Honolulu Vet Center & VA Pacific Islands: Complete Veterans Guide

Complete Guide to the Honolulu Vet Center, VA Pacific Islands Health Care, and Local Resources

The Honolulu Vet Center at 1680 Kapiolani Boulevard, Suite F-3, provides free, confidential readjustment counseling to Veterans, service members, and their families. Walk-ins are welcome; call (808) 973-8387 to schedule or with questions. Hours are Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. You do not need to be enrolled in VA care or have a service-connected rating to receive services.

Quick Facts

What Is the Honolulu Vet Center?

The Honolulu Vet Center is a community-based counseling center operated by the VA’s Readjustment Counseling Service. It offers confidential help for Veterans, service members, and their families at no cost in a comfortable, non-clinical setting. Services include counseling for the effects of military trauma, information about VA services and benefits, and referral to community resources.

Vet Centers are distinct from VA medical centers and regional benefit offices. They focus specifically on readjustment counseling — helping Veterans transition from military to civilian life or recover after a traumatic event experienced in the military.

Honolulu Vet Center Contact Information

The Honolulu Vet Center also offers non-traditional hours that change periodically based on community needs. Call ahead to confirm evening or weekend availability.

Where Is the Honolulu Vet Center Located?

The Honolulu Vet Center is inside the 1680 Kapiolani Center building on Kapiolani Boulevard, just below a 24 Hour Fitness gym. The office entrance is on the street level.

Parking: Veterans may park on any level of the 1680 Kapiolani Center parking structure. Staff will validate your parking ticket upon arrival. Public access to and from the structure is through the 24 Hour Fitness reception area. Free street-level parking is also available from Kalauokalani Way at the rear of the building — park in the marked Vet Center stalls.

Public Transit: Multiple bus stops are within short walking distance from the office.

Services Available at the Honolulu Vet Center

The Honolulu Vet Center provides a comprehensive range of counseling and support services, all free of charge.

Core Readjustment Counseling Services

• Individual counseling for war-zone stress, PTSD, and deployment-related issues

• Couples and family counseling to support relationships affected by military trauma

• Group counseling for Veterans with shared experiences

• Military sexual trauma (MST) counseling for Veterans who experienced sexual harassment or assault during service

• Bereavement counseling for family members of service members who died in service

The Honolulu Vet Center provides assessment and counseling for PTSD, sexual trauma, family issues, and employment in addition to readjustment counseling for combat-related issues.

Additional Support Services

• VA benefits explanation and referral — Staff help Veterans understand their VA benefits and connect them with the right offices

• Employment counseling — Assistance with job search strategies, resume preparation, and referrals

• Screening and referral to VA medical services — Connection to the VA Pacific Islands Health Care System

• Community resource referrals — Connections to local organizations, housing assistance, and legal aid

Special Programs at the Honolulu Vet Center

VBA at the Vet Center: Honolulu VA Regional Benefits Office staff visit the Honolulu Vet Center once a month to provide assistance with VA claims and other benefits issues. This service is by appointment only — call the Vet Center for scheduling information.

Quarterly Resource Trio Gathering: The Honolulu Vet Center, Catholic Charities Hawai‘i (CCH), and the Veterans Business Outreach Centers of the Pacific (VBOC) host a quarterly gathering for resources and information. Call the Vet Center for event details.

Mobile Vet Center

The Honolulu Vet Center operates a Mobile Vet Center that brings counseling services directly to Veterans in remote areas of Oahu and neighboring islands. The mobile unit is equipped with private counseling spaces and satellite communications. Call (808) 973-8387 for the current mobile schedule.

Who Qualifies for Honolulu Vet Center Services?

You do not need to be registered for care at VA, rated for a service-connected disability, or receiving any other form of VA benefits to receive Vet Center services. Eligibility is based on qualifying military service.

Eligibility Categories

• Combat Veterans — Veterans who served in a combat theater or area of hostility

• Veterans who experienced military sexual trauma — Any Veteran who experienced sexual harassment or assault during service

• Veterans who served in support of combat operations — Including those in direct support roles

• Active-duty service members — Including National Guard and Reserve members who served in qualifying locations

• Family members — Spouses, children, and parents of eligible Veterans for family counseling and bereavement services

What to Bring on Your First Visit

On your first visit, staff will check for one or more of the following to establish eligibility:

• Discharge documents (such as a DD-214)

• Receipt of certain awards (Purple Heart, Combat Action Ribbon, etc.)

