Hawaii’s high cost of living poses unique challenges for residents, making affordable housing a pressing issue. The Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program offers a vital solution, helping low-income families, seniors, and individuals with disabilities secure safe, stable, and affordable homes in the private rental market. By subsidizing a significant portion of rent, this federal program ensures that more Hawaiians can focus on building their futures without the constant stress of unaffordable housing costs.

Administered by local Public Housing Authorities (PHAs) across Hawaii, the program allows participants to choose housing that meets their needs while maintaining flexibility. This guide provides everything you need to know about Section 8 in Hawaii, from eligibility requirements to application tips and alternative housing options.

Who Qualifies for Section 8 Housing in Hawaii?

Income Limits: Household income must not exceed 50% of the Area Median Income (AMI) for your county. For instance, in Honolulu County, a family of four earning less than $36,000 may qualify in 2025. Households earning below 30% of the AMI often receive priority assistance.

Residency and Citizenship Status: Applicants must be U.S. citizens, legal residents, or eligible non-citizens.
Background and Rental History: A solid rental history, compliance with lease agreements, and a clean criminal background are essential for eligibility.

While meeting these criteria makes you eligible, demand for Section 8 in Hawaii often exceeds available funding, leading to waiting lists. Early application and consistent updates to your application information are essential to your success.

What is the Most Section 8 Will Pay?

The amount that Section 8 will pay towards a household's rent is determined by a variety of factors, including the household's income, the size of the household, and the fair market rent (FMR) for the area where the household is located. However, there is a maximum payment that Section 8 will provide, known as the payment standard.

The payment standard is the maximum amount that Section 8 will pay towards a household's rent and utilities. In Hawaii, the payment standard varies by county and is based on the fair market rent for that area. For example, in Honolulu County, the payment standard for a one-bedroom apartment in 2025 is $2,200, reflecting the rising cost of housing in the region. Each county’s standards are adjusted annually to align with current rental market trends, ensuring better support for low-income households.

To calculate the amount of rent that Section 8 will pay for a household, the payment standard is subtracted from the total rent and utilities for the unit. The household is then responsible for paying the difference between the Section 8 payment and the total rent.

There are several factors that may affect the amount of Section 8 payment, including changes in the household's income or family size, changes in the fair market rent for the area, and changes in the unit's rent and utilities. It's important to notify the local Public Housing Authority (PHA) if any of these changes occur, as they may affect the amount of Section 8 payment that the household is eligible to receive.

Income Limits for Section 8 Housing in Hawaii

To be eligible for Section 8 housing in Hawaii, applicants must meet certain income eligibility requirements. The income limits vary by county and are based on the area median income (AMI) for that county. In Hawaii, the income limits range from 30% to 80% of the AMI, depending on the household size and the county of residence.

The income limits are determined by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and are updated annually. The purpose of the income limits is to ensure that the program is providing assistance to those who need it most, while also taking into account the cost of living in each county.

To calculate your household income, you will need to add up the gross income for all members of your household. This includes income from all sources, such as wages, salaries, tips, child support, and social security benefits. It's important to report all sources of income on your application, as failure to do so could result in a loss of eligibility for the program.

If your household income is at or below the income limit for your county, you may be eligible for Section 8 housing in Hawaii. It's important to check the income limits for your county before applying to ensure that you meet the eligibility requirements for the program.

The following table shows current income limits for various islands/counties in Hawaii.

Fair Market Rents for Section 8 Housing in Hawaii

Fair market rents (FMR) are used by the Section 8 housing program to determine the maximum amount of rent that can be paid for a unit in a particular area. In Hawaii, fair market rents are based on the rental market conditions for each county and are determined annually by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

The fair market rents for Section 8 housing in Hawaii vary by county and by the number of bedrooms in the unit. For example, in Honolulu County in 2025, the fair market rent for a one-bedroom apartment is $1,950, while the fair market rent for a three-bedroom apartment is $3,850. These figures reflect increases in housing costs across the state, ensuring that the program adjusts to meet the needs of renters in a competitive market.

Fair market rents are determined based on a variety of factors, including the rental market conditions, vacancy rates, and the cost of utilities in the area. The purpose of fair market rents is to ensure that the Section 8 program is providing assistance to eligible households without overpaying for rental units.

