Housing Assistance for Seniors in Hawaii

Last updated: August 19, 2025

If You Need Emergency Help

• Call 911 if you are in immediate danger or facing unsafe conditions.
• For crisis counseling or suicide prevention, call or text 988 or visit the 988 Lifeline.
• For fast local referrals (shelter, food, rent help), call 2-1-1 or visit Aloha United Way’s 211 directory.
• If you are homeless or at imminent risk:
  • Oahu: Contact the Coordinated Entry System via Partners in Care for access points and outreach programs: Partners in Care Oahu Continuum of Care.
  • Neighbor Islands: See Bridging the Gap Continuum of Care for access points on Hawai‘i Island, Maui County, and Kaua‘i.
• Elder abuse or neglect (including unsafe living conditions due to abuse): Contact Hawaii Adult Protective Services via the Department of Human Services.

Note: Links to all agencies listed above are provided in the Resources and “Resources by Region” sections below.

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Key Takeaways

• Multiple programs can help seniors with rent, utilities, repairs, and accessible housing, but waitlists in Hawaii are often long. Apply early and to more than one program when possible.
• For renters: Section 8 vouchers, senior public housing, and HUD Section 202 properties are key options. Check county housing agencies and the Hawaii Public Housing Authority (HPHA) for openings.
• For homeowners age 62+: USDA’s Section 504 grants can cover essential repairs and accessibility. County tax exemptions can reduce property taxes for seniors.
• Supportive services like Kupuna Care and Medicaid (Med-QUEST) home and community-based services can help you stay safely at home, even though they don’t pay rent.
• Use trusted sources only. Government housing programs never charge an application fee. Beware of “guaranteed approval” offers.

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How Housing Help Works in Hawaii: Quick Overview

Hawaii’s housing support is a mix of federal, state, county, and nonprofit programs:

• Federal programs include Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers, Public Housing, and HUD Section 202 (supportive housing for older adults).
• State and counties administer many of these programs locally (HPHA and county housing agencies).
• Separate help exists for utilities (LIHEAP), home energy upgrades (Weatherization), and critical home repairs (USDA 504).
• Extra supports help specific groups such as veterans, disabled seniors, rural kupuna, and Native Hawaiian beneficiaries (DHHL).
• Expect long waitlists in high-demand areas. Keep documents ready, respond quickly to notices, and broaden your search to multiple islands if you can.

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Table 1: Key Programs at a Glance (What They Do and Who Runs Them)

Note: Program availability and waitlist status change. Always verify on agency websites.

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Renting: How to Lower Your Monthly Costs

Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV)

• What it is: A federal voucher that covers a portion of your rent. You rent from a private landlord, and the voucher pays part of the rent directly to the landlord.
• Who manages it in Hawaii: County housing agencies and the HPHA administer HCV. Each maintains its own waitlist and opening schedules.
• How to apply: Watch for “waitlist openings” on your county’s housing website and HPHA’s announcements. You usually apply online when the list opens.

Learn more:

• HUD overview: Housing Choice Voucher Program (HCV)
• HPHA voucher information: Hawaii Public Housing Authority – Section 8 and rental programs
• County links: See “Resources by Region” for Oahu, Hawai‘i Island, Maui County, and Kaua‘i County.

Reality check:

• Waitlists often open briefly and can close in days. Some counties use a lottery. You may wait months or years. Apply to multiple agencies if possible and keep your contact info current.

Tip:

• Keep digital copies of your ID, Social Security card, proof of income, and residency, so you can apply quickly when lists open.

Public Housing for Seniors

• What it is: Income-based apartments where rent is capped (often around 30% of adjusted income). Some buildings are reserved for seniors or seniors/disabled.
• Where to find it: HPHA operates federal and state public housing statewide; counties may also own/manage properties.
• How to apply: Check HPHA’s Public Housing application portal and county housing sites for property lists and waitlist instructions.

