Hawaii consistently ranks as the most expensive state for housing in the entire United States. The combination of geographic isolation, strict land use regulations, high construction costs, and intense demand has pushed rents and home prices far beyond the reach of most working families. For low-income residents, seniors, and individuals with disabilities across the Aloha State, Section 8 housing vouchers in Hawaii represent one of the most critical lifelines available — yet demand vastly outstrips the number of vouchers issued each year.
This complete guide covers everything you need to know about Section 8 housing in Hawaii — including who qualifies, Hawaii-specific income limits by island and county, Fair Market Rents, a full directory of Hawaii Public Housing Authorities, a step-by-step application guide, Hawaii’s source-of-income protections, and answers to the most frequently asked questions.
What Is Section 8 Housing in Hawaii?
Section 8 — officially called the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Program — is a federally funded rental assistance program administered by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). In Hawaii, the program is primarily managed by the Hawaii Public Housing Authority (HPHA), a state agency that administers both federal Housing Choice Vouchers and state-funded public housing for the entire state of Hawaii.
This is a critical distinction: unlike most states where dozens of independent local PHAs operate separately, Hawaii has a single statewide housing authority — HPHA — that covers all islands and all counties. This makes Hawaii’s Section 8 system more centralized but also means there is only one waitlist to monitor for the state’s federal voucher program.
The program pays a portion of your monthly rent directly to your landlord. You contribute approximately 30% of your adjusted monthly income toward rent, and HPHA covers the remainder up to the local payment standard. You may rent any privately owned unit in Hawaii where the landlord agrees to participate and the unit passes a HUD Housing Quality Standards inspection.
Hawaii Housing Crisis Context: Hawaii’s housing crisis is arguably the most severe in the nation relative to local incomes. The median rent for a two-bedroom apartment in Honolulu regularly exceeds $2,500 per month — and on Maui and Kauai, market rents are even higher relative to what most working residents earn. Hawaii also has one of the highest per-capita homeless populations in the country. HPHA’s waitlist is perennially closed or severely oversubscribed. Applying the moment the waitlist opens and pursuing every available alternative is essential.
Hawaii’s Source-of-Income Protection Law
Hawaii has strong source-of-income (SOI) protections under the Hawaii Fair Housing Law (HRS § 515-3), which prohibits housing discrimination based on lawful source of income — including Section 8 housing vouchers. This applies statewide across all Hawaiian islands. Under Hawaii law:
- Hawaii landlords cannot refuse to rent to you solely because you hold a Section 8 voucher
- Landlords cannot advertise “No Section 8” or “No housing assistance”
- Landlords cannot apply stricter screening criteria to voucher holders than to other applicants
- Violations can be reported to the Hawaii Civil Rights Commission (HCRC) at labor.hawaii.gov/hcrc or by calling (808) 586-8636
Important: Hawaii’s SOI protection is a meaningful advantage given the state’s tight rental markets. A landlord cannot legally reject your application solely because of your voucher — but they may still screen based on credit, rental history, income, and other lawful criteria. Hawaii’s high rents also mean that even with voucher protection, finding a unit within the payment standard can be extremely challenging. If you believe you were illegally denied, file a complaint with the HCRC within 180 days of the discriminatory act.
Who Qualifies for Section 8 Housing Vouchers in Hawaii?
To be eligible for Section 8 housing in Hawaii, you must meet all of the following requirements:
1. Income Limits
Your household’s total gross annual income must fall below HUD’s income limits for your Hawaii county. Hawaii’s income limits reflect the state’s extremely high cost of living — they are among the highest in the nation, particularly on Oahu, Maui, and Kauai.
Below are the approximate [Current_year] income limits for a family of four in Hawaii’s four counties:
| Hawaii County / Island | Extremely Low (30% AMI) | Very Low (50% AMI) | Low Income (80% AMI) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Honolulu County (Oahu) | ~$43,750 | ~$72,950 | ~$116,700 |
| Maui County (Maui, Molokai, Lanai) | ~$43,750 | ~$72,950 | ~$116,700 |
| Hawaii County (Big Island) | ~$32,350 | ~$53,950 | ~$86,300 |
| Kauai County | ~$43,750 | ~$72,950 | ~$116,700 |
Note: Honolulu, Maui, and Kauai counties share HUD’s highest income limit tier for Hawaii — a family of four earning up to $72,950 may still qualify at the Very Low Income level on Oahu. These figures are approximate and updated annually. Always verify current limits at huduser.gov or directly with HPHA.
