Best States for Veterans: Hawaii Jobs, Benefits & Cost of Living

By Kariah Manwaring

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Part of G.I. Jobs 50 States of Opportunity for Veterans series.

Using the Military Friendly® States Tool, this series explores what makes each state unique and why it may be the perfect place to begin your next mission.

Best States for Veterans: Hawaii

Let’s be honest: when most people picture Hawaii, they’re probably not thinking about job markets, VA clinics or military retirement taxes.

They’re thinking about beaches.

And yes, Hawaii has those.

But for Veterans, there’s another side to the Aloha State that doesn’t always get enough attention: Hawaii is one of the most strategically important military locations in the country.

All six branches of the U.S. military have a presence in Hawaii. The state is home to U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Schofield Barracks, Fort Shafter, Camp H.M. Smith and a network of other installations and commands. Hawaii’s defense economy brings approximately $7.9 billion in annual defense spending to the state and supports more than 20,000 civilian jobs and 31,000 contractor jobs.

That’s a lot more than tourism.

For a Veteran leaving active duty, Hawaii can offer something particularly valuable: a civilian career without completely leaving the military world behind.

And then there’s the lifestyle.

You can finish work and be at the beach.

You can hike through a rainforest on Saturday.

You can surf before work if you’re ambitious—or just sit on the beach and pretend you’re going to surf someday.

But here’s the catch:

Hawaii is expensive.

Really expensive.

The median value of an owner-occupied home statewide is more than $839,000, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Median gross rent is $1,971.

So is Hawaii one of the best states for Veterans?

It absolutely can be.

But you need to go in with your eyes open.

The Short Version

Hawaii is one of the most unusual states for Veterans.

It has an enormous military presence, a strong defense and contractor economy, major VA infrastructure and a deep military community—but also one of the highest housing costs in the country.

Military retirees have another reason to look closely: qualifying military pension income is excluded from Hawaii state income tax. Hawaii Files

Best fit: Veterans in defense, cybersecurity, intelligence, aviation, logistics, engineering, healthcare, government and specialized technical careers—especially those with strong salaries, remote-work options or military retirement income.

Think twice if: You’re moving without a job, expect mainland-level housing costs, need a large civilian job market or don’t want to deal with geographic isolation.

That gives readers the answer immediately.

Veteran Snapshot

Category	Hawaii
Population	1,432,820
Veteran Population	87,697
Median Household Income	$100,389
Median Home Value	$839,100
Median Gross Rent	$1,971
Homeownership Rate	63.0%
Mean Commute	26.2 minutes
Veteran-Owned Employer Firms	1,111
Employer Establishments	32,911
Total Employment	520,043
State Minimum Wage	$16/hour
Major Military Installations & Bases	12 key installations/bases

Hawaii’s estimated population was 1.43 million in 2025, with approximately 87,697 Veterans according to the Census Bureau’s 2020–2024 data.

The state also had 1,111 Veteran-owned employer firms in 2023.

And while Hawaii’s Veteran population is much smaller than states such as California, Florida or Texas, the military’s presence is enormous relative to the state’s size.

Hawaii’s Department of Business, Economic Development & Tourism identifies 12 key military installations and bases across the state.

Why Veterans Choose Hawaii

There are two very different reasons Veterans choose Hawaii.

The first is obvious:

They love Hawaii.

The second is a little more practical:

Hawaii can make a surprising amount of sense for someone with a military or defense background.

Those two things overlap more than you might think.

The Military Community Is Huge

Hawaii is home to all six military branches, and the state serves as a major hub for U.S. military operations in the Indo-Pacific.

U.S. Indo-Pacific Command is headquartered in Hawaii, along with major component commands including U.S. Army Pacific, Pacific Air Forces, the U.S. Pacific Fleet and Marine Forces Pacific.

That creates a military ecosystem that is difficult to replicate elsewhere.

For a Veteran, that can mean:

Former military coworkers nearby
Military-focused employers
Defense contractors
Federal jobs
Veteran organizations
Military family networks
Installation-adjacent businesses
Familiarity with military culture

If you enjoyed the military community but didn’t necessarily love military life itself, Hawaii gives you an unusual middle ground.

