Honolulu County table, other islands, and rate protection
2026 Hawaii BAH Rates, Honolulu County and Islands
DoD BAH overview
DoD BAH rates and policy
Honolulu County BAH table
FHFA 2026 limits
Hawaii BAH varies by county and dependency status, and it can change each year based on rental market data. Oahu installations use Honolulu County rates, while Maui, Kauai, and Hawaii County can look very different. Use the tables below as a quick reference, then confirm your exact Military Housing Area before budgeting a lease or mortgage.
2026 Honolulu County BAH rates, Oahu installations
- E1 to E4: With dependents $3,333, without dependents $2,598 for Honolulu County.
- E5 and E6: E5 with dependents $3,663, without dependents $2,856, E6 with dependents $3,912, without dependents $3,036.
- E7 and W2: E7 with dependents $4,098, without dependents $3,348, W2 with dependents $4,182, without dependents $3,717.
- Officers: O1 with dependents $3,702, without dependents $2,997, O3 with dependents $4,428, without dependents $3,819, O5 with dependents $4,959, without dependents $4,224.
Other Hawaii counties can differ a lot
- Do not assume Oahu pricing: Maui, Kauai, and Hawaii County are separate housing areas, so the same rank can receive a different allowance.
- Quick planning shortcut: If you are comparing islands, start with your pay grade and dependency status, then confirm the county cost group for the ZIP code.
- Why it changes: BAH is tied to survey based rent and utility estimates, so shifts in rental supply can move the table year to year.
- Best next step: Use the official DoD BAH tools to verify the exact Military Housing Area for your address before signing a lease.
BAH rate protection, what it actually means
- You are protected from decreases: DoD policy provides individual rate protection so your BAH does not drop if published rates go down.
- Status must stay the same: The protection applies as long as your BAH eligibility status does not change, such as dependency status and rank.
- PCS can reset it: A move to a new location can change your rate because you are now in a different housing area.
- Practical takeaway: Budget using the lower of rent reality and protected BAH, then keep an emergency buffer for utilities and commuting.
Buying power and 2026 conforming limits in Hawaii
- BAH can count as income: Lenders often treat BAH as stable housing allowance income when it is documented on your LES.
- Hawaii loan limit rules: FHFA lists a higher statutory ceiling for Hawaii, with a one unit ceiling of $1,873,675 for 2026.
- Full entitlement still matters: With full VA entitlement, there is no VA program loan limit for zero down, lender qualification and appraised value are the gates.
- Plan like a lender: Use a conservative payment target, then sanity check DTI and residual income, not just the home price.
FAQs
How do I look up my 2026 Hawaii BAH rate?
Use the official DoD BAH tools and search by ZIP code, pay grade, and dependent status. For Oahu bases, you will be in Honolulu County. For other islands, confirm the county cost group before budgeting rent.
Will my BAH go down if 2026 rates drop in my area?
Can I use Hawaii BAH to qualify for a VA mortgage payment?
View BAH Rates in:
What is the Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH)?
BAH is a monthly, tax-free housing allowance provided to military personnel who live off base. In Hawaii, it helps service members afford housing on Oahu and other islands where rent costs are among the highest in the nation.
The Department of Defense recalculates BAH annually using rental market data for each Military Housing Area (MHA). Hawaii’s rates are among the top in the country due to persistent demand and limited supply.
How BAH Rates Are Determined
BAH is based on:
- Location: Rates vary by ZIP code — Honolulu, Kapolei, and Kaneohe each have different costs.
- Rank: Higher ranks receive greater BAH amounts to reflect housing needs.
- Dependents: Those with dependents receive increased BAH to support family-sized housing.
How to Use the BAH Charts
To determine your monthly BAH in Hawaii for 2026:
- Identify your assigned base or ZIP code (e.g. 96853 for Pearl Harbor).
- Select your rank/pay grade.
- Check the rate for with or without dependents.
2026 Hawaii BAH Rate Charts
Hawaii BAH rates increased by 5.4% in 2026. Use the charts below to find your updated housing allowance near JBPHH, Schofield Barracks, and other installations across Oahu.
Hawaii Housing Costs & BAH Impact
Hawaii consistently ranks among the most expensive rental markets in the U.S. Areas like Honolulu, Kailua, and Kapolei see high competition and limited housing availability. BAH in Hawaii reflects this challenge, with rates among the highest nationwide. In 2026, the DoD adjusted Hawaii’s rates upward by 5.4% to keep pace with increasing demand. Despite high allowances, some military families may still face out-of-pocket costs, especially near JBPHH and MCBH. In rural or less dense areas, BAH may fully cover rental expenses.