• Deployment orders

• Other documents showing qualifying military service

If you don’t have these documents on hand, come in anyway — staff can work with you to establish eligibility and answer questions. You can also request your military service records online.

How to Visit the Honolulu Vet Center

Visiting the Honolulu Vet Center is straightforward — no appointment is required for initial contact.

Step-by-Step: Your First Visit

1. Call ahead (recommended): Call (808) 973-8387 to let staff know you’re coming and what you’d like to discuss. This helps them prepare.

2. Walk in during business hours: The center is open Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Counseling staff are on duty during all business hours.

3. Bring what you have: DD-214, deployment orders, or any military records. If you don’t have them, staff will help you establish eligibility.

4. Meet with a counselor: You’ll have an intake session to discuss your needs and determine the best path forward.

5. Schedule follow-up: If ongoing counseling is appropriate, you’ll set up a regular appointment schedule.

After-Hours Support

If you contact the Vet Center when it is closed, the 24/7 Vet Center Call Center will take your call at 877-927-8387 and staff will reach out to you as soon as the office opens the next business day.

VA Pacific Islands Health Care System: Honolulu VA Hospital Services

The VA Pacific Islands Health Care System (VAPIHCS) provides healthcare to an estimated 127,600 Veterans throughout Hawaii and the Pacific Islands. The system operates 11 locations across Hawaii, American Samoa, and Guam.

VA Pacific Islands Facilities

Spark M. Matsunaga VA Medical Center

The Spark M. Matsunaga VA Medical Center at 459 Patterson Road, Honolulu, HI 96819 is the primary VA medical facility for Hawaii. The main phone number is 800-214-1306 for appointments.

Services include:

• Primary care and specialty health services

• Mental health services including individual and group therapy

• The Spark Matsunaga Ambulatory Care Center on Oahu provides outpatient medical and mental health care

• Community-based outpatient clinics across the islands

How to Schedule VA Healthcare Appointments

Veterans must make an appointment prior to visiting a clinic for care. Call 1-800-214-1306 to make an appointment at any VA Pacific Islands facility.

Honolulu VA Regional Benefit Office

The Honolulu VA Regional Benefit Office is located at 459 Patterson Road, Honolulu, HI 96819, inside the Spark M. Matsunaga VA Medical Center campus. Hours are Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The office helps Veterans, service members, and their families access disability compensation, education benefits, life insurance, pensions, and home loans.

Contact and Appointments

• Main Phone: VA benefits hotline at 800-827-1000

• Public Contact Mailbox: pctc.vbahon@va.gov

• Phone: 808-433-0280

• Appointments: Schedule through the Visitor Engagement Reporting Application (VERA) online

• Walk-ins: Accepted

What to bring: Current, unexpired photo ID, DD-214, Social Security number, direct deposit information, and dependent information (dates of birth and SSNs). Free customer parking is available in front and adjacent to the Regional Office.

VBA Outreach to Neighbor Islands

VA Benefits Counselors from the Honolulu Regional Office travel to Maui, Hilo, and other locations periodically to provide in-person assistance. To schedule an appointment, email pctc.vbahon@va.gov or call 808-433-0280.

VA Disability Compensation: Eligibility and 2026 Rates

VA disability compensation is a tax-free monthly payment for Veterans who have physical or mental health conditions caused or worsened by military service. The amount depends on the disability rating, which ranges from 0% to 100% in increments of 10%.

2026 VA Disability Compensation Rates

Rates are effective December 1, 2025, through November 30, 2026. The 2026 COLA increase was 2.8%.

Veterans with a 30% or higher rating can claim additional compensation for dependents. Use VA Form 21-686c to add dependents to an existing award.

How to File a VA Disability Claim from Honolulu

Option 1: Online (Fastest)

1. Go to VA.gov and sign in with a DS Logon, ID.me, or Login.gov account

2. Complete VA Form 21-526EZ electronically

3. Upload supporting documents (DD-214, medical records, buddy statements)

4. Submit and receive a confirmation number

Option 2: In Person

1. Visit the Honolulu VA Regional Benefit Office at 459 Patterson Road

2. Bring a current, unexpired photo ID

3. Bring your DD-214 and medical records

4. Schedule an appointment through VERA or walk in during business hours

Option 3: Free Help from Hawaii Office of Veterans Services

1. Contact the OVS Oahu Office at (808) 433-0420

2. Visit 459 Patterson Road, E-Wing, Room 1-A103, Honolulu, HI 96819

3. A Veterans Service Officer will help file your claim at no cost

4. OVS can also help with appeals, claims, and VA hearings

PACT Act: Expanded Benefits for Hawaii Veterans

The PACT Act expands VA health care and benefits for Veterans exposed to burn pits, Agent Orange, and other toxic substances. It covers Veterans who served in Vietnam, Gulf War, Iraq, Afghanistan, and post-9/11 combat zones. More than 20 burn pit and toxic-exposure-related conditions are presumptively service-connected.