You can be out of uniform without being completely disconnected from the world you came from.

Who Hawaii Is Best For

Hawaii is especially strong for:

Military retirees
Veterans with defense experience
Veterans with security clearances
Cybersecurity professionals
Intelligence professionals
Aviation professionals
Logistics professionals
Engineers
Healthcare professionals
Federal employees
Defense contractors
Remote workers with mainland salaries
Veterans who prioritize lifestyle and outdoor recreation

It may be a weaker fit for:

Entry-level workers without a job lined up
Veterans seeking inexpensive housing
Veterans who need a huge civilian job market
Families with very tight housing budgets
Veterans who need frequent mainland travel
People who want four seasons
Anyone who hasn’t considered the cost of shipping and everyday goods

The Defense Economy Is a Major Advantage

Hawaii’s defense economy accounts for approximately 8.3% of the state’s GDP and brings roughly $7.9 billion in annual defense spending. It supports more than 20,000 civilian jobs and 31,000 contractor jobs.

That’s significant.

And the opportunities aren’t limited to people who worked in combat arms.

Hawaii’s defense ecosystem needs people with experience in:

Logistics
Cybersecurity
Information technology
Intelligence
Aviation
Maintenance
Engineering
Communications
Security
Supply chain management
Healthcare
Project management
Administration
Facilities management
Construction

That makes Hawaii particularly interesting for Veterans who want to translate military experience into civilian work without completely reinventing themselves.

Hawaii by the Numbers

Category	Hawaii
Population	1,432,820
Veterans	87,697
Median Household Income	$100,389
Median Home Value	$839,100
Median Gross Rent	$1,971
Homeownership Rate	63.0%
Mean Travel Time to Work	26.2 minutes
Veteran-Owned Employer Firms	1,111
Employer Establishments	32,911
Total Employment	520,043
Civilian Labor Force Participation	59.6%
State Minimum Wage	$16/hour

U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts and Hawaii Department of Labor.

The numbers tell an interesting story.

Hawaii has a relatively high median household income—about $100,389—but that doesn’t necessarily mean residents feel wealthy.

Why?

Because housing and everyday expenses are high.

This is one of the most important things for Veterans considering Hawaii:

Don’t compare salaries. Compare purchasing power.

A $90,000 job in Hawaii isn’t necessarily equivalent to a $90,000 job somewhere on the mainland.

Employment Outlook for Veterans

Hawaii’s civilian economy is more diverse than the stereotypical “tourism jobs” image suggests.

Tourism is absolutely important.

But the state’s largest employment sectors also include government, healthcare and social assistance, construction, transportation and other industries.

Hawaii’s workforce plan identifies government, healthcare and social assistance and tourism-related industries as foundational sectors.

And recent growth has been strongest in several areas that line up nicely with Veteran experience.

Are you on Oahu?

Oahu has the overwhelming concentration of:

Federal employment
Defense contractors
Military installations
Major healthcare
Government
Corporate jobs
Universities
Professional services

The neighbor islands offer lifestyle advantages but generally smaller civilian job markets.

Healthcare

Healthcare and social assistance added 1,400 jobs, or 1.8%, in the first quarter of 2026 compared with the same period a year earlier.

Veterans with medical, administrative, logistics or leadership experience may find opportunities across the healthcare system.

Construction

Construction added 1,200 jobs, or 3%, year over year, in the first quarter of 2026.

That creates opportunities for Veterans with experience in:

Engineering
Heavy equipment
Project management
Safety
Facilities
Logistics
Skilled trades

Transportation & Logistics

Hawaii’s geographic isolation makes transportation and logistics essential.

Everything from food and fuel to construction materials and consumer products has to get to the islands.

That means logistics isn’t just another industry here.

It’s infrastructure.

Veterans with supply chain, transportation, aviation, port operations or logistics backgrounds can have a natural advantage.

Defense & Government Contracting

This is arguably Hawaii’s most obvious Veteran career opportunity.

Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam houses major Navy and Air Force commands, while other installations support Army, Marine Corps, Coast Guard and joint missions.

And the state’s defense economy supports thousands of civilian and contractor positions.

If you’re coming out of the military with a security clearance, technical certification or specialized military occupational experience, don’t assume your best opportunity is in tourism.

There are defense-related civilian careers worth investigating.

Translate Your Military Experience

Hawaii’s defense economy is a great example of why Veterans shouldn’t automatically start over when they leave the military.

If you managed a maintenance program, you have project management experience.

If you ran logistics for a unit, you have supply-chain experience.

If you managed communications systems, you may have an IT or telecommunications career hiding in your résumé.

If you led people, you have management experience.

The trick is explaining it in language a civilian hiring manager understands.

Best Certifications for Veterans to Earn in Under 6 Months.

If Your MOS Was…

One of the biggest advantages of Hawaii for Veterans is the size of its military and defense ecosystem. Your military experience may translate more directly into civilian work here than you might expect — particularly if you worked in a technical, operational, logistics or security-related field.

If Your MOS Was…	Look Into…
Intelligence	Defense contractors, intelligence analysis, federal agencies, security and strategic operations
Cyber/IT	Cybersecurity, network administration, information systems and federal contracting
Aviation	Aircraft maintenance, aviation operations, airport services and aerospace support
Logistics	Supply chain, transportation, warehousing, port operations and defense logistics
Engineering	Construction, infrastructure, facilities, defense engineering and project management
Communications	Telecommunications, networking, IT, communications systems and technical support
Healthcare	Hospitals, clinics, healthcare administration, the VA and healthcare support services
Security	Federal security, corporate security, public safety and protective services
Maintenance	Facilities management, industrial maintenance, utilities, aviation and skilled trades
Leadership/Operations	Project management, program management, operations, supervision and administration

Hawaii’s defense economy provides more than 20,000 civilian jobs and 31,000 contractor jobs, making military-adjacent work a significant part of the state’s employment picture.

The key is translating your military experience into language civilian employers recognize. If your resume still reads like an evaluation report, start with G.I. Jobs’ guide to the Military Resume vs. Civilian Resume.

And don’t assume you need to stay in defense forever. Healthcare, construction and information-related employment have all shown growth in Hawaii’s recent labor-market data.

Education Opportunities

Hawaii may not have the sheer number of colleges found in California or Texas, but Veterans still have several strong education options.

The University of Hawaii System includes campuses and community colleges across the islands, giving Veterans access to programs without necessarily having to leave the state.

For Veterans considering careers in healthcare, business, technology, education, engineering or other professional fields, the University of Hawaii system can be a practical starting point.

And there’s another advantage:

You can use federal Veteran education benefits in Hawaii.

GI Bill Benefits

The Post-9/11 GI Bill can be used for approved programs at Hawaii schools and training institutions.

The Hawaii State Approving Agency is responsible for reviewing and approving education and training programs for VA education benefits.

That includes more than traditional college.

Approved programs can include:

Colleges
Universities
Trade schools
Flight programs
Apprenticeships
On-the-job training
Other career training

Military Friendly® Schools

Before choosing a Hawaii school, Veterans should compare:

Military credit transfer policies
Veteran advising
GI Bill participation
Yellow Ribbon participation
Veteran organizations
Online programs
Career services
Tuition costs

Veteran Benefits in Hawaii

Hawaii’s Veteran benefits aren’t necessarily flashy.

But there are several that can make a meaningful difference.

Military Retirement Pay Is Excluded From Hawaii Income Tax

This is one of the biggest financial reasons military retirees should consider Hawaii.

Hawaii law excludes compensation received as a pension for past services from state taxable income. That provision applies to military retirement pay.

So while Hawaii has a state income tax, qualifying military retirement income is not subject to Hawaii income tax.

That can be a meaningful advantage for a military retiree.

As always, tax situations vary, so retirees should confirm their specific circumstances with the Hawaii Department of Taxation or a qualified tax professional.

