There are a few duty stations as alluring as tropical Hawaii for military families. However, moving to this island locale considerably differs from moving to other places in the United States.
While Hawaii has many beautiful locations and fun things to do, living there can be expensive. The islands’ remote location also makes traveling back to the continental US difficult. Fortunately, the military provides extra resources such as BAH and COLA to help service members and their families make the most of their time in Hawaii.
What Makes Moving to Hawaii Different?
When you get a new duty station assignment, it’s important to understand how your allowances for housing and living expenses change based on location. Despite being part of the United States, Hawaii also requires a lengthy moving process.
When living in Hawaii, military members receive Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH), the same type of housing allowance received at other duty stations within the continental US. This allows military members and their families to live within the local community without incurring high costs themselves. The rates are based on ZIP Code, so BAH in Hawaii is among the highest. However, if you live in one of the numerous military housing options on the islands, you won’t receive BAH, but all your housing costs are covered.
A cost of living allowance (COLA) is authorized for those living overseas, including Hawaii, so an additional COLA allowance is provided monthly. This extra amount covers the higher cost of day-to-day staples like food, gas, and other necessities.
On average, military members receive around $300 per month for COLA. But the exact rate is based on pay grade as well as where in the Hawaiian Islands you are stationed. You can look up your rate before moving to Hawaii and find out how much it will increase each year.
Additionally, even though Hawaii is a state, conducting a PCS to the islands is classified as an OCONUS (Outside the Continental US) move. Alaska and anywhere else outside the lower 48 states fall in this OCONUS category. So, there are some inherent differences between a CONUS and OCONUS move to keep in mind when conducting a PCS to Hawaii.
How Much is BAH in Hawaii?
The exact amount of authorized BAH in Hawaii depends on a few factors, such as the service member’s specific living situation as well as their current length of service in the military. When looking up your BAH rate for Hawaii, be sure to know:
- Your dependents’ status in your official military record
- Pay grade
Your COLA rate is based on the same variables. Those at a higher pay grade and military members with dependents receive a higher BAH and a higher cost of living allowance. The rates adjust periodically to reflect the current cost of housing and living essentials.
On Base vs. Off Base
When deciding between on-base housing and off-base housing in Hawaii, think about the requirements of your new position as well as the amenities you want easy access to during your time on the island. It’s also important to note that BAH is provided at a set rate regardless of your actual housing cost. This differs from an overseas housing allowance (OHA), which only covers up to a certain amount, and if your housing agreement is lower, your OHA is lower.
If you live on base, things like the commissary, military exchange store, and family support programs will be right outside your door. However, you may not get to enjoy all the local community has to offer. Because you don’t receive BAH, you won’t be able to pocket any extra allowance not spent on housing.
Living off base can be pricey, but housing costs vary widely based on your location on the island. If you spend less than your total allowance, you can keep the extra. Finding off-base housing requires a little more work, but you can live exactly where you want, closer to work, the beach, or Honolulu nightlife.
Ultimately, the best decision depends on what you want to get out of your time stationed in Hawaii and your financial picture.
Hawaiian Island BAH Rates
Hawaii is a chain of islands, so you can be stationed in multiple places within the Hawaiian Islands. Oahu has the majority of military installations, but it’s not the only island with a military presence. The exact rates for housing allowance are similar between the islands, but not exactly the same. You can look up your BAH rate using a BAH calculator.
| E4 BAH (without dependents) | E4 BAH (with dependents) | |
| Oahu | $2,403 | $3,204 |
| Hawaii Island | $2,454 | $3,273 |
| Kauai | $2,589 | $3,357 |
| Maui, Lanai, Molokai | $2,838 | $3,783 |
How Can I Find Good Housing in Hawaii?
When searching for housing in Hawaii, a helpful platform is key. AHRN provides military-friendly listings for rentals and for sale, so you know exactly how your new home will fit in with military life. Browse current listings that provide easy access to bases as well as amenities to help you get started on your PCS move to Hawaii.
Interested in a more personalized guide to help you navigate a PCS move to Hawaii? Check out AHRN’s updated PCS Toolkit or Plan My PCS online portal to gain access to additional PCS-related resources.