Under the PACT Act, Veterans exposed to toxic substances can access:

• Free hearing aids and eyeglasses

• Affordable health care options with medication copayments starting at $8 and capped at $33

• Expanded eligibility for VA health care enrollment

• Toxic exposure screening during VA health care visits

What Hawaii Veterans Should Do Next

1. Visit VA.gov/PACT to check eligibility

2. Contact the OVS Oahu Office at (808) 433-0420 for free claim assistance

3. Call 800-698-2411 with questions about PACT Act eligibility

4. Enroll in VA health care even if you have not filed a disability claim

VA Healthcare Enrollment in Honolulu

VA healthcare enrollment is separate from VA disability compensation. Veterans can qualify for VA health care even without a service-connected disability.

Who Qualifies for VA Health Care

You may qualify if you served in the active military, naval, or air service, were discharged under conditions other than dishonorable, and served at least 24 months of continuous active duty (or the full period for which you were called to active duty).

VA Health Care Priority Groups

Priority Groups 1–5 have no copayments for medical care. Priority Groups 6 and 7 have copayments for care and medications.

How to Enroll in VA Health Care

Option 1: Online

1. Go to VA.gov/health-care/apply

2. Complete VA Form 10-10EZ electronically

Option 2: By Phone

1. Call 877-222-8387

Option 3: In Person

1. Visit the Spark M. Matsunaga VA Medical Center at 459 Patterson Road

2. Bring your DD-214, photo ID, and income information

Required Documents for Enrollment

• DD-214 (or separation papers)

• Photo ID (driver’s license or passport)

• Income information from the previous calendar year (for non-service-connected Veterans)

• Current insurance cards (Medicare, Medicaid, Tricare, or private insurance)

Hawaii State Veterans Benefits

Beyond federal VA benefits, Hawaii offers its own package of state-level benefits for Veterans and their families, administered by the Hawaii Office of Veterans Services (OVS) .

Hawaii Property Tax Exemption for Disabled Veterans

Hawaii law exempts from all property taxes (except special assessments) real property owned and occupied as a home by a totally disabled Veteran or their surviving spouse, provided the total disability was incurred while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces. The exemption applies as long as the Veteran remains totally disabled.

Key details:

• Honolulu and Hawaii County exempt fully above a minimum tax threshold

• Maui and Kauai have different thresholds and eligibility requirements

• Veterans rated 80%–100% disabled by the VA may qualify for a totally disabled veteran exemption

• Veterans rated less than 80% may qualify for a disabled veteran exemption with different thresholds

How to apply: Complete the claim form with your county real property assessment office:

• Honolulu: Real Property Assessment Division, 842 Bethel Street, Basement, Honolulu, HI 96813 — (808) 768-3799

• Kapolei: 1000 Ulouhia Street #206, Kapolei, HI 96707

Deadline: Most counties have a September 30 filing deadline for the following tax year. Contact your county office to confirm.

Required documents: VA rating letter, DD-214, official ID, and marriage/death certificate if applicable.

Hawaii Education Benefits

University of Hawaii Tuition Waiver: Eligible Veterans may receive a tuition waiver at University of Hawaii campuses. OVS administers the Hawaii GI Bill program in coordination with UH.

Hawaii National Guard State Tuition Assistance Program (STAP): Provides tuition waivers to eligible members who complete Basic Combat Training and Advanced Individual Training. The waiver covers 100% of tuition at a state community college and 50% at a state four-year university.

Federal GI Bill Benefits: Veterans can use Post-9/11 GI Bill (Chapter 33) benefits at Hawaii institutions, including monthly housing allowance, book stipend, and up to 36 months of education benefits.

Hawaii Military Retirement Pay Tax Exemption

Military retirement pay is exempt from Hawaii state income tax. This is a significant benefit for retired service members living in Hawaii.

Hawaii Employment Benefits

• Veterans’ Preference in state and county civil service hiring

• Re-employment rights for Reservists and National Guard members returning to state or county government positions

• Job counseling and referrals through the Workforce Development Division, Department of Labor and Industrial Relations

Hawaii Burial Benefits

Qualified Veterans and their dependents are eligible for burial in Veterans Cemeteries on Oahu, Hawaii, Kauai, Maui, Molokai, or Lanai. OVS also assists with burial arrangements and provides free certified copies of vital statistics forms when needed for Veterans’ claims.

