Hawaii Veteran Benefits

Discover 11 state benefits available to Hawaii veterans based on your disability rating and service history.

11
State Benefits
8
Benefit Categories
Any
Min Rating Required
Statewide Only
County Programs

Benefit Categories in Hawaii

🏛️Tax Benefits(2)

Military Retirement Pay Income Tax Exemption

Any Veteran

100% exemption of military retirement pay and SBP payments from Hawaii state income tax.

Value: Full exemption (up to 11% state tax savings)

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Totally Disabled Veteran Property Tax Exemption

100%+

Full exemption from all county real property taxes for veterans with 100% service-connected disability.

Value: Thousands of dollars annually

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🏠Housing & Home Loans(1)

Home Accessibility Modification Grant

100%+

Up to $5,000 grant for purchasing or remodeling a home to improve handicapped accessibility for 100% disabled veterans.

Value: Up to $5,000

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🎓Education & Training(2)

Resident Tuition Rate for Veterans and Dependents

Any Veteran

In-state tuition rates at all University of Hawaii campuses for veterans, service members, and their dependents.

Value: ~$23,000/year savings on tuition

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Hawaii National Guard State Tuition Assistance Program (STAP)

Any Veteran

100% tuition reimbursement at UH community colleges and 50% at four-year UH campuses for active Guard members.

Value: Up to 100% tuition at community colleges

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🏥Healthcare(1)

Yukio Okutsu State Veterans Home (Skilled Nursing)

Any Veteran

State-operated skilled nursing facility in Hilo for veterans age 55+ requiring long-term care.

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💼Employment(1)

Veterans Preference in State Civil Service Employment

Any Veteran

5 preference points for veterans, 10 points for disabled veterans on state competitive employment exams.

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🚗Transportation(2)

Veteran and Military Specialty License Plates

Any Veteran

Up to 10 distinctive veteran plate designs available at standard plate cost.

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Disabled Veteran Vehicle Weight Tax Exemption

100%+

Exemption from state vehicle weight tax on one vehicle for veterans with 100% service-connected disability.

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Burial & Memorial(1)

Hawaii State Veterans Cemetery Burial Benefits

Any Veteran

Free gravesite, marker, grave liner, perpetual care, and opening/closing at seven state veterans cemeteries.

Value: Several thousand dollars

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📋Other Benefits(1)

Veteran Designation on Driver's License / State ID

Any Veteran

"VETERAN" designation on Hawaii driver's license or state ID for veterans with other-than-dishonorable discharge.

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2026 VA Disability Compensation Rates

Monthly payment amounts effective December 1, 2025. These federal rates apply to all Hawaii veterans.

RatingVeteran AloneWith Spouse
10%$180.42$180.42
20%$356.66$356.66
30%$552.47$617.47
40%$795.84$882.84
50%$1,132.90$1,241.90
60%$1,435.02$1,566.02
70%$1,808.45$1,961.45
80%$2,102.15$2,277.15
90%$2,362.30$2,559.30
100%$3,938.58$4,158.17

Rates for 10-20% are the same regardless of dependents. Dependent additions apply at 30%+. View complete rate tables →

Frequently Asked Questions — Hawaii Veteran Benefits

How many state veteran benefits does Hawaii offer?
Hawaii offers 11 state-level veteran benefits across categories including tax exemptions, education, housing, healthcare, employment assistance, and more. Benefits range from programs available to all veterans to those requiring a 100% VA disability rating.
What disability rating do I need for Hawaii veteran benefits?
Hawaii veteran benefits are available at various disability rating levels. 8 benefits are available to any veteran regardless of rating. Others require ratings of 10% to 100%. Use VetUnlock's free tool to see exactly which benefits match your specific rating.
Does Hawaii offer property tax exemptions for disabled veterans?
Yes, Hawaii offers 2 tax-related benefits for veterans. Military Retirement Pay Income Tax Exemption: 100% exemption of military retirement pay and SBP payments from Hawaii state income tax.
What education benefits are available to Hawaii veterans?
Hawaii offers 2 education benefits for veterans and their families. These include: Resident Tuition Rate for Veterans and Dependents, Hawaii National Guard State Tuition Assistance Program (STAP).
How do I apply for Hawaii veteran benefits?
Each Hawaii veteran benefit has its own application process. Most require a DD-214 (discharge paperwork) and proof of Hawaii residency. Use VetUnlock to see which benefits you qualify for and get direct links to each application.

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