2. Citizenship or Eligible Immigration Status
At least one household member must be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen — such as a lawful permanent resident, refugee, or asylee. Mixed-status households qualify for prorated assistance. Hawaii’s large Pacific Islander, Filipino, and immigrant communities mean mixed-status households are commonly served.
3. Family Composition
Section 8 is open to single individuals, couples, families with children, elderly persons (age 62+), and persons with disabilities. HPHA issues vouchers based on household size — the number of bedrooms in your voucher corresponds to the size of your household.
4. Criminal Background
Federal mandatory bars apply: lifetime sex offender registration and methamphetamine manufacturing in federally assisted housing. HPHA sets additional screening criteria. Hawaii has adopted fair chance housing policies — ask HPHA about their specific criminal history screening policy before applying if this applies to your household.
5. No Outstanding PHA Debt
Any unpaid debt owed to HPHA or any other PHA in the country must be resolved before approval.
6. Hawaii Residency Preference
HPHA may apply a residency preference favoring current Hawaii residents. If you currently live in Hawaii, this can be a significant advantage in the waitlist process — confirm current preference policies directly with HPHA.
Key Fact: Hawaii’s income limits are among the highest in the nation — a household earning nearly $73,000 per year (family of four) may still qualify for Section 8 on Oahu or Maui. Do not assume you earn too much without checking current limits at huduser.gov. Many working families in Hawaii — including those with two earners — fall within the eligibility range.
How Much Rent Assistance Will You Receive in Hawaii?
Hawaii has some of the highest Fair Market Rents of any state in the country. Your voucher covers the gap between your 30% income contribution and actual rent — up to HPHA’s payment standard. Below are the approximate [Current_year] Fair Market Rents by Hawaii county:
| Hawaii County / Island | 1 Bedroom | 2 Bedroom | 3 Bedroom | 4 Bedroom |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Honolulu County (Oahu) | ~$2,050 | ~$2,550 | ~$3,400 | ~$4,100 |
| Maui County | ~$2,250 | ~$2,800 | ~$3,750 | ~$4,550 |
| Hawaii County (Big Island) | ~$1,450 | ~$1,800 | ~$2,400 | ~$2,900 |
| Kauai County | ~$2,050 | ~$2,550 | ~$3,400 | ~$4,100 |
Note: Maui County consistently has among the highest Fair Market Rents of any county in the United States. Payment standards set by HPHA typically range between 90%–110% of these FMR figures. HPHA has sought and received HUD approval for above-FMR payment standards in some years due to Hawaii’s extreme housing costs. Confirm current payment standards directly with HPHA.
Hawaii Public Housing Authority (HPHA): Complete Directory
Unlike most states, Hawaii has a single statewide housing authority that administers Section 8 for all islands. HPHA operates offices on each major island.
Statewide Program Headquarters
| Organization | Location | Phone | Website | Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hawaii Public Housing Authority (HPHA) | Honolulu, Oahu | (808) 832-4682 | hpha.hawaii.gov | All islands — statewide Section 8 HCV and public housing |
HPHA Island Offices
| Island | Office Location | Phone | Counties Served |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oahu | 1002 N. School St., Honolulu | (808) 832-4682 | Honolulu County |
| Maui | Wailuku, Maui | (808) 984-2150 | Maui County (Maui, Molokai, Lanai) |
| Big Island (Hawaii) | Hilo, Hawaii Island | (808) 933-0339 | Hawaii County |
| Kauai | Lihue, Kauai | (808) 241-3449 | Kauai County |
Additional Hawaii Housing Resources
| Organization | Phone | Website | Role |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation (HHFDC) | (808) 587-0597 | dbedt.hawaii.gov/hhfdc | State agency financing affordable rental and homeownership housing statewide |
| Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA) | (808) 594-1888 | oha.org | Housing programs and resources for Native Hawaiian beneficiaries |
| Department of Hawaiian Home Lands (DHHL) | (808) 620-9500 | dhhl.hawaii.gov | Homesteading and housing for Native Hawaiians on Hawaiian Home Lands |
Important: HPHA is the only housing authority administering Section 8 vouchers in Hawaii. All applications, waitlist inquiries, and program questions should go directly to HPHA at (808) 832-4682 or hpha.hawaii.gov. For residents on neighbor islands, contact the island-specific office listed above.