Hawaii Hunting and Fishing Benefits

Free hunting license for disabled Veterans through the Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources.

Hawaii Office of Veterans Services Contact Information

The OVS is the principal state office responsible for developing and managing policies and programs related to Veterans. It provides claims assistance, appeals representation, and referrals to federal and state benefits.

Oahu Office Hours: Monday–Friday, 7:45 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

OVS Services Include:

• Assist in preparation of VA claims

• Help individuals file VA appeals

• Represent Veterans at VA hearings

• Obtain Veteran birth, marriage, divorce, and death certificates nationwide

• Assist with burial

• Provide notary services

• Maintain DD-214 records

VA Pension and Survivor Benefits

VA Pension (Wartime Veterans)

VA pension is a needs-based monthly benefit for wartime Veterans with limited income. Eligibility requires:

• Wartime service (at least 90 days active duty, with at least 1 day during a wartime period)

• Honorable discharge

• Limited income and net worth

• Age 65 or older, OR permanently and totally disabled, OR a patient in a nursing home, OR receiving Social Security Disability Insurance

For 2026, the income limits are:

• Veteran only, no dependents: $19,836 or less

• Veteran with dependent spouse or children: $26,663 or less

• Net worth limit: $163,699

Aid and Attendance and Housebound benefits provide additional monthly payments for Veterans who need help with daily activities.

Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC)

DIC is a tax-free monthly benefit for surviving spouses, children, and parents of Veterans who died from service-connected causes. For 2026, the standard monthly payment for a surviving spouse is $1,699.36.

Survivors may qualify for DIC if:

• The Veteran died from a service-connected condition

• The Veteran was permanently and totally disabled from a service-connected condition at time of death

• The Veteran died while receiving VA compensation for a service-connected condition

VA Decision Reviews and Appeals

If you disagree with a VA decision, you have three options for review. You must file within one year of the decision date to preserve your effective date.

If more than one year has passed since the decision, your only option is to file a Supplemental Claim.

The Hawaii Office of Veterans Services provides free representation for appeals, including representing Veterans at VA hearings. Contact the OVS Oahu Office at (808) 433-0420.

Common Mistakes That Delay VA Claims

1. Not listing all conditions — Each disability must be explicitly listed on VA Form 21-526EZ

2. Failing to submit medical evidence — Provide strong evidence yourself; do not rely on VA alone

3. Missing partial dates — VA forms require complete dates

4. Ignoring secondary conditions — Conditions caused by a service-connected disability must be claimed separately

5. Not signing the form — Missing signatures can result in claim cancellation

6. Not responding to VA requests — Respond within the deadline or your claim may be denied

7. Skipping the C&P exam — Missing the exam almost always leads to denial

8. Filing without an ITF — Without an Intent to File, your effective date is the date you file the full claim

9. Not keeping a copy — Always keep a complete copy of everything you submit to VA

10. Waiting too long to appeal — You have one year from the decision date to preserve your effective date

Common Questions

Where is the Honolulu Vet Center located?

The Honolulu Vet Center is at 1680 Kapiolani Boulevard, Suite F-3, Honolulu, HI 96814-3700, inside the 1680 Kapiolani Center building. Free validated parking is available in the building’s parking structure. The office entrance is on the street level below 24 Hour Fitness.

What are the Honolulu Vet Center hours?

Hours are Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The center is closed Saturday and Sunday. Non-traditional hours may be available periodically — call (808) 973-8387 to confirm.

Do I need an appointment to visit the Honolulu Vet Center?

No. Walk-ins are welcome during business hours. However, calling ahead at (808) 973-8387 is recommended so staff can prepare for your visit. Counseling staff are on duty during all business hours.

Do I need to be enrolled in VA healthcare to use the Vet Center?

No. You do not need to be registered for care at VA, rated for a service-connected disability, or receiving any other form of VA benefits to receive Vet Center services. Eligibility is based on qualifying military service.

What services does the Honolulu Vet Center provide?

The center provides individual, couples, family, and group counseling for PTSD, military sexual trauma, deployment-related issues, and readjustment challenges. Staff also provide VA benefits explanation, employment counseling, and referrals to community resources.

What should I bring to my first Vet Center visit?

