Hawaii Veterans: VA Healthcare, University Programs & Military Employment 2025

Hawaii serves approximately 89,000 veterans - representing 8.2% of the state's adult population, one of the highest percentages per capita in the United States. Hawaii's military presence drives this veteran concentration: Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Schofield Barracks, and Marine Corps Base Hawaii employ thousands of active duty personnel who eventually retire here.

Veterans in Hawaii have access to quality VA healthcare (though limited to one medical center on Oahu), strong education benefits through the University of Hawaii system, and substantial military employment opportunities. But Hawaii's geographic isolation means outer island veterans face significant healthcare access challenges.

This guide provides real addresses, phone numbers, and actionable information for Hawaii veterans.

Bottom Line Up Front

Healthcare: 1 VA medical center (Honolulu/Oahu), 4 outer island clinics (Maui, Big Island x2, Kauai), extensive use of VA Community Care for neighbor islands

Education: University of Hawaii system with robust veteran support, in-state tuition for GI Bill users, Post-9/11 GI Bill BAH rates $2,100-$2,700/month (among highest in nation)

Employment: Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam (largest employer), Schofield Barracks, Marine Corps Base Hawaii Kaneohe, limited civilian opportunities outside military/government/tourism

Veteran Population: 89,000+ veterans, heavily concentrated on Oahu (60-70%), strong military culture, high per capita rate

Challenge: Geographic isolation creates healthcare access issues for neighbor island veterans - Maui, Big Island, and Kauai residents must fly to Oahu for complex care

VA Healthcare Facilities in Hawaii

VA Medical Centers

Spark M. Matsunaga VA Medical Center (Honolulu, Oahu)

Address: 459 Patterson Road, Honolulu, HI 96819 Main Phone: (808) 433-0600 Toll-Free: 1-800-214-1306 Emergency Care: No 24/7 emergency department - refer to local emergency rooms (Tripler Army Medical Center or civilian hospitals)

This is Hawaii's only VA medical center. All complex specialty care requires travel to Honolulu if you live on outer islands.

Services:

Primary care
Mental health services (PTSD, depression, substance abuse)
Specialty care (cardiology, surgery, orthopedics, neurology, etc.)
Outpatient surgery
Audiology and hearing aids
Optometry and eyeglasses
Physical therapy and rehabilitation
Radiology and diagnostic imaging
Laboratory services
Pharmacy (on-site and mail order)
Prosthetics and orthotics
Women's health clinic
Geriatrics and extended care
Polytrauma/TBI services
Spinal cord injury support

Specialty programs:

PTSD Residential Rehabilitation Program
Substance abuse treatment (SARRTP)
Homeless veteran services (HUD-VASH, Grant & Per Diem)
Military Sexual Trauma (MST) counseling
Suicide prevention coordination
Vet Center partnership (separate locations)
Telehealth services (critical for outer island veterans)

Teaching hospital: Affiliated with University of Hawaii School of Medicine - provides cutting-edge care and research

Parking: Adequate on-site parking (free for patients)

Note: Spark Matsunaga is a mid-sized VA facility serving Hawaii and the Pacific Islands (including Guam, American Samoa). Complex specialty care not available here may require travel to VA facilities in California or Washington.

Community-Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOCs)

Maui VA Clinic (Kahului)

Address: 203 Ho'ohana Street, Suite 303, Kahului, HI 96732 Phone: (808) 871-2454 Hours: Monday-Friday, 7:30 AM - 4:00 PM

Services: Primary care, mental health, laboratory, telehealth

Serves: Maui County (Maui, Molokai, Lanai)

For complex care: Must fly to Honolulu (30-minute flight, $100-$300 round-trip depending on airline and booking)

Travel reimbursement: Available for veterans traveling to Honolulu for VA care (see details below)

Hilo VA Clinic (Big Island - East Side)

Address: 45 Mohouli Street, Hilo, HI 96720 Phone: (808) 935-3781 Hours: Monday-Friday, 7:30 AM - 4:00 PM

Services: Primary care, mental health, laboratory, telehealth

Serves: East Hawaii (Hilo, Puna, Hamakua, Ka'u)

Note: Hilo is the rainier, more affordable side of the Big Island. Clinic serves approximately 3,000+ enrolled veterans in East Hawaii.

Kailua-Kona VA Clinic (Big Island - West Side)

Address: 73-5618 Maiau Street, Kamanu Center, Suite C200, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740 Phone: (808) 329-0774 Hours: Monday-Friday, 7:30 AM - 4:00 PM

Services: Primary care, mental health, laboratory, telehealth

Serves: West Hawaii (Kona, Kohala, Waimea)

Note: Kona side is sunnier, more expensive, and popular with retirees. Having two Big Island clinics (Hilo and Kona) is critical given the 90-mile distance between them.

Lihue VA Clinic (Kauai)

Address: 4485 Pahe'e Street, Suite 150, Lihue, HI 96766 Phone: (808) 246-0497 Hours: Monday-Friday, 7:30 AM - 4:00 PM

Services: Primary care, mental health, laboratory, telehealth

Serves: Kauai County (entire island)

Note: Kauai is the most isolated neighbor island for VA care - 25-minute flight to Honolulu, flights less frequent than Maui/Big Island

VA Community Care Network - Critical for Hawaii

Given Hawaii's geographic challenges, the VA Community Care Network is essential. Veterans can receive care from civilian providers when:

Service not available at VA facility
Wait times exceed VA standards
Travel distance to VA facility is prohibitive
Emergency care needed

How to access Community Care:

Call VA Community Care call center: 1-877-881-7618
VA will authorize care and arrange civilian provider
VA pays directly (you don't pay out of pocket)
Works with Hawaii's major healthcare systems (Straub, Kaiser, Queens, Kapiolani, etc.)

Critical for neighbor island veterans: If you live on Maui, Big Island, or Kauai and need specialty care not available at your local clinic, Community Care allows you to see specialists locally instead of flying to Oahu.

Travel Reimbursement for VA Care

Veterans traveling more than 100 miles round-trip to VA facilities can claim travel reimbursement.

Rates (2025):

Mileage: $0.415 per mile for vehicle travel
Airfare: Actual cost of common carrier (inter-island flights)
Lodging: $157/night if overnight stay required
Meals: $62/day

How to file:

File claim at VA facility after appointment
Online: va.gov/health-care/get-reimbursed-for-travel-pay
Reimbursement typically processed within 30 days

Example: Veteran on Kauai flying to Honolulu for specialty appointment

Round-trip airfare: $200
VA reimburses: $200
Makes outer island care more affordable

Vet Centers (Readjustment Counseling)

Vet Centers provide free, confidential counseling separate from VA medical facilities. No VA healthcare enrollment required.

