Section 8 & Public Housing Waiting Lists in Lihue, Hawaii
There are 11 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.
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, 11 waiting lists are accepting applications in the Lihue area.
Housing programs available in Lihue include Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), Public Housing, RAD, Mainstream. Of these, the following currently have open waitlists: HCV (1 open).
Latest Opening
Kauai County Housing Agency opened its HCV waitlist on Sep 1, 2026.
About Housing in Lihue, Hawaii
Federal rental assistance in Lihue, Kauai County is administered by Kauai County Housing Agency (HUD agency code HI005). It administers roughly 1,178 assisted housing units.
Section 8 Waitlist tracks 18 waiting lists across this agency. As of Mar 14, 2026, 11 are accepting applications.
HUD sets income eligibility for this area as Kauai County, HI. A four-person household qualifies as Very Low Income at or below $66,450 per year, and as Low Income at or below $104,200 (HUD FY2025 limits).
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, 11 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 Affordable Housing (Senior and Family Rental), Affordable Housing (Pua Loke Apartments), Affordable Rental Housing (Uahi Ridge Phase I), Homebuyer Program (AHWL), Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), Affordable Housing Waitlist, Affordable Home-Buyer Program, Other, Supportive Housing, Affordable Senior and Family Housing, Affordable Rental (Hale Ohana Apartments), Supportive Housing (Kealaula and Lima Ola), Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), Affordable Rental (Pua Loke Street Apartments), Public Housing, Senior/Disabled Rentals, RAD, Mainstream. 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 |
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.