Property Tax Benefits for Totally Disabled Veterans

Hawaii does not have one uniform statewide property-tax exemption amount. Qualifying totally disabled Veterans may receive exemptions on a primary residence, but the benefit varies by county.

The exact benefit varies by island and local government.

That distinction matters.

Hawaii doesn’t operate like one giant local property-tax system. County rules can differ, so Veterans considering homeownership should check the rules for the specific island and county where they plan to live.

Vehicle Registration Benefits

Qualifying Veterans with a 100% service-connected disability rating who are Hawaii residents may receive a $46 state registration fee exemption for one vehicle.

Honolulu County also introduced a separate benefit beginning July 1, 2026: Veterans age 65 and older who meet the requirements can receive an exemption from the $20 City and County of Honolulu motor vehicle registration fee for one noncommercial vehicle annually.

Beginning July 1, 2026, Veterans age 65+ who meet the requirements can receive an exemption from the $20 City and County of Honolulu motor vehicle registration fee for one noncommercial vehicle annually.

Those are relatively small benefits compared with a home-tax exemption or retirement-income exclusion, but they’re still worth knowing about.

Hawaii Office of Veterans’ Services

The Hawaii Office of Veterans’ Services is the state’s primary Veteran agency.

It assists with:

VA claims
Appeals
Employment and reemployment
Benefits
Discharge documents
Veteran advocacy
Burial services
Property-tax exemptions
Veteran homes
Other Veteran services

That makes it one of the most useful resources to bookmark if you’re moving to Hawaii.

Healthcare & VA Resources

Healthcare is an especially important consideration when you’re talking about an island state.

The good news:

Hawaii has a dedicated VA healthcare system serving Veterans across the islands.

The VA Pacific Islands Health Care System provides care at 12 locations in Hawaii and other Pacific islands, including the Spark M. Matsunaga VA Medical Center in Honolulu and community-based clinics in Hilo, Kailua-Kona, Maui, Kauai and elsewhere.

Spark M. Matsunaga VA Medical Center

Located in Honolulu, the Spark M. Matsunaga VA Medical Center is the primary VA medical center for Hawaii.

It provides a broad range of medical services and works with other healthcare organizations and universities throughout the region.

Neighbor Island Veterans

Veterans living outside Oahu have access to outpatient clinics, including locations in:

Hilo
Kailua-Kona
Kahului
Lihue
Kaneohe
Kaunakakai
Lanai City

That’s important because moving to the Big Island or Maui isn’t the same as moving across town.

You need to know where your healthcare is.

And you need to know how far you’ll have to travel for specialty care.

The VA also uses telehealth to help Veterans receive care without always having to travel to a larger facility.

That can be particularly valuable for Veterans living on the neighbor islands.

Best Cities for Veterans

Hawaii is a little different from other states in this series.

Instead of thinking only about cities, you should think about islands + communities + commute + access to services.

Where you live will shape your experience dramatically.

Honolulu

Best for: Jobs, healthcare, military community and convenience

Honolulu is the obvious choice for many Veterans.

It’s where you’ll find the largest concentration of:

Jobs
Government agencies
Healthcare
Military commands
Defense contractors
Colleges
Restaurants
Entertainment
Veteran services

It’s also home to Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam and the Spark M. Matsunaga VA Medical Center.

The downside?

Cost.

Honolulu is not cheap.

But if your priority is maximizing access to jobs and services, it’s probably the strongest overall option.

Kapolei

Best for: Families and Veterans who want newer communities

Kapolei is on Oahu’s western side and has grown significantly in recent years.

It’s also near military communities and the Daniel K. Akaka VA Clinic.

For Veterans who want to be on Oahu but don’t necessarily want to live in central Honolulu, Kapolei can be an appealing alternative.

Just remember to look closely at commuting patterns.

Kailua

Best for: Lifestyle and access to the outdoors

Kailua offers a very different feel from Honolulu.

It’s known for beaches, outdoor recreation and a more residential environment.

For a Veteran who has already secured a job and wants lifestyle to be the priority, Kailua can be attractive.

The catch is, again, cost.

Hawaii has a way of making a beautiful view show up on your rent bill.

