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Overall Rating: 75/100 · 89,000 veterans (8.2% of population)
Reviewed 2026. Programs and exemptions verified against Hawaii veterans-affairs and tax-authority sources.
Benefit details verified January 2025. Tax exemptions, caps, and eligibility change and can vary by county — always confirm current figures with your county assessor and your Hawaii Department of Veterans Affairs before you rely on them.
100% exempt - Military retirement pay completely exempt from state income tax
0.3% average effective rate
Effectively full (county-administered)
Totally disabled: exempt from all real property tax except a ~$150–300 minimum. County-administered. Nothing below total.
Source ↗No sales tax (General Excise Tax of 4% applies)
$124,000
VA Medical Center
459 Patterson Road, Honolulu, HI 96819
(808) 433-0600
Primary care, Mental health, Specialty care, Surgery, Polytrauma/TBI, PTSD treatment
Tuition waiver
All veterans using GI Bill receive in-state tuition rates at UH system schools
4-year value: $88,000
Median Home
$1,200,000
1BR Rent
$2,000/mo
COL Index
184
Unemployment
3%
Major employers: Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam (10,000+ civilian jobs), Schofield Barracks, State government, Tourism
Pros: Largest veteran community in Hawaii (60,000+), only VA medical center, best job market, perfect weather
Cons: Catastrophic housing costs ($1.2M median), highest cost of living in USA (84% above average)
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Buying a home
$0 down, no PMI. Funding fee waived for service-connected veterans.
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Honorably discharged veterans receive 5 preference points added to a passing civil-service exam score; veterans with a service-connected disability, Purple Heart recipients, or qualifying spouses receive 10 points. Administered by the Hawaii Department of Human Resources Development.
Official source ↗Veterans with a 100% service-connected VA disability rating who are Hawaii residents with an other-than-dishonorable discharge are entitled to a $45.00 state registration fee exemption on one vehicle. A verification letter must be obtained from OVS each year.
Official source ↗Qualified veterans may obtain veteran, combat, Purple Heart, former POW, Gold Star, and other specialty plates for the same cost as a regular Hawaii license plate.
Official source ↗Honorably discharged veterans can add a 'VETERAN' designation to their Hawaii driver license or state ID by presenting proof of qualifying service (e.g., DD-214) at the county licensing office.
Official source ↗State veterans home in Hilo providing 24-hour skilled nursing and long-term care. Eligibility: honorably discharged, VA-rated eligible veteran needing skilled/long-term care, and Hawaii resident (before service or 1 year prior to application); spouses, surviving spouses, and Gold Star parents may be admitted on a space-available basis.
Official source ↗The home real-property tax exemption granted to a totally disabled veteran extends to their widow(er). Because Hawaii property tax is set by each county, exact terms vary by island; apply through the county real property tax office.
Official source ↗Sourced from official state agencies; programs and eligibility change — confirm with your Hawaii Department of Veterans Affairs before applying.