Financial assistance for low-income, older, and disabled homeowners and renters
37 programs listed · 26 verified against the program's own website
Last verified July 25, 2026. Hawaii runs most help for older adults and people with disabilities through the county Area Agencies on Aging and the state Executive Office on Aging. The single best statewide starting phone number is the Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) No Wrong Door line at (808) 643-2372 (643-ADRC), TTY (808) 643-0889, email adrc@doh.hawaii.gov. On Oahu the Elderly Affairs Senior Helpline is (808) 768-7700. For energy and weatherization help, participants apply through their island Community Action Agency, not a central office: Honolulu Community Action Program (Oahu) 808-447-5440 or 808-488-6834; Maui Economic Opportunity 808-249-2970 or 808-249-2990; Hawaii County Economic Opportunity Council 808-731-7009; Kauai Economic Opportunity 808-245-4077. Property tax relief is entirely county-run (Honolulu, Maui, Hawaii, Kauai), each with its own exemptions and deadlines. Two important structural facts for Hawaii: there is no CARE-style permanent income-qualified electric rate discount at either Hawaiian Electric or KIUC, and there is no state-run CDBG program, so housing-rehab dollars flow through the counties.
Everything below, in one file you can print or take to an appointment.
Home modification and aging in place
Med-QUEST QUEST Integration Medicaid 1115 Waiver: Environmental Accessibility Adaptations and Home Maintenance (HCBS)
stateOwners or renters
Type of help
service
Who runs it
Hawaii Department of Human Services, Med-QUEST Division (MQD)
What you get
No published dollar cap. Environmental accessibility adaptations (ramps, grab bars, widened doorways) and home maintenance are covered home and community based long-term services and supports when medically necessary and authorized by the member's health plan (2026).
Who qualifies
No fixed minimum age. Member must meet nursing-facility level of care.
Income limit
Must meet Medicaid LTSS financial eligibility (aged, blind, disabled and long-term-care limits). 2026 limits vary; confirm with Med-QUEST.
How to apply
Enroll in Medicaid QUEST Integration, obtain a physician level-of-care determination, then request the service through your QUEST Integration health plan or Community Care Management Agency.
If you share your home:
this program does not clearly say how it treats another adult in the home. Confirm with the program before anyone moves in.
Hawaii Executive Office on Aging (State Department of Health) with four county Area Agencies on Aging; on Oahu delivered by the City and County of Honolulu Elderly Affairs Division
What you get
In-home and community aging-in-place supports: case management, personal care, homemaker, chore, adult day care, respite, home-delivered meals, transportation. Cost-sharing may apply based on income and ability to pay. No fixed dollar grant (2026).
Who qualifies
60 or older
Income limit
No hard income limit. Cost-sharing is based on income and ability to pay (2026).
How to apply
Call the statewide ADRC line (808) 643-2372 or your county Area Agency on Aging. On Oahu call the Senior Helpline (808) 768-7700.
If you share your home:
this program does not clearly say how it treats another adult in the home. Confirm with the program before anyone moves in.
Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC): No Wrong Door information, assistance, and options counseling
stateOwners or renters
Type of help
service
Who runs it
Hawaii Executive Office on Aging (State Department of Health) with four county Area Agencies on Aging
What you get
Free information, referral, options counseling, and case management connecting kupuna and people with disabilities to long-term supports including home modification and repair resources. No direct cash benefit.
Who qualifies
Primarily 60 or older; also serves adults with disabilities and family caregivers.
Income limit
None for information and assistance.
How to apply
Call (808) 643-2372 (643-ADRC), TTY (808) 643-0889, email adrc@doh.hawaii.gov, or contact your county Area Agency on Aging. A local ADRC responds within about 3 business days.
Assistive Technology Resource Centers of Hawaii (ATRC): State AT Act Program and AT Alternative Financing loans
nonprofitOwners or renters
Type of help
loan
Who runs it
Assistive Technology Resource Centers of Hawaii (ATRC), Hawaii's federally designated State Assistive Technology Act program (funded by the Administration for Community Living, HHS)
What you get
Low-interest AT financing loans that can fund assistive technology including home accessibility modifications, ramps, and vehicle modifications. Also free short-term device loans, demonstrations, and device reuse. Specific loan amounts and rates are not published online; obtained by contacting ATRC (2026).
Who qualifies
Any age; people with disabilities and older adults.
