Can an Army Major Buy a Home in Ewa Beach With BAH?
Yes, many Army Majors can buy in Ewa Beach with BAH
If you are an Army Major arriving on Oahu, you are asking the right question.
Housing in Hawaii moves fast, the numbers feel different than the mainland, and it is easy to assume that buying is out of reach before you even see real inventory.
The good news is that many O-4 officers do buy homes in Ewa Beach during a Hawaii tour.
The reason is simple.
Honolulu County BAH at the O-4 level, combined with stable officer pay and common VA loan usage, creates real buying power in West Oahu.
If you want the clean baseline on how the allowance itself is set, start here first.
Why Ewa Beach is a common landing spot for O-4 buyers on Oahu
Ewa Beach gives many Army families the mix they are trying to achieve on Oahu.
You can find single-family homes, planned communities, parks, and day to day convenience without being priced entirely out by the Honolulu core.
Inventory matters too.
Ewa Beach tends to have more options across a wider spread of home styles than many first time buyers expect, especially compared to tighter condo heavy areas closer to town.
From a lifestyle standpoint, Ewa Beach also puts you near the main West Oahu corridor, so errands and routines feel simpler once you settle in.
If you want a neighborhood level overview, here is the main guide you can keep open while you search.
The real answer is that affordability depends on a short list of controllable factors.
Loan type matters.
Dependency status matters.
Interest rates and monthly obligations matter.
And in Hawaii, HOA fees matter a lot when you compare condos, townhomes, and single-family homes.
That is why a Major can be approved for a wide range, but still choose a narrower comfort band that fits your family’s day to day life.
In the next section, we will break down how Honolulu County BAH applies to Army duty stations on Oahu, what typically changes the outcome, and how O-4 buyers compare Ewa Beach with nearby West Oahu alternatives.
Hawaii BAH 2026 Mortgage Calculator
Find out how much home your full BAH could buy.
How BAH works for Army Majors assigned to Oahu
BAH is based on your assigned duty station, your paygrade, and whether you are coded with dependents.
On Oahu, that locality is Honolulu County for service members assigned to major installations across the island.
For Army Majors, that often includes Schofield Barracks, Wheeler Army Airfield, Fort Shafter, and Tripler Army Medical Center.
If you are specifically assigned to Schofield and want to understand how that compares to other areas on the island, use this guide.
Your BAH does not change because you chose to live in a different neighborhood.
That is why a buyer can live in Ewa Beach while working at Schofield, or live in Kapolei while working at Fort Shafter, and the locality rate remains tied to the assignment.
What usually determines whether the numbers work
Most Army Major home purchases in Ewa Beach come down to monthly payment comfort, not just the top line approval.
Here are the most common factors that shift your price range up or down.
Dependency status. With dependents versus without dependents can materially change your monthly housing allowance.
Loan type. VA loans are common for O-4 buyers and often reduce the cash barrier to entry.
Interest rate environment. Small changes in rates can move affordability more than most people expect.
HOA fees. Condos and townhomes can carry monthly fees that compete with your mortgage budget.
Debt to income profile. Car payments, student loans, and revolving debt can tighten the range even with strong income.
One reason Ewa Beach works for many Army Majors is that single-family inventory can let you prioritize space and layout without automatically stepping into the highest HOA fee structures.
That said, every buyer has a different definition of comfort.
Some families want a larger home and accept a longer commute window.
Others want to be closer to certain schools, routines, or base access points, even if that means a different home style.
How O-4 buyers compare Ewa Beach to nearby West Oahu communities
Many Army Majors start with Ewa Beach, then cross shop three other West Oahu areas depending on lifestyle and budget priorities.
Kapolei is often the choice for buyers who want a master planned feel and easy access to day to day amenities.
Ocean Pointe is commonly compared with Ewa Beach by buyers who want similar West Oahu convenience but are evaluating specific streets and home styles.
Makakilo is frequently considered by buyers who want elevation, breezes, and a different temperature feel, and are comfortable trading that for a slightly different commute pattern.
If you are still in the early phase of your move, this PCS hub is the best starting point for planning and logistics.
Most Army Majors shopping in Ewa Beach focus on homes that fit real life first.
That usually means a practical layout, a garage, and a neighborhood that makes daily routines easier during a tour.