Honolulu Vet Center

Address: 1680 Kapiolani Boulevard, Suite F-3, Honolulu, HI 96814 Phone: (808) 973-8387

Services: Combat-related counseling, PTSD treatment, military sexual trauma counseling, readjustment counseling, bereavement counseling, employment counseling

Hilo Vet Center

Address: 70 Lanihuli Street, Hilo, HI 96720 Phone: (808) 969-3833

Kailua-Kona Vet Center (Big Island)

Address: Kona region Phone: (808) 329-0574

Maui Vet Center

Address: Kahului area Phone: (808) 242-8557

Kauai Vet Center

Address: Lihue area Phone: (808) 246-1163

Who can use Vet Centers: Combat veterans, sexual trauma survivors, family members, and survivors of service members who died while on active duty

No VA enrollment required: Vet Centers operate independently - you can use them without enrolling in VA healthcare

Wait Times and Access

Average wait times at Honolulu VA Medical Center:

Primary care: 7-21 days for new appointments, 3-7 days for established patients
Mental health: 7-14 days
Specialty care: 14-45 days depending on specialty

Outer island clinics: Generally faster for primary care and mental health (smaller patient populations)

Quality ratings: VA Pacific Islands Healthcare System receives average to above-average patient satisfaction scores. Limited specialty services are the main complaint, not quality of care.

Best practice for Hawaii veterans:

Enroll in VA healthcare immediately upon separation
Establish care at your local clinic
Request telehealth for routine follow-ups
Plan ahead for specialty care (may require Oahu travel)
Consider VA Community Care for urgent specialty needs

How to Enroll in VA Healthcare

Online: va.gov/health-care/apply Phone: 1-877-222-VETS (8387) In person: Spark M. Matsunaga VA Medical Center, 459 Patterson Road, Honolulu, HI 96819

Documents needed:

DD-214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty)
Social Security card
Insurance information (if applicable - VA will bill insurance if you have it)

Eligibility: Most veterans qualify, though those with higher incomes and no service-connected disabilities may have copays

Education Benefits for Hawaii Veterans

University of Hawaii System

The University of Hawaii system is Hawaii's flagship public university system, serving 2,000+ student veterans across multiple campuses. All UH schools are approved for GI Bill benefits.

University of Hawaii at Mānoa (Flagship)

Location: Honolulu, Oahu Veteran enrollment: 1,200+ student veterans Yellow Ribbon Program: No (as a public university, tuition is fully covered by Post-9/11 GI Bill at in-state rates) In-state tuition (2024-2025): ~$12,000/year (full-time undergraduate) Out-of-state tuition: ~$34,000/year

Post-9/11 GI Bill covers: In-state tuition + fees Monthly BAH (100% Post-9/11 GI Bill): ~$2,700/month (Honolulu rate - among highest in nation)

Veteran support services:

Office of Veteran Student Services: (808) 956-7767
Location: Queen Lili'uokalani Center for Student Services, Room 206
Dedicated veterans coordinator
Student Veterans of America (SVA) chapter
Peer mentoring programs
Study space reserved for veterans
VA certifying officials on staff

Programs popular with veterans: Business Administration, Engineering, Nursing, Education, Pacific Island Studies, Marine Biology, Computer Science

Website: manoa.hawaii.edu/veterans

Note: UH Mānoa is Hawaii's research flagship university with strong graduate programs. Strong engineering and marine science programs due to island location.

University of Hawaii at Hilo (Big Island)

Location: Hilo, Hawaii Veteran enrollment: 300+ student veterans In-state tuition: ~$8,000/year (full-time undergraduate) Monthly BAH (100% Post-9/11 GI Bill): ~$2,100/month (Hilo rate)

Veteran support:

Veterans Services Office: (808) 932-7378
Location: Hale Kauanoe Student Services Building
Certifying officials
Veteran-friendly campus culture

Programs: Marine Science, Astronomy, Agriculture, Liberal Arts, Hawaiian Studies, Pharmacy (graduate)

Website: hilo.hawaii.edu/veterans

Note: Smaller campus with strong focus on Hawaiian culture and Pacific studies. More affordable cost of living than Honolulu (though still expensive by mainland standards).

University of Hawaii West Oahu

Location: Kapolei, Oahu (west side, 25 miles from Honolulu) Veteran enrollment: 400+ student veterans In-state tuition: ~$8,000/year Monthly BAH: ~$2,700/month (same as Honolulu)

Programs: Business, Public Administration, Education, Social Sciences, Humanities

Veteran support: Veterans services office with certifying officials

Note: Focus on applied learning and career preparation. Popular with veterans due to proximity to military bases (Schofield Barracks, JBPHH) and evening/weekend class options.

Hawaii Pacific University (Private)

Location: Honolulu, Oahu Type: Private university Yellow Ribbon Program: Yes - limited participation Tuition: ~$32,000/year Veteran enrollment: Moderate

Post-9/11 GI Bill: Covers up to in-state public tuition cap (~$12,000), Yellow Ribbon covers portion of gap, leaving ~$8,000-$10,000 out-of-pocket annually

Programs: Business, Nursing, Marine Science, Diplomacy, Communication

Veteran services: (808) 544-0279

Note: Private university with higher costs. Yellow Ribbon helps but doesn't cover full tuition gap. Consider if specific program unavailable at UH system.

Community Colleges

Hawaii has 7 community colleges across the islands offering 2-year degrees and vocational programs:

Honolulu Community College (Oahu): Automotive, aviation maintenance, construction
Leeward Community College (Pearl City, Oahu): Close to military bases
Windward Community College (Kaneohe, Oahu): Next to MCBH
Kapiolani Community College (Honolulu): Culinary, nursing, legal assistant
Maui College (Kahului, Maui)
Hawaii Community College (Hilo, Big Island)
Kauai Community College (Lihue, Kauai)

Tuition: ~$3,000-$4,000/year (in-state) GI Bill BAH: Same rates as 4-year universities in that location Veteran services: All campuses have veterans coordinators

Popular veteran programs: Welding, HVAC, automotive technology, aviation maintenance, nursing, construction, electronics

Post-9/11 GI Bill Benefits - In-State Tuition

Under the Veterans Access, Choice, and Accountability Act (VACAA), veterans using GI Bill benefits qualify for in-state tuition at Hawaii public universities regardless of residency status.