Learn more:

• HPHA Public Housing: Hawaii Public Housing Authority – Public Housing

Reality check:

• Public housing can have long waits. Ask to remain on lists while you also search for Section 202 senior properties and other options.

HUD Section 202 Supportive Housing for Older Adults

• What it is: Affordable apartments specifically for low-income seniors, often with a service coordinator who connects residents to transportation, meals, and health supports.
• How to find units: Use the HUD Resource Locator to search for “Elderly” properties in each county. Also check well-known nonprofit providers:
  • EAH Housing – Hawaii properties
  • Hale Mahaolu (Maui County) – Senior rentals and services
  • Catholic Charities Hawai‘i – Housing and Homelessness programs

Learn more:

• HUD Resource Locator (search affordable/senior housing)
• About Section 202: HUD Section 202 Supportive Housing

Reality check:

• Many Section 202 buildings run their own waitlists and take paper applications. Call the property office for details and update your application yearly.

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Homeowners: Repairs, Safety, and Aging in Place

USDA Section 504 Home Repair Loans & Grants (age 62+)

• What it is: For very low-income homeowners who live in rural areas. Grants (for age 62+) can pay for health and safety repairs and accessibility (e.g., ramps, grab bars, fixing wiring or roofing). Loans are also available at low interest.
• How to apply: Contact the USDA Rural Development Hawaii State Office or your local USDA RD office.

Learn more:

• Program overview: USDA Single Family Housing Repair Loans & Grants (Section 504)
• Local office: USDA Rural Development – Hawaii State Office

Reality check:

• Grants have a lifetime cap and may require proof that no other affordable financing is available. Properties must be in eligible rural areas (large parts of Hawai‘i Island, Maui County, and Kaua‘i count as rural; some areas on Oahu may not).

County and Nonprofit Repair Programs

• Habitat for Humanity affiliates often run critical home repair or accessibility programs (may require sweat equity or a small affordable repayment):
  • Honolulu Habitat for Humanity – Home Repair
  • Kaua‘i Habitat for Humanity – Repairs
  • Habitat for Humanity Maui – Home Repair
  • Hawai‘i Island Habitat for Humanity – Programs

Tip:

• Ask your county housing office about CDBG/HOME-funded home repair or rehabilitation programs. Availability varies year to year based on funding.

Property Tax Relief for Senior Homeowners

Each county offers homeowner exemptions and/or tax credits for seniors who live in their home. Amounts and ages vary.

• Honolulu (Oahu): Real Property Assessment Division – Exemptions and credits.
• Hawai‘i County: Real Property Tax Office – Exemptions, credits.
• Maui County: Real Property Assessment Division – Homeowner and senior exemptions.
• Kaua‘i County: Real Property Assessment – Exemptions and tax relief.

Reality check:

• You usually must file an exemption application and show proof of age, occupancy, and sometimes income by a deadline (often in the fall) for the next tax year. Check the county site for current rules.

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Utilities, Energy Savings, and Weatherization

LIHEAP (Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program)

• What it is: One-time payment toward your energy bill, paid to your utility. Hawaii typically accepts applications during a limited period (often June).
• Who runs it: Hawaii Department of Human Services (BESSD), with local community action agencies (HCAP, MEO, HCEOC, KEO).

Learn more:

• Program page and application windows: Hawaii DHS – LIHEAP
• Oahu: Honolulu Community Action Program (HCAP)
• Maui County: Maui Economic Opportunity (MEO)
• Hawai‘i Island: Hawai‘i County Economic Opportunity Council (HCEOC)
• Kaua‘i: Kaua‘i Economic Opportunity (KEO)

Tip:

• Apply early during the open period. Bring ID, Social Security numbers for household members, proof of income, and your latest utility bill.

Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP)

• What it is: Free energy upgrades for eligible households (e.g., efficient lighting, refrigerators, water heater measures, minor health/safety fixes related to energy use).
• Who runs it: Hawaii Office of Community Services (OCS), delivered by local agencies.