Many O-4 buyers target single-family homes, often three to four bedrooms, with indoor and outdoor space that supports family life, training schedules, and the reality that Hawaii often becomes a hosting destination for visiting friends and family.
There is also a wide spread inside Ewa Beach itself.
Some buyers want to be closer to parks, some want a newer build feel, and some want the best blend of house size and value.
If you want a grounded sense of what certain price points look like in this part of Oahu, these guides help calibrate expectations.
The goal is not to force a number into a template.
The goal is to see what your comfort payment supports in today’s inventory, then decide what tradeoffs you actually want to make.
What to do next if you are an Army Major considering a purchase
Step one is to anchor on how Hawaii BAH works, then confirm your dependency status and loan plan.
Step two is to compare Ewa Beach with at least one nearby West Oahu alternative, because the same budget can feel very different depending on elevation, home style, and neighborhood layout.
Step three is to look at real listings, not just high level averages.
That is where most Army Majors find the truth.
Either the range is more workable than expected, or you quickly see the exact lever that needs to change, like HOA tolerance, commute tolerance, or timing.
Can an Army Major buy a home in Ewa Beach using BAH?
Yes. Many O-4 officers stationed on Oahu buy in Ewa Beach using Honolulu County BAH combined with officer income and common VA loan eligibility.
Does living in Ewa Beach change my BAH rate?
No. Your BAH rate is set by your assigned duty station, paygrade, and dependency status, not the zip code where you choose to live.
Is Ewa Beach popular with Army officers assigned to Schofield?
Yes. Many Schofield assigned buyers consider Ewa Beach because it offers strong inventory and West Oahu convenience.
What usually makes the biggest difference in affordability for an O-4?
Dependency status, interest rates, HOA fees, and your overall debt profile are typically the biggest variables.
Should an Army Major compare other areas before choosing Ewa Beach?
Yes. Kapolei, Ocean Pointe, and Makakilo are common West Oahu comparisons and each area offers different tradeoffs in home styles and lifestyle.
Creator: Master Sgt. Mysti Bicoy
| Credit: 154th Wing Public Affairs - Hawaii
What Can a Dual-Military O-3 + O-3 Buy in Hawaii?
Two Captains. Two full paychecks. Two BAH allowances.
For dual-military couples where both service members are O-3s, Hawaii home buying looks very different than it does for a single-income household.
When both members are stationed on Oahu and receiving Honolulu County BAH, the combined income can open the door to single-family homes in some of West Oahu’s most desirable communities.
This guide breaks down what a dual-military O-3 + O-3 household can realistically buy in Hawaii, how BAH factors in, and where that buying power goes the furthest.
How Dual BAH Works for an O-3 + O-3 Household in Hawaii
Both service members receive their full Basic Allowance for Housing.
In a dual-military household, marriage does not eliminate BAH for either service member. Each member continues to receive BAH based on their own rank, assigned duty station, and dependency status.
On Oahu, all major military installations fall under the same BAH locality.
Service members assigned to Schofield Barracks, Joint Base Pearl Harbor–Hickam, Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Fort Shafter, Tripler Army Medical Center, and Camp Smith all receive Honolulu County, Hawaii BAH.
That means where you live on the island does not change your BAH rate. Your assigned duty station sets the allowance.
If you want a clear breakdown of how Dual BAH actually works in Hawaii, including dependency rules and common misconceptions, start here:
How Does Dual BAH in Hawaii Actually Work?
Hawaii BAH Mortgage Calculator
Find out how much home your full BAH could buy.
What That Buying Power Looks Like in Real Life
A dual-military O-3 + O-3 household often qualifies for significantly more purchasing power than a single O-3 buyer.
Combined base pay, two BAH streams, and stable military income allow many lenders to approve higher loan amounts while still keeping debt-to-income ratios conservative.
In practical terms, this often places dual O-3 households comfortably into single-family home territory in West Oahu, rather than limiting them to townhomes or condos.
Homes with garages, outdoor space, and proximity to schools, shopping, and freeway access become realistic options rather than stretch goals.
Where Dual-Military O-3 Buyers Are Purchasing on Oahu
Many dual-military O-3 households focus their search in West Oahu, where value, space, and commute balance intersect.
Yes. Each service member receives their own BAH based on duty station, rank, and dependency status.
Can both members receive with-dependents BAH?