How to Apply for Section 8 Housing Vouchers in Hawaii
Here is a complete step-by-step guide to applying for Section 8 housing in Hawaii:
Step 1: Contact HPHA Directly
Because Hawaii has a single statewide housing authority, your first step is always to contact HPHA at (808) 832-4682 or visit hpha.hawaii.gov to check the current status of the Section 8 waitlist. HPHA administers the HCV program for all islands — there is no separate local PHA to track down.
Step 2: Monitor for Waitlist Openings
HPHA’s Section 8 waitlist is frequently closed due to the extreme imbalance between voucher supply and demand. Staying ahead of openings requires consistent effort:
- Visit hpha.hawaii.gov regularly for waitlist status announcements
- Call HPHA’s main line at (808) 832-4682 to ask about anticipated waitlist openings
- Contact your island-specific HPHA office (Maui, Big Island, Kauai) directly — sometimes island offices have different waitlist availability than the main Oahu office
- Monitor affordablehousingonline.com for Hawaii Section 8 waitlist openings
- Follow Hawaii Appleseed Center for Law and Economic Justice (hiappleseed.org) on social media for housing policy announcements
- Contact Aloha United Way 211 — dial 211 in Hawaii — which tracks social service announcements including housing waitlist openings
Step 3: Apply Immediately When the Waitlist Opens
When HPHA opens its Section 8 waitlist, applications typically flood in within the first 24 to 48 hours. Many Hawaii residents have waited years for this opportunity. Be ready to apply instantly:
- HPHA may accept applications online, by mail, or in person depending on the opening — confirm the method in advance
- Have all household member information ready: full names, dates of birth, SSNs, income details, and island of residence
- Apply for the island where you currently live or plan to live — HPHA’s vouchers are issued by island/county
Step 4: Maintain Your Waitlist Position
HPHA’s Section 8 waitlist can stretch from 3 to 10+ years depending on island and household type. During the wait:
- Update your contact information with HPHA every time you move or change your phone number — this is especially critical in Hawaii where housing instability is common
- Respond promptly to all annual confirmation notices from HPHA
- Document any qualifying priority preferences:
- Currently homeless or residing in emergency shelter in Hawaii
- Victim of domestic violence, dating violence, or stalking (VAWA protections apply)
- Veteran or active-duty service member
- Person with a disability requiring accessible or supportive housing
- Native Hawaiian household (some HPHA programs apply preferences for Native Hawaiian beneficiaries)
- Displaced by a natural disaster or government action
Step 5: Complete the Full Application
When your name is reached, gather these documents without delay:
- Photo ID — driver’s license, state ID, or passport for all adult household members
- Birth certificates — for all household members
- Social Security cards — for all household members
- Proof of income — recent pay stubs, Social Security or disability award letters, Hawaii TANF (Temporary Assistance for Other Needy Families — TAONF) letters, or most recent federal tax return
- Bank statements — last 2–3 months for all accounts
- Rental history — landlord names, addresses, and contact info for the past 2–3 years
- Benefit letters — SNAP, Med-QUEST (Hawaii Medicaid), TAONF, or other Hawaii benefit award letters
- Native Hawaiian documentation — if applying for any DHHL or OHA-affiliated programs
Step 6: Attend the Eligibility Interview
An HPHA specialist will review your application, verify documents, and conduct an eligibility interview. Be honest and thorough. If you believe your application was improperly handled, contact the Hawaii Civil Rights Commission at (808) 586-8636 or the Legal Aid Society of Hawaii at (808) 536-4302.
Step 7: Receive Your Voucher and Search for Housing
If approved, you receive your Hawaii Section 8 voucher and typically have 90 to 120 days to find eligible housing. Hawaii’s rental markets — especially on Oahu, Maui, and Kauai — are among the tightest in the country. Request extensions proactively. Hawaii’s SOI protection law means landlords cannot legally reject you solely because of your voucher — use this legal protection actively if needed.
