Hawaii Veteran Benefits

Hawaii provides state and county benefits that complement your federal VA benefits. Use this page to see what’s available and where to apply.

Quick Facts

• Property Tax: Administered by counties (not statewide). Most counties offer a full or substantial exemption on a qualifying primary residence for totally disabled veterans; minimum/nominal tax may still apply. Apply with your county Real Property Tax office.
• DMV: “Veteran” designation available on HI driver license/ID. 100% service-connected disabled veterans may receive a $45 state registration fee exemption (balance still due). Veteran and military specialty plates available via counties.
• Education: No statewide veteran tuition waiver. University of Hawaiʻi campuses support VA education benefits and classify eligible students for in-state tuition under federal rules.
• Income Tax Notes: Hawaii has a state income tax. VA disability compensation is tax-free; military retirement pay is exempt from Hawaii income tax.

Property Tax Relief

Property tax relief is handled at the county level. Examples include Honolulu’s exemption that removes all property tax on a qualifying totally disabled veteran’s home (minimum tax may apply) and Kauaʻi/Maui programs for disabled or totally disabled veterans. Apply with your county Real Property Tax office by the local deadline and include proof of disability and homeowner exemption. Surviving spouses may continue benefits in several counties while occupying the home (see Sources).

DMV & License Benefits

Add a “Veteran” designation to your HI driver license/ID with proof of honorable service. Veterans can apply for specialty/military plates through their county. Veterans with a 100% service-connected VA rating who are Hawaii residents may receive a $45 state registration fee exemption on one vehicle each year (other county/weight/plate fees still apply). See OVS and your county DMV for forms and certification steps.

Education Benefits

The University of Hawaiʻi system supports veterans and military-connected students using VA education benefits. Under federal law, many eligible veterans and dependents qualify for in-state tuition. Work with your campus School Certifying Official to apply your GI Bill®/VR&E benefits and any campus aid.

Hunting & Fishing

A Hawaiʻi hunting license is required statewide; resident licenses are low-cost. Freshwater game fishing requires a license (resident & military fee currently modest). For marine fishing, residents generally do not need a license; nonresidents do (active-duty military are excepted). No broad, published veteran-only license discount; DLNR offers a disabled hunter permit for accessibility accommodations.

Spouse & Dependent Benefits

Several counties allow an un-remarried surviving spouse to continue a disabled-veteran home exemption while living in the home. Education support is primarily through federal VA programs; check campus and county resources for additional aid and referrals.

Hawaii Veterans Agency

Hawaii Office of Veterans’ Services

VA Regional Office

Honolulu VA Regional Benefit Office
459 Patterson Road, Honolulu, HI 96819

VA Medical Centers & Key Clinics

• Spark M. Matsunaga VA Medical Center — Honolulu
• Daniel K. Akaka VA Clinic — Kapolei (Oʻahu)
• Hilo VA Clinic — Hilo (Hawaiʻi Island)
• Kona VA Clinic — Kailua-Kona (Hawaiʻi Island)
• Maui VA Clinic — Kahului (Maui)
• Kauaʻi VA Clinic — Līhuʻe (Kauaʻi)
• Windward VA Clinic — Kāneʻohe (Oʻahu)

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Sources

• Honolulu Real Property — Totally Disabled Veterans Exemption
• Kauaʻi County — Exemption/Tax Relief Information (Disabled Veteran)
• Maui County — Real Property forms (Disabled Veteran Exemption)
• Hawaii OVS — $45 State Registration Fee Exemption (100% SC)
• Hawaii DOT — Veteran Designation on DL/ID
• VA Pacific Islands Health Care — Locations
• MyArmyBenefits — Hawaii Taxes (military retired pay exempt)
• DLNR — Freshwater Game Fishing License (resident & military fees)
• DLNR — Recreational Marine Fishing (resident no license; nonresident license)

Last verified: August 26, 2025