Eligibility:

Using Post-9/11 GI Bill, Montgomery GI Bill, or VR&E
Living in Hawaii while attending school
Enrolling within 3 years of separation from active duty

Savings: Out-of-state tuition at UH Mānoa is $34,000/year vs. in-state $12,000/year - that's $22,000 annual savings automatically.

Spouse and dependent benefits: Spouses and dependents using transferred GI Bill benefits also qualify for in-state tuition rates if the service member is on active duty in Hawaii.

GI Bill BAH Rates - Among Highest in Nation

Hawaii's Post-9/11 GI Bill BAH rates are among the highest in the United States, helping offset Hawaii's brutal cost of living.

Monthly BAH rates (100% benefit, 2025):

Honolulu/Oahu: $2,700/month
Maui County: $2,400/month
Big Island (Hilo): $2,100/month
Big Island (Kona): $2,250/month
Kauai: $2,200/month

National average: ~$1,800/month

Annual BAH (9 months academic year):

Honolulu: $24,300
Combined with tuition coverage: $36,300 total annual benefit

Reality check: Even with $2,700/month BAH, you'll struggle in Hawaii. Rent for 1BR apartment in Honolulu is $1,800-$2,500/month, leaving $200-$900 for food, utilities, transportation, and everything else.

Strategy for student veterans in Hawaii:

Live with roommates to split rent
Consider on-campus or military base housing
Work part-time (GI Bill covers full-time school + BAH)
Use food banks and veteran support programs
Budget aggressively

Vocational Training and Apprenticeships

GI Bill covers vocational training and apprenticeships in Hawaii.

GI Bill-approved programs:

Welding (high demand in Hawaii)
HVAC (critical for island climate)
Electrical work
Plumbing
Aviation maintenance (major industry in Hawaii)
Heavy equipment operation
Diesel mechanics
Commercial diving
Marine trades

Apprenticeships: GI Bill monthly housing allowance for apprenticeships decreases over time:

Months 1-6: 100% of BAH rate
Months 7-12: 80% of BAH rate
Months 13-18: 60% of BAH rate
Months 19-24: 40% of BAH rate
Months 25+: 20% of BAH rate

Contact: Hawaii State Apprenticeship Council Phone: (808) 586-8877

Employment Resources for Hawaii Veterans

State Hiring Preference

Hawaii provides hiring preference to veterans for state government positions.

Who qualifies:

10-point preference: Disabled veterans (10%+ service-connected disability)
5-point preference: All honorably discharged veterans

How it works: Veteran preference points are added to your score in the hiring process, giving you advantage over non-veteran candidates with similar qualifications.

Where to apply: Hawaii.gov/jobs

State of Hawaii: 60,000+ employees statewide

Department of Education (largest employer)
Hawaii Department of Transportation
Department of Health
Department of Public Safety (corrections)
University of Hawaii system

Average state salary: $50,000 - $80,000 depending on position

Major Military Employers

Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam (JBPHH)

Location: Oahu (Pearl Harbor/Hickam AFB combined) Military branches: Navy and Air Force Active duty personnel: 20,000+ Civilian employees: 10,000+

This is Hawaii's largest employer for veterans and the primary source of federal civilian jobs.

Civilian job opportunities:

Administrative positions (HR, finance, contracting)
IT and cybersecurity (high demand)
Logistics and supply chain
Aircraft maintenance (both Navy and Air Force)
Shipyard workers (Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard)
Engineering (civil, mechanical, electrical)
Healthcare (clinics, dental, pharmacy)
Security and police
Facilities management

How to apply: usajobs.gov

Search "Pearl Harbor" or "Hickam" or "Joint Base Pearl Harbor"
Filter for "Veterans Preference" to see priority positions

Veteran preference: Federal hiring preference applies (5-point or 10-point)

Pay: Federal GS scale (GS-5 to GS-14 typical)

GS-5: $35,000 - $45,000
GS-9: $50,000 - $65,000
GS-12: $75,000 - $95,000
Plus 25-30% locality pay adjustment for Hawaii

Benefits: Federal employment includes pension (FERS), health insurance (FEHB), and job security

Schofield Barracks / Fort Shafter

Location: Central Oahu (Wahiawa/Schofield, downtown Honolulu/Fort Shafter) Branch: U.S. Army (U.S. Army Garrison Hawaii) Active duty: 15,000+ at Schofield Barracks Civilian employees: 5,000+

Civilian job opportunities:

Administrative support
IT and network operations
Logistics and supply
Vehicle maintenance
Range operations
Facilities management
Training and simulation support

How to apply: usajobs.gov - search "Schofield" or "USAG Hawaii"

Pay: Federal GS scale + locality adjustment

Marine Corps Base Hawaii (MCBH Kaneohe Bay)

Location: Kaneohe, Oahu (windward/east side) Branch: U.S. Marine Corps Active duty: 10,000+ Civilian employees: 2,000+

Civilian job opportunities:

Marine Corps Community Services (MCCS) positions
Administrative roles
Aviation maintenance
Logistics support
Facilities maintenance
Recreation and fitness
Food service and hospitality
Child care and youth programs

How to apply:

Federal positions: usajobs.gov
MCCS positions: hawaii.usmc-mccs.org/careers

MCCS jobs (non-federal): Don't require federal hiring process, often faster hiring, competitive pay, federal-style benefits

Pay: MCCS wages competitive with local market ($15-$25/hour for hourly, $40K-$70K for management)

Defense Contractors

Hawaii has substantial defense contractor presence supporting military bases.