No. Only one member per household may receive the with-dependents rate.
Does living off-base affect BAH?
No. BAH is based on assigned duty station, not where you choose to live.
Is West Oahu popular for dual-military buyers?
Yes. Areas like Ewa Beach, Kapolei, Ocean Pointe, and Makakilo offer space, value, and commute efficiency.
Can dual-military income help with mortgage approval?
Yes. Two stable incomes often strengthen loan qualification and flexibility.
Can an Air Force Lieutenant Colonel Afford a Home in Hawaii With BAH?
Yes, O-5 Officers Can Buy in Hawaii With BAH
BAH Mortgage Affordability Calculator
Hawaii BAH Mortgage Calculator
Find out how much home your full BAH could buy.
If you are an Air Force lieutenant colonel PCSing to Hickam or working across Joint Base Pearl Harbor Hickam, one of the first questions you may ask is whether your BAH will support buying a home on Oahu. For most O-5s, the answer is yes. Field grade officers typically have the combination of stable income, competitive BAH, and VA loan eligibility that makes homeownership not just possible, but often practical during a Hawaii tour.
Why O-5 BAH Goes Farther Than Many Officers Expect
Honolulu County BAH for O-5s is among the highest in the country due to local housing costs. While rates vary each year, BAH at this pay grade generally supports:
Eligibility for a wide range of townhomes and single family homes
Competitive loan qualification, even in higher priced neighborhoods
Flexible budgeting when paired with the VA loan zero down payment benefit
In short, the combination of your rank, BAH entitlement, and VA eligibility means you have more purchasing power than many incoming officers realize.
Popular Neighborhoods for Air Force O-5 Buyers
Lieutenant colonels moving to Oahu tend to gravitate toward areas with strong resale value, good commute patterns, and established communities. Common choices include:
Makakilo: Hillside breezes, ocean views, and detached home options
Ewa Beach: Large inventory, newer homes, strong VA buyer market
Kapolei: Master planned community with a wide range of home types
Mililani: Very popular with officers for climate, schools, and stability
Salt Lake: Close to Hickam, condo and townhome inventory
Factors That Influence O-5 Affordability
Even with strong BAH, home affordability varies among lieutenant colonels. A few things that can raise or lower your approved price range include:
Your dependent status
Interest rates at the time of application
Your debt to income ratio
HOA fees for condos or townhomes
Spousal income, which often increases buying power significantly
But overall, most O-5 officers find they have several realistic home buying options across West and Central Oahu.
Your Situation Is Unique. Let’s Map Out Your Options
If you would like to understand your real price range, compare neighborhoods, or browse homes that fit your BAH comfort level, we help Air Force officers every month. Many O-5s end up purchasing earlier in their tour than expected simply because the numbers work.
MaryJo McGillicuddy
Military Relocation Specialist • Oahu Real Estate Call/Text: (808) 724-4629 Email: maryjo@sellhomeshawaii.com
91-1105 Keaunui Dr #520, Ewa Beach, HI
Do Air Force O-5 officers typically buy homes in Hawaii?
Yes. Most lieutenant colonels qualify comfortably using BAH and VA loan benefits.
Does BAH change every year?
Yes, which is why we don’t quote specific numbers. Honolulu County BAH adjustments may increase affordability over time.
Which neighborhoods do O-5 officers prefer?
Makakilo, Mililani, Ewa Beach, Kapolei, and Salt Lake are among the most common choices.
Do I need a down payment as an O-5 officer?
No. Eligible officers can buy with zero down using the VA loan.
Can an Army Lieutenant Afford a Home in Hawaii With BAH?
Yes — many Army lieutenants stationed at Schofield Barracks (O-1 and O-2) can afford a starter home or condo in Hawaii using their BAH, especially with a zero-down VA loan. Exact affordability depends on dependent status, interest rates, and your personal debt picture, but your BAH alone often qualifies you for a home in the $430,000–$525,000 range.
Honolulu County BAH for Army lieutenants ranges from $2,997 to $3,909 per month. That’s enough to purchase entry-level condos and townhomes near bases like Schofield, Wheeler, Hickam, Pearl Harbor, Ewa Beach, and Kapolei.
Below, we break down what an Army lieutenant can actually afford—and whether buying is realistic during your Hawaii tour.
