Lihue, HI

Section 8 & Public Housing Waiting Lists in Lihue, Hawaii

There are 12 open waiting lists in the Lihue area right now. Section 8 Waitlist monitors 1 housing authority serving Lihue, 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 Lihue, 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.

1
Agencies
12
Open Now
2
Closed

Affordable Housing in Lihue, Hawaii

Lihue, Hawaii is served by 1 housing authority offering federal rental assistance through Section 8 and Public Housing programs. Right now, 12 waiting lists are accepting applications in the Lihue area.

Housing programs available in Lihue include Mainstream, RAD, Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), Public Housing.

Latest Opening

Kauai County Housing Agency opened its Affordable Homebuyer Program waitlist .

About Housing in Lihue, Hawaii

For individuals and families seeking affordable housing assistance in Lihue, Hawaii, the primary resource is the Kauai County Housing Agency. This agency currently manages multiple housing programs, with 12 waiting lists open for applications and 2 lists presently closed.

Available programs include various options such as Affordable Homebuyer, Affordable Homeownership, Affordable Housing (including specific sites like Pua Loke Apartments), Affordable Multifamily Housing, and Affordable Senior and Family Housing. There are also lists for general Family Housing. The state housing agency, Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation, also supports efforts in the region.

Income qualifications are a key factor for eligibility. For example, a family of four designated as Very Low Income in Kauai County for Fiscal Year 2025 would have an income limit of $66,450 per year. Lihue currently has approximately 1,178 assisted housing units available. Applicants should carefully review the specific requirements for each program of interest and ensure they meet all eligibility criteria before applying.

How to Apply for Section 8 in Lihue

To apply for housing assistance in Lihue, Hawaii, submit an application directly to Kauai County Housing Agency, the housing authority serving this area. Right now, 12 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 $66,450/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 Lihue include Other, Affordable Housing, Affordable Homebuyer, Affordable Housing (Homebuyer), Family Housing, Homeownership, Affordable Housing (Pua Loke Apartments), Homebuyer Program, Affordable Multifamily Housing, Affordable Senior and Family Housing, Affordable Homebuyer Program, Affordable Homeownership, Public Housing, Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), Mainstream, RAD, Project-Based Vouchers (PBV). 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).

Lihue, Hawaii Section 8 Income Limits

To qualify for Section 8 or Public Housing in Lihue, Hawaii, your household income must fall within HUD's income limits for the Kauai County, HI area. A family of four must earn less than $66,450 per year (Very Low Income) to be eligible for most programs. The area median family income is $132,900.

Household Size Extremely Low
30% AMI
Very Low
50% AMI
Low Income
80% AMI
1 Person $27,900 $46,550 $72,950
2 Persons $31,900 $53,200 $83,400
3 Persons $35,900 $59,850 $93,800
4 Persons $39,850 $66,450 $104,200
5 Persons $43,310 $71,800 $112,550
6 Persons $49,640 $77,100 $120,900
7 Persons $55,970 $82,400 $129,250
8 Persons $62,300 $87,750 $137,550
Source: HUD FY 2025 Income Limits Area Median Income: $132,900 Effective April 1, 2025
How do income limits affect my eligibility?

Housing authorities in Lihue 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there open Section 8 waiting lists in Lihue?
Yes — there are currently 12 open waiting lists in Lihue, Hawaii. Click into any housing authority above marked "Open" for application details and official portal links.
Can I apply for Section 8 in Lihue if I don't live there?
In most cases, yes. While some PHAs give preference to local residents, there is no federal rule requiring you to live in a city to apply for its waiting list. Many applicants apply to housing authorities in multiple cities and states simultaneously to increase their chances of receiving assistance.
How long is the wait for Section 8 in Lihue?
Wait times vary depending on demand, funding, and your priority status. National averages range from 6 months to 5+ years. Lihue wait times depend on the specific housing authority and program type. Contact the PHA directly for current estimates, and consider applying to multiple PHAs to improve your chances.
All housing authorities in Hawaii