Major contractors:

Booz Allen Hamilton: IT, cybersecurity, analysis
Lockheed Martin: Systems engineering, IT
Leidos: IT, engineering, health services
CACI: Intelligence support, IT
SAIC: Systems engineering, IT
Huntington Ingalls Industries: Shipyard and ship repair
BAE Systems: Ship repair, engineering

Typical roles for veterans:

IT specialists and network administrators
Systems engineers
Program managers
Intelligence analysts (TS/SCI clearance)
Logistics coordinators
Security personnel
Training instructors

Pay: $60,000 - $120,000+ depending on role and clearance level

TS/SCI clearance positions: $90,000 - $130,000+

Where to apply:

Company websites (careers sections)
ClearanceJobs.com (if you have security clearance)
LinkedIn

Private Sector Employment

Hawaii's civilian economy is heavily weighted toward:

Tourism and hospitality (30% of jobs)
Military and government
Healthcare
Retail and services
Construction

Limited opportunities in:

Manufacturing (virtually nonexistent)
Technology (small sector)
Finance (limited)
Corporate headquarters (few national companies based in Hawaii)

Veteran-friendly employers:

Hawaiian Airlines

Pilots (military pilots transition well)
Mechanics and maintenance
Operations and logistics
Customer service

Hawaii Healthcare Systems

Kaiser Permanente Hawaii: Nurses, medical assistants, admin
Queens Medical Center: Full range of healthcare positions
Straub Medical Center: Nursing, clinical, support staff
Veteran healthcare experience valued

Construction and Trades

Electrical, plumbing, HVAC, carpentry
Shortage of skilled tradespeople
Pay: $25-$40/hour for skilled trades
Construction season year-round (no winter shutdown like mainland)

State and County Government

Honolulu Police Department: Starting ~$70,000
Honolulu Fire Department: Starting ~$65,000
Other counties: Similar public safety wages

Retail and hospitality (last resort):

Abundant but low-paying ($15-$20/hour)
Difficult to afford Hawaii on retail wages

Unemployment Benefits for Veterans

Unemployment Compensation for Ex-Servicemembers (UCX): Available if you separated from active duty within the last 18 months and are unemployed.

Hawaii Department of Labor Phone: (808) 586-8970 Website: labor.hawaii.gov/ui

Weekly benefit: Up to $713/week (maximum, 2025) Duration: Up to 26 weeks

Note: Hawaii has one of the highest maximum weekly unemployment benefits in the nation.

Support Services for Hawaii Veterans

Veterans Service Organizations (VSOs)

VSOs provide free assistance with VA claims, appeals, benefits counseling, and advocacy.

Hawaii Office of Veterans Services

Headquarters: 459 Patterson Road (co-located with VA Medical Center), Honolulu, HI 96819 Phone: (808) 433-0420 Website: dod.hawaii.gov/ovs

Services: VA claims assistance, state benefits information, advocacy, connecting veterans with resources

Neighbor island offices:

Hilo: (808) 974-4000
Kona: (808) 327-4300
Maui (Wailuku): (808) 243-4000
Kauai (Lihue): (808) 274-3141

Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW)

Hawaii Department: Multiple posts on Oahu, Maui, Big Island Services: VA claims assistance, community support, advocacy

Honolulu VFW Post 8616: (808) 841-8616

American Legion

Hawaii Department: Posts across all islands Services: VA claims help, community events, veteran camaraderie

Disabled American Veterans (DAV)

Honolulu Chapter: Support for disabled veterans, transportation to VA appointments, claims help

Transportation: DAV provides free rides to VA medical appointments for veterans unable to drive

Homeless Veteran Programs

Alaska VA Homeless Programs Phone: (808) 433-0600 (ask for homeless program coordinator)

Services:

HUD-VASH housing vouchers (rental assistance + case management)
Grant and Per Diem (GPD) transitional housing
Healthcare for Homeless Veterans (HCHV) program
Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF)
Homeless veteran outreach

Stand Down Hawaii: Annual event providing services to homeless veterans (clothing, medical care, benefits assistance, job help)

Reality: Hawaii has significant homeless veteran population due to high cost of living. Services exist but demand exceeds capacity.

Catholic Charities Hawaii: Partners with VA on homeless veteran services Phone: (808) 524-4673

Mental Health Resources

Veterans Crisis Line: 988, then press 1 (24/7) Text: 838255 Online chat: VeteransCrisisLine.net

VA Mental Health Services: (808) 433-0600

Vet Centers (see earlier listing): Free, confidential counseling for combat veterans, sexual trauma survivors, and families

PTSD specialty care: Available at Spark Matsunaga VA Medical Center with residential treatment program

Suicide prevention: Hawaii has higher-than-average veteran suicide rates. If you're struggling, use the Veterans Crisis Line. It works. It's confidential.

Financial Counseling

Military & Family Life Counseling (MFLC) Available on all Hawaii military bases Services: Financial counseling, relationship counseling, stress management No cost: Free to military members, veterans, and families

Veterans Financial Services: (808) 433-0600 (through VA)

Geographic Challenges for Hawaii Veterans

Healthcare Access on Neighbor Islands

The reality: If you live on Maui, Big Island, or Kauai, you have limited local VA services.

What's available locally:

Primary care
Mental health counseling
Basic laboratory work
Telehealth

What requires Oahu travel:

Most specialty care (cardiology, neurology, surgery, etc.)
Complex diagnostics (MRI, CT scans)
Surgical procedures
Specialty mental health programs

Options:

Fly to Oahu for care: Expensive ($200-$400 round-trip) even with travel reimbursement
VA Community Care: See local civilian specialists (VA authorization required)
Telehealth: Works for consultations but not procedures

Travel reimbursement helps but doesn't fully offset costs (lodging, meals, time off work)

Cost of Living Impact on Benefits

VA disability compensation is the same nationwide:

100% disabled veteran: $3,737.85/month (2025 rate)
Same in Hawaii as Alabama

But Hawaii costs 84% more than national average:

$3,737/month buys far less in Hawaii than mainland
Rent alone can consume $2,000-$3,000/month
Groceries: $600-$800/month for single person

GI Bill BAH rates are location-adjusted:

Honolulu: $2,700/month (helps offset costs)
Still not enough to live comfortably without additional income

Federal employment locality pay:

Hawaii federal employees receive 25-30% locality adjustment
Helps but doesn't fully offset 84% higher cost of living

Island Isolation

Hawaii is 2,500 miles from mainland:

Flights to West Coast: $300-$800 round-trip
5-6 hour flight time
Difficult and expensive to visit family on mainland

Interisland travel:

Oahu to Maui/Big Island/Kauai: 30-45 minute flights
$80-$300 round-trip depending on airline and booking
Necessary for VA healthcare, shopping, family visits

Shipping goods:

Everything shipped from mainland (drives up costs)
Jones Act requires U.S.-flagged ships (expensive)
Amazon shipping sometimes slower or unavailable

For veterans: Geographic isolation can worsen mental health conditions. If you need frequent family contact or struggle with isolation, Hawaii's distance from mainland can be challenging.