Learn more:

• Hawaii OCS – Weatherization Assistance Program
• Check with HCAP, MEO, HCEOC, and KEO for intake.

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Medicaid (Med-QUEST) and Aging at Home

Medicaid doesn’t pay rent, but it can fund services that help you stay safely in your home instead of a nursing facility:

• Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) through Med-QUEST can cover personal care, homemaker services, adult day health, respite, and sometimes minor home modifications under certain waivers.
• The Executive Office on Aging also funds Kupuna Care for in-home supports if you don’t qualify for Medicaid.

Learn more:

• Med-QUEST Division (Hawaii Medicaid) – Long-Term Services and Supports
• Executive Office on Aging – Kupuna Care Program
• ADRC Hawai‘i – statewide information and intake portal

Tip:

• If you are in a nursing facility and want to return home, ask about Hawaii’s “Going Home Plus” (Money Follows the Person) transition program through Med-QUEST.

Learn more:

• Med-QUEST – Going Home Plus (Money Follows the Person)

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Know Your Rights (Fair Housing and Landlord-Tenant)

• Fair Housing: It’s illegal to discriminate in housing based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex (including sexual orientation and gender identity), familial status, disability, and other protected classes under Hawaii law. If you face discrimination:
  • Hawaii Civil Rights Commission – File a housing discrimination complaint
  • HUD Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity (FHEO) – File a complaint
• Landlord-Tenant Rules: Understand deposits, repairs, notices, and evictions under Hawaii’s Residential Landlord-Tenant Code.
  • Hawaii DCCA – Landlord-Tenant Code and Handbook

Reality check:

• Court deadlines move fast. If you get an eviction notice (complaint or hearing date), contact Legal Aid quickly.
  • Legal Aid Society of Hawai‘i – Housing/legal help
  • Volunteer Legal Services Hawai‘i

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Table 2: Where to Start by Situation

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How to Apply: Documents and Steps

1. Gather documents:
   • Photo ID, Social Security numbers, proof of Hawaii residency.
   • Proof of income (award letters for Social Security/SSI, pension statements, pay stubs, bank statements).
   • For homeowners: deed or property tax bill; for renters: current lease and landlord info.
   • Utility bills for LIHEAP/WAP.
2. Find the right program:
   • Use the links in this guide to check eligibility and application periods (especially for Section 8 and LIHEAP).
3. Apply to multiple programs:
   • Example: Apply for Section 8 in your county and with HPHA, join waitlists for several Section 202 senior buildings, and ask ADRC about in-home supports.
4. Follow up:
   • Keep your phone and mailing address updated. Watch for mail or email from agencies; respond quickly.
5. Keep a file:
   • Store copies of every application, confirmation number, and the name/date of any staff you speak with.

Scam warning:

• Government programs never guarantee approval or ask you to pay an application fee. If someone asks for money to “move you to the top of the list,” it’s a scam.

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Special Focus: Who Can Help Me on My Island?

Table 3: Rental Help and Public Housing Contacts by County

Tip:

• Check “Announcements,” “News,” or “Waitlist” pages for opening dates.

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Inclusive Supports

LGBTQ+ Seniors

• Hawaii law bans housing discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. If you face bias, contact the Hawaii Civil Rights Commission and HUD FHEO (links above).
• For LGBTQ+-affirming support and referrals:
  • SAGE National LGBTQ+ Elder Hotline (resource and support line)
  • Hawai‘i LGBT Legacy Foundation – local resources and community connections

Veteran Seniors

• Housing plus case management: HUD-VASH connects you with a housing voucher and VA support through the VA Pacific Islands Health Care System. Start here:
  • VA HUD-VASH overview
  • VA Pacific Islands Health Care System
• Prevention and rapid re-housing: Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF)
  • Learn about SSVF and find providers: VA SSVF program and locator