Start with our Hawaii BAH Mortgage Calculator
Hawaii BAH 2026 Mortgage Calculator
Find out how much home your full BAH could buy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can an Army O-1 buy a home in Hawaii?
Yes. Many O-1s qualify for starter condos near Schofield Barracks using full BAH and the VA loan.
What can an Army O-2 afford in Hawaii?
Most O-2 lieutenants qualify for homes in the $470K–$525K range depending on debts and interest rates.
Does Schofield Barracks have different BAH?
No — all Oahu bases, including Schofield, share the same Honolulu County BAH table.
Do lieutenants need a down payment?
Not with a VA loan. Eligible Army officers can buy with zero down.
Yes. An Army Lieutenants Can Buy a Home in Hawaii
If you're an Army lieutenant arriving at Schofield Barracks, the biggest question you’re probably asking is whether your BAH is enough to buy a home on Oʻahu. The answer for most O-1 and O-2 officers is yes. Thanks to strong BAH rates and zero-down VA loan benefits, lieutenants regularly qualify for condos and townhomes that fit comfortably within their monthly allowance.
2026 BAH for Army Lieutenants (Honolulu County)
O-1 with dependents: $3,702
O-1 without dependents: $2,997
O-2 with dependents: $3,909
O-2 without dependents: $3,555
These BAH rates are the same across all Oahu duty stations, including Schofield Barracks, Wheeler Army Airfield, Joint Base Pearl Harbor–Hickam, and Kaneohe Marine Corps Base Hawaii.
What an Army Lieutenant Can Realistically Afford
Using BAH alone as your qualifying income, an Army lieutenant’s home-buying power usually falls within:
O-1: Approximately $430,000–$470,000
O-2: Approximately $470,000–$525,000
This is enough to compete for many starter condos and townhomes in West Oahu — which is where the bulk of military-friendly inventory is located.
Popular Areas for Army Officers
Ewa Beach / Ocean Pointe: Largest concentration of military VA buyers
Kapolei: Newer condos and townhomes, close to amenities
Makakilo: Cooler hillside neighborhoods with townhome options
Mililani: Very popular with Schofield families; townhomes in LT range
Salt Lake: Near Hickam/Pearl; condo-heavy inventory
Caveats: What Could Affect Affordability?
Most lieutenants can purchase, but every situation is unique. A few factors can raise or lower what you qualify for:
Your dependent status (BAH with-deps increases affordability)
Your existing monthly debts
Current mortgage interest rates
Your spouse’s income (if applicable)
Whether you’re targeting a condo with HOA fees or a townhome/single-family
Still, the big picture remains the same: Lieutenants at Schofield Barracks routinely buy homes using BAH + the VA loan — often with no money down.
Want to Know What You Qualify For?
Every rank, every household, and every lender looks a little different. If you’d like to see real listings that match your BAH range, I can walk you through neighborhoods, loan options, and which areas best fit an LT’s budget.
Can an Air Force Lieutenant Afford a Home in Hawaii With BAH?
Yes! Many Air Force lieutenants (O-1 and O-2) can afford a starter home or condo in Hawaii using their full BAH, especially when combined with the zero-down VA loan. Your exact buying power depends on your rank, dependent status, monthly debts, interest rate environment, and how competitive the local neighborhood is.
For 2026, Honolulu County BAH for lieutenants ranges from $2,997 to $3,909 per month, which can translate into a home price between $430,000 and $525,000 using your full housing allowance. That’s the typical range for many entry-level condos and some townhomes near Oahu’s major bases.
Below, we break down what an Air Force lieutenant can realistically buy, how the VA loan changes everything, and where lieutenants are successfully purchasing today.
Start with our Hawaii BAH Mortgage Calculator
Hawaii BAH 2026 Mortgage Calculator
Find out how much home your full BAH could buy.
Yes! Air Force Lieutenants Can Buy a Home in Hawaii
Most Air Force officers are surprised to learn that their BAH alone may qualify them for a starter home on Oʻahu. With the combination of strong Honolulu County BAH rates and the zero-down VA loan, many O-1 and O-2 lieutenants purchase condos or townhomes in the $430K–$525K range — sometimes higher depending on their full financial picture.