Hilo

Best for: Lower-cost island living and a slower pace

Hilo is on the Big Island and offers a much quieter lifestyle than Honolulu.

It’s also home to the Yukio Okutsu State Veterans Home and a VA clinic.

For Veterans who want:

More space
Outdoor recreation
A smaller community
Less urban congestion
Access to Big Island nature

Hilo deserves a look.

The job market is smaller, however.

That’s the trade-off.

Kailua-Kona

Best for: Outdoor lifestyle and Big Island living

Kona offers sunshine, beaches, outdoor recreation and a growing community.

The VA’s newer Kona Community Based Outpatient Clinic provides primary care, mental health services, specialty referrals and other Veteran services.

It’s attractive for Veterans who want the Big Island lifestyle without living in Hilo.

But housing can still be expensive, and civilian career options are more limited than on Oahu.

Kahului

Best for: Maui lifestyle + access to services

Kahului is the commercial center of Maui and provides access to healthcare, employment, shopping and transportation.

The VA has a clinic in Kahului, and the Hawaii Office of Veterans’ Services maintains a Maui office as well.

For Veterans who want Maui but still need access to practical services, Kahului is worth considering.

Cost of Living

Hawaii’s cost of living deserves serious attention before you make the move. The state’s military community, outdoor lifestyle and tax advantages can be attractive, but housing alone can dramatically change the math.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Hawaii’s median owner-occupied home value is $839,100 and median gross rent is $1,971 per month. The median monthly cost for homeowners with a mortgage is $2,904. About 63% of housing units are owner-occupied.

Cost Factor	Hawaii Reality
Home prices	Median owner-occupied home value: $839,100
Rent	Median gross rent: $1,971/month
Homeownership	63.0%
Owner costs with mortgage	$2,904/month median
Transportation	Vehicle ownership and fuel can be expensive, particularly when replacement parts or vehicles must be shipped
Groceries	Many products are shipped to the islands, contributing to higher everyday costs
Utilities	Electricity and other household costs can be significant
Travel	Mainland airfare can become a major recurring expense for families
Housing availability	Competition and limited inventory can make finding affordable housing difficult

The good news is that Hawaii’s military and Veteran benefits can offset some of the financial pressure for eligible households. Qualifying military retirement income is excluded from Hawaii state taxable income, while certain totally disabled Veterans may qualify for real property tax exemptions. Those property-tax benefits vary by island and local jurisdiction.

The state also has a large defense economy. Hawaii’s defense sector brings in approximately $7.9 billion in annual defense spending and supports more than 20,000 civilian and 31,000 contractor jobs.

That combination can make Hawaii much more financially workable for a Veteran with a strong defense, federal, technical or healthcare career than for someone arriving without a job lined up.

Before you PCS to Hawaii permanently, run the numbers on more than your rent or mortgage. Factor in groceries, utilities, transportation, insurance, mainland travel and the cost of shipping or replacing household items. A salary that looks comfortable on the mainland may not stretch quite as far in Hawaii.

Outdoor Recreation & Veteran Lifestyle

This is the part that’s hard to beat.

Hawaii gives you access to an outdoor lifestyle that is genuinely difficult to replicate.

Depending on the island, you can spend your free time:

Surfing
Hiking
Snorkeling
Diving
Fishing
Swimming
Paddleboarding
Camping
Sailing
Mountain biking
Hunting
Exploring volcanic landscapes
Visiting beaches
Watching whales

And unlike some states where outdoor recreation is seasonal, Hawaii lets you spend time outside pretty much year-round.

For many Veterans, that’s more than a vacation perk.

It can change how you spend your life.

There’s a difference between saying:

“I should get outside more.”

and

“I can hike after work.”

Hawaii makes the second one realistic.

Military History Is Everywhere

Hawaii also offers something special for Veterans who appreciate military history.

Pearl Harbor isn’t simply a tourist attraction.

It’s one of the most significant military sites in American history.