Disabled Seniors

• Ask your housing provider for reasonable accommodations or modifications. If denied, contact the Hawaii Civil Rights Commission or HUD FHEO.
• For accessibility funding, explore:
  • USDA Section 504 (homeowners age 62+)
  • VA HISA/SAH/SHA grants for eligible veterans: VA Home Modification Grants (HISA/SAH/SHA)
• Connect to services via:
  • ADRC Hawai‘i – intake for disability and aging services

Native Hawaiian (Tribal-Specific) Resources

• Department of Hawaiian Home Lands (DHHL): Homestead leases and housing assistance for eligible Native Hawaiians; some funds for rehab and down payment assistance are supported by the Native Hawaiian Housing Block Grant (availability varies).
  • DHHL – Programs and waitlists
• Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA): Financial assistance programs and referrals that may support housing stability.
  • OHA – Programs and Grants
• Hawaiian Community Assets (HCA): HUD-approved housing counseling, financial coaching, and homeowner education.
  • Hawaiian Community Assets – Counseling and Workshops

Rural Seniors and Families

• Rural areas may have fewer rentals and longer travel to agencies. Use:
  • USDA Rural Development – for Section 504 repairs and other rural housing programs.
  • ADRC – for local service coordination and transportation options.
  • Neighbor Island Continuum of Care access points (see “Resources by Region”) for homelessness prevention or housing placement.
• Tip: Ask about phone or video appointments, mobile intake days, and mail-in applications if travel is difficult.

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Table 4: Utilities and Weatherization Contacts

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Realities of Housing in Hawaii (And How to Cope)

• High costs and limited inventory: Affordable rentals fill up quickly. Be flexible on location when possible; consider neighbor islands and different neighborhoods.
• Waitlists open briefly: Create a calendar reminder to check PHA websites monthly and sign up for email alerts if offered.
• Documentation matters: Incomplete applications are often denied. Use the checklists above and ask a trusted person (family member, case manager, or AAA counselor) to review.
• Transport can block access: Ask ADRC about paratransit or senior transportation programs for getting to viewings or inspections.
• Be ready for inspections: For voucher holders, your unit must pass a Housing Quality Standards (HQS) inspection. Ask the landlord to address issues quickly.

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Resources by Region

Oahu (City & County of Honolulu)

• Section 8 and rental programs: Honolulu Department of Community Services – Community Assistance Division
• Public housing information: HPHA – Public Housing (statewide)
• Coordinated Entry (homeless services): Partners in Care – Oahu CoC
• Senior services and ADRC: ADRC Hawai‘i (Oahu portal via statewide site)
• Catholic Charities Hawai‘i – Housing & Homelessness
• Habitat for Humanity (repairs/homeownership): Honolulu Habitat for Humanity

Hawai‘i Island (County of Hawai‘i)

• Office of Housing & Community Development: Hawai‘i County – Office of Housing
• Coordinated Entry (homeless services): Bridging the Gap – Hawai‘i Island
• ADRC / County Office on Aging: ADRC Hawai‘i
• Habitat for Humanity: Hawai‘i Island Habitat for Humanity
• LIHEAP/WAP intake: HCEOC – Energy Services

Maui County (Maui, Moloka‘i, Lāna‘i)

• Housing Division: Maui County – Housing Division
• Coordinated Entry: Bridging the Gap – Maui County
• ADRC / Maui County Office on Aging: ADRC Hawai‘i
• Habitat for Humanity: Habitat for Humanity Maui
• LIHEAP/WAP intake: MEO – Energy Assistance

Kaua‘i County

• Housing Agency: Kaua‘i Housing Agency
• Coordinated Entry: Bridging the Gap – Kaua‘i
• ADRC / Agency on Elderly Affairs: ADRC Hawai‘i
• Habitat for Humanity: Kaua‘i Habitat for Humanity
• LIHEAP/WAP intake: KEO – Energy Assistance

Statewide / Multi-Island:

• HPHA (state public housing & programs): Hawaii Public Housing Authority
• ADRC Hawai‘i (one-stop information): Hawaii ADRC
• Executive Office on Aging: Hawaii EOA
• USDA Rural Development – Hawaii: USDA RD Hawaii State Office
• Legal aid: Legal Aid Society of Hawai‘i; Volunteer Legal Services Hawai‘i
• Fair housing: Hawaii Civil Rights Commission; HUD FHEO
• Veterans: VA Pacific Islands Health Care; HUD-VASH; SSVF
• DHHL: Department of Hawaiian Home Lands
• OHA: Office of Hawaiian Affairs
• Aloha United Way 2-1-1: AUW 211

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Table 5: Common Programs vs. What They Cover

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Are Section 8 waitlists open right now in Hawaii?