Finding Section 8 Housing in Hawaii
Hawaii’s SOI protection law helps — but Hawaii’s overall vacancy rates are extremely low, and even willing landlords may have their units snapped up quickly. Here are the best resources:
- HPHA Housing Search: hpha.hawaii.gov — HPHA maintains landlord participation lists and housing search tools for each island
- HUD Housing Locator: hudhousinglocator.com — search by Hawaii island or ZIP code
- GoSection8.com: national database with Hawaii listings, particularly Oahu
- AffordableHousing.com: filter by Hawaii for voucher-friendly listings
- Craigslist Hawaii / Facebook Marketplace: search keywords “Section 8 welcome,” “HCV accepted,” or “housing vouchers OK” — Craigslist remains widely used for rentals on all Hawaiian islands
- Hawaii Appleseed: hiappleseed.org — policy and advocacy organization that publishes housing resources for Hawaii residents
- Hawaii Civil Rights Commission: If a landlord illegally rejects your application because of your voucher, file a complaint at labor.hawaii.gov/hcrc or call (808) 586-8636
- 211 Hawaii (Aloha United Way): Dial 211 in Hawaii for local housing referrals, emergency shelter, and landlord outreach support on each island
Native Hawaiian Housing Programs
Hawaii has unique housing programs specifically for Native Hawaiian beneficiaries that operate alongside the federal Section 8 system:
- Department of Hawaiian Home Lands (DHHL): dhhl.hawaii.gov — administers homesteading leases on Hawaiian Home Lands for Native Hawaiians with at least 50% Hawaiian blood. DHHL has its own extensive waitlist for homestead lots and rental units. Contact DHHL at (808) 620-9500.
- Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA): oha.org — provides housing assistance, financial literacy, and homeownership resources for Native Hawaiian beneficiaries. Contact OHA at (808) 594-1888.
- Hawaiian Community Assets: hawaiianassets.org — HUD-approved housing counseling and financial assistance for Native Hawaiian families; (808) 587-7656
Note: DHHL homestead waitlists are separate from HPHA’s Section 8 waitlist. Native Hawaiian beneficiaries should apply to both programs simultaneously, as both have long waitlists and serve different types of housing needs.
Hawaii Section 8 Housing: Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the Section 8 waitlist in Hawaii?
HPHA’s Section 8 waitlist is one of the longest in the country relative to the state’s population. When open, waits on Oahu have historically been 5 to 10+ years. On Maui and Kauai, waits are similarly long. On the Big Island (Hawaii County), waits can be somewhat shorter — sometimes 3 to 6 years — due to the island’s lower population and higher vacancy rates relative to Oahu. HPHA’s waitlist is often closed entirely; monitoring hpha.hawaii.gov for openings is essential.
Can a Hawaii landlord refuse Section 8?
No — not legally. Hawaii’s Fair Housing Law prohibits landlords from refusing to rent to a tenant solely because they hold a Section 8 voucher or other housing subsidy. This applies statewide across all Hawaiian islands. If a Hawaii landlord rejects your application because of your Section 8 voucher, file a complaint with the Hawaii Civil Rights Commission (HCRC) at labor.hawaii.gov/hcrc or call (808) 586-8636.
What is the income limit for Section 8 in Hawaii?
Income limits are among the highest in the country. For a family of four on Oahu, Maui, or Kauai, the Very Low Income limit (50% AMI) is approximately $72,950. On the Big Island, it is approximately $53,950. Many working Hawaii families — including dual-income households — fall within the eligible range. Verify current county-specific limits at huduser.gov.
How much does Section 8 pay for rent in Hawaii?
Hawaii vouchers cover some of the highest rent amounts of any state. On Oahu, HPHA payment standards for a two-bedroom unit are approximately $2,400–$2,800 per month. On Maui, they run $2,600–$3,100. On Kauai, approximately $2,400–$2,800. On the Big Island, approximately $1,700–$2,000. Contact HPHA directly for current exact payment standards by island.
Is HPHA the only housing authority in Hawaii?
Yes. The Hawaii Public Housing Authority (HPHA) is the sole housing authority administering Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers for the entire state — all islands and all counties. There are no separate city or county PHAs in Hawaii. This makes the application process simpler in one sense — there is only one agency to apply to — but also means there is only one waitlist, which is highly competitive.
Can I use my Hawaii Section 8 voucher on a different island?
HPHA administers vouchers statewide, but payment standards differ by island/county. If you want to move to a different island after receiving your voucher, contact HPHA about inter-island portability. After completing 12 months in your initial assisted unit, you can also port your voucher to the mainland U.S. Contact HPHA at (808) 832-4682 to discuss portability options.
Are there Section 8 vouchers for veterans in Hawaii?
Yes. The HUD-VASH program provides Section 8 vouchers specifically for homeless veterans combined with VA case management. In Hawaii, HUD-VASH is administered through the VA Pacific Islands Health Care System (VAPIHCS) headquartered in Honolulu at (808) 433-0600, with community-based outpatient clinics on Maui, the Big Island, and Kauai. Hawaii has a significant veteran population — contact VAPIHCS directly to inquire about HUD-VASH availability.
What is the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands (DHHL) and is it related to Section 8?