Income limit
AT financing loan is based on creditworthiness and ability to repay, not a fixed income limit. Device loan and demonstration services have no income limit.
How to apply
Contact ATRC at (808) 532-7110, info@atrc.org, or 200 N. Vineyard Blvd., Suite 430, Honolulu, HI 96817. Ask for the Financial Loan Program.
If you share your home:
this program does not clearly say how it treats another adult in the home. Confirm with the program before anyone moves in.
USDA Rural Development Section 504 Single Family Housing Repair Loans and Grants
federal-in-stateHomeownersNot confirmed
We could not open this program's own website to
check these details, so they may be out of date or incomplete. Please call
or visit the program before relying on anything here.
Type of help
grant
Who runs it
USDA Rural Development, Hawaii and Western Pacific Area Office (Hilo)
What you get
Grants up to $10,000 (up to $15,000 in a presidentially declared disaster area) for homeowners age 62 and older to remove health and safety hazards. Repair loans up to $40,000 at 1% fixed interest for 20 years. Combined assistance up to $50,000, or $55,000 in disaster areas (2026).
Who qualifies
Any age for the repair loan; 62 or older for the grant.
Income limit
Household income at or below the county very-low-income limit (about 50% of area median income). 2026 limits vary by county; verify on the USDA eligibility site.
How to apply
Apply year-round through the USDA Rural Development Hawaii office in Hilo. Call (808) 933-8380. Applications accepted on an ongoing basis (Oct 1 through Sep 30).
If you share your home:
this program does not clearly say how it treats another adult in the home. Confirm with the program before anyone moves in.
(808) 933-8380 (USDA RD, Room 311, Federal Building, 154 Waianuenue Ave, Hilo, HI 96720)Official program page
City and County of Honolulu Rehabilitation Loan Program
county-cityHomeowners
Type of help
loan
Who runs it
City and County of Honolulu, Department of Community Services, Community Assistance Division, Rehabilitation Loan Branch (CDBG-funded)
What you get
Zero-interest (0%) rehabilitation loans up to $300,000 (larger amounts case-by-case), 20-year repayment term, subject to available equity in the property (2024).
Who qualifies
No age requirement.
Income limit
Low- and moderate-income owner-occupants. May 2024 limits ranged from $77,950 (1-person household) to $164,798 (10-person household).
How to apply
Contact the Rehabilitation Loan Branch at (808) 768-7076, 51 Merchant Street, 1st Floor, Honolulu, HI 96813. Processing is lengthy (a year or more).
If you share your home:
this program does not clearly say how it treats another adult in the home. Confirm with the program before anyone moves in.
County of Hawaii Home Improvement Loan Program (HILP)
county-cityHomeownersNot confirmed
We could not open this program's own website to
check these details, so they may be out of date or incomplete. Please call
or visit the program before relying on anything here.
Type of help
loan
Who runs it
County of Hawaii, Office of Housing and Community Development (CDBG and HOME funded)
What you get
Loans from $2,500 to $50,000 at 3% simple interest, payments deferred 15 years with balance due at end of term. Homeowners age 62 or older or persons with disabilities may receive 50% forgiveness of loan principal (2026).
Who qualifies
Open to eligible low- and moderate-income homeowners; those 62 or older qualify for 50% principal forgiveness.
Income limit
Low- and moderate-income homeowners (HUD income limits, generally at or below 80% of area median income). Specific 2026 dollar figures not published on the page; confirm with OHCD.
How to apply
Contact the Office of Housing and Community Development at ohcdloans@hawaiicounty.gov, Hilo (808) 961-8379 or Kona (808) 323-4300. Must occupy the dwelling as primary residence.
If you share your home:
this program does not clearly say how it treats another adult in the home. Confirm with the program before anyone moves in.
Honolulu Habitat for Humanity Critical Home Repair Program
nonprofitHomeowners
Type of help
service
Who runs it
Honolulu Habitat for Humanity (nonprofit)
What you get
Critical repairs and accessibility modifications performed for existing low-income homeowners on Oahu on affordable terms. Specific cost or subsidy terms not published; contact the affiliate.
Who qualifies
No fixed age; serves low-income homeowners including older adults.
Income limit
Low-income homeowners. Income guidelines apply; specific thresholds not published on the site.