To find the fair market rent for your area, you can visit the HUD website or contact your local Public Housing Authority (PHA). It's important to note that the fair market rent may change from year to year, so it's important to check the most recent information before applying for Section 8 housing in Hawaii.

How to Apply for Section 8 Housing in Hawaii?

To apply for Section 8 housing in Hawaii, applicants must complete an application and provide documentation to verify their income, residency, and other eligibility factors. Applications can be completed online or in-person at the local Public Housing Authority (PHA).

Verify Eligibility: Confirm your household meets the income and residency requirements.
Find Your Local PHA: Locate your local Public Housing Authority via the Hawaii Public Housing Authority website.
Submit an Application: Applications can be submitted online or in person. Ensure you provide accurate income documentation, identification, and proof of residency.
Join the Waiting List: Most PHAs in Hawaii maintain waiting lists due to high demand. Keep your contact information updated to avoid missing notifications.

To check your status, contact your local PHA or sign up for updates on their website. Keeping your application current and providing accurate information can improve your chances of receiving assistance when vouchers become available. The following table contains local Housing Authorities in Hawaii, along with their contact information.

Housing Authority	Contact Information	Website
Hawaii Public Housing Authority	1002 N School St, Honolulu, HI 96817 Email (808) 832-4692	Visit Website
Hawaii County Office of Housing and Community Development	1990 Kinoole St, Hilo, HI 96720 Email (808) 961-8379	Visit Website
City and County of Honolulu Department of Community Services	925 Dillingham Blvd, Honolulu, HI 96817 Email (808) 768-7700	Visit Website
Kauai County Housing Agency	4444 Rice St, Suite 330, Lihue, HI 96766 Email (808) 241-4440	Visit Website
Maui County Department of Housing and Human Concerns	35 Lunalilo St, Suite 101, Wailuku, HI 96793 Email (808) 270-7351	Visit Website

Section 8 Housing Hawaii Waiting List

Due to high demand, there may be a waiting list for Section 8 housing in Hawaii. The length of the waiting list varies by county and can range from several months to several years. Once you have submitted your application, you will be placed on the waiting list and contacted when a voucher becomes available.

You can check your status on the waiting list by contacting your local Public Housing Authority (PHA) or by checking online through the Hawaii Public Housing Authority (HPHA) website. It's important to keep your contact information up-to-date to ensure that you receive notifications about your status on the waiting list.

To stay up-to-date on waiting list information and other Section 8 housing updates in Hawaii, it's recommended to sign up for alerts from the HPHA or your local PHA. You can also check the HPHA website for updates on the waiting list status and other important program information.

The following table shows the current waiting list status for Housing Authorities in Hawaii.

  
        Housing Authority
        Waiting List Status
      
        Hawaii Public Housing Authority
        Closed
      
        Hawaii County Office of Housing and Community Development
        Open
      
        City and County of Honolulu Department of Community Services
        Open
      
        Kauai County Housing Agency
        Closed
      
        Maui County Department of Housing and Human Concerns
        Open

Other Low Income Housing Housing Options in Hawaii

In addition to Section 8 housing and HUD housing, there are other low-income housing options available in Hawaii that may have little or no waiting list. These include:

Public Housing: Managed by the Hawaii Public Housing Authority, these units provide affordable housing for eligible low-income families.
Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) Properties: Privately owned apartments offering reduced rents for qualifying tenants.
Project-Based Section 8: Specific housing developments where rent is subsidized for eligible tenants.
Nonprofit Support: Organizations like Habitat for Humanity and Catholic Charities offer additional housing programs and support services.

Eligibility requirements for these programs vary, but generally, applicants must meet income eligibility requirements and other program-specific requirements. It's important to note that the demand for affordable housing in Hawaii is high, and there may be limited availability for these alternative low-income housing options.

To apply for low-income housing with no waiting list in Hawaii, you can contact your local PHA or the Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation (HHFDC) for more information on eligibility and availability.

Building a Future Through Affordable Housing in Hawaii

The Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program and other affordable housing options are essential lifelines for Hawaii’s low-income residents. By understanding the requirements and leveraging available resources, you can take meaningful steps toward securing stable and affordable housing.

To start your journey, contact your local PHA or explore the HUD Housing Choice Voucher page. With persistence and the right tools, finding affordable housing in Hawaii is possible.