• Waitlist status changes throughout the year and by county. Check your county housing agency’s website and HPHA’s announcements regularly. Never pay anyone to apply or “hold your spot.”

Q2: I’m 70 and own my home but need a ramp and bathroom grab bars. Where do I start?

• Contact USDA Rural Development about Section 504 grants (for homeowners age 62+) and your local Habitat for Humanity for repair programs. Also call the ADRC to ask about in-home supports and potential minor modifications through Medicaid HCBS if you qualify.

Q3: Does Medicaid (Med-QUEST) pay for rent?

• No. Medicaid can fund in-home care and some services that help you stay in your home, but it does not pay rent. Ask about HCBS waivers, Kupuna Care, and community supports.

Q4: What is the difference between Public Housing and Section 8?

• Public Housing is an apartment managed by a housing authority with rent based on your income. Section 8 is a voucher to use with a private landlord; you pay a portion and the program pays the rest.

Q5: I was told to apply for “Section 202.” Do I apply at the county?

• Section 202 senior properties are run by nonprofit owners. You usually apply directly at the property office. Find properties using the HUD Resource Locator and call to ask about their waitlist.

Q6: When does LIHEAP open in Hawaii?

• Hawaii LIHEAP typically accepts applications during a set period once a year (often June). Exact dates and requirements are posted by Hawaii DHS and your local community action agency.

Q7: I’m a veteran. Should I apply for Section 8 or HUD-VASH?

• If you’re eligible for VA health care and need case management along with housing help, HUD-VASH may be a better fit. Contact the VA Pacific Islands Health Care System about HUD-VASH. You can also apply for regular Section 8; it’s okay to explore both.

Q8: What if my landlord refuses a reasonable accommodation (like a grab bar) for my disability?

• You may have the right to a reasonable accommodation/modification. Contact the Hawaii Civil Rights Commission or HUD FHEO for help. You might need to pay for a modification, but denial must be justified under fair housing laws.

Q9: I can’t travel easily. Can I still apply?

• Many agencies allow online, mail, or phone applications. Ask about remote options, mobile intake events, and help through ADRC or a case manager.

Q10: What documents do I need for housing programs?

• Photo ID, Social Security numbers, proof of income (Social Security, pension, wages), bank statements, lease or deed, and recent utility bills. Always check the agency’s list before applying.

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Sources and Official References