Hawaii is also home to:

Pearl Harbor National Memorial
National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific
Battleship Missouri Memorial
Pacific Aviation Museum
Army and Marine Corps historical sites
Numerous military museums and memorials

For someone who spent years in uniform, living in a place with this much military history can feel different.

You’re not just visiting history.

You’re living around it.

Veteran Reality Check

Hawaii can be an incredible place to live after the military. It can also be a spectacularly expensive place to discover that your budget isn’t quite as flexible as you thought.

Housing is the big one. The median value of an owner-occupied home in Hawaii is $839,100, while median gross rent is $1,971. Median monthly owner costs for homeowners with a mortgage are $2,904.

And housing isn’t the only expense that can catch new residents off guard. Hawaii’s geographic isolation means many everyday goods have to travel a long way to get there. Groceries, utilities, fuel, vehicle expenses, home maintenance and other necessities can all add up quickly.

Your island matters, too. Oahu offers the largest concentration of military installations, federal employment, healthcare and civilian job opportunities. Life on Maui, the Big Island or Kauai can offer a different pace and lifestyle, but the civilian job market and access to specialized services can be more limited.

Mainland travel is another budget line. If your family regularly travels back to the mainland for holidays, family emergencies or other obligations, airfare can become a significant recurring expense. Hawaii is not a quick weekend drive from anywhere.

Healthcare also requires some planning. The VA Pacific Islands Healthcare System serves Veterans across Hawaii and other Pacific locations, but access to specialty care can vary depending on which island you call home.

There is a major financial bright spot for military retirees: qualifying military retirement income is not subject to Hawaii’s state income tax. Veterans may also qualify for certain property-tax and vehicle-registration benefits depending on disability status and location.

The bottom line: Hawaii works best when you have the income, benefits or career opportunity to support the cost of living. The military community and defense economy are genuine advantages, but beautiful beaches don’t pay the electric bill.

Pros & Cons of Living in Hawaii as a Veteran

Hawaii offers something few states can match: a massive military presence combined with a genuinely unique lifestyle. But the trade-offs are just as significant.

Pros

Huge military and defense community. Hawaii’s defense economy supports tens of thousands of civilian and contractor jobs.
Strong opportunities for military-adjacent careers. Defense, federal employment, IT, cybersecurity, logistics, aviation, healthcare and skilled trades can all be strong fits for Veterans.
Qualifying military retirement income is not subject to Hawaii state income tax.
Access to a large military community. Veterans and military families can find established networks, organizations and resources, particularly on Oahu.
Year-round outdoor recreation. Beaches, hiking, surfing, fishing and other outdoor activities are part of everyday life rather than something reserved for vacation.
Veteran employment assistance is available. Hawaii’s American Job Centers provide Veteran-focused employment, training, resume and job-search assistance.
Certain disability-related benefits. Qualifying totally disabled Veterans may receive real property tax exemptions, although the rules vary by county.

Cons

Housing is expensive. A median owner-occupied home value of $839,100 is a serious consideration for anyone relocating from a lower-cost state.
Everyday expenses can add up. Shipping, groceries, utilities, fuel and other costs can make Hawaii considerably more expensive than what you’re used to.
Mainland travel is expensive and time-consuming. Visiting family isn’t a road trip.
Career opportunities are concentrated. Oahu offers considerably more military, federal and civilian employment options than many neighbor-island communities.
Specialty healthcare may require additional travel. Access to services varies by island.
The economy is heavily connected to defense and tourism. Hawaii’s defense economy is a major economic driver, but that concentration can also make the state more sensitive to changes in federal spending.
Island life isn’t for everyone. Limited space, traffic, distance from the mainland and a smaller overall job market can take some adjustment.

The G.I. Jobs Bottom Line

Hawaii can be an excellent choice for the right Veteran — particularly someone with a career that fits the state’s defense, federal, healthcare, technical or skilled-trades economy.

It is a much tougher sell for someone whose top priorities are affordable housing, a large civilian job market or easy access to the mainland.

In other words: Hawaii can absolutely be your next mission. Just make sure your budget is coming with you.

Is Hawaii Right for You?

Hawaii isn’t the right state for every Veteran.