Key Takeaways

Healthcare is concentrated on Oahu - neighbor island veterans face travel burden for complex care
University of Hawaii offers strong veteran support - 2,000+ student veterans, dedicated services, high GI Bill BAH rates
Federal employment dominates veteran jobs - JBPHH, Schofield, MCBH employ thousands of veterans
Private sector jobs are limited outside military, government, tourism, and healthcare
VA Community Care is critical for neighbor island veterans to access specialty care locally
GI Bill BAH rates are high ($2,100-$2,700/month) but still insufficient for comfortable living without additional income or roommates
Geographic isolation creates challenges - expensive inter-island and mainland travel, mental health impact
Strong veteran community - 89,000 veterans, high per capita rate, military culture embedded in Hawaii society

Hawaii's veteran support infrastructure is strong where it exists (Oahu) but limited on neighbor islands. Federal employment opportunities are excellent for veterans willing to work on military bases. Education benefits are robust. But the cost of living and geographic isolation remain significant challenges.

Additional Resources

Hawaii Office of Veterans Services: (808) 433-0420 | dod.hawaii.gov/ovs
VA Pacific Islands Healthcare: 1-800-214-1306 | va.gov/pacific-islands-health-care
University of Hawaii Veterans Services: hawaii.edu/veterans
Federal Jobs (USAJOBS): usajobs.gov
Hawaii State Jobs: Hawaii.gov/jobs
GI Bill Comparison Tool: va.gov/education/gi-bill-comparison-tool

Information current as of January 2025. Contact facilities directly to verify hours, services, and eligibility requirements.

Hawaii Veterans: VA Healthcare, University Programs & Military Employment 2025

This guide provides real addresses, phone numbers, and actionable information for Hawaii veterans.

Bottom Line Up Front

Healthcare: 1 VA medical center (Honolulu/Oahu), 4 outer island clinics (Maui, Big Island x2, Kauai), extensive use of VA Community Care for neighbor islands

Education: University of Hawaii system with robust veteran support, in-state tuition for GI Bill users, Post-9/11 GI Bill BAH rates $2,100-$2,700/month (among highest in nation)

Employment: Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam (largest employer), Schofield Barracks, Marine Corps Base Hawaii Kaneohe, limited civilian opportunities outside military/government/tourism

Veteran Population: 89,000+ veterans, heavily concentrated on Oahu (60-70%), strong military culture, high per capita rate

Challenge: Geographic isolation creates healthcare access issues for neighbor island veterans - Maui, Big Island, and Kauai residents must fly to Oahu for complex care

VA Healthcare Facilities in Hawaii

VA Medical Centers

Spark M. Matsunaga VA Medical Center (Honolulu, Oahu)

This is Hawaii's only VA medical center. All complex specialty care requires travel to Honolulu if you live on outer islands.

Services:

Primary care
Mental health services (PTSD, depression, substance abuse)
Specialty care (cardiology, surgery, orthopedics, neurology, etc.)
Outpatient surgery
Audiology and hearing aids
Optometry and eyeglasses
Physical therapy and rehabilitation
Radiology and diagnostic imaging
Laboratory services
Pharmacy (on-site and mail order)
Prosthetics and orthotics
Women's health clinic
Geriatrics and extended care
Polytrauma/TBI services
Spinal cord injury support

Specialty programs:

PTSD Residential Rehabilitation Program
Substance abuse treatment (SARRTP)
Homeless veteran services (HUD-VASH, Grant & Per Diem)
Military Sexual Trauma (MST) counseling
Suicide prevention coordination
Vet Center partnership (separate locations)
Telehealth services (critical for outer island veterans)

Teaching hospital: Affiliated with University of Hawaii School of Medicine - provides cutting-edge care and research

Parking: Adequate on-site parking (free for patients)

Community-Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOCs)

Maui VA Clinic (Kahului)

Address: 203 Ho'ohana Street, Suite 303, Kahului, HI 96732 Phone: (808) 871-2454 Hours: Monday-Friday, 7:30 AM - 4:00 PM

Services: Primary care, mental health, laboratory, telehealth

Serves: Maui County (Maui, Molokai, Lanai)

For complex care: Must fly to Honolulu (30-minute flight, $100-$300 round-trip depending on airline and booking)

Travel reimbursement: Available for veterans traveling to Honolulu for VA care (see details below)

Hilo VA Clinic (Big Island - East Side)

Address: 45 Mohouli Street, Hilo, HI 96720 Phone: (808) 935-3781 Hours: Monday-Friday, 7:30 AM - 4:00 PM

Services: Primary care, mental health, laboratory, telehealth

Serves: East Hawaii (Hilo, Puna, Hamakua, Ka'u)

Note: Hilo is the rainier, more affordable side of the Big Island. Clinic serves approximately 3,000+ enrolled veterans in East Hawaii.

Kailua-Kona VA Clinic (Big Island - West Side)

Address: 73-5618 Maiau Street, Kamanu Center, Suite C200, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740 Phone: (808) 329-0774 Hours: Monday-Friday, 7:30 AM - 4:00 PM

Services: Primary care, mental health, laboratory, telehealth

Serves: West Hawaii (Kona, Kohala, Waimea)

Note: Kona side is sunnier, more expensive, and popular with retirees. Having two Big Island clinics (Hilo and Kona) is critical given the 90-mile distance between them.

Lihue VA Clinic (Kauai)

Address: 4485 Pahe'e Street, Suite 150, Lihue, HI 96766 Phone: (808) 246-0497 Hours: Monday-Friday, 7:30 AM - 4:00 PM

Services: Primary care, mental health, laboratory, telehealth

Serves: Kauai County (entire island)

Note: Kauai is the most isolated neighbor island for VA care - 25-minute flight to Honolulu, flights less frequent than Maui/Big Island

VA Community Care Network - Critical for Hawaii

Given Hawaii's geographic challenges, the VA Community Care Network is essential. Veterans can receive care from civilian providers when:

Service not available at VA facility
Wait times exceed VA standards
Travel distance to VA facility is prohibitive
Emergency care needed

How to access Community Care:

Call VA Community Care call center: 1-877-881-7618
VA will authorize care and arrange civilian provider
VA pays directly (you don't pay out of pocket)
Works with Hawaii's major healthcare systems (Straub, Kaiser, Queens, Kapiolani, etc.)

Travel Reimbursement for VA Care

Veterans traveling more than 100 miles round-trip to VA facilities can claim travel reimbursement.