• HUD – Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8): https://www.hud.gov/hcv
• HUD – Section 202 Supportive Housing for the Elderly: https://www.hud.gov/program_offices/housing/mfh/progdesc/eld202
• HUD Resource Locator (find affordable and senior housing): https://resources.hud.gov/
• Hawaii Public Housing Authority (HPHA): https://hpha.hawaii.gov
• City & County of Honolulu DCS – Section 8: https://www.honolulu.gov/dcs/section-8.html
• Hawai‘i County OHCD: https://www.hawaiicounty.gov/departments/office-of-housing
• Maui County Housing Division: https://www.mauicounty.gov/125/Housing-Program
• Kaua‘i Housing Agency: https://www.kauai.gov/housing
• USDA Section 504 Home Repair: https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/single-family-housing-programs/single-family-housing-repair-loans-grants
• USDA RD – Hawaii State Office: https://www.rd.usda.gov/hi
• Hawaii DHS – LIHEAP: https://humanservices.hawaii.gov/bessd/liheap/
• Hawaii Office of Community Services – Weatherization: https://labor.hawaii.gov/ocs/service-programs-index/weatherization-assistance-program/
• ADRC Hawai‘i: https://www.hawaiiadrc.org
• Hawaii Executive Office on Aging – Kupuna Care: https://health.hawaii.gov/eoa/service/kupuna-care-program/
• Med-QUEST Division – Long-Term Services: https://medquest.hawaii.gov
• Med-QUEST – Going Home Plus (MFP): https://medquest.hawaii.gov (search “Going Home Plus”)
• Partners in Care (Oahu CoC): https://www.partnersincareoahu.org/
• Bridging the Gap (Neighbor Islands CoC): https://www.btghawaii.org/
• Legal Aid Society of Hawai‘i: https://www.legalaidhawaii.org/
• Volunteer Legal Services Hawai‘i: https://www.vlsh.org/
• Hawaii Civil Rights Commission (fair housing): https://labor.hawaii.gov/hcrc/
• HUD Fair Housing (FHEO): https://www.hud.gov/program_offices/fair_housing_equal_opp
• Hawaii DCCA – Landlord-Tenant Code: https://cca.hawaii.gov/ocp/landlord_tenant/
• VA Pacific Islands Health Care System: https://www.va.gov/pacific-islands-health-care/
• VA HUD-VASH: https://www.va.gov/homeless/hud-vash/
• VA SSVF: https://www.va.gov/homeless/ssvf/
• Department of Hawaiian Home Lands (DHHL): https://dhhl.hawaii.gov/
• Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA): https://www.oha.org/
• Honolulu Habitat for Humanity: https://www.honoluluhabitat.org/
• Hawai‘i Island Habitat for Humanity: https://hawaiiislandhabitat.org/
• Habitat for Humanity Maui: https://www.habitat-maui.org/
• Kaua‘i Habitat for Humanity: https://www.kauaihabitat.org/
• EAH Housing – Hawaii: https://www.eahhousing.org/ (search Hawaii properties)
• Hale Mahaolu (Maui senior housing): https://halemahaolu.org/
• Catholic Charities Hawai‘i – Housing: https://www.catholiccharitieshawaii.org/our-services/housing-homelessness/
• SAGE – National LGBTQ+ Elder Hotline: https://www.sageusa.org/
• Aloha United Way 2-1-1: https://auw211.org/

Note: For current income limits and rent standards used by programs, see HUD Income Limits: https://www.huduser.gov/portal/datasets/il.html and HUD Fair Market Rents: https://www.huduser.gov/portal/datasets/fmr.html

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Disclaimer

Programs, eligibility rules, waitlists, and funding levels change. Always verify details and deadlines with the official agency or program website before applying. This guide is informational and not legal advice.

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About This Guide

by the GrantsForSeniors.org Editorial Team

The GrantsForSeniors.org editorial team has been building benefit and assistance resources for seniors nationwide since 2020. We research programs across all 50 states by reviewing government websites, checking agency updates, and gathering information from available sources.

Our Commitment to You:

• Experience & Expertise: The information in this guide is compiled and reviewed by a team with experience in senior services and financial aid programs. We are committed to sharing our knowledge to help you find the support you need.
• Authority & Trust: We rely on verified sources, including government agencies, non-profit organizations, and official program websites, to ensure the accuracy of our content. Our goal is to be a trusted authority you can rely on for credible information.
• Clarity & Accessibility: We understand that seeking financial assistance can be challenging. This guide is designed to be clear and easy to understand, breaking down complex topics into actionable steps.

While we work hard to provide the most accurate information available, please note that program details and eligibility requirements can change. We recommend always checking with the official program source or agency website for the most current information, as we are not official agencies but rather compile available information.

• Last Updated: August 2025
• Sources Verified: August 2025
• Next Review: February 2026

If you find outdated information, discover new resources, or have questions, please contact us at info@grantsforseniors.org. We’re here to help seniors find resources that can make a real difference in their daily lives.