State benefits
Hawaii veterans are eligible for 8 state and federal benefit programs, including Healthcare, Education, Employment, and more. Most state programs require state residency and a VA-issued disability rating; eligibility thresholds vary by program. This page lists every benefit with source URLs and application paths.
8 programs5 categoriesOfficial source linked on every program
Healthcare
Value: Subsidized skilled nursing and memory care
The Yukio Okutsu State Veterans Home in Hilo provides skilled nursing care and memory care for eligible Hawaii veterans in a 95-bed facility.
Note: Located in Hilo on the Big Island. Named after Medal of Honor recipient. 95 beds. VA per diem offsets costs.
Education
Value: Partial tuition coverage at University of Hawaii
Hawaii National Guard members in good standing receive tuition assistance at University of Hawaii system institutions, covering a portion of tuition costs.
Note: Must be actively serving in HI National Guard. Interaction with federal education benefits varies — contact school financial aid office for details.
Value: Supplemental tuition assistance
Hawaii resident veterans may receive supplemental tuition assistance at the University of Hawaii system and Hawaii community colleges, bridging gaps not covered by federal GI Bill benefits.
Note: Designed to bridge gaps not covered by GI Bill. Apply through UH veteran services office. Particularly useful for veterans whose GI Bill benefits have been exhausted or partially used.
Employment
Value: Hiring preference for state and county employment
Hawaii grants veterans preference in state and county employment. Disabled veterans receive additional preference points beyond the standard veteran preference.
Note: Applies to both state and county positions. Disabled veterans receive additional points.
Tax
Value: $100,000 reduction in assessed value
Veterans with a 100% service-connected disability rating receive a real property tax exemption of $100,000 on their assessed home value in Hawaii. County ordinances may provide additional exemptions.
Note: Apply at your county real property tax office. Some counties (e.g., Honolulu) offer additional exemptions beyond the state $100,000 — check with your county for local benefits. Surviving spouses may also qualify.
Value: Full exemption on military retirement income
Hawaii exempts all military retirement pay and Survivor Benefit Plan payments from state income tax, making it attractive for military retirees despite the high cost of living.
Note: Full exemption on military retirement and SBP. VA disability compensation also exempt.
Transportation
Value: Discounted interisland travel
Hawaii disabled veterans with a 50% or greater VA disability rating may receive discounted interisland air and ferry transportation through state-negotiated agreements with carriers serving Hawaii.
Note: Unique to Hawaii given the island geography. Contact OVS for current carrier agreements and discount rates. Bring VHIC card or VA disability letter when booking. Discounts vary by carrier.
Value: Free vehicle registration on one vehicle
Hawaii veterans with a 100% service-connected disability are exempt from motor vehicle registration fees on one vehicle.
Note: 100% SC disabled only. One vehicle. Apply at your county DMV with VA documentation.
“Apply at your county real property tax office. Some counties (e.g., Honolulu) offer additional exemptions beyond the state $100,000 — check with your county for local benefits. Surviving spouses may also qualify.”
Questions
Hawaii offers 8 veteran benefit programs spanning Healthcare, Education, Employment, Tax, Transportation. Eligibility requirements vary by program — most require a VA-issued disability rating and state residency.
Many Hawaii benefit programs require a minimum VA disability rating — commonly 10%, 50%, or 100%. Some programs, such as education assistance or employment preference, have no rating requirement. Check each benefit listing on this page for the specific threshold.
Most Hawaii state benefits require current state residency. Some programs require continuous residency for one or more years. Federal VA benefits are available to all eligible veterans regardless of state of residence.
Yes — in most cases, state and federal veteran benefits are stackable. For example, a property tax exemption from Hawaii does not reduce your federal VA disability compensation. Some federal needs-based programs may offset certain state payments; review each program's terms.
Applications for Hawaii state benefits are typically submitted through the Hawaii Department of Veterans Affairs or the administering state agency. Application links are listed directly on each benefit card on this page. Federal VA benefits are applied for at VA.gov.
Yes — Hawaii has at least one property tax benefit listed for veterans. Eligibility typically requires a minimum disability rating and state residency. See the Tax section on this page for the current threshold and application link.
Yes — Hawaii offers education benefits for veterans. These may include tuition waivers, National Guard tuition assistance, or supplemental GI Bill top-ups. See the Education section on this page for current programs and eligibility.
Most Hawaii state benefit programs require an honorable or general (under honorable conditions) discharge. Most federal VA benefits require a discharge under conditions other than dishonorable, but the GI Bill is stricter: the Montgomery GI Bill for active duty requires an honorable discharge, and the Post-9/11 GI Bill ordinarily does too. With an other-than-honorable discharge, VA makes a character-of-discharge determination, and some benefits may still be available; consult a VSO or accredited claims agent for individual eligibility.
Agency · Healthcare benefit source — Hawaii
Agency · Education benefit source — Hawaii
CFR · Federal regulations governing VA disability compensation and pension
Agency · Official U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs benefits portal
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