FINANCIAL ADVANTAGE
Additional Benefits for Hawaii Veterans
Hawaii Veterans and their families may qualify for valuable state and federal benefits that can reduce property taxes, lower higher-education costs, and make homeownership more affordable. Understanding the Hawaii disabled Veteran benefits available to you—from county property tax exemptions to military education benefits and VA-backed home loans—can help you make the most of the benefits you’ve earned through military service.
Tax Relief
Property Tax Exemptions for Veterans in Hawaii
- Totally disabled Veterans may qualify for substantial property tax relief on their primary residence. Hawaii provides real property tax benefits for qualifying disabled Veterans, but the specific exemption, disability threshold, minimum tax, filing deadline, and other requirements vary by county. Veterans should apply through the real property tax office for the county where their home is located.
- Some counties provide nearly complete property tax exemptions for qualifying disabled Veterans. For example, Honolulu exempts the qualifying home of a totally disabled Veteran from real property taxes except for the applicable minimum tax and special assessments. Kauai currently exempts qualifying Veterans who are 80% to totally disabled from property taxes on their qualifying home except for a minimum tax; Veterans below 80% may qualify for a separate assessed-value exemption.
Family Tuition Assistance
Education Benefits for Hawaii Veterans & Families
- Qualifying Veterans using VA education benefits can receive resident tuition rates through the University of Hawaiʻi system. Veterans living in Hawaii and using qualifying VA education programs—including the Post-9/11 GI Bill, Montgomery GI Bill, Veteran Readiness and Employment, Dependents' Educational Assistance, and the Fry Scholarship—may qualify for an exemption from nonresident tuition and pay the in-state tuition rate.
- Active-duty military families and Hawaii-based Guard and Reserve members can also receive resident tuition treatment. The University of Hawaiʻi provides nonresident tuition exemptions for active-duty U.S. military personnel stationed in Hawaii and their authorized dependents, as well as members of the Hawaii National Guard and Hawaii-based Reserves who meet applicable requirements.
Home Financing
Home Loan Benefits for Hawaii Veterans
- Eligible Hawaii Veterans can use VA-backed loans to purchase a primary residence. VA-backed purchase loans can be used to buy, build, or improve a home. Eligible borrowers can often purchase with no down payment when the sales price doesn't exceed the appraised value, subject to VA eligibility and lender underwriting requirements.
- VA-backed home loans don't require monthly private mortgage insurance. Eligible Veterans can benefit from competitive loan terms, limited closing costs, no PMI or MIP, and no penalty for paying the mortgage off early. The VA home loan guaranty is also reusable, allowing eligible Veterans to use the benefit again in the future.