How to apply
Contact Honolulu Habitat for Humanity at (808) 767-4091, info@honoluluhabitat.org, 680 Iwilei Road, Suite 675, Honolulu, HI 96817. Use the Apply for Housing link on the website.
If you share your home:
this program does not clearly say how it treats another adult in the home. Confirm with the program before anyone moves in.
Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) housing rehabilitation (Hawaii non-entitlement counties)
federal-in-stateHomeowners
Type of help
grant
Who runs it
HUD Honolulu Field Office administers CDBG for Hawaii's non-entitlement counties (Hawaii, Kauai, Maui). The State of Hawaii declined to run a State CDBG program, so there is NO state CDBG administering agency (not HHFDC and not DBEDT). The City and County of Honolulu is a direct HUD entitlement grantee.
What you get
Federal block grant funds passed to counties, which fund local owner-occupant rehabilitation and repair loan programs. Homeowners do not apply to HUD directly; they access CDBG dollars through county-run repair programs.
Who qualifies
Set by each county program.
Income limit
CDBG serves low- and moderate-income households (generally at or below 80% of area median income). Specific figures set by each county.
How to apply
Apply through your county housing office: Honolulu DCS Rehabilitation Loan Branch (808) 768-7076; County of Hawaii OHCD (808) 961-8379; and the Maui County and Kauai County housing and community development offices. HUD Honolulu Field Office oversees non-entitlement counties.
If you share your home:
this program does not clearly say how it treats another adult in the home. Confirm with the program before anyone moves in.
State of Hawaii Department of Labor and Industrial Relations, Office of Community Services (OCS); delivered by four county Community Action Agencies
What you get
No cash; free installation of energy efficiency measures (LED lighting, low-flow fixtures, advanced power strips, heat pump or solar water heaters, room AC, refrigerator replacement). Value varies per home (2026).
Who qualifies
No minimum; households with elderly members age 60 and over receive priority
Income limit
At or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines (2026)
How to apply
Contact your county Community Action Agency: Honolulu Community Action Program (Oahu) 808-447-5440; Maui Economic Opportunity 808-249-2990; Hawaii County Economic Opportunity Council 808-731-7009; Kauai Economic Opportunity 808-245-4077. Renters need landlord permission.
If you share your home:
this program does not clearly say how it treats another adult in the home. Confirm with the program before anyone moves in.
Hawaii Green Infrastructure Authority (HGIA), within the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism
What you get
On-bill financing for solar water heating and rooftop solar with no upfront cost; repaid through the electric bill (2026). Enhanced incentives for lower-income households.
Who qualifies
No age requirement
Income limit
Open to homeowners and renters; low- to moderate-income households (varies by component, some up to 140% Area Median Income) qualify for enhanced benefits (2026)
How to apply
Apply online at gems.hawaii.gov/participate-now/for-homeowners/ or call HGIA
If you share your home:
this program does not clearly say how it treats another adult in the home. Confirm with the program before anyone moves in.
Hawaii Energy (public benefits fee program administered by Leidos under the Hawaii Public Utilities Commission)
What you get
Cash rebates for efficient water heating (heat pump/solar), ENERGY STAR appliances, LED lighting, and HVAC/cooling; amounts vary by measure (2025-2026 program year). First-come, first-served subject to funds.
Who qualifies
No age requirement
Income limit
None; open to all residential electric ratepayers in the service area
How to apply
Apply at hawaiienergy.com/for-homes/rebates or call Hawaii Energy
If you share your home:
this program does not count a home seeker's income, so sharing your home does not affect it.
We could not open this program's own website to
check these details, so they may be out of date or incomplete. Please call
or visit the program before relying on anything here.
Type of help
service
Who runs it
Kauai Island Utility Cooperative (KIUC)
What you get
Free efficient refrigerator or water heater replacement (2026)
Who qualifies
Targeted to low-income adults age 60 and over
Income limit
Income-qualified low-income members (specific threshold not published on source page, 2026)
How to apply
See kiuc.coop/appliance-programs or contact KIUC member services
If you share your home:
this program does not clearly say how it treats another adult in the home. Confirm with the program before anyone moves in.