Convert Your BAH to VA Buying Power
Enter your BAH and key financials. We’ll estimate a comfortable VA home price and the resulting monthly payment.
Explore More BAH Insights
2026 Hawaii BAH Rate Charts
In 2026, the Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) rates in Hawaii have risen in line with the national average increase of approximately 5.4%. This adjustment, made annually by the Department of Defense, ensures that allowances keep pace with local housing costs and provide the financial support needed for service members to find suitable off-base housing.
Below are the updated BAH rate charts for key Hawaii Military Housing Areas (MHAs). Use these tables to quickly determine your housing allowance based on your rank and dependent status.
MAUI COUNTY, HI BAH Rates
Military Housing Area: HI407
| Grade | With Dependents | Without Dependents |
|---|---|---|
| E01 | $3,783 | $2,838 |
| E02 | $3,783 | $2,838 |
| E03 | $3,783 | $2,838 |
| E04 | $3,783 | $2,838 |
| E05 | $4,287 | $3,216 |
| E06 | $5,157 | $3,867 |
| E07 | $5,271 | $3,954 |
| E08 | $5,388 | $4,410 |
| E09 | $5,661 | $4,605 |
| W01 | $5,181 | $3,885 |
| W02 | $5,322 | $4,407 |
| W03 | $5,517 | $4,641 |
| W04 | $5,730 | $5,184 |
| W05 | $6,048 | $5,298 |
| O01E | $5,289 | $4,284 |
| O02E | $5,475 | $4,551 |
| O03E | $5,775 | $5,154 |
| O01 | $4,365 | $3,273 |
| O02 | $5,142 | $4,122 |
| O03 | $5,505 | $4,752 |
| O04 | $6,159 | $5,271 |
| O05 | $6,657 | $5,340 |
| O06 | $6,723 | $5,499 |
| O07 | $6,783 | $5,601 |
BAH for MAUI COUNTY, HI includes the following zip codes: 96708, 96713, 96729, 96732, 96733, 96742, 96748, 96753, 96757, 96761, 96763, 96767, 96768, 96770, 96779, 96784, 96788, 96790, 96793
HONOLULU COUNTY, HI BAH Rates
Military Housing Area: HI408
| Grade | With Dependents | Without Dependents |
|---|---|---|
| E01 | $3,204 | $2,403 |
| E02 | $3,204 | $2,403 |
| E03 | $3,204 | $2,403 |
| E04 | $3,204 | $2,403 |
| E05 | $3,513 | $2,682 |
| E06 | $3,738 | $2,925 |
| E07 | $3,915 | $3,216 |
| E08 | $4,104 | $3,564 |
| E09 | $4,308 | $3,621 |
| W01 | $3,759 | $3,102 |
| W02 | $3,993 | $3,561 |
| W03 | $4,227 | $3,630 |
| W04 | $4,341 | $3,774 |
| W05 | $4,482 | $3,957 |
| O01E | $3,945 | $3,510 |
| O02E | $4,194 | $3,609 |
| O03E | $4,362 | $3,729 |
| O01 | $3,549 | $2,889 |
| O02 | $3,735 | $3,414 |
| O03 | $4,221 | $3,654 |
| O04 | $4,530 | $3,924 |
| O05 | $4,743 | $4,029 |
| O06 | $4,785 | $4,209 |
| O07 | $4,827 | $4,287 |
BAH for HONOLULU COUNTY, HI includes the following zip codes: 96701, 96706, 96707, 96709, 96712, 96717, 96730, 96731, 96734, 96744, 96759, 96762, 96782, 96786, 96789, 96791, 96792, 96795, 96797, 96801, 96802, 96803, 96804, 96805, 96806, 96807, 96808, 96809, 96810, 96811, 96812, 96813, 96814, 96815, 96816, 96817, 96818, 96819, 96820, 96821, 96822, 96823, 96824, 96825, 96826, 96828, 96830, 96836, 96837, 96838, 96839, 96840, 96841, 96843, 96844, 96846, 96847, 96848, 96849, 96850, 96853, 96854, 96857, 96858, 96859, 96860, 96861, 96863, 96898
HAWAII COUNTY, HI BAH Rates
Military Housing Area: HI409
| Grade | With Dependents | Without Dependents |
|---|---|---|
| E01 | $3,273 | $2,454 |
| E02 | $3,273 | $2,454 |
| E03 | $3,273 | $2,454 |
| E04 | $3,273 | $2,454 |
| E05 | $3,453 | $2,868 |
| E06 | $3,513 | $3,108 |
| E07 | $3,612 | $3,279 |
| E08 | $3,726 | $3,471 |
| E09 | $3,828 | $3,477 |
| W01 | $3,528 | $3,222 |
| W02 | $3,660 | $3,468 |
| W03 | $3,798 | $3,480 |
| W04 | $3,843 | $3,528 |
| W05 | $3,897 | $3,639 |
| O01E | $3,630 | $3,450 |
| O02E | $3,780 | $3,474 |
| O03E | $3,849 | $3,498 |
| O01 | $3,468 | $3,090 |
| O02 | $3,510 | $3,396 |
| O03 | $3,795 | $3,486 |
| O04 | $3,909 | $3,615 |
| O05 | $3,984 | $3,675 |
| O06 | $4,020 | $3,780 |
| O07 | $4,053 | $3,852 |
