Hilo Vet Center

Hilo Vet Center is a community-based counseling center in Hilo, HI. It provides confidential, no-cost mental health support for Veterans, service members, and their families in a non-medical setting. Services include counseling for depression, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), and the psychological effects of military sexual trauma (MST). The center also connects individuals with additional support through the VA and local community resources. Eligibility is not restricted to those registered for VA care, rated for service-connected disabilities, or receiving other VA benefits. On a first visit, staff look for discharge documents such as a DD214, receipt of certain awards, deployment orders, or other documents showing qualifying military service. If these documents are not on hand, the center works with individuals to establish eligibility and answer questions. Appointments can be made by phone or by walking into the office, where staff facilitate seeing a Counselor or the Veteran Outreach Specialist. Hours are Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with non-traditional hours that change periodically based on community needs. A call center is available 24/7 for after-hours assistance.

The center is located at 70 Lanihuli Street, Suite 102, in Hilo. It sits on Lanihuli Street, about a quarter-mile from Chiefess Kapiolani Elementary School and Hilo Shopping Center. NOAA is located about a third of a mile away. Waiakea Stream and Keikiland Park are both roughly a half-mile from the office. The location is close to the Hele On Bus route for public transportation access. Parking is limited and the lot is shared with a nearby endodontist office, with designated stalls for that practice and one handicap space.

Hilo Vet Center holds a rating of 4.30 based on 15 reviews, reflecting a solid reputation among the customers it has served. As a local resource for Veterans and their families, it provides accessible, confidential counseling in the heart of Hilo.