Hawaii Veteran Benefits: Complete Guide for 2026
Hawaii provides 11 documented state-level benefits for disabled veterans across 8 categories. Notable programs include property tax relief for disabled veterans, University of Hawaii Tuition Waiver for Veterans, state income tax benefits. HI also provides financial benefits, additional benefits, small business benefits. Below is a detailed breakdown of every verified benefit available to disabled veterans in Hawaii as of 2026.
Key Takeaways for HI Veterans
- Hawaii offers 11 documented state-specific veteran benefits as of 2026
- Property tax exemptions available for disabled veterans
- Education: University of Hawaii Tuition Waiver for Veterans
- 1 income tax benefit beyond the federal tax-free VA compensation
- Vehicle benefits: Motor Vehicle Registration Fee Reduction (100% Disabled), Vehicle Registration Fee Exemption (100% Disabled)
- Employment: State Employment Preference (5 or 10 Points)
11
State Benefits
8
Categories
50+
Federal Benefits
415+
Discounts
See exactly what Hawaii benefits add up to for you.
Get StartedHawaii State-Specific Benefits
Hawaii Education Benefits (1)
University of Hawaii Tuition Waiver for Veterans
Eligible veterans may receive a tuition waiver at any University of Hawaii campus covering tuition and mandatory fees. Requires honorable discharge and at least four years of active duty (or any length if discharged due to a service-connected disability).
Hawaii Employment Benefits (1)
State Employment Preference (5 or 10 Points)
Veterans receive a 5-point preference on state civil service examinations, while disabled veterans receive a 10-point preference. This applies to initial hiring and, in some cases, reduction-in-force situations.
Hawaii Financial Benefits (1)
Oahu Disability Reduced Fare HOLO Card (40%+ Single Disability)
Veterans on Oahu with a single disability rated 40% or higher qualify for the City & County of Honolulu's Disability Reduced Fare HOLO Card, providing discounted fares on TheBus and Skyline transit systems. Apply by presenting an original VA disability rating letter at the HOLO card office.
Hawaii Income Tax Benefits (1)
Military Retirement Pay — Fully Exempt From State Income Tax
Hawaii fully exempts military retirement pay from state income tax. VA disability compensation is also tax-free at both the federal and state levels.
Hawaii Other Benefits (2)
Hawaii Other Veteran Benefits
Low-cost veterans cemetery
Hawaii Income Tax Benefits
No tax on military disability
Hawaii Property Tax Exemptions (2)
Hawaii Property Tax Exemption
All vets: $50,000 assessed value exempt
Property Tax Exemption — Totally Disabled Veterans
Veterans totally disabled as a result of injuries received while on active duty are exempt from all real property taxes on their home, except special assessments (some counties retain a minimum tax). Applies to property owned solely by the veteran or jointly with a spouse. Continues for an unremarried surviving spouse who keeps occupying the home.
Hawaii Small Business Benefits (1)
Hawaii Veteran-Owned Business Resources
Hawaii has no broad state procurement preference for veteran-owned businesses. Under the federal Veterans Small Business Enhancement Act, SBA-verified Hawaii veteran-owned firms can access the Federal Surplus Personal Property program; general state bidding runs through HIePRO.
Hawaii Vehicle Benefits (2)
Motor Vehicle Registration Fee Reduction (100% Disabled)
Veterans with a 100% service-connected disability receive a partial exemption (~$45-$46) toward the state registration fee for one passenger vehicle. Must renew annually with a current VA 100% disability letter through the Office of Veterans' Services.
Vehicle Registration Fee Exemption (100% Disabled)
Hawaii exempts veterans rated 100% service-connected disabled from the $46 state vehicle registration fee for one non-commercial vehicle. Requires annual submission of a current 100% disability letter to the Office of Veterans' Services. Vehicles provided by the VA for service-connected disabilities are exempt from both state registration fees and county vehicular taxes.
How Hawaii Benefits Stack With Federal VA Compensation
Hawaii state benefits are separate from and stack on top of your federal VA disability compensation. The federal compensation rate table below shows what you receive from the VA — your HI state benefits add to that total. For a 100%-rated veteran in HI, this means federal compensation plus the Oahu Disability Reduced Fare HOLO Card (40%+ Single Disability) (up to $500/year) and 10 other state benefits — all at no additional cost. Some HI benefits are available to all veterans regardless of disability percentage, while others require a rating of up to 100%. To see your personalized combined federal-plus-Hawaii benefits package, create a free account.
2026 Federal Compensation Rates (Veteran Alone)
These federal rates apply to all Hawaii veterans with service-connected disabilities. Hawaii state benefits are received in addition to these amounts.
Compare Property Tax Exemptions
See how Hawaii's property tax exemptions compare to other veteran-friendly states:
Frequently Asked Questions About Hawaii Veteran Benefits
What veteran benefits does Hawaii offer in 2026?
Hawaii offers 11 state-specific veteran benefits across 8 categories, such as Oahu Disability Reduced Fare HOLO Card (40%+ Single Disability), Motor Vehicle Registration Fee Reduction (100% Disabled), Vehicle Registration Fee Exemption (100% Disabled). These cover education benefits, employment benefits, financial benefits, income tax benefits, and more — all in addition to federal VA disability compensation and healthcare.
Does Hawaii offer property tax exemptions for disabled veterans?
Yes. Hawaii offers 2 property tax benefits for disabled veterans. Some exemptions are available at any disability rating. Contact your county assessor for filing instructions.
What education benefits are available for veterans in Hawaii?
Hawaii provides 1 education benefit, including University of Hawaii Tuition Waiver for Veterans. These can be combined with federal programs like the GI Bill and Vocational Rehabilitation (VR&E Chapter 31) to reduce or eliminate education costs.
Is military retirement pay taxable in Hawaii?
Federal VA disability compensation is tax-free nationwide. Beyond that, Hawaii offers 1 additional income tax benefit: the Military Retirement Pay — Fully Exempt From State Income Tax. These may further reduce your HI state tax burden on military retirement pay or veteran-related income.
Does Hawaii offer vehicle-related benefits for disabled veterans?
Yes. Hawaii provides 2 vehicle-related benefits: Motor Vehicle Registration Fee Reduction (100% Disabled), Vehicle Registration Fee Exemption (100% Disabled). Eligibility varies by disability rating and benefit type.
How do I apply for Hawaii veteran benefits?
Most Hawaii benefits require proof of your VA disability rating, available through VA.gov or your eBenefits account. Certain benefits require a rating of 100% or higher. Contact your local HI Department of Veterans Affairs or county veterans service office for application help.
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Benefits by VA Disability Rating
Your disability rating determines which federal and Hawaii state benefits you qualify for: