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), Public Housing, Mainstream, Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), RAD.
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.
Housing Authorities in Honolulu
How to Apply for Section 8 in Honolulu
To apply for Section 8 or Public Housing assistance in Honolulu, Hawaii, you need to submit an application directly to one of the housing authorities listed above during an open enrollment period. 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. Having these ready before a waitlist opens can be the difference between getting on the list and missing the window.
Most housing authorities in the Honolulu area accept online applications through their official portal. 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). Wait times in Hawaii typically range from 6 months to 5+ years depending on demand.
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.