Hawaii Section 8 Income Limits 2026
These are illustrative estimates using regional income benchmarks. Official HUD Section 8 limits are set by metro area and county — your local figures may differ significantly. Look up official limits on HUD's tool →
| Household size | Extremely Low (30% AMI) | Very Low (50% AMI) | Low Income (80% AMI) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 person | $27,800/yr | $46,400/yr | $74,300/yr |
| 2 people | $31,800/yr | $53,000/yr | $84,900/yr |
| 3 people | $35,800/yr | $59,700/yr | $95,500/yr |
| 4 people | $39,800/yr | $66,300/yr | $106,100/yr |
| 5 people | $43,000/yr | $71,600/yr | $114,600/yr |
| 6 people | $46,100/yr | $76,900/yr | $123,100/yr |
| 7 people | $49,300/yr | $82,200/yr | $131,500/yr |
| 8 people | $52,500/yr | $87,500/yr | $140,000/yr |
Annual income limits. Illustrative estimates using regional AMI benchmark of $132,600. Official HUD limits vary by county. Last verified: April 2026. Always use HUD's official tool before applying. Look up exact limits on HUD's tool →
How Section 8 Works in Hawaii
Section 8 in Hawaii is administered by local Public Housing Authorities (PHAs), not the state government. This means income limits, waiting list status, and application processes vary by city and county. A major housing authority in Hawaii is Hawaii Public Housing Authority. There are multiple PHAs across the state — use HUD's PHA directory to find all housing authorities near you.
Section 8 eligibility is based on your local Area Median Income (AMI), not the FPL. Limits in urban counties like metro areas are typically higher than rural counties.
Most Hawaii PHAs have waiting lists of 2–10 years. Many lists are currently closed. Apply to every open PHA in your area and check back regularly.
With a voucher, you typically pay 30% of your adjusted monthly income toward rent. The housing authority pays the rest directly to your landlord, up to a local payment standard.
How to Apply for Section 8 in Hawaii
There may be multiple housing authorities in your area. Use HUD's PHA directory to find every housing authority in your county and surrounding counties.
Contact each PHA directly to ask if their waiting list is currently open. A major Hawaii housing authority is Hawaii Public Housing Authority — call 808-832-4694 or visit their site.
You can be on multiple waiting lists at once. Apply to every open PHA in your region — the more lists you are on, the better your chances of receiving a voucher sooner.
Photo ID, Social Security numbers for all household members, proof of income, rental history, and current housing information. Having these ready means you can apply the moment a list opens.
Update your address and phone number with every PHA you applied to. Missing a notification can result in removal from the waiting list — this is one of the most common reasons people lose their place.
Other Rental Assistance in Hawaii
If the Section 8 waiting list is closed, these programs may also help with housing costs in Hawaii:
- Emergency Rental Assistance: Contact 211 or your local community action agency for emergency rent help
- Public housing: Separate from Section 8 — ask your local PHA about public housing availability
- LIHEAP: Energy bill assistance in Hawaii
- SNAP: Food assistance in Hawaii
- HUD.gov: Find all HUD rental assistance programs