Hawaii Public Housing Authority
Honolulu, Hawaii
Last Updated
20 hours ago
About Hawaii Public Housing Authority
The Hawaii Public Housing Authority (HPHA), located in Honolulu, Honolulu County, Hawaii, manages approximately 4,731 assisted housing units. The HPHA offers a range of housing programs, including the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV), Mainstream Vouchers, Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), Public Housing, RAD, and State Rent Supplement initiatives.
Currently, all waiting lists for the Hawaii Public Housing Authority are closed. This includes applications for the HCV, Mainstream, PBV, and Public Housing programs. Applicants should note that the HPHA is not accepting new applications at this time.
For eligibility, a family of four in the Urban Honolulu, HI MSA area would be considered Very Low Income with an annual household income of $76,000 or less. Prospective applicants should periodically check for updates on future waitlist openings, as new applications can only be submitted when lists are officially announced as open.
Opening Soon
3 upcomingSection 8 Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Waitlist
Current Status
Currently Closed — Opens Apr 20, 2026
Application Window
Apr 20, 2026 – Apr 27, 2026
Details
This waitlist serves the HPHA's Housing Choice Voucher program on Oahu. The HPHA will accept 1000 applications for all voucher unit sizes and use a lottery to select applicants. Preferences may include homeless, victims of domestic violence, and/or elderly. Applications will be active for 18 months from placement on the list.
Project-Based Voucher (PBV) Waitlist
Current Status
Currently Closed — Opens Apr 20, 2026
Application Window
Apr 20, 2026 – Apr 27, 2026
Details
Two Project-Based Voucher waitlists will open for specific properties on Oahu. The Towers at Kuhio Park is accepting 600 applications for two-bedroom units only. Palolo Homes is accepting 300 applications for three and four-bedroom units only. Both waitlists will use a lottery system. Applications will be active for 18 months from placement on the list.
Public Housing Waitlist
Current Status
Currently Closed — Opens Apr 20, 2026
Application Window
Apr 20, 2026 – Apr 27, 2026
Details
The Oahu federal public housing waiting lists are scheduled to open. Preferences may include homelessness. Applications are submitted via an online pre-application form.
Other Programs
4 programsThese programs are administered by this housing authority but do not have active waitlist openings at this time. Statuses are verified nightly and subscribers will be notified when changes are detected.
No active waitlist information is currently available for Mainstream Vouchers, which provide rental assistance for non-elderly persons with disabilities.
No specific waiting list opening information was found for HUD-VASH Vouchers, which are administered under the Housing Choice Voucher program.
The Rental Assistance Demonstration program converts Public Housing units to project-based assistance, allowing housing authorities to leverage private funding for property rehabilitation while preserving long-term affordability for residents.
No waitlist information currently available for this program.
Status History
Official Application
Apply directly through the official Hawaii Public Housing Authority portal. Applications are free — never pay anyone to apply on your behalf.
Go to Official SiteWARNING: DO NOT PAY ANYONE TO APPLY FOR HOUSING
Contact Information
Important Notices
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Waiting lists can close without notice once a specific number of applications is reached.
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Ensure your contact information is always up to date with the PHA to avoid being removed from the list.
How to Apply at Hawaii Public Housing Authority
Check Current Status
All waiting lists at Hawaii Public Housing Authority are currently closed, but 3 lists are expected to open soon. Prepare your documents now so you can apply immediately when the window opens.
Gather Required Documents
For Section 8 voucher programs at Hawaii Public Housing Authority, you will typically need: government-issued photo ID for all adult household members, Social Security cards for all members, birth certificates for minors, proof of income (pay stubs, tax returns, benefit letters), and proof of current address. For a family of four, income must be below $76,000/year to qualify in this area. Having these ready before the waitlist opens can make the difference between getting on the list and missing the window.
Submit Your Application
Apply directly through the official Hawaii Public Housing Authority portal. Applications are free — never pay anyone to apply on your behalf. If applying online, take a screenshot of your confirmation page for your records.
After You Apply
Once accepted onto the waiting list at Hawaii Public Housing Authority, keep your contact information updated. Most housing authorities will remove applicants who cannot be reached. Hawaii Public Housing Authority manages approximately 4,731 assisted housing units, and wait times depend on turnover and demand in Honolulu. You will be notified when your name reaches the top of the list for eligibility verification.
Programs at Hawaii Public Housing Authority
HCV Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) closed
The Housing Choice Voucher program at Hawaii Public Housing Authority provides rental assistance that allows you to choose any privately-owned rental unit that meets program requirements. You pay approximately 30% of your adjusted monthly income toward rent, and the voucher covers the remainder up to the Fair Market Rent for Honolulu. Vouchers are portable — you can take them with you if you move to a different city or state.
Mainstream Mainstream Voucher closed
Mainstream Vouchers at Hawaii Public Housing Authority are specifically designated for non-elderly individuals with disabilities. These vouchers work like standard HCVs but are reserved for this population and often have separate, shorter waitlists.
PBV Project-Based Voucher closed
Project-Based Vouchers at Hawaii Public Housing Authority are attached to specific apartment complexes or units in Honolulu. Unlike the standard Housing Choice Voucher, PBV assistance stays with the property — not with you. However, after one year of occupancy, you may request a standard portable voucher. PBV waitlists often move faster because fewer applicants know about them.
Public Housing Public Housing closed
Public Housing units at Hawaii Public Housing Authority are owned and operated directly by the housing authority. Rent is set at 30% of your adjusted monthly income. Hawaii Public Housing Authority manages approximately 4,731 Public Housing units in Honolulu. You may request a transfer to other Public Housing developments but cannot use this benefit at private rental properties.
VASH Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing closed
The HUD-VASH program at Hawaii Public Housing Authority combines Housing Choice Vouchers with VA supportive services for homeless veterans in Honolulu. Referrals are made through the local VA Medical Center — contact the VA to begin the application process.
RAD Rental Assistance Demonstration closed
The Rental Assistance Demonstration program at Hawaii Public Housing Authority converts Public Housing units to project-based assistance with long-term contracts. RAD units in Honolulu maintain the same resident protections as Public Housing while enabling capital improvements to the properties.
State Rent Supplement closed
The State Rent Supplement program at Hawaii Public Housing Authority provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Honolulu. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is applying at Hawaii Public Housing Authority free?
How long is the wait at Hawaii Public Housing Authority?
Can I apply to other housing authorities while on this waitlist?
How do I contact Hawaii Public Housing Authority?
What are the income limits for Hawaii Public Housing Authority?
Hawaii Public Housing Authority Income Limits
Income limits for programs at the Hawaii Public Housing Authority are based on the Area Median Income (AMI) for Urban Honolulu, HI MSA. For a household of four, the current limit for Section 8 eligibility (Very Low Income) is $76,000. Limits are set annually by HUD and vary by household size.
| 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 |
What do these income limits mean?
Extremely Low Income (30% AMI) — Households earning at or below 30% of the Area Median Income. This is the threshold for the lowest-income tier of assistance. Many housing authorities give preference to applicants at this level.
Very Low Income (50% AMI) — The standard eligibility threshold for Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers and most Public Housing programs. Your household income must be at or below this limit to qualify.
Low Income (80% AMI) — Some programs, including Project-Based Vouchers and certain local initiatives, use this higher threshold. Check with this housing authority for specific program requirements.
Nearby Housing Authorities
Applying to multiple housing authorities increases your chances of receiving assistance. These PHAs are closest to Hawaii Public Housing Authority — including across state lines.