2026 BAH for Air Force Lieutenants (Honolulu County)
O-1 with dependents: $3,702
O-1 without dependents: $2,997
O-2 with dependents: $3,3909
O-2 without dependents: $3,555
These numbers matter because lenders can use your full BAH as qualifying income — a tremendous advantage for younger officers without large cash reserves.
What an Air Force Lieutenant Can Realistically Afford
Using typical mortgage rates and a zero-down VA loan, here’s what your BAH translates to:
O-1: Roughly $430K–$470K in buying power
O-2: Roughly $470K–$525K in buying power
This is enough for many entry-level properties near bases such as Hickam, Pearl Harbor, Kapolei, Ewa Beach, Salt Lake, and Mililani.
Variables That Affect Affordability
Every lieutenant’s situation is different. A few things can increase or reduce what you qualify for:
Dependent status (with-deps increases BAH and affordability)
Interest rates at the time of application
Your vehicle payments, credit cards, or student loans
Your spouse’s income (can raise your approved price significantly)
Whether you’re looking for a condo (lower price) or a single-family home (higher price)
But the short version is this: BAH + VA loan makes homeownership possible for lieutenants well before reaching captain.
Where Air Force Lieutenants Commonly Buy
Ewa Beach / Ocean Pointe: Newer homes, great VA buyer community
Kapolei: Condos and townhomes within budget
Makakilo: Cooler weather, hillside townhomes
Salt Lake: Close to Hickam, condo options
Talk With a Local Military-Friendly Realtor
My name is MaryJo McGillicuddy, and I’ve helped many Oʻahu officers and military families find homes that match their BAH, commute, and lifestyle.
If you’d like a BAH-based home search tailored to O-4 and O-5 affordability, I’d be happy to help.
Yes! Many O-1s can qualify for a starter condo using BAH and the VA loan.
Where do most Air Force lieutenants buy on Oʻahu?
Ewa Beach, Kapolei, Makakilo, and Salt Lake are common because they offer properties in the lieutenant price range.
Does dependent status change how much I can afford?
Yes. BAH with dependents is higher and increases loan qualification.
Do lieutenants need a down payment?
No. The VA loan allows zero down in Hawaii for eligible service members.
Can I Buy a House in Hawaii With E-5 BAH?
Yes—many E-5 service members can buy a home in Hawaii with their BAH, especially in West Oʻahu. It’s not automatic, and it depends on variables like debt-to-income ratios, interest rates, down payment (if any), and the type of home you’re looking for—but enlisted buyers do purchase homes here every year.
The key is understanding where your BAH goes furthest and which neighborhoods match E-5 affordability. For a deeper overview, see: What Is Hawaii BAH?
BAH Mortgage Affordability Calculator
Hawaii BAH Mortgage Calculator
Find out how much home your full BAH could buy.
Is E-5 BAH Enough to Buy a Home on Oʻahu?
For many enlisted service members PCSing to Hawaii, the first question is whether their E-5 BAH is enough to purchase a home. The answer is yes—there are real opportunities. But like most things in Hawaii real estate, a few caveats apply.
Your ability to buy with E-5 BAH depends on:
Your monthly debt payments (DTI ratio)
Interest rates at the time of pre-approval
Whether you’re using zero-down VA financing
Your comfort level with monthly payments
The neighborhood you target
Even with those variables, many E-5 buyers successfully purchase homes on Oʻahu every year—especially with a VA loan and strategically choosing the right area.
Where E-5 BAH Goes the Furthest
The best fit for E-5 affordability is almost always West Oʻahu, including:
Ewa Beach
Ocean Pointe
Hoakalei
Kapolei
Makakilo
These neighborhoods offer newer construction, central AC, garages, family-friendly streets, and price points that align more closely with enlisted BAH ranges. Many E-5 families purchase townhomes and select single-family homes in these areas.
If your duty station is Schofield Barracks or Wheeler, West Oʻahu also offers a manageable commute. If you're stationed at Hickam, Pearl Harbor, Tripler, or Camp Smith, you’ll still find many E-5 families choosing West Oʻahu for value.
What About Windward Oʻahu?
Kailua and Kaneohe are beautiful—but often out of range for E-5 BAH, especially for single-family homes. Inventory is older and pricing is higher, which is why most enlisted buyers focus on West Oʻahu instead.