Rates (2025):

Mileage: $0.415 per mile for vehicle travel
Airfare: Actual cost of common carrier (inter-island flights)
Lodging: $157/night if overnight stay required
Meals: $62/day

How to file:

File claim at VA facility after appointment
Online: va.gov/health-care/get-reimbursed-for-travel-pay
Reimbursement typically processed within 30 days

Example: Veteran on Kauai flying to Honolulu for specialty appointment

Round-trip airfare: $200
VA reimburses: $200
Makes outer island care more affordable

Vet Centers (Readjustment Counseling)

Vet Centers provide free, confidential counseling separate from VA medical facilities. No VA healthcare enrollment required.

Honolulu Vet Center

Address: 1680 Kapiolani Boulevard, Suite F-3, Honolulu, HI 96814 Phone: (808) 973-8387

Services: Combat-related counseling, PTSD treatment, military sexual trauma counseling, readjustment counseling, bereavement counseling, employment counseling

Hilo Vet Center

Address: 70 Lanihuli Street, Hilo, HI 96720 Phone: (808) 969-3833

Kailua-Kona Vet Center (Big Island)

Address: Kona region Phone: (808) 329-0574

Maui Vet Center

Address: Kahului area Phone: (808) 242-8557

Kauai Vet Center

Address: Lihue area Phone: (808) 246-1163

Who can use Vet Centers: Combat veterans, sexual trauma survivors, family members, and survivors of service members who died while on active duty

No VA enrollment required: Vet Centers operate independently - you can use them without enrolling in VA healthcare

Wait Times and Access

Average wait times at Honolulu VA Medical Center:

Primary care: 7-21 days for new appointments, 3-7 days for established patients
Mental health: 7-14 days
Specialty care: 14-45 days depending on specialty

Outer island clinics: Generally faster for primary care and mental health (smaller patient populations)

Quality ratings: VA Pacific Islands Healthcare System receives average to above-average patient satisfaction scores. Limited specialty services are the main complaint, not quality of care.

Best practice for Hawaii veterans:

Enroll in VA healthcare immediately upon separation
Establish care at your local clinic
Request telehealth for routine follow-ups
Plan ahead for specialty care (may require Oahu travel)
Consider VA Community Care for urgent specialty needs

How to Enroll in VA Healthcare

Online: va.gov/health-care/apply Phone: 1-877-222-VETS (8387) In person: Spark M. Matsunaga VA Medical Center, 459 Patterson Road, Honolulu, HI 96819

Documents needed:

DD-214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty)
Social Security card
Insurance information (if applicable - VA will bill insurance if you have it)

Eligibility: Most veterans qualify, though those with higher incomes and no service-connected disabilities may have copays

Education Benefits for Hawaii Veterans

University of Hawaii System

The University of Hawaii system is Hawaii's flagship public university system, serving 2,000+ student veterans across multiple campuses. All UH schools are approved for GI Bill benefits.

University of Hawaii at Mānoa (Flagship)

Post-9/11 GI Bill covers: In-state tuition + fees Monthly BAH (100% Post-9/11 GI Bill): ~$2,700/month (Honolulu rate - among highest in nation)

Veteran support services:

Office of Veteran Student Services: (808) 956-7767
Location: Queen Lili'uokalani Center for Student Services, Room 206
Dedicated veterans coordinator
Student Veterans of America (SVA) chapter
Peer mentoring programs
Study space reserved for veterans
VA certifying officials on staff

Programs popular with veterans: Business Administration, Engineering, Nursing, Education, Pacific Island Studies, Marine Biology, Computer Science

Website: manoa.hawaii.edu/veterans

Note: UH Mānoa is Hawaii's research flagship university with strong graduate programs. Strong engineering and marine science programs due to island location.

University of Hawaii at Hilo (Big Island)

Veteran support:

Veterans Services Office: (808) 932-7378
Location: Hale Kauanoe Student Services Building
Certifying officials
Veteran-friendly campus culture

Programs: Marine Science, Astronomy, Agriculture, Liberal Arts, Hawaiian Studies, Pharmacy (graduate)

Website: hilo.hawaii.edu/veterans

Note: Smaller campus with strong focus on Hawaiian culture and Pacific studies. More affordable cost of living than Honolulu (though still expensive by mainland standards).

University of Hawaii West Oahu

Location: Kapolei, Oahu (west side, 25 miles from Honolulu) Veteran enrollment: 400+ student veterans In-state tuition: ~$8,000/year Monthly BAH: ~$2,700/month (same as Honolulu)

Programs: Business, Public Administration, Education, Social Sciences, Humanities

Veteran support: Veterans services office with certifying officials

Note: Focus on applied learning and career preparation. Popular with veterans due to proximity to military bases (Schofield Barracks, JBPHH) and evening/weekend class options.

Hawaii Pacific University (Private)

Location: Honolulu, Oahu Type: Private university Yellow Ribbon Program: Yes - limited participation Tuition: ~$32,000/year Veteran enrollment: Moderate

Post-9/11 GI Bill: Covers up to in-state public tuition cap (~$12,000), Yellow Ribbon covers portion of gap, leaving ~$8,000-$10,000 out-of-pocket annually

Programs: Business, Nursing, Marine Science, Diplomacy, Communication

Veteran services: (808) 544-0279

Note: Private university with higher costs. Yellow Ribbon helps but doesn't cover full tuition gap. Consider if specific program unavailable at UH system.

Community Colleges

Hawaii has 7 community colleges across the islands offering 2-year degrees and vocational programs:

Honolulu Community College (Oahu): Automotive, aviation maintenance, construction
Leeward Community College (Pearl City, Oahu): Close to military bases
Windward Community College (Kaneohe, Oahu): Next to MCBH
Kapiolani Community College (Honolulu): Culinary, nursing, legal assistant
Maui College (Kahului, Maui)
Hawaii Community College (Hilo, Big Island)
Kauai Community College (Lihue, Kauai)

Tuition: ~$3,000-$4,000/year (in-state) GI Bill BAH: Same rates as 4-year universities in that location Veteran services: All campuses have veterans coordinators

Popular veteran programs: Welding, HVAC, automotive technology, aviation maintenance, nursing, construction, electronics

Post-9/11 GI Bill Benefits - In-State Tuition

Under the Veterans Access, Choice, and Accountability Act (VACAA), veterans using GI Bill benefits qualify for in-state tuition at Hawaii public universities regardless of residency status.

Eligibility:

Using Post-9/11 GI Bill, Montgomery GI Bill, or VR&E
Living in Hawaii while attending school
Enrolling within 3 years of separation from active duty

Savings: Out-of-state tuition at UH Mānoa is $34,000/year vs. in-state $12,000/year - that's $22,000 annual savings automatically.