Hawaii Home Energy Assistance Program (H-HEAP) Energy Credit (formerly LIHEAP)
federal-in-stateOwners or renters
Type of help
grant
Who runs it
State of Hawaii Department of Human Services, Benefit, Employment and Support Services Division (BESSD); intake by county Community Action Agencies
What you get
One-time credit to the electric or gas account, $375 minimum to $1,400 maximum, set by a point system (2026 program year)
Who qualifies
No minimum; adults age 60 and over receive priority points and an early application period
Income limit
At or below 60% of State Median Income for household sizes 1-10 (150% of poverty for 11+) (2026)
How to apply
Apply during June only through your county Community Action Agency: HCAP (Oahu) 808-488-6834 (in-person only); MEO (Maui/Molokai/Lanai) 808-249-2970; HCEOC (Hawaii Island) 808-731-7009 option 1; KEO (Kauai) 808-245-4077 x242, liheap@keoinc.org
If you share your home:
a home seeker's income counts toward this program's income test, so it can change what you qualify for.
State of Hawaii Department of Human Services, BESSD; intake by county Community Action Agencies
What you get
One-time crisis credit up to $700 to restore or prevent disconnection, up to the amount owed on the disconnect notice (2026 program year)
Who qualifies
No minimum; elderly/disabled priority
Income limit
At or below 60% of State Median Income for household sizes 1-10 (150% of poverty for 11+) (2026)
How to apply
Apply year-round (monthly approvals limited and fill quickly) through your county Community Action Agency; must have a disconnection notice. HCAP (Oahu) 808-488-6834; MEO 808-249-2970; HCEOC 808-731-7009 opt 1; KEO 808-245-4077 x242
If you share your home:
a home seeker's income counts toward this program's income test, so it can change what you qualify for.
Hawaiian Electric Special Medical Needs Discounted Rate
utilityOwners or renters
Type of help
discount
Who runs it
Hawaiian Electric (HECO, Hawaii Electric Light, Maui Electric)
What you get
$0.04 per kWh discount on the first 500 kWh per month on the Non-Fuel Energy Charge; maximum savings $20 per month (2026)
Who qualifies
No age requirement
Income limit
None (no income test); qualification is by medical condition certified by a Hawaii-licensed physician
How to apply
Complete the enrollment form with a licensed physician's signature and mail to Hawaiian Electric, Attn: Credit Department, P.O. Box 2750, Honolulu, HI 96840 (do not submit electronically)
If you share your home:
this program does not count a home seeker's income, so sharing your home does not affect it.
Hawaii Gas has no dedicated low-income assistance program; gas bills are instead covered under H-HEAP (which credits gas or electric accounts). Statewide water assistance historically ran through the federal LIHWAP, but that funding has lapsed; confirm current availability.
Property tax relief
Honolulu Home Exemption (basic and age 65+ tier)
county-cityHomeownersNot confirmed
We could not open this program's own website to
check these details, so they may be out of date or incomplete. Please call
or visit the program before relying on anything here.
Type of help
exemption
Who runs it
City and County of Honolulu, Real Property Assessment Division (RPAD)
What you get
Basic home exemption $120,000 off assessed value for owner-occupants under age 65; age 65 and older $160,000 off assessed value. Reflects tax year 2025-2026.
Who qualifies
Under 65 for basic tier; 65 and older for enhanced tier (age reached by the assessment date)
Income limit
None (home exemption is not income tested)
How to apply
File the home exemption claim (Form BFS-RP-P-3) with RPAD; deadline September 30. One-time filing that carries forward; the age 65+ tier applies automatically once age is on record.
If you share your home:
this program does not count a home seeker's income, so sharing your home does not affect it.
Honolulu Real Property Tax Credit for Homeowners (low-income circuit breaker)
county-cityHomeowners
Type of help
exemption
Who runs it
City and County of Honolulu, Department of Budget and Fiscal Services, Division of Treasury (Tax Relief Section)
What you get
Credit equals the amount of taxes owed that exceeds 3% of the titleholders' combined gross income, effectively capping tax at 3% of income. Applies to the 2026-2027 tax year (based on 2023 income for the current cycle brochure).
Who qualifies
No age requirement
Income limit
Combined gross income of all titleholders cannot exceed $80,000; must have a home exemption in effect and own no other property anywhere
How to apply
File the Real Property Tax Credit application with the Division of Treasury annually; must be received or postmarked by September 30.
If you share your home:
this program does not clearly say how it treats another adult in the home. Confirm with the program before anyone moves in.