Using Your BAH to Qualify
Your BAH—especially with dependents—counts as steady qualifying income when using a VA loan. That’s a major advantage for E-5 buyers, because the VA program allows:
$0 down payment
No PMI
Flexible DTI ratios
Competitive interest rates
Put simply: VA makes the difference for most enlisted buyers.
The Bottom Line
Yes—E-5 BAH can be enough to buy a home in Hawaii. The opportunities are real, especially for buyers who:
Use their VA loan benefit
Keep debts manageable
Target West Oʻahu neighborhoods
Are open to townhomes or modest single-family homes
If you want help identifying properties that match E-5 affordability, I’d be happy to run a custom search for you.
Talk With a Local Military-Friendly Realtor
My name is MaryJo McGillicuddy, and I help military families—enlisted and officer—buy homes on Oʻahu using their BAH and VA benefits.
If you're wondering whether E-5 BAH is enough for the type of home you want, I can give you a neighborhood-specific breakdown.
Is E-5 BAH enough to buy a house in Hawaii?
Yes—many enlisted buyers use E-5 BAH plus a VA loan to purchase a home on Oʻahu, especially in West Oʻahu neighborhoods.
Where do E-5 buyers usually purchase?
Ewa Beach, Kapolei, Hoakalei, Ocean Pointe, and Makakilo offer the strongest affordability for enlisted buyers.
Does E-5 BAH count as income for qualifying?
Yes. BAH is recognized as stable income for VA loan approval.
Can E-5 BAH cover a single-family home?
Sometimes—especially in Kapolei, Ewa Beach, or Makakilo. Many E-5 buyers start with townhomes.
Is Officer BAH Enough to Buy a Home on Oʻahu Without Using All of It?
Yes, in most cases an officer’s BAH—especially for O-4s and O-5s—is enough to buy a home on Oʻahu without spending the entire allowance. The key is choosing the right part of the island, because home prices vary significantly even though the BAH rate is the same across all Oʻahu bases.
For full context on how Oʻahu BAH works, see our guide here: What Is Hawaiʻi BAH?
Below is a quick breakdown of how far officer BAH typically goes and which neighborhoods offer the best balance of price, size, and affordability.
Start with our Hawaii BAH Mortgage Calculator
Hawaii BAH 2026 Mortgage Calculator
Find out how much home your full BAH could buy.
Can O-4 and O-5 BAH Support Buying a Home on Oʻahu?
For many officers PCSing to Hawaiʻi—especially Majors (O-4) and Lieutenant Colonels (O-5)—the biggest financial question isn’t whether they can buy a home on Oʻahu. It’s whether they can buy one without consuming their entire BAH in the process.
For 2026, an O-4 with dependents receives $4,737 per month, and an O-5 with dependents receives $4,959. That places officer families in a stronger buying position than most service members on island, especially when combining BAH with the zero-down VA loan benefit.
West Oʻahu: Where Your BAH Goes the Furthest
While officers can purchase in central Oʻahu (Mililani, Wahiawa) or Honolulu, most discover their BAH goes dramatically further in Ewa Beach, Kapolei, Ocean Pointe, Hoakalei, and Makakilo. These areas offer:
Newer construction
Modern layouts and open floor plans
Two-car garages
Central AC
Family-friendly neighborhoods
Better value relative to BAH
Many officer families purchase an $850K–$1M home with zero down using the VA loan and stay near or within their BAH range—while building long-term equity in one of the strongest housing markets in the country.
Windward Oʻahu vs. West Oʻahu
If you're stationed at MCBH Kaneohe Bay, it’s natural to want to live nearby. But Kailua and Kaneohe often come with:
Higher home prices
Older inventory
Limited availability
Smaller lot sizes
Because of this, many O-4 and O-5 families stationed at Kaneohe, Pearl Harbor–Hickam, Tripler, Schofield, or Camp Smith choose West Oʻahu for a better balance of home size, comfort, and affordability.
The Bottom Line
Yes—O-4 and O-5 BAH is absolutely enough to buy on Oʻahu without stretching your entire allowance. The key is focusing your search in the neighborhoods where officer BAH aligns with home prices, space, and long-term value.
Talk With a Local Military-Friendly Realtor
My name is MaryJo McGillicuddy, and I’ve helped many Oʻahu officers and military families find homes that match their BAH, commute, and lifestyle.
If you’d like a BAH-based home search tailored to O-4 and O-5 affordability, I’d be happy to help.