BAH for HAWAII COUNTY, HI includes the following zip codes: 96704, 96710, 96718, 96719, 96720, 96721, 96725, 96726, 96727, 96728, 96737, 96738, 96739, 96740, 96743, 96745, 96749, 96750, 96755, 96760, 96764, 96771, 96772, 96773, 96774, 96776, 96777, 96778, 96780, 96781, 96783, 96785
KAUAI COUNTY, HI BAH Rates
Military Housing Area: HI414
| Grade | With Dependents | Without Dependents |
|---|---|---|
| E01 | $3,357 | $2,589 |
| E02 | $3,357 | $2,589 |
| E03 | $3,357 | $2,589 |
| E04 | $3,357 | $2,589 |
| E05 | $3,597 | $2,928 |
| E06 | $3,996 | $3,138 |
| E07 | $4,068 | $3,366 |
| E08 | $4,140 | $3,681 |
| E09 | $4,335 | $3,795 |
| W01 | $4,014 | $3,279 |
| W02 | $4,098 | $3,678 |
| W03 | $4,191 | $3,810 |
| W04 | $4,392 | $4,008 |
| W05 | $4,635 | $4,083 |
| O01E | $4,074 | $3,594 |
| O02E | $4,176 | $3,768 |
| O03E | $4,428 | $3,987 |
| O01 | $3,651 | $3,111 |
| O02 | $3,993 | $3,522 |
| O03 | $4,188 | $3,849 |
| O04 | $4,722 | $4,062 |
| O05 | $5,103 | $4,101 |
| O06 | $5,151 | $4,170 |
| O07 | $5,196 | $4,248 |
BAH for KAUAI COUNTY, HI includes the following zip codes: 96703, 96705, 96714, 96715, 96716, 96722, 96741, 96746, 96747, 96751, 96752, 96754, 96756, 96765, 96766, 96769, 96796
BAH FAQs for Hawaii
How much does BAH typically change in Hawaii?
BAH changes when DoD updates local rent and utility data for your ZIP and housing type. Some Hawaii areas rise faster than others, so your rate depends on your duty location, pay grade, and dependency status, not statewide averages.
Where is BAH usually highest in Hawaii?
BAH is often highest near Honolulu, JBPHH, and Kaneohe because rents are elevated and supply is tight. Your exact rate still depends on the assigned rate area and your pay grade plus dependency status.
What determines BAH for Schofield Barracks?
Your BAH is based on pay grade, dependency status, and the assigned rate area tied to your duty location. Confirming the correct ZIP or MHA is critical, because nearby areas can have materially different rates.
Is BAH usually enough to cover rent in Hawaii?
Sometimes. In mid priced areas, BAH can cover typical rent, but high demand neighborhoods can exceed BAH once utilities, parking, and deposits are included. Plan for a buffer and compare commute costs to rent savings.
Do all Hawaii bases use the same BAH rate?
No. Hawaii uses multiple rate areas, and rates differ by duty location, ZIP, and housing profile. Even on the same island, JBPHH, MCBH, and Schofield can map to different rate tables.
Can single service members receive BAH in Hawaii?
Yes, if you are authorized to live off base. Eligibility depends on local policy, barracks capacity, and your command’s determination. When approved, your BAH is based on pay grade and the assigned rate area.
Is BAH taxable income?
No. BAH is generally tax exempt, so it is not taxed like base pay. That tax advantage helps monthly affordability and is one reason lenders can treat BAH as stable, usable income for qualification.
Can I use BAH as income for a VA loan?
Yes. Most lenders count BAH as qualifying income when you document it with your LES and service status. You still must qualify under DTI and residual income rules, and housing costs must fit the full budget.
How do I confirm the correct MHA for my Hawaii duty location?
Use the official DoD BAH lookup and confirm the ZIP or rate area tied to your duty station code. This avoids using the wrong nearby area, which can misstate your housing allowance and planning numbers.
When are BAH rates updated?
BAH rates are updated on an annual cycle using recent market rent and utility data by location and housing type. Individual rate protection rules can apply, so your personal rate may not drop even if tables change.
