Section 8 & Public Housing Waiting Lists in Honolulu, Hawaii
All waiting lists in Honolulu are currently closed. Section 8 Waitlist monitors 3 housing authorities serving Honolulu, 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 Honolulu, 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 Honolulu, Hawaii
Honolulu, Hawaii is served by 3 housing authorities offering federal rental assistance through Section 8 and Public Housing programs. Currently, all waitlists in Honolulu are closed. Openings can happen with as little as 48 hours notice, so monitoring is critical.
Housing programs available in Honolulu include Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), Mainstream, Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), Public Housing, RAD, VASH.
Get Notified When Lists Open
No waitlists are currently open near Honolulu. We check every housing authority nightly and can notify you the moment something opens. Sign up for real-time alerts.
About Housing in Honolulu, Hawaii
Affordable housing assistance in Honolulu, Hawaii is primarily managed by two key entities: the City and County of Honolulu and the Hawaii Public Housing Authority. Together, these agencies oversee approximately 14,314 assisted housing units across the area. For those seeking housing assistance, it's important to note that many waitlists are currently closed. While only two waiting lists are presently open, ten others are closed, indicating limited immediate availability.
Various types of housing programs are available through these authorities, although most are not accepting new applications at this time. Program categories include Housing Choice Voucher (HCV), Mainstream, Project-Based Voucher (PBV), Public Housing, RAD, State Rent Supplement, VASH, Kumuwai Senior Housing, Low-Income Transit Pass Program, Rehabilitation Loan Program, and Rent-to-Work Program. Currently, Project-Based Voucher (PBV) programs are the only type with open waitlists (two lists). Eligibility for these programs often depends on income; for example, a family of four in the Urban Honolulu area may qualify as Very Low Income with an annual income up to $76,000 for FY2025. The Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation serves as the state housing agency, supporting these efforts.
Housing Authorities in Honolulu
City and County of Honolulu
Honolulu, Hawaii · HI003
Hawaii Public Housing Authority
Honolulu, Hawaii · HI901
Hawaii Public Housing Authority
Honolulu, Hawaii · HI001
How to Apply for Section 8 in Honolulu
To apply for housing assistance in Honolulu, Hawaii, submit an application directly to one of the 3 housing authorities serving the Honolulu area (listed above). All waitlists are currently closed, but openings happen with as little as 48 hours 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 $76,000/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 Honolulu include Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), Public Housing, Mainstream, State Rent Supplement, VASH, Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), Rehabilitation Loan Program, RAD, Rent-to-Work Program, Kumuwai Senior Housing, Low-Income Transit Pass Program. 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).
Honolulu, Hawaii Section 8 Income Limits
To qualify for Section 8 or Public Housing in Honolulu, Hawaii, your household income must fall within HUD's income limits for the Urban Honolulu, HI MSA area. A family of four must earn less than $76,000 per year (Very Low Income) to be eligible for most programs. The area median family income is $129,300.
| Household Size | Extremely Low 30% AMI |
Very Low 50% AMI |
Low Income 80% AMI |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Person | $31,950 | $53,200 | $85,150 |
| 2 Persons | $36,500 | $60,800 | $97,300 |
| 3 Persons | $41,050 | $68,400 | $109,450 |
| 4 Persons | $45,600 | $76,000 | $121,600 |
| 5 Persons | $49,250 | $82,100 | $131,350 |
| 6 Persons | $52,900 | $88,200 | $141,100 |
| 7 Persons | $56,550 | $94,250 | $150,800 |
| 8 Persons | $62,300 | $100,350 | $160,550 |
How do income limits affect my eligibility?
Housing authorities in Honolulu 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.