DHHL is a separate state agency that administers the Hawaiian Homes Commission Act, providing homesteading leases and housing specifically for Native Hawaiian beneficiaries with at least 50% Hawaiian ancestry. DHHL is entirely separate from HPHA’s Section 8 program — it has its own waitlist, its own housing stock, and its own application process. Native Hawaiian families should apply to both DHHL and HPHA’s Section 8 program simultaneously, as both waitlists are long and serve different needs. Contact DHHL at (808) 620-9500 or visit dhhl.hawaii.gov.
What other housing programs are available in Hawaii besides Section 8?
Hawaii has several additional programs including HPHA-managed public housing on each island, the Hawaii Rental Housing Revolving Fund (state-funded affordable rentals), the Hawaii Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) for short-term rent relief, and LIHTC affordable housing developments. The Hawaii Homeownership Center (808) 523-9500 offers assistance for first-time buyers. Dial 211 or contact Aloha United Way for comprehensive referrals on each island.
Additional Housing Resources in Hawaii
- Hawaii Public Housing Authority (HPHA): hpha.hawaii.gov — statewide Section 8 HCV and public housing; (808) 832-4682
- Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation (HHFDC): dbedt.hawaii.gov/hhfdc — state affordable housing finance and development; (808) 587-0597
- 211 Hawaii / Aloha United Way: Dial 211 — emergency housing, shelter, utility assistance, and social services on all islands, 24/7
- Hawaii Civil Rights Commission (HCRC): labor.hawaii.gov/hcrc — file SOI and housing discrimination complaints; (808) 586-8636
- Legal Aid Society of Hawaii: legalaidhawaii.org — free housing legal assistance for low-income Hawaii residents on all islands; (808) 536-4302
- Hawaii Appleseed Center for Law and Economic Justice: hiappleseed.org — housing policy advocacy and legal resources; (808) 587-7605
- Department of Hawaiian Home Lands (DHHL): dhhl.hawaii.gov — homesteading and housing for Native Hawaiian beneficiaries; (808) 620-9500
- Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA): oha.org — housing assistance and resources for Native Hawaiian beneficiaries; (808) 594-1888
- Hawaiian Community Assets: hawaiianassets.org — HUD-approved housing counseling for Native Hawaiian families; (808) 587-7656
- HUD-Approved Housing Counselors: Free counseling statewide — find one at hud.gov/housingcounseling
- HUD-VASH for Veterans: Contact VA Pacific Islands Health Care System at (808) 433-0600 for homeless veteran housing vouchers
- Salvation Army Hawaii: hawaii.salvationarmy.org — emergency shelter and transitional housing on Oahu and neighbor islands; (808) 988-2136
- Institute for Human Services (IHS): ihshawaii.org — largest homeless services provider on Oahu; emergency shelter and rapid rehousing; (808) 447-2800
- Maui Family Support Services: mfss.org — housing and family support services on Maui; (808) 242-0900
Final Thoughts: Getting Section 8 Housing in Hawaii
Securing a Section 8 housing voucher in Hawaii is one of the most difficult housing assistance processes in the entire country — waitlists are extraordinarily long, the rental market is crushingly expensive even with a voucher, and HPHA’s waitlist is more often closed than open. But Hawaii also has some of the strongest tenant protections in the nation, including its statewide SOI law, and unique programs for Native Hawaiian families through DHHL and OHA.
Here are the most important actions to take right now:
- Contact HPHA immediately at (808) 832-4682 or hpha.hawaii.gov to check current waitlist status and sign up for notifications
- Apply the moment HPHA’s waitlist opens — openings are rare and close quickly; be prepared to act within hours
- Contact your island-specific HPHA office — Maui (808-984-2150), Big Island (808-933-0339), Kauai (808-241-3449) — island offices sometimes have separate availability
- Apply to DHHL if you are a Native Hawaiian beneficiary — DHHL and HPHA are separate waitlists and you should be on both
- Know your legal rights — Hawaii’s SOI law means landlords cannot legally refuse your application solely because of your voucher; report violations to HCRC at (808) 586-8636
- Dial 211 for immediate help with housing, emergency shelter, utility assistance, and other urgent needs while you wait
For the most current waitlist information, visit the Hawaii Public Housing Authority at hpha.hawaii.gov or call (808) 832-4682.
Disclaimer: This article is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Income limits, Fair Market Rents, payment standards, and program rules are updated annually by HUD. Hawaii state housing laws and programs are also subject to change. Always verify current information with the Hawaii Public Housing Authority or a HUD-approved housing counselor before applying.