Last checked: November 2026. Benefits Explorer is a directory. We do not provide rent money or decide who gets help, and each program makes its own decisions.
Hawaii's main rent program for families is the Hawaii Relief Program, a Department of Human Services program using TANF support. Two nonprofits take applications by island: Catholic Charities Hawaii for Oahu, Kauai and Hawaii Island, and Maui Economic Opportunity for Maui, Molokai and Lanai.
It is limited to families with a child under 18, or in Catholic Charities' description a woman in her third trimester, who face a qualifying crisis. Adults without children should call Aloha United Way's 211 line. A state law version effective February 5, 2026 lengthened the nonpayment notice to 10 calendar days and added mediation, so older guides may be wrong.
Where to Start in Hawaii
Hawaii Relief Program
Short-term housing and utility payments for families with income under program guidelines who face a crisis such as job loss, a medical emergency or a disaster, along with an impending eviction, a utility shutoff or homelessness. The state says it is up to four months of support and that you don't need to be on SNAP. Catholic Charities lists maximums of up to $6,000 for a one-time housing deposit and up to $6,000 total for housing payments over as many as 4 months, at actual cost. The state's announcement is dated October 29, 2025, so confirm applications are still open.
Visit website · Phone: 1-855-643-1643 · Call or check the website to confirm it is open
Aloha United Way 211
The statewide referral helpline, including rental, housing and utility assistance, open 7 am to 10 pm every day. Dial 211 in Hawaii, or use this number from outside the state.
Visit website · Phone: 877-275-6569 · Accepting applications when last checked
Local Rent Help in Hawaii
Catholic Charities Hawaii (Oahu, Kauai and Hawaii Island)
Takes Hawaii Relief Program applications online or by phone (press 1, then 1 again). Its page says applications are being accepted but carries no date. Other offices: Hawaii Island 808-961-7050 and Kauai 808-241-4673. The agency also lists separate housing help for families, seniors and veterans.
Visit website · Phone: 808-521-4357 · Call or check the website to confirm it is open
Maui Economic Opportunity (Maui, Molokai and Lanai)
Takes Hawaii Relief Program applications for these islands. It also lists a separate Maui Relief Program for wildfire disaster survivors and a Housing Assistance program.
Visit website · Phone: 808-243-4357 · Call or check the website to confirm it is open
Facing Eviction in Hawaii?
Under the version of HRS 521-68 effective February 5, 2026, a nonpayment notice must allow at least 10 calendar days after receipt to pay. A copy goes to a state-funded mediation center, which can contact both sides. If mediation is not scheduled within those 10 days, the landlord may file for summary possession. If it is scheduled and you participate, the landlord may file only after 20 calendar days from when you received the notice. Before that date the statute required five business days. Read the official guidance
Free or low-cost legal help: Legal Aid Society of Hawaii. Free civil legal help for low-income people, with eviction resources. Phone intake runs Monday to Friday, 9 to 11:30 am and 1 to 3:30 pm. Neighbor island callers can use 1-800-499-4302. Visit website · Phone: 808-536-4302
This page is general information, not legal advice. Don't ignore a notice or court papers, because eviction deadlines can be short.
More Help in Hawaii
- Housing authorities in Hawaii
- Section 8 houses for rent in Hawaii
- Food pantries in Hawaii
- Food stamp offices in Hawaii
- Free clinics in Hawaii
- 211 in Hawaii
Want other options? See our full rent assistance guide, including how to spot a scam, or see your options. That form is not an application for rent assistance. If you submit it, Benefits Explorer and its partners may contact you.
Hawaii Rent Assistance Questions
How much can the Hawaii Relief Program pay toward rent?
Catholic Charities Hawaii lists up to $6,000 total in housing payments over as many as 4 months, and a separate one-time housing deposit of up to $6,000. These are limits at actual cost, not set awards, and applicants must meet family and income rules.
Can I get security deposit help in Hawaii?
The Hawaii Relief Program lists a one-time housing deposit for families who meet its rules. Others can ask Aloha United Way 211 about current options.
Does a Hawaii landlord have to offer mediation before filing for nonpayment?
Under the version of the law effective February 5, 2026, a copy of the notice goes to a mediation center, which can contact both parties. Mediation takes place within 30 days of that contact. If you take part and no agreement is reached, the landlord may file after 20 calendar days from your receipt of the notice. Legal Aid can explain how this applies to you.