HI · Flat dollar exemption
Hawaii homestead exemption
Yes, but each county sets its own.
- Main exemption
- $120,000 off assessed valueTaxable value of an owner-occupied principal residence in the City and County of Honolulu
- Filing deadline
- September 30
- Own and live there by
- Not in our data
- Renewal
- Renews automatically
- Where to file
- County Real Property Assessment Division (Honolulu: Department of Budget and Fiscal Services, Real Property Assessment Division)
Yes, but each county sets its own. In the City and County of Honolulu, the home exemption cuts the taxable value of an owner-occupied principal residence by $120,000, or $160,000 if you are 65 or older, rising to $140,000 and $180,000 on July 1, 2027. Hawaii, Kauai and Maui counties run their own programs, so check your county Real Property Assessment Division.
Last verified · Sources
How much the Hawaii exemption is worth
Honolulu's home exemption is $120,000, or $160,000 if the owner is 65 or older. Effective July 1, 2027 it becomes $140,000, or $180,000 for 65+.
$120,000 off assessed value · applies to taxable value of an owner-occupied principal residence in the city and county of honolulu · source
Who qualifies
- You own the property and occupy it as your primary home
- Portions used for commercial purposes do not qualify
- Honolulu encourages every owner on title to file in case something happens to the primary applicant
Deadline and renewal
In Honolulu, claims filed by September 30 and approved take effect in the following tax year. Other counties set their own deadlines.
You do not need to refile if ownership and use do not change. If you gave proof of age when you first filed, the amount steps up automatically when you turn 65.
Form: Claim for Home Exemption (Honolulu) (E-8-10.3) · open the official form
Extra breaks for seniors, veterans and disabled owners
| Who | Program | Amount | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seniors | Higher home exemption at 65+ (Honolulu) | $160,000 off assessed value | Honolulu owners 65 or older get $160,000 instead of $120,000, rising to $180,000 on July 1, 2027. Source |
| Veterans | Totally disabled veterans (Honolulu) | Not in our data | Veterans totally disabled from injuries on active duty pay no property tax on their home except the minimum tax. File Form E-8-10.5 with a physician's certificate by June 30 (first payment) or December 31 (second payment). Source |
| Disabled owners | Impaired sight or hearing, or totally disabled (Honolulu) | $25,000 off assessed value | Owners with impaired sight or hearing, or who are totally disabled, can claim an extra $25,000 exemption on top of the home exemption. The condition must be certified by a Hawaii-licensed physician. Source |
| Surviving spouses | Unremarried widow or widower of a totally disabled veteran (Honolulu) | Not in our data | The disabled veteran exemption stays in effect for the veteran's widow or widower while they remain unmarried. Source |
Law: Revised Ordinances of Honolulu §8-10.3
Hawaii county guides
Local offices, online filing links and local amounts for 1 county, largest first.
Frequently asked questions
When does a new home exemption start in Honolulu?
Claims filed by September 30 and approved take effect in the following tax year.
Do I have to refile every year?
No. In Honolulu you only refile if the ownership or use of the property changes.
Is the amount the same on every island?
No. Each county sets its own home exemption, so Hawaii, Kauai and Maui counties differ from Honolulu.
Sources
- Home Exemption · City and County of Honolulu Real Property Assessment Division
- Totally Disabled Veterans · City and County of Honolulu Real Property Assessment Division
- Persons with Impaired Sight or Hearing and Persons Totally Disabled · City and County of Honolulu Real Property Assessment Division
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