Section 8 & Public Housing Waiting Lists in Hilo, Hawaii
There are 3 open waiting lists in the Hilo area right now. Section 8 Waitlist monitors 1 housing authority serving Hilo, Hawaii and updates statuses nightly. Below you will find every PHA in the area with current waitlist status, program types, and direct application links.
If no lists are currently open in Hilo, we recommend applying to nearby cities as well. There is no limit to the number of waiting lists you can join, and many housing authorities accept applications from non-residents.
Affordable Housing in Hilo, Hawaii
Hilo, Hawaii is served by 1 housing authority offering federal rental assistance through Section 8 and Public Housing programs. Right now, 3 waiting lists are accepting applications in the Hilo area.
Housing programs available in Hilo include Mainstream, Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), Public Housing, RAD, VASH. Of these, the following currently have open waitlists: Mainstream (1 open), HCV (1 open).
Latest Opening
County of Hawaii opened its Mainstream waitlist on Aug 1, 2025.
About Housing in Hilo, Hawaii
Hilo, Hawaii, offers various affordable housing assistance programs primarily managed by the County of Hawaii. The area includes approximately 2,263 assisted housing units. Currently, there are 3 open waiting lists available for housing assistance in Hilo, with 1 list closed.
Programs presently accepting applications through open waiting lists include the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program, Mainstream, and Other housing programs. Programs such as the Emergency Housing Voucher (EHV), Foster Youth to Independence (FYI), Project-Based Voucher (PBV), Public Housing, Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD), and VASH currently have closed waiting lists. For context, the Very Low Income limit for a family of four in the Hawaii County area is $60,450 per year for the FY2025 period. It is important for all potential applicants to review the specific eligibility requirements for each program, which typically include income guidelines and other criteria. The Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation serves as the state housing agency.
How to Apply for Section 8 in Hilo
To apply for housing assistance in Hilo, Hawaii, submit an application directly to County of Hawaii, the housing authority serving this area. Right now, 3 waiting lists are accepting applications — apply as soon as possible, as open enrollment periods can close with short notice. Applications are always free — never pay anyone to apply on your behalf.
Before applying, gather the following documents for all household members: government-issued photo ID, Social Security cards, birth certificates for minors, proof of income (pay stubs, tax returns, benefit statements), and proof of current address. For a family of four in this area, income must be below $60,450/year (Very Low Income threshold) to qualify for most programs. Having these ready before a waitlist opens can be the difference between getting on the list and missing the window.
Housing programs available in Hilo include Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), Other, Mainstream, Public Housing, VASH, RAD, Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), Emergency Housing Voucher (EHV), Foster Youth to Independence (FYI), FYI, EHV. Applying to multiple program types simultaneously improves your chances of receiving assistance. After submitting, you will be placed on the waiting list based on the date of your application and any applicable preferences (veterans, elderly, disabled, working families, or local residents).
Hilo, Hawaii Section 8 Income Limits
To qualify for Section 8 or Public Housing in Hilo, Hawaii, your household income must fall within HUD's income limits for the Hawaii County, HI area. A family of four must earn less than $60,450 per year (Very Low Income) to be eligible for most programs. The area median family income is $98,800.
| Household Size | Extremely Low 30% AMI |
Very Low 50% AMI |
Low Income 80% AMI |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Person | $25,400 | $42,350 | $67,700 |
| 2 Persons | $29,000 | $48,400 | $77,400 |
| 3 Persons | $32,650 | $54,450 | $87,050 |
| 4 Persons | $36,980 | $60,450 | $96,700 |
| 5 Persons | $43,310 | $65,300 | $104,450 |
| 6 Persons | $49,640 | $70,150 | $112,200 |
| 7 Persons | $55,970 | $75,000 | $119,950 |
| 8 Persons | $62,300 | $79,800 | $127,650 |
How do income limits affect my eligibility?
Housing authorities in Hilo use these income limits to determine who qualifies for rental assistance. Your total household income before taxes is compared against the limit for your household size.
Very Low Income (50% AMI) — Most Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers and Public Housing programs require your income to be at or below this level. This is the primary eligibility threshold.
Extremely Low Income (30% AMI) — Households at this level often receive priority on waiting lists. By law, housing authorities must allocate a portion of vouchers to extremely low-income families.
Low Income (80% AMI) — Some programs, including Project-Based Vouchers and locally funded initiatives, accept applicants up to this threshold. Contact individual housing authorities below for their specific requirements.