pay Exclusion ($8,082)

Rating: None

Reserve component members can exclude $8,082 of military pay from Hawaii state taxes.

Eligibility: Service members in a reserve component of the U.S. Armed Forces. Source

🎓 Education

3 tracked items

In-State Tuition for All Veterans (VACA)

Rating: None

All veterans qualify for in-state tuition rates at University of Hawaii system schools regardless of residency status under the Veterans Access, Choice, and Accountability Act.

Eligibility: All veterans regardless of residency. Source

National Guard STAP - Community College (100%)

Rating: None

State Tuition Assistance Program covers 100% tuition at state community colleges for eligible Guard members.

Eligibility: Guard members E1-E9, W1-W5, or O1-O3 paygrades. UH residents and undergraduates. Must complete basic and advanced training. Source

National Guard STAP - Four-Year University (50%)

Rating: None

State Tuition Assistance Program covers 50% tuition at four-year UH campuses for eligible Guard members.

Eligibility: Guard members meeting STAP eligibility at four-year UH institutions. Source

💼 Employment

2 tracked items

State Civil Service Preference (5/10 points)

Rating: None (any disability for 10 pts)

5 preference points for non-disabled veterans; 10 preference points for disabled veterans on state civil service exams.

Eligibility: Non-disabled veterans (5 pts). Disabled veterans (10 pts). Source

Military Spouse Expedited Licensing

Rating: None

Expedited temporary professional licensing for military spouses with out-of-state credentials meeting or exceeding Hawaii standards.

Eligibility: Military spouses with qualifying out-of-state professional credentials. Source

🚗 Vehicle

3 tracked items

Disabled Veteran Registration Fee Discount ($45)

Rating: 100%

$45 (formerly $46) discount on state registration fee for permanently disabled veterans with 100% rating.

Eligibility: Permanently disabled veterans with 100% service-connected VA rating. Source

Specially Adapted Vehicle Tax Exemption

Rating: Per VA SAH/auto eligibility

Specially adapted vehicles provided to disabled veterans by the VA are exempt from all Hawaii taxes.

Eligibility: Service-connected disabled veterans with VA-provided specially adapted vehicles. Source

Active-Duty Motor Vehicle Weight Tax Exemption

Rating: None

Active-duty personnel receive motor vehicle weight tax exemptions.

Eligibility: Active-duty service members. Source

🏥 Healthcare

1 tracked item

Yukio Okutsu State Veterans Home (Hilo)

Rating: None

Nursing facility in Hilo for honorably discharged veterans over 55 requiring skilled care.

Eligibility: Honorably discharged veterans over 55 requiring skilled nursing care. Source

⭐ Other

1 tracked item

State Veterans Cemeteries (7 Locations)

Rating: None

Seven state veterans cemeteries across the Hawaiian islands. Small fees may apply.

Eligibility: Eligible veterans and dependents. Source

🏘️ Housing

1 tracked item

Accessibility Grant ($5,000)

Rating: 100% (total disability)

Up to $5,000 grant for totally disabled veterans to modify homes for accessibility.

Eligibility: Totally disabled veterans needing home accessibility modifications. Source
⚠️ Verify Before You Rely: State veteran benefits change frequently. The information above is summarized for general guidance and may not reflect the most current laws, amounts, or eligibility requirements. Always verify with your state VA office or state Department of Veterans Affairs before making financial decisions. Last reviewed: April 2026.