VA Benefits for Veterans in Hawaii

Welcome back to our series about VA benefits for veterans in each of America’s 50 states! This week, we take a look at the benefits available to veterans living in Hawaii. Keeping reading to learn more about VA benefits in The Aloha State!

Veterans Homes

There is one veterans’ home located in Hawaii:

• Yokio Okutso State Veterans Home in Hilo

Any veteran who has been honorably discharged, is 55 years of age or older, and who requires skilled nursing care may be eligible for admission. Any costs left after VA or Medicare must be paid by the veteran. If space is available, spouses may also be eligible for care here.

There is also a special housing payment of up to $5,000 available to totally disabled veterans who are planning to purchase or remodel a home to improve its accessibility. You can learn more about this benefit here.

 State Veterans’ Cemeteries

Hawaii is home to seven state veterans’ cemeteries:

• East Hawaii Veterans Cemetery in Hilo
• Hawaii State Veterans Cemetery in Kaneohe
• Kauai Veterans Cemetery in Hanapepe
• Lanai Veterans Cemetery in Lanai City
• Maui Veterans Cemetery in Makawao
• Molokai Veterans Cemetery in Hoolehua
• West Hawaii State Veterans Cemetery in Kailua-Kona

There is also one national veterans’ cemetery:

• National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific in Honolulu

Veterans who hold an honorable discharge and who have satisfied the active-duty service requirement are eligible for burial. Burial space is limited, however, so it’s a good idea to check with each cemetery when the time comes. You can find more information at the links above.

Financial Benefits

Veterans in Hawaii can take advantage of several different financial benefits:

• Property Tax Exemptions

Any veteran who is totally and permanently disabled and owns a home is eligible for an exemption from all property taxes.

• Income Tax Exemptions

Retired pay and SBP payments are tax-free, as are Hawaii National Guard and Reserve drill pay.

• Vehicle Registration Fee Waiver

Veterans who are permanently disabled are eligible to receive a $45 discount on Hawaii state registration fees. Proof of service-connected disability is required to obtain this benefit.

Employment Benefits

The state of Hawaii offers one employment benefit to its veterans:

• Hawaii State Employment Preference

Any veteran who applies for employment with the State of Hawaii is eligible to receive a five-point preference; if the veteran is disabled, a 10-point preference will be given. Under certain conditions, spouses may also be eligible to receive a 10-point preference. For more information, please visit the link above.