County of Maui, Department of Finance, Real Property Assessment Division
What you get
Reduces net taxable assessed value by $300,000 and reclassifies the property into the lower-taxed Owner-occupied class. Applies to the 2026-2027 tax year (affects the February 2027 payment).
Who qualifies
No age requirement; Maui has no separate age tier for the home exemption
Income limit
None (not income tested)
How to apply
File the home exemption application with the Real Property Assessment Division; deadline December 31 for the following assessment year.
If you share your home:
this program does not count a home seeker's income, so sharing your home does not affect it.
County of Maui, Department of Finance, Real Property Assessment Division
What you get
Credits a portion of property tax the following year when real property taxes exceed about 2.0% of the owner's gross income; requires having received a home exemption for at least 5 of the prior 6 tax years.
Who qualifies
No age requirement
Income limit
Not stated as a fixed dollar cap; benefit triggers when taxes exceed roughly 2% of gross income (IRS income documentation required)
How to apply
File the Circuit Breaker Tax Credit application with IRS income documentation during the August 1 to December 31 window.
If you share your home:
this program does not clearly say how it treats another adult in the home. Confirm with the program before anyone moves in.
Hawaii County (Big Island) Home Exemption (basic and age-based tiers)
county-cityHomeownersNot confirmed
We could not open this program's own website to
check these details, so they may be out of date or incomplete. Please call
or visit the program before relying on anything here.
Type of help
exemption
Who runs it
County of Hawaii, Real Property Tax Division
What you get
Age 60 to 69 total home exemption about $80,000; age 70 and older about $100,000; basic exemption for owners under 60 is roughly $40,000 to $50,000 (needs county confirmation).
Who qualifies
Under 60 basic; enhanced tiers at 60 to 69 and 70 and older
Income limit
None (age-tiered, not income tested)
How to apply
File the home exemption claim with the Real Property Tax Division; deadline typically December 31 (confirm with the county).
If you share your home:
this program does not count a home seeker's income, so sharing your home does not affect it.
Kauai County Home Exemption (basic and age-based tiers)
county-cityHomeownersNot confirmed
We could not open this program's own website to
check these details, so they may be out of date or incomplete. Please call
or visit the program before relying on anything here.
Type of help
exemption
Who runs it
County of Kauai, Department of Finance, Real Property Assessment Division
What you get
Basic home exemption $220,000 off assessed value; age 60 to 69 $240,000; age 70 and older $260,000. Reflects the 2026-2027 tax relief cycle.
Who qualifies
Under 60 basic; enhanced tiers at 60 to 69 and 70 and older (age-based increase applied automatically)
Income limit
None for the standard home exemption (not income tested)
How to apply
File Form P-3 home exemption with the Real Property Assessment Division; must occupy 271+ days per year or be a registered Kauai voter. Deadline September 30.
If you share your home:
this program does not count a home seeker's income, so sharing your home does not affect it.
Kauai County Low-Income and Very Low-Income Tax Relief (additional exemption, circuit-breaker credit, home preservation limit)
county-cityHomeownersNot confirmed
We could not open this program's own website to
check these details, so they may be out of date or incomplete. Please call
or visit the program before relying on anything here.
Type of help
exemption
Who runs it
County of Kauai, Department of Finance, Real Property Assessment Division
What you get
Additional $120,000 exemption plus 50% refuse fee reduction for household income at or below 80% of Kauai median household income; very low-income credit (income at or below 50% of median) equals the difference between market taxes and 3% of combined gross income; home preservation limit caps tax at the greater of 3% of combined gross income or $500.
Who qualifies
No age requirement
Income limit
80% of Kauai median household income for the additional $120,000 exemption; 50% of median for the very low-income credit
How to apply
File the low-income exemption, very low-income credit, or home preservation limit forms with Kauai Real Property Assessment annually; deadline September 30.
If you share your home:
this program does not clearly say how it treats another adult in the home. Confirm with the program before anyone moves in.
Totally Disabled Veteran Real Property Tax Exemption (HRS 246-31, all four counties)
county-cityHomeownersNot confirmed
We could not open this program's own website to
check these details, so they may be out of date or incomplete. Please call
or visit the program before relying on anything here.