And that’s actually important to say.

A lot of relocation content treats Hawaii like the obvious winner because, well…

It’s Hawaii.

But you’re not buying a vacation.

You’re building a life.

If you have a strong civilian career lined up, military retirement income, remote work, a defense-related career or a specialized skill that commands good pay, Hawaii becomes much more interesting.

If you’re trying to find a $50,000 job and rent a house by yourself, the math gets harder.

If you’re a military retiree, Hawaii’s exclusion of military retirement income from state taxable income is a meaningful advantage.

If you’re in cybersecurity, logistics, aviation, healthcare, engineering or defense contracting, Hawaii’s economy may offer opportunities that align closely with your military experience.

If you’re raising a family, you’ll need to pay particular attention to housing, schools, commuting and childcare costs.

And if you simply want a completely different life after military service?

Well…

Hawaii certainly qualifies.

There is something to be said for finishing your service and waking up the next morning somewhere that feels completely different from where you started.

But don’t make the decision based on a beach photo.

Make it based on a career plan, budget and lifestyle plan.

If those three things work, Hawaii could be one of the most rewarding places you choose for your next mission.

Hawaii may be right for you if:

You have military retirement income.
You have a defense/federal career.
You have a specialized skill.
You have remote work.
You can afford Hawaii’s housing market.
You prioritize lifestyle and outdoor recreation.
You want to remain connected to a major military community.

Hawaii may not be right for you if:

You’re relocating without a job.
You’re counting on cheap housing.
You need a huge civilian job market.
You need frequent mainland travel.
You’re on a tight family budget.
You require specialized healthcare close to home.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Hawaii a good state for Veterans?

Yes. Hawaii has a large military presence, strong defense and government employment opportunities, Veteran services, VA healthcare, education benefits and a substantial military community. The major drawback is the state’s exceptionally high cost of living.

How many Veterans live in Hawaii?

The Census Bureau estimates approximately 87,697 Veterans live in Hawaii based on 2020–2024 data.

The VA’s FY2025 estimate puts Hawaii’s total Veteran population at approximately 105,848, reflecting differences in methodology and reference periods.

Does Hawaii tax military retirement pay?

Hawaii excludes qualifying pension income for past services from state taxable income, which includes military retirement pay.

What military bases are in Hawaii?

Major military facilities include Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Schofield Barracks, Fort Shafter, Camp H.M. Smith, Wheeler Army Airfield and other installations. Hawaii identifies 12 key military installations and bases across the state.

What are the best places for Veterans to live in Hawaii?

Honolulu, Kapolei, Kailua, Hilo, Kailua-Kona and Kahului are among the strongest options, depending on your career, budget and preferred lifestyle.

Does Hawaii have good VA healthcare?

Yes. VA Pacific Islands Health Care provides services through a network that includes the Spark M. Matsunaga VA Medical Center in Honolulu and outpatient clinics across several islands.

Is Hawaii expensive for Veterans?

Yes. Hawaii’s median owner-occupied home value was $839,100 and median gross rent was $1,971 for 2020–2024.

Veterans should compare salary and benefits against actual housing, transportation and daily living costs before relocating.

Can Veterans use the GI Bill in Hawaii?

Yes. Eligible Veterans can use federal GI Bill benefits at approved schools and training programs in Hawaii. The Hawaii State Approving Agency reviews and approves programs for VA education benefits.

Does Hawaii offer property-tax benefits to disabled Veterans?

Yes. Qualifying totally disabled Veterans may receive real-property tax exemptions on a home they own and occupy, although the specific benefit varies by island and county.

Does Hawaii have a strong defense industry?

Yes. Hawaii’s defense economy accounts for approximately 8.3% of state GDP, with about $7.9 billion in annual defense spending and more than 20,000 civilian and 31,000 contractor jobs tied to the defense economy.

What industries are hiring in Hawaii?

Healthcare, construction, accommodation, food services, transportation, government and defense-related industries are important parts of Hawaii’s economy. Healthcare and social assistance and construction were among the state’s strongest private-sector job-growth areas in early 2026.