Is officer BAH enough to buy a home on Oʻahu?
Yes. O-4 and O-5 BAH typically aligns well with home prices in West Oʻahu, especially when using a VA loan.
Where do most officers buy on Oʻahu?
Ewa Beach, Kapolei, Hoakalei, Ocean Pointe, and Makakilo are the most common because they offer newer homes and better value.
Do all Oʻahu bases have the same BAH?
Yes. Schofield, Kaneohe, Hickam, Pearl Harbor, Tripler, and Camp Smith all use the Honolulu County BAH rate.
Can officer BAH cover a $900K–$1M home?
In many cases, yes—especially with VA loan benefits and smart neighborhood selection.
Is Schofield Barracks BAH the Same as Kaneohe Marine Corps Base Hawaii BAH?
Yes. Schofield Barracks and Marine Corps Base Hawaii (Kaneohe Bay) both fall under the same Honolulu County Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) rate.
That means an E-5 with dependents at Schofield Barracks receives the same BAH amount as an E-5 with dependents at Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Joint Base Pearl Harbor–Hickam (JBPHH), or any other duty station on the island of Oahu. BAH is based on the county-level Military Housing Area (MHA), not the specific base.
For BAH purposes, all of Oahu is grouped into a single MHA: Honolulu County, Hawaii. This includes:
Schofield Barracks / Wheeler Army Airfield
Marine Corps Base Hawaii (Kaneohe Bay)
Joint Base Pearl Harbor–Hickam (JBPHH)
Tripler Army Medical Center
Fort Shafter
Camp Smith
Other tenant and support commands on Oahu
So if you’re PCSing between Schofield Barracks, Kaneohe, Pearl Harbor, or Hickam, your BAH table is the same for your pay grade and dependency status. What changes is the housing market in each part of the island.
BAH Comparison for Schofield, Kaneohe, and Hickam (2025)
Base
E-5 BAH (2025)
O-3 BAH (2025)
Schofield Barracks
$3,513
$4,413
Kaneohe (MCBH)
$3,513
$4,413
Hickam (JBPHH)
$3,513
$4,413
Same BAH, Very Different Housing Markets
Even though Schofield Barracks and Marine Corps Base Hawaii use the same Honolulu County BAH rate, the cost and style of homes around each base can be very different.
Kaneohe and the windward side are known for lush scenery, older neighborhoods, and a limited supply of single-family homes. Prices can feel tight against your BAH, especially if you want a newer home or extra space.
Central Oahu and West Oahu (Ewa Beach, Kapolei, Makakilo) offer more master-planned communities, townhomes, and newer single-family homes. Many of my military buyers find it easier to match their BAH + VA loan to homes in these areas—without sacrificing commute time too much.
Using BAH and a VA Loan to Buy on Oahu
BAH is more than just a housing allowance—it can be a powerful part of your long-term wealth plan when it’s paired with a VA loan.
BAH can help support your monthly payment. Many military buyers structure their budget so that BAH covers most or all of the mortgage payment.
VA loans often require $0 down. With full entitlement and a strong file, you can often buy with no down payment and still stay within your BAH.
West Oahu can stretch your BAH further. Neighborhoods like Ewa Beach and Kapolei often offer newer homes, more square footage, and garages for the same or less than you’d pay closer to town.
If you’re comparing Schofield vs Kaneohe, or wondering whether you should focus on windward Oahu, central Oahu, or West Oahu, it helps to look at the big picture: commute, schools, lifestyle, and how well your BAH fits the local price range.
Talk With a Local Military-Friendly Realtor
My name is MaryJo McGillicuddy, and I’ve helped many military families stationed at Schofield Barracks, MCBH Kaneohe Bay, Pearl Harbor–Hickam, Fort Shafter, and Tripler find homes that fit their BAH, commute, and lifestyle.
If you’d like a BAH-based home search—for example, “show me what’s realistic if we want to stay close to Schofield but are open to Ewa Beach or Kapolei”—I’d be happy to help.
Is Schofield Barracks BAH the same as Marine Corps Base Hawaii (Kaneohe Bay) BAH?
Yes. Both Schofield Barracks and Marine Corps Base Hawaii are in the Honolulu County BAH area, so they use the same BAH rate table for each rank and dependency status.
