What Is O-5 BAH at Marine Corps Base Hawaiʻi (MCBH) Kaneohe Bay? (2026 Hawaii BAH Explained)
Quick answer: 2026 Hawaii BAH for an O-5 stationed at Marine Corps Base Hawaiʻi (MCBH) Kaneohe Bay is $4,959/month with dependents and $4,224/month without dependents. Kaneohe BAH is the same as O-5 BAH anywhere on Oʻahu (Honolulu County). It does not change based on which neighborhood you choose to live in or your base assignment.
Marine Corps Base Hawaii BAH Chart (All Ranks)
This chart shows the monthly Hawaii Honolulu County BAH by rank for Marine Corps Base Hawaii on Oʻahu. Kaneohe uses Honolulu County BAH rates.
| Rank | With Dependents | Without Dependents |
|---|---|---|
| E-1 | $3,333 | $2,598 |
| E-2 | $3,333 | $2,598 |
| E-3 | $3,333 | $2,598 |
| E-4 | $3,333 | $2,598 |
| E-5 | $3,663 | $2,856 |
| E-6 | $3,912 | $3,036 |
| E-7 | $4,098 | $3,348 |
| E-8 | $4,302 | $3,720 |
| E-9 | $4,518 | $3,783 |
| W-1 | $3,930 | $3,222 |
| W-2 | $4,182 | $3,717 |
| W-3 | $4,434 | $3,795 |
| W-4 | $4,551 | $3,951 |
| W-5 | $4,692 | $4,146 |
| O-1 | $3,702 | $2,997 |
| O-2 | $3,909 | $3,555 |
| O-3 | $4,428 | $3,819 |
| O-4 | $4,737 | $4,110 |
| O-5 | $4,959 | $4,224 |
| O-6 | $5,001 | $4,413 |
| O-7 | $4,827 | $4,494 |
Note: These are Honolulu County BAH 2026 rates (used for Marine Corps Base Hawaii on Oʻahu). Always confirm your exact allowance using the official DoD BAH calculator.
Marine Corps Base Hawaiʻi (MCBH) Kaneohe Bay BAH Is an Oʻahu Rate (Not a Base-Specific Rate)
Here’s the key detail most people miss: Marine Corps Base Hawaiʻi (MCBH) Kaneohe Bay is located on Oʻahu, and BAH is set by the DoD based on the local rental market for your assigned area. On Oʻahu, that means your BAH is tied to Honolulu County and not a separate “Kaneohe-only” zip code.
So for an O-5, your BAH is determined by your pay grade and whether you have dependents. You’ll see two rates (with dependents vs without dependents), but you won’t get a different BAH amount just because you live closer to Schofield, Wheeler, JBPHH, or Kaneohe.
Hawaii BAH 2026 Mortgage Calculator
Want a quick ballpark idea of what your full BAH could support as a monthly mortgage payment? Use the calculator below.
Hawaii BAH 2026 Mortgage Calculator
Find out how much home your full BAH could buy.
Real-life housing advice for O-5s at Marine Corps Base Hawaii Kaneohe
In real life, the bigger question isn’t “What’s the exact BAH number?” — it’s what lifestyle and commute you want. Many Kaneohe families consider areas like Kaneohe, Kailua, Ahuimanu, and parts of Heʻeia. Some also look toward Pearl City or Aiea depending on schools, budget flexibility, and how often you need quick base access.
One honest thing I tell military families: you can absolutely make BAH work on Oʻahu, but the best results come from being clear about your “must-haves” vs “nice-to-haves” (bedrooms, parking, yard size, HOA fees, commute time, and whether you’re open to a condo, townhome, or single-family home).
A quick personal note (military reality)
When my husband was on active duty, we learned quickly that moving to Hawaii isn’t just about finding a house — it’s about finding a location that makes daily life easier. On Oʻahu, “close” on a map doesn’t always mean a quick drive during school drop-off and peak traffic, especially with the H-3 and Pali routes in the mix. Choosing the right side of the island can make a big difference in your daily routine.
Want help matching your BAH to the right neighborhood?
If you’re an O-5 heading to Marine Corps Base Hawaii Kaneohe and you want a straight answer on what’s realistic right now, I’m happy to help.
MaryJo McGillicuddy, Realtor Associate
Century 21 Island Homes
📍 91-1105 Keaunui Dr #520, Ewa Beach, HI 96706
📞 (808) 724-4629
✉️ maryjo@c21islandhomes.com
Keep Reading (Helpful Links)
- What Is Hawaii BAH? (Oʻahu Housing Allowance Explained)
- How Does Dual BAH in Hawaii Actually Work?
- Schofield vs Kaneohe BAH (Same Rate, Different Lifestyle)
- Kaneohe Real Estate (Homes Near Marine Corps Base Hawaii)
- Kailua Real Estate (Beachside Living Near MCBH)
- Aiea Real Estate (Central Oʻahu Option With Base Access)
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