How do I apply for Section 8 in Hawaii?

Apply to the local public housing agency that serves the area where you want to live. Each agency runs its own waiting list; check its official site to see whether the list is open.

Section 8 in Hawaii: Housing Authorities and How to Apply

Section 8 (the Housing Choice Voucher program) is run by local public housing agencies (PHAs). You apply to the agency that serves where you want to live; many keep waiting lists that open only at times. Here are the agencies serving Hawaii's largest areas, from HUD's official contact list and each agency's site.

Is it illegal for a Hawaii landlord to refuse Section 8? No statewide protection found. The fair housing law's protected classes in real estate transactions are race; sex, including gender identity or expression; sexual orientation; color; religion; marital status; familial status; ancestry; disability; age; and HIV infection. Source of income and voucher status are not listed. HRS § 515-3

Housing authorities in Hawaii

Hawaii Public Housing Authority (HPHA) — Honolulu, Honolulu County
Housing Choice Voucher (Oahu only), Public Housing (federal and state, statewide), State Rent Supplement Program
Phone: (808) 204-9042
How to apply / waiting list — Oahu Section 8/Housing Choice Voucher and Oahu federal public housing waiting lists: closed (as of 2026-10-24). Neighbor-island public housing accepts paper applications at property offices.
City and County of Honolulu - Department of Community Services, Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher — Honolulu, Honolulu County
Housing Choice Voucher
Phone: (808) 768-7762 or (808) 768-7792
How to apply / waiting list — Closed, not accepting applications (as of 2026-10-24); last opened in 2025 (public notice June 20, 2025).

Source: HUD public housing agency contact list. Check the agency's own site before applying; waiting lists open and close.

Statewide housing agency

Hawaiʻi Housing Finance & Development Corporation (HHFDC) — Finances affordable rental development (including the Mixed Income Rental Program) and publishes an affordable rental housing inventory; it does not run a rent assistance program.

Help paying rent in Hawaii

HPHA State Rent Supplement Program — State-funded rent subsidy of up to $500 a month, run by the Hawaii Public Housing Authority.

How to apply

Find the housing authority for the city or county where you want to live (list above).
Check whether its voucher waiting list is open; many open for short windows or use a lottery.
Apply only through the agency's official site or office. Applying is free — no one may charge you to get on a list.
Keep your contact information current with the agency so you do not lose your place.
When a voucher is issued, you find a rental whose rent fits the agency's payment standard and that passes inspection.

Rent levels (HUD Fair Market Rent) and local help by county

Hawaii tenant rights · Free legal help in Hawaii · Section 8 in other states

General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.