Bring your DD-214, deployment orders, or other proof of qualifying military service. If you don’t have these documents, staff can work with you to establish eligibility on-site.

How do I contact the Honolulu VA Regional Benefit Office?

Call the VA benefits hotline at 800-827-1000 or email pctc.vbahon@va.gov. The office is at 459 Patterson Road, Honolulu, HI 96819 inside the Spark M. Matsunaga VA Medical Center campus. Hours are Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

How do I schedule a VA healthcare appointment in Honolulu?

Call 1-800-214-1306 to make an appointment at the Spark M. Matsunaga VA Medical Center or any VA Pacific Islands clinic. Veterans must make an appointment prior to visiting a clinic for care.

What Hawaii state benefits are available to Veterans?

Hawaii offers a property tax exemption for totally disabled Veterans, free University of Hawaii tuition for eligible Veterans, military retirement pay tax exemption, state hiring preference, burial benefits at state Veterans cemeteries, and a free hunting license for disabled Veterans.

How do I apply for the Hawaii disabled veteran property tax exemption?

Contact your county real property assessment office. In Honolulu, call (808) 768-3799. The deadline is typically September 30 for the following tax year. Required documents include your VA rating letter, DD-214, and official ID.

What is the PACT Act and does it apply to Hawaii Veterans?

The PACT Act expands VA benefits for Veterans exposed to burn pits, Agent Orange, and other toxins. It covers Veterans who served in Vietnam, Gulf War, Iraq, Afghanistan, and post-9/11 combat zones. Hawaii Veterans can check eligibility at VA.gov/PACT.

Can I get care from a non-VA provider in Honolulu?

Yes, if you qualify for VA Community Care. You must be enrolled in VA health care, have a referral from your VA care team, and meet eligibility criteria (service unavailable at VA, wait times exceed standards, or drive times exceed standards).

What is the VA pension income limit for 2026?

For 2026, the VA pension income limit is $19,836** for a Veteran alone with no dependents and **$26,663 for a Veteran with a dependent spouse or children. The net worth limit is $163,699.

Does the Honolulu Vet Center offer telehealth services?

Yes. The Honolulu Vet Center offers telehealth services in addition to in-person counseling. Call (808) 973-8387 to ask about virtual appointment availability.

Key Takeaways

• The Honolulu Vet Center at 1680 Kapiolani Blvd., Suite F-3, provides free, confidential readjustment counseling — call (808) 973-8387.

• Walk-ins are welcome — no appointment required, and no VA enrollment or service-connected rating is needed.

• Services include individual, couples, family, and group counseling for PTSD, military sexual trauma, and deployment-related issues.

• The 24/7 Vet Center Call Center at 877-927-8387 provides after-hours support.

• The Spark M. Matsunaga VA Medical Center at 459 Patterson Road is the primary VA hospital for Hawaii — call 1-800-214-1306 for appointments.

• The Honolulu VA Regional Benefit Office at 459 Patterson Road handles disability compensation, education, insurance, pensions, and home loans.

• 2026 VA disability rates range from $180.42/month** (10%) to **$3,291.06/month (100% veteran alone).

• Hawaii offers a property tax exemption for totally disabled Veterans and their surviving spouses.

• Military retirement pay is exempt from Hawaii state income tax.

• The Hawaii Office of Veterans Services at (808) 433-0420 provides free claims assistance and appeals representation.

• Three decision review options exist: Supplemental Claim, Higher-Level Review, and Board Appeal.

• Veterans Crisis Line is available 24/7 by calling 988, Press 1, texting 838255, or chatting online.

Official Resources

• VA.gov — Apply for benefits, check claim status, find VA facilities: va.gov

• Honolulu Vet Center — va.gov/honolulu-vet-center

• VA Pacific Islands Health Care System — va.gov/pacific-islands-health-care

• Spark M. Matsunaga VA Medical Center — va.gov/pacific-islands-health-care

• Honolulu VA Regional Benefit Office — va.gov/honolulu-va-regional-benefit-office-at-spark-m-matsunaga-department-of-veterans-affairs-medical-center

• Hawaii Office of Veterans Services — dod.hawaii.gov/ovs

• VA PACT Act Information — va.gov/PACT

• VA Decision Reviews and Appeals — va.gov/decision-reviews

• VA Form 21-526EZ — va.gov/forms/21-526ez

• VA Health Care Enrollment — va.gov/health-care/apply

• Veterans Crisis Line — veteranscrisisline.net

• SSA.gov — Social Security Disability information: ssa.gov

• USA.gov — Government benefits and services: usa.gov

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