Do all Oahu bases share the same BAH rate?
Yes. Schofield Barracks, MCBH Kaneohe Bay, JBPHH, Tripler, Fort Shafter, Camp Smith, and other Oahu installations all fall under the Honolulu County BAH area.
Does my BAH change if I move from Kaneohe to Ewa Beach or Kapolei?
Your BAH is based on your duty station, not the exact neighborhood you live in. As long as your duty station stays on Oahu, your BAH area remains Honolulu County—even if you choose to live in Ewa Beach, Kapolei, or Makakilo.
Can I use my Hawaii BAH to qualify for a VA loan to buy a home?
In many cases, yes. Lenders can count BAH as part of your qualifying income. Combined with your base pay and a VA loan, your BAH can help support a monthly payment on a home instead of just covering rent.
How Does Dual BAH in Hawaii Actually Work?
How Dual BAH Works for Military Members in Hawaii
If you want a quick refresher on standard BAH in the islands, start with this guide:
What Is Hawaii BAH?
How Does Dual BAH Work in Hawaii
Both service members receive their full BAH.
Dual-military couples each receive their own Basic Allowance for Housing at the "without dependents" or "with dependents" rate they individually qualify for. Marriage alone does not remove or reduce either member's BAH.
What Determines Your BAH Amount
Assigned duty station (location)
Paygrade (rank)
Dependency status (with or without dependents)
All Oahu Service Members Receive the Same BAH Locality
All service members assigned to military installations on Oahu receive the Honolulu County, Hawaii BAH rate. This applies to every branch and every major installation on the island.
Covered duty stations include:
Schofield Barracks and Wheeler Army Airfield
Joint Base Pearl Harbor Hickam
Marine Corps Base Hawaii Kaneohe Bay
Tripler Army Medical Center
Fort Shafter
Camp Smith
Diamond Head headquarters and support installations
Your BAH is determined by your assigned duty station, not where you choose to live. Service members may live anywhere on Oahu and still receive the Honolulu County BAH rate.
What Counts as a Dependent for BAH
To qualify for the with-dependents rate, a service member must have at least one non-military dependent.
Qualifying dependents include:
Children (biological, adopted, or stepchildren)
Children from previous relationships with legal custody or shared custody
Parents or elderly dependents who meet DFAS support requirements
Other qualifying dependents approved under DFAS regulations
A military spouse does not count as a dependent for BAH.
Marriage to another military member by itself does not qualify a service member for the with-dependents rate.
Dual-Military Dependency Rules
Dual-military with children: The senior-ranking spouse receives the with-dependents rate. The junior member receives the without-dependents rate.
Dual-military without children: Both receive the without-dependents rate.
Custody exception: The custodial parent receives the with-dependents rate, even if they are the junior-ranking member.
Living off-base: Both members receive their full BAH.
Living on-base: Both members normally forfeit BAH when residing in government quarters.
Typical Dual BAH Strategy on Oʻahu
Most families combine the two BAH payments and allocate them toward rent or a mortgage. With Hawaii’s higher BAH compared to many mainland installations, dual-military households often qualify for larger homes or more competitive neighborhoods.
Can Dual BAH Help You Buy a Home?
Yes—many dual-military families use one income for the mortgage qualification and the other for reserves, savings, or upgrades. Hawaii’s large VA buyer population makes this especially common.
Ready to Explore Dual BAH-Friendly Homes on Oʻahu?
Makakilo offers some of the most dramatic hillside views on Oʻahu. Below you’ll find the top 10 most expensive homes currently for sale in Makakilo, HI—updated live from the MLS so you always see what’s truly available today.
I’m MaryJo McGillicuddy, a local Realtor serving West Oʻahu. Whether you’re seeking a panoramic ocean view home or an elevated lot with cool breezes, I can help you find the right property and navigate Makakilo’s luxury market with ease.
Live: Makakilo Luxury Top 10
The top homes in Makakilo are known for their elevation, space, and breathtaking west-facing sunsets. Many of these properties feature open lanais, large driveways, custom interiors, and expansive yards with ocean views.
Makakilo buyers appreciate the privacy and tranquility of hillside living while staying close to shopping, dining, and golf in nearby Kapolei. It’s a rare mix of convenience and serenity—perfect for those who value both comfort and connection.
MaryJo McGillicuddy