Type of help
exemption
Who runs it
County real property tax offices (Honolulu RPAD, Maui RPAD, Hawaii County Real Property Tax Division, Kauai Real Property Assessment)
What you get
Property owned and occupied by a totally disabled veteran (or their widow/widower) is exempt from real property tax except the county minimum tax: Maui $150, Kauai $150, Honolulu about $300. Kauai also offers a $50,000 exemption for 80% to 100% service-connected disability with a $150 minimum tax.
Who qualifies
No age requirement
Income limit
None (not income tested)
How to apply
File the veteran disability exemption form (for example Kauai Form P-6 with P-3, or the equivalent county form) with the county real property office, with VA disability documentation.
If you share your home:
this program does not count a home seeker's income, so sharing your home does not affect it.
(808) 241-4224 Kauai; (808) 768-3799 Honolulu; (808) 270-7297 Maui; (808) 961-8201 Hawaii CountyOfficial program page
Insurance-related help
Hawaii Property Insurance Association (HPIA) Basic Property Insurance (insurer of last resort / FAIR plan)
stateHomeowners
Type of help
service
Who runs it
Hawaii Property Insurance Association (unincorporated association of Hawaii insurers; administered by Marsh)
What you get
Basic property (dwelling fire) insurance for those unable to obtain coverage in the private market. Maximum dwelling limit $450,000 (2026); deductible options $500, $1,000, $2,000, or $3,000; $250 deposit premium to bind. Premiums are among the highest in Hawaii and coverage is less comprehensive than the voluntary market.
Who qualifies
Any
Income limit
None. Not income tested; eligibility is based on inability to obtain coverage in the private (voluntary) market.
How to apply
Applications must be submitted to HPIA by a licensed Property and Casualty insurance agent. A $250 deposit premium is required to bind coverage. Contact a local P and C agent to apply.
If you share your home:
this program does not count a home seeker's income, so sharing your home does not affect it.
Hawaii SHIP (State Health Insurance Assistance Program), formerly Sage PLUS Program
stateOwners or renters
Type of help
service
Who runs it
Hawaii Department of Health, Executive Office on Aging (federally funded, volunteer-based)
What you get
Free one-on-one Medicare counseling: coverage and cost questions, Medigap and Medicare Advantage comparisons, prescription drug plan help, coverage while traveling, preventive benefits, and referral to financial assistance for Medicare costs. No monetary benefit.
Who qualifies
Medicare-eligible (generally 65+, or under 65 with a qualifying disability), plus families, caregivers, and people approaching Medicare eligibility
Income limit
None; service is not income tested.
How to apply
Call the statewide line or visit hawaiiship.org to schedule free counseling with a trained volunteer counselor.
If you share your home:
this program does not count a home seeker's income, so sharing your home does not affect it.
Hawaii Hurricane Relief Fund (HHRF) hurricane property insurance
stateHomeowners
Type of help
service
Who runs it
Hawaii Hurricane Relief Fund (state agency under DCCA Insurance Division); Program Administrator Marsh USA, LLC
What you get
Hurricane-only commercial property insurance. Reactivated in 2024. Serves ONLY Condominium and Townhouse Associations of Apartment Owners (AOAOs), not individual homeowners; associations must have buildings valued over $10 million (2024) and have been denied coverage by at least two state-licensed insurers.
Who qualifies
n/a (condo/townhouse associations, not individuals)
How to apply
AOAOs apply through servicing facilities HEMIC Insurance Managers, Inc. and Zephyr Insurance Company, Inc.; program administered by Marsh USA.
None identified. No state, county, utility, or nonprofit program was found that pays or subsidizes homeowners/hazard insurance premiums for Hawaii homeowners who are low income, older, or disabled. HPIA provides access to last-resort coverage but not premium subsidies. Homeowners struggling with housing costs may check the county-run Homeowner Assistance Fund (federal ARPA program) for mortgage/related costs, but it is not a dedicated insurance-premium assistance program.
HomeShare-relevant extras
Housing Choice Voucher Program (Section 8)
federal-in-stateRenters
Type of help
service
Who runs it
Hawaii Public Housing Authority (HPHA), funded by HUD
What you get
Tenant-based rental subsidy in the private market. Tenant pays about 30% of adjusted monthly income; HPHA pays the remainder up to a zip-code payment standard.
Who qualifies
Any (elderly, disabled, or family households)
Income limit
Family income at or below 50% of area median income for the county (HUD income limits, 2026); U.S. citizenship or eligible immigration status required.
