What Housing Programs Hawaii Offers

Hawaii has several programs that help people find or keep affordable housing, but they work differently depending on where you live and your household situation. The main programs are Hawaii Public Housing Authority (HPHA) public housing, Section 8 vouchers administered by HPHA, rental information through the state, and down payment help for homebuyers. Some islands have more options than others — Oahu has the most programs, while rural islands like Molokai and Lanai have fewer choices.

The cost of living in Hawaii is among the highest in the nation, which means income limits for these programs are also higher than on the mainland. A family of four might have an income limit around $75,000 to $85,000 for some programs, but that varies by program and changes yearly. You do not have to be a Hawaii resident to start the process, but you will need to show you have a job or income source in the state or a strong connection to it.

Key Takeaways

  • Hawaii Public Housing Authority runs both public housing and Section 8 vouchers, and both have waiting lists that can be years long on Oahu.
  • Income limits are higher in Hawaii than most states because the cost of living is higher, but they still exclude many working families.
  • Rental information programs exist but often have limited funding and close when money runs out; calling 211 or your county housing office tells you which ones are open now.
  • Down payment information for homebuyers is available through state programs, but you must have stable income and a reasonable credit history.
  • Each island has different housing authorities and programs, so the office you contact depends on which island you live on.

Public Housing and Section 8 Vouchers Through HPHA

The Hawaii Public Housing Authority manages both public housing units and Section 8 vouchers across the state. Public housing means you rent a unit owned and operated by HPHA; Section 8 means you find your own rental and HPHA pays part of the rent to your landlord. Both require you to pay a portion of your income toward rent — usually 30 percent of your gross monthly income.

Waiting lists for both programs are long, especially on Oahu. As of recent reports, the Section 8 waiting list on Oahu has been closed to new applicants for years, though HPHA occasionally opens it briefly. Public housing waiting lists vary by island and by the type of unit you need. You can contact HPHA directly to ask whether the list is open in your area and how long the wait typically is.

To be considered, your household income must fall below the limit set for your family size and island. You also need to show you can pay your portion of rent — HPHA will look at your income history and may contact your employer. If you have been evicted in the past five to seven years, or have serious criminal history, you may be denied, but HPHA considers each case individually and does not automatically exclude people with records.

Rental information and Emergency Programs

Hawaii has rental information programs run by the state and by individual counties. These programs help pay rent you owe or rent coming due if you have experienced a hardship like job loss, illness, or reduced hours. Unlike Section 8, rental information is usually temporary — it covers a few months of rent, not ongoing support.

The state program is called the Rental Housing information Program (RHAP), and it is administered through the Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation. County programs also exist on Oahu, Hawaii County, Maui County, and Kalawao County. Funding for these programs changes year to year, and many close when money runs out. The fastest way to find out which programs are currently open is to call 211 (dial 2-1-1 from any phone) or contact your county housing office directly.

To use rental information, you typically need a signed lease, proof of income or job loss, and documentation of the hardship. Programs usually pay the landlord directly, not you. Processing takes two to six weeks in most cases. If you are facing eviction, tell your landlord you have applied for information and ask them to pause the eviction process while you wait for a decision.

Income Limits and Household Composition Rules

Income limits in Hawaii are set as a percentage of the area median income (AMI) for each island. For public housing and Section 8, the limit is usually 50 percent of AMI. For rental information, it is often 60 percent of AMI. Because Hawaii's median income is high, these percentages translate to higher dollar amounts than on the mainland.

Your household income includes wages, self-employment income, Social Security, unemployment benefits, child support, and other regular money coming in. It does not include one-time payments, tax refunds, or money from selling an asset. If you are self-employed, you will need to show tax returns for the past two years.

Household composition matters for income limits and for unit size. A household is anyone living with you who is related to you or who is on the lease. Children, parents, and spouses count. Unrelated roommates do not count as part of your household for these programs. If your household size changes — a child is born, a parent moves in, or someone moves out — you must report it to the program.

Down Payment information for Homebuyers

If you want to buy a home rather than rent, Hawaii offers down payment information through the Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation (HHFDC). The main program is called the Homebuyer information Program, and it can help cover down payment and closing costs. You must be a first-time homebuyer, have a household income below the limit for your area, and be able to get a mortgage.

Lenders will still require you to have some savings, a job history, and a credit score — usually 620 or higher, though some programs accept lower scores. The amount of information varies, but it can range from a few thousand dollars to help with closing costs to a larger grant that reduces your down payment. You work with a participating lender and a housing counselor to move through the process.

This program is different from rental information because it is a one-time help toward buying, not ongoing rent support. It also requires you to may have access to for a mortgage, which means your income and credit have to meet the lender's standards. If you are not ready to buy or cannot get a mortgage, rental programs are a better fit.

How to Contact Housing Programs by Island

Each island has its own housing authority or office. On Oahu, contact the Hawaii Public Housing Authority directly for public housing and Section 8. For rental information on Oahu, you can reach the city program or call 211. On the Big Island (Hawaii County), Maui County (which includes Maui, Molokai, and Lanai), and Kauai, housing programs are run by the county government.

The easiest first step is to call 211 from any phone in Hawaii. The service is free and connects you to local housing resources. They can tell you which programs are open, what the waiting lists look like, and what documents you need. If 211 is not available in your area, search online for "[Your County] housing authority" or "[Your County] rental information."

When you contact a program, have ready: your household size, your gross monthly income, your current housing situation, and the reason you need help. If you are explore for rental information, also have your lease and landlord's contact information. Programs move faster when you have documents ready before you call.

Documentation You Will Need

Every program requires proof of income and identity. Bring a government-issued ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID card) and recent pay stubs or tax returns. If you are unemployed, bring a letter from your employer saying you were laid off, or documentation of unemployment benefits.

For rental information, you also need a signed lease showing the address and rent amount, and proof of the hardship — a termination letter, medical bills, or a notice of eviction. For public housing or Section 8, you need proof of income for the past two years, which usually means tax returns or W-2 forms.

If you are explore for down payment information, bring your credit report (you can get a free one at annualcreditreport.com), proof of income, and a pre-approval letter from a lender. Programs move faster when you bring documents in person or upload them online rather than mailing them.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the waiting list for Section 8 in Hawaii?

On Oahu, the Section 8 waiting list has been closed for several years and the wait for people already on the list is estimated at five to ten years. On other islands, waiting times vary — some are one to three years, others are closed. Call HPHA or your county housing office to find out the current status for your island.

Can I be denied housing because of my criminal record?

HPHA and county programs do not automatically deny people with criminal history. They look at the type of crime, how long ago it happened, and whether you have been stable since. Violent crimes and drug manufacturing are more likely to result in denial than other offenses. You can ask the program what their policy is before you explore.

What if my income is above the limit?

If your income is above the limit, you do not meet the requirements for these programs. You may be able to find affordable housing through private landlords, community land trusts, or by looking on other islands where costs are lower. Some employers also offer housing information or can connect you to resources.

Do I have to live in Hawaii already to explore?

You do not have to be a current resident, but you need to show you have a job or income source in Hawaii or a strong reason to move there. Programs want to know you will stay and can pay rent. If you are moving for a job, bring a job offer letter.

Can I explore for both public housing and Section 8 at the same time?

Yes, you can be on both waiting lists at the same time. If you are offered a unit or voucher from one program, you can accept it and ask to be removed from the other list. Being on multiple lists increases your chances of getting help sooner.