Spouse and dependent benefits: Spouses and dependents using transferred GI Bill benefits also qualify for in-state tuition rates if the service member is on active duty in Hawaii.

GI Bill BAH Rates - Among Highest in Nation

Hawaii's Post-9/11 GI Bill BAH rates are among the highest in the United States, helping offset Hawaii's brutal cost of living.

Monthly BAH rates (100% benefit, 2025):

Honolulu/Oahu: $2,700/month
Maui County: $2,400/month
Big Island (Hilo): $2,100/month
Big Island (Kona): $2,250/month
Kauai: $2,200/month

National average: ~$1,800/month

Annual BAH (9 months academic year):

Honolulu: $24,300
Combined with tuition coverage: $36,300 total annual benefit

Strategy for student veterans in Hawaii:

Live with roommates to split rent
Consider on-campus or military base housing
Work part-time (GI Bill covers full-time school + BAH)
Use food banks and veteran support programs
Budget aggressively

Vocational Training and Apprenticeships

GI Bill covers vocational training and apprenticeships in Hawaii.

GI Bill-approved programs:

Welding (high demand in Hawaii)
HVAC (critical for island climate)
Electrical work
Plumbing
Aviation maintenance (major industry in Hawaii)
Heavy equipment operation
Diesel mechanics
Commercial diving
Marine trades

Apprenticeships: GI Bill monthly housing allowance for apprenticeships decreases over time:

Months 1-6: 100% of BAH rate
Months 7-12: 80% of BAH rate
Months 13-18: 60% of BAH rate
Months 19-24: 40% of BAH rate
Months 25+: 20% of BAH rate

Contact: Hawaii State Apprenticeship Council Phone: (808) 586-8877

Employment Resources for Hawaii Veterans

State Hiring Preference

Hawaii provides hiring preference to veterans for state government positions.

Who qualifies:

10-point preference: Disabled veterans (10%+ service-connected disability)
5-point preference: All honorably discharged veterans

How it works: Veteran preference points are added to your score in the hiring process, giving you advantage over non-veteran candidates with similar qualifications.

Where to apply: Hawaii.gov/jobs

State of Hawaii: 60,000+ employees statewide

Department of Education (largest employer)
Hawaii Department of Transportation
Department of Health
Department of Public Safety (corrections)
University of Hawaii system

Average state salary: $50,000 - $80,000 depending on position

Major Military Employers

Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam (JBPHH)

Location: Oahu (Pearl Harbor/Hickam AFB combined) Military branches: Navy and Air Force Active duty personnel: 20,000+ Civilian employees: 10,000+

This is Hawaii's largest employer for veterans and the primary source of federal civilian jobs.

Civilian job opportunities:

Administrative positions (HR, finance, contracting)
IT and cybersecurity (high demand)
Logistics and supply chain
Aircraft maintenance (both Navy and Air Force)
Shipyard workers (Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard)
Engineering (civil, mechanical, electrical)
Healthcare (clinics, dental, pharmacy)
Security and police
Facilities management

How to apply: usajobs.gov

Search "Pearl Harbor" or "Hickam" or "Joint Base Pearl Harbor"
Filter for "Veterans Preference" to see priority positions

Veteran preference: Federal hiring preference applies (5-point or 10-point)

Pay: Federal GS scale (GS-5 to GS-14 typical)

GS-5: $35,000 - $45,000
GS-9: $50,000 - $65,000
GS-12: $75,000 - $95,000
Plus 25-30% locality pay adjustment for Hawaii

Benefits: Federal employment includes pension (FERS), health insurance (FEHB), and job security

Schofield Barracks / Fort Shafter

Civilian job opportunities:

Administrative support
IT and network operations
Logistics and supply
Vehicle maintenance
Range operations
Facilities management
Training and simulation support

How to apply: usajobs.gov - search "Schofield" or "USAG Hawaii"

Pay: Federal GS scale + locality adjustment

Marine Corps Base Hawaii (MCBH Kaneohe Bay)

Location: Kaneohe, Oahu (windward/east side) Branch: U.S. Marine Corps Active duty: 10,000+ Civilian employees: 2,000+

Civilian job opportunities:

Marine Corps Community Services (MCCS) positions
Administrative roles
Aviation maintenance
Logistics support
Facilities maintenance
Recreation and fitness
Food service and hospitality
Child care and youth programs

How to apply:

Federal positions: usajobs.gov
MCCS positions: hawaii.usmc-mccs.org/careers

MCCS jobs (non-federal): Don't require federal hiring process, often faster hiring, competitive pay, federal-style benefits

Pay: MCCS wages competitive with local market ($15-$25/hour for hourly, $40K-$70K for management)

Defense Contractors

Hawaii has substantial defense contractor presence supporting military bases.

Major contractors:

Booz Allen Hamilton: IT, cybersecurity, analysis
Lockheed Martin: Systems engineering, IT
Leidos: IT, engineering, health services
CACI: Intelligence support, IT
SAIC: Systems engineering, IT
Huntington Ingalls Industries: Shipyard and ship repair
BAE Systems: Ship repair, engineering

Typical roles for veterans:

IT specialists and network administrators
Systems engineers
Program managers
Intelligence analysts (TS/SCI clearance)
Logistics coordinators
Security personnel
Training instructors

Pay: $60,000 - $120,000+ depending on role and clearance level

TS/SCI clearance positions: $90,000 - $130,000+

Where to apply:

Company websites (careers sections)
ClearanceJobs.com (if you have security clearance)
LinkedIn

Private Sector Employment

Hawaii's civilian economy is heavily weighted toward:

Tourism and hospitality (30% of jobs)
Military and government
Healthcare
Retail and services
Construction

Limited opportunities in:

Manufacturing (virtually nonexistent)
Technology (small sector)
Finance (limited)
Corporate headquarters (few national companies based in Hawaii)

Veteran-friendly employers:

Hawaiian Airlines

Pilots (military pilots transition well)
Mechanics and maintenance
Operations and logistics
Customer service

Hawaii Healthcare Systems

Kaiser Permanente Hawaii: Nurses, medical assistants, admin
Queens Medical Center: Full range of healthcare positions
Straub Medical Center: Nursing, clinical, support staff
Veteran healthcare experience valued

Construction and Trades

Electrical, plumbing, HVAC, carpentry
Shortage of skilled tradespeople
Pay: $25-$40/hour for skilled trades
Construction season year-round (no winter shutdown like mainland)

State and County Government

Honolulu Police Department: Starting ~$70,000
Honolulu Fire Department: Starting ~$65,000
Other counties: Similar public safety wages

Retail and hospitality (last resort):

Abundant but low-paying ($15-$20/hour)
Difficult to afford Hawaii on retail wages

Unemployment Benefits for Veterans

Unemployment Compensation for Ex-Servicemembers (UCX): Available if you separated from active duty within the last 18 months and are unemployed.