How to apply
Apply through HPHA when the waitlist is open (Oahu program); see the How to Apply section on the HPHA website. Waitlists open periodically.
If you share your home:
a home seeker's income counts toward this program's income test, so it can change what you qualify for.
Hawaii Public Housing Authority (HPHA), state funded
What you get
Shallow rent subsidy of up to $500 per month (2026) for eligible low-income families in the private rental market.
Who qualifies
Any
Income limit
Low-income; uses eligibility criteria similar to the HCV/Section 8 program (generally at or below 50% area median income). Confirm current limits with HPHA.
How to apply
Apply through HPHA; contact the HPHA Section 8 / voucher office for current availability and waitlist status.
If you share your home:
a home seeker's income counts toward this program's income test, so it can change what you qualify for.
Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) / Ohana Unit program, City and County of Honolulu
county-cityHomeowners
Type of help
service
Who runs it
City and County of Honolulu, Department of Planning and Permitting (DPP)
What you get
Zoning/permitting policy allowing homeowners to add a second rentable dwelling. Under Ordinance 25-2 (effective September 30, 2025): ADU up to 500 sq ft on lots under 5,000 sq ft, up to 1,000 sq ft on lots 5,000 sq ft and larger; one off-street parking stall (may be compact), waivable near transit; not allowed on Condominium Property Regime lots or lots that already have an ohana unit or two principal dwellings.
Who qualifies
Any (property owner)
Income limit
None; not income tested.
How to apply
Submit an Ohana/ADU Pre-Form to DPP (routed to Board of Water Supply, Dept. of Environmental Services or State DOH, Dept. of Transportation Services, and Honolulu Fire Department as applicable), then a full permit application. Contact DPP.
If you share your home:
this program does not count a home seeker's income, so sharing your home does not affect it.
We could not open this program's own website to
check these details, so they may be out of date or incomplete. Please call
or visit the program before relying on anything here.
Type of help
service
Who runs it
Hawaii Intergenerational Network (nonprofit)
What you get
Home-sharing matchmaking service that pairs older homeowners who have a spare room with home seekers/renters who provide rent and often companionship or help around the house. Conducts background checks and interviews, facilitates introductions, and recommends a two-week trial before longer commitments.
Who qualifies
Older home providers (approx. 60+); home seekers may be any age
Income limit
Not income tested (matching service).
How to apply
Contact Homesharing Hawaii via homesharinghawaii.org to register as a home provider or home seeker.
If you share your home:
this program does not count a home seeker's income, so sharing your home does not affect it.
Affordable shared-living opportunities for adults 62 and older to reduce costs and foster community, plus housing counseling, guidance on affordable housing options, and support moving into or maintaining permanent housing.
Who qualifies
62+
Income limit
Designed for low-income older adults; specific income limits not published on the page. Confirm with the agency.
How to apply
Call the Catholic Charities Hawaii office for your island to learn about or apply to the Shared Housing (62+) program.
If you share your home:
this program does not clearly say how it treats another adult in the home. Confirm with the program before anyone moves in.
Oahu 808-521-4357; Hawaii Island 808-961-7050; Maui 808-873-4673; Kauai 808-241-4673Official program page
Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) referral and information service
stateOwners or renters
Type of help
service
Who runs it
Hawaii Department of Health, Executive Office on Aging (EOA), with county Area Agencies on Aging
What you get
Free information, assistance, and referral to long-term supports and services, including housing assistance, case management, caregiver respite, homemaker/personal care, meals, transportation, and legal help. Local office responds within about 3 business days.
Who qualifies
Older adults (generally 60+) and individuals with disabilities; also family caregivers
Income limit
None for information and referral (not income tested).
How to apply
Call the statewide ADRC line or submit the online help request form specifying your county (Hawaii, Honolulu, Kauai, or Maui).
If you share your home:
this program does not count a home seeker's income, so sharing your home does not affect it.
Some of the biggest sources of help are federal and work much the same everywhere, including USDA Section 504 home repair, LIHEAP energy assistance, the Weatherization Assistance Program, and VA housing grants. They are described once, in detail, on our federal programs page, and the entries above give you the Hawaii contacts.
One more option
Sharing your home is not on this list, but it belongs beside it.
Every program here helps you afford the home you have. Home sharing does something different: it turns a spare room into steady income and company. It is worth considering before you sell, before you move, and before things get harder to manage alone.