Hawaii Office of Veterans Services
HIHawaii state veterans affairs office providing benefits counseling, claims assistance, and connections to state veteran programs.
Veteran Employment Resources in Hawaii
Find veteran employment resources in Hawaii. State hiring preferences, career counseling, job training, and transition assistance for Hawaii veterans.
Veterans bring exceptional skills to the civilian workforce — leadership, discipline, technical expertise, and the ability to perform under pressure. Hawaii, home to approximately 110,000 veterans, offers a robust network of employment resources to help service members transition to meaningful civilian careers.
This guide covers federal and state employment programs, hiring preferences, career counseling, training opportunities, and veteran-friendly employers in Hawaii.
Federal Employment Programs
American Job Centers & DVOP/LVER
The Department of Labor funds Disabled Veterans' Outreach Program (DVOP) specialists and Local Veterans' Employment Representatives (LVERs) at career centers across Hawaii. These specialists provide intensive career counseling, job placement, and follow-up services. Veterans receive priority of service at all federally funded employment programs.
VA Vocational Rehabilitation & Employment (VR&E)
Chapter 31 VR&E provides career counseling, resume development, job training, education, and job placement for Hawaii veterans with service-connected disabilities who face employment barriers. Contact the VA Regional Office serving Hawaii to apply.
Hawaii Employment Resources
Hawaii provides veterans' preference in state hiring. The state's military installations (Pearl Harbor, Schofield Barracks, Marine Corps Base Hawaii) provide extensive transition support. Tourism, healthcare, and defense industries actively recruit veterans
Skills Translation & Licensing
Hawaii has taken steps to recognize military credentials and training for civilian licensing. Veterans with military occupational specialties in healthcare, commercial driving, aviation, and other regulated fields should contact the OVS for assistance with credential recognition.
Veteran Entrepreneurship
The SBA's Office of Veterans Business Development provides resources including Boots to Business training, Veterans Business Outreach Centers (VBOCs), and SCORE mentoring. Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses (SDVOSBs) receive federal contracting preferences. Contact your nearest SBA office in Hawaii for details.
Key Resources
- VA Careers: VA for Vets at vaforvets.va.gov
- Federal Jobs: usajobs.gov (Veterans' Preference applies)
- OVS: Contact for state employment resources
- DOL Veterans Services: 1-866-487-2365
Employment Resources in Hawaii
Hawaii Military and Veterans Family Support Program
HISupport services for military and veteran families in Hawaii including counseling and family readiness programs.
Hawaii Department of Labor Veterans Services
HIEmployment and training services for Hawaii veterans including job placement and career counseling.
Legal Aid Society of Hawaii Veterans Project
HIFree civil legal assistance for low-income veterans in Hawaii.
Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation
HIState housing finance agency providing mortgage assistance, rental programs, and housing resources for Hawaii residents including veterans.
VA Pacific Islands Health Care System
HIVA health care system serving Hawaii veterans with medical, mental health, and specialty care services.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Does Hawaii offer veterans' hiring preference?
- Hawaii provides veterans' preference in state hiring. Veterans' Preference also applies to all federal jobs.
- What employment programs are available for disabled veterans in Hawaii?
- VA Vocational Rehabilitation & Employment (VR&E) provides career counseling, training, and job placement for veterans with service-connected disabilities. DVOP specialists at career centers provide intensive services for disabled veterans.
- How do I translate my military skills to civilian jobs in Hawaii?
- Use the VA Military Skills Translator at va.gov or O*NET to map military experience to civilian careers. Hawaii has also taken steps to recognize military credentials for state licensing.
- Where can I get job training in Hawaii?
- Options include VR&E, GI Bill-funded training, apprenticeships, state career center programs, and community college certificate programs. Contact your local career center or the OVS for specific programs.
- How do I start a business as a veteran in Hawaii?
- The SBA offers Boots to Business training, SCORE mentoring, and Veterans Business Outreach Centers. Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses receive federal contracting preferences. Contact your local SBA office in Hawaii.
Related guides in Hawaii
Employment in nearby states
Related resources
Recently verified employment resources serving Hawaii, ordered by most recent verification.
Hawaii Department of Labor Veterans Services
HIEmployment and training services for Hawaii veterans including job placement and career counseling.