Hawaii Department of Labor Phone: (808) 586-8970 Website: labor.hawaii.gov/ui

Weekly benefit: Up to $713/week (maximum, 2025) Duration: Up to 26 weeks

Note: Hawaii has one of the highest maximum weekly unemployment benefits in the nation.

Support Services for Hawaii Veterans

Veterans Service Organizations (VSOs)

VSOs provide free assistance with VA claims, appeals, benefits counseling, and advocacy.

Hawaii Office of Veterans Services

Headquarters: 459 Patterson Road (co-located with VA Medical Center), Honolulu, HI 96819 Phone: (808) 433-0420 Website: dod.hawaii.gov/ovs

Services: VA claims assistance, state benefits information, advocacy, connecting veterans with resources

Neighbor island offices:

Hilo: (808) 974-4000
Kona: (808) 327-4300
Maui (Wailuku): (808) 243-4000
Kauai (Lihue): (808) 274-3141

Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW)

Hawaii Department: Multiple posts on Oahu, Maui, Big Island Services: VA claims assistance, community support, advocacy

Honolulu VFW Post 8616: (808) 841-8616

American Legion

Hawaii Department: Posts across all islands Services: VA claims help, community events, veteran camaraderie

Disabled American Veterans (DAV)

Honolulu Chapter: Support for disabled veterans, transportation to VA appointments, claims help

Transportation: DAV provides free rides to VA medical appointments for veterans unable to drive

Homeless Veteran Programs

Alaska VA Homeless Programs Phone: (808) 433-0600 (ask for homeless program coordinator)

Services:

HUD-VASH housing vouchers (rental assistance + case management)
Grant and Per Diem (GPD) transitional housing
Healthcare for Homeless Veterans (HCHV) program
Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF)
Homeless veteran outreach

Stand Down Hawaii: Annual event providing services to homeless veterans (clothing, medical care, benefits assistance, job help)

Reality: Hawaii has significant homeless veteran population due to high cost of living. Services exist but demand exceeds capacity.

Catholic Charities Hawaii: Partners with VA on homeless veteran services Phone: (808) 524-4673

Mental Health Resources

Veterans Crisis Line: 988, then press 1 (24/7) Text: 838255 Online chat: VeteransCrisisLine.net

VA Mental Health Services: (808) 433-0600

Vet Centers (see earlier listing): Free, confidential counseling for combat veterans, sexual trauma survivors, and families

PTSD specialty care: Available at Spark Matsunaga VA Medical Center with residential treatment program

Suicide prevention: Hawaii has higher-than-average veteran suicide rates. If you're struggling, use the Veterans Crisis Line. It works. It's confidential.

Financial Counseling

Veterans Financial Services: (808) 433-0600 (through VA)

Geographic Challenges for Hawaii Veterans

Healthcare Access on Neighbor Islands

The reality: If you live on Maui, Big Island, or Kauai, you have limited local VA services.

What's available locally:

Primary care
Mental health counseling
Basic laboratory work
Telehealth

What requires Oahu travel:

Most specialty care (cardiology, neurology, surgery, etc.)
Complex diagnostics (MRI, CT scans)
Surgical procedures
Specialty mental health programs

Options:

Fly to Oahu for care: Expensive ($200-$400 round-trip) even with travel reimbursement
VA Community Care: See local civilian specialists (VA authorization required)
Telehealth: Works for consultations but not procedures

Travel reimbursement helps but doesn't fully offset costs (lodging, meals, time off work)

Cost of Living Impact on Benefits

VA disability compensation is the same nationwide:

100% disabled veteran: $3,737.85/month (2025 rate)
Same in Hawaii as Alabama

But Hawaii costs 84% more than national average:

$3,737/month buys far less in Hawaii than mainland
Rent alone can consume $2,000-$3,000/month
Groceries: $600-$800/month for single person

GI Bill BAH rates are location-adjusted:

Honolulu: $2,700/month (helps offset costs)
Still not enough to live comfortably without additional income

Federal employment locality pay:

Hawaii federal employees receive 25-30% locality adjustment
Helps but doesn't fully offset 84% higher cost of living

Island Isolation

Hawaii is 2,500 miles from mainland:

Flights to West Coast: $300-$800 round-trip
5-6 hour flight time
Difficult and expensive to visit family on mainland

Interisland travel:

Oahu to Maui/Big Island/Kauai: 30-45 minute flights
$80-$300 round-trip depending on airline and booking
Necessary for VA healthcare, shopping, family visits

Shipping goods:

Everything shipped from mainland (drives up costs)
Jones Act requires U.S.-flagged ships (expensive)
Amazon shipping sometimes slower or unavailable

For veterans: Geographic isolation can worsen mental health conditions. If you need frequent family contact or struggle with isolation, Hawaii's distance from mainland can be challenging.

Key Takeaways

Healthcare is concentrated on Oahu - neighbor island veterans face travel burden for complex care
University of Hawaii offers strong veteran support - 2,000+ student veterans, dedicated services, high GI Bill BAH rates
Federal employment dominates veteran jobs - JBPHH, Schofield, MCBH employ thousands of veterans
Private sector jobs are limited outside military, government, tourism, and healthcare
VA Community Care is critical for neighbor island veterans to access specialty care locally
GI Bill BAH rates are high ($2,100-$2,700/month) but still insufficient for comfortable living without additional income or roommates
Geographic isolation creates challenges - expensive inter-island and mainland travel, mental health impact
Strong veteran community - 89,000 veterans, high per capita rate, military culture embedded in Hawaii society

Additional Resources

Hawaii Office of Veterans Services: (808) 433-0420 | dod.hawaii.gov/ovs
VA Pacific Islands Healthcare: 1-800-214-1306 | va.gov/pacific-islands-health-care
University of Hawaii Veterans Services: hawaii.edu/veterans
Federal Jobs (USAJOBS): usajobs.gov
Hawaii State Jobs: Hawaii.gov/jobs
GI Bill Comparison Tool: va.gov/education/gi-bill-comparison-tool

Information current as of January 2025. Contact facilities directly to verify hours, services, and eligibility requirements.