Hawaii Public Housing Authority
Honolulu, Hawaii
Last Updated
Yesterday
About Hawaii Public Housing Authority
The Hawaii Public Housing Authority (HPHA), located in Honolulu, Honolulu County, Hawaii (PHA Code: HI901), manages approximately 4,457 Section 8 housing choice vouchers. These vouchers provide rental assistance to eligible low-income families and individuals across the state.
Currently, HPHA has its Project-Based Voucher (PBV) program open for new applications. Other programs, including Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), Mainstream Vouchers, Public Housing, State Rent Supplement, and VASH, are currently closed. The status for the RAD program is unknown. For a family of four in the Urban Honolulu, HI MSA area, the Very Low Income limit for eligibility is $76,000 per year.
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
The HPHA will accept 1000 applications for the Housing Choice Voucher program for all unit sizes on Oahu, with selection via lottery and applications active for 18 months. Eligibility is based on income, family status, elderly/disabled status, and U.S. citizenship or eligible immigration status, with local preferences in place.
Project-Based Voucher (PBV) Waitlist
Current Status
Currently Closed — Opens Apr 20, 2026
Application Window
Apr 20, 2026 – Apr 27, 2026
Details
The HPHA will accept 600 applications for 2-bedroom units at the Towers at Kuhio Park and 300 applications for 3- and 4-bedroom units at Palolo Homes, both selected by lottery and active for 18 months.
Public Housing Waitlist
Current Status
Currently Closed — Opens Apr 20, 2026
Application Window
Apr 20, 2026 – Apr 27, 2026
Details
Waitlists opening for Central Oahu Elderly (studio at Kupuna Home O Waialua), Honolulu Elderly (studio, 1, 2-bedroom at Punchbowl Homes, Kalanihuia, Makamae, Makua Alii, Paoakalani, Pumehana), Honolulu Family (1, 2-bedroom at Kaahumanu, Kalakaua, Kalihi Valley, Kamehameha, Kuhio, Mayor Wright, Palolo Valley, Puuwai Momi, Salt Lake, Spencer House), and Leeward Oahu Family (1, 2, 3-bedroom at Hale Laulima, Kauiokalani, Maili I and II, Nanakuli, Waimaha-Sunflower, Waipahu I and II). Applications will be accepted online at www.hpha.hawaii.gov/how-to-apply.
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.
Mainstream Vouchers provide rental assistance specifically for non-elderly persons with disabilities. The program helps individuals transition out of institutional settings or avoid institutionalization by subsidizing housing costs in the private market.
When open, applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis, providing monthly rental assistance ranging from $25.00 to $500.00 to qualified families.
Currently closed. No future opening announced.
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.
Status History
Official Application
Contact Hawaii Public Housing Authority directly at (808) 832-4694 to request an application. Applications are always free — never pay anyone to apply on your behalf.
Contact the housing authority directly for application information.
WARNING: 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
Contact Hawaii Public Housing Authority directly at (808) 832-4694 to request an application. Applications are always free — never pay anyone to apply on your behalf.
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 4,457 assisted housing units (4,457 Section 8), 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. This program serves approximately 4,457 households. 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. You may request a transfer to other Public Housing developments but cannot use this benefit at private rental 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.
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.
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.