Renting · Section 8
Data from November 2026
Renting in Hawaii County, Hawaii
Hawaii County has a HUD fair market rent of $2,081 a month for 2 bedrooms (Fiscal year 2027). Renter households here pay a typical rent of $1,510 a month (Average 2020–2024). Paying the fair market rent without going over 30% of income takes $40.02 an hour, full time.
Four numbers to start with
- Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms
- $2,081
- a month, HUD, Fiscal year 2027
- 16% less than in Hawaii
- Typical rent
- $1,510
- a month, Census, Average 2020–2024
- 23% less than in Hawaii
- Wage needed
- $40.02
- an hour, 2 bedrooms
- Or $83,240 a year, to spend no more than 30% of income on rent.
- Rent-burdened households
- 52%
- spend 30% or more of income on rent
- 9% less than in Hawaii
Only here
Renting in Hawaii County: what sets it apart
What this place has that others do not, from public data, most unusual first.
-
Hawaii County has the lowest typical rent in its area: $1,510, less than any of its 3 neighboring counties; next is Kauai County ($1,870).
Sources: U.S. Census Bureau (Average 2020–2024).
Fair market rent
What HUD sets for each size
Every year HUD (the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development) publishes a Fair Market Rent (FMR) for each home size in Hawaii County. It is used to work out how much a Section 8 voucher covers. The table shows what you need to earn to pay it without spending more than 30% of income.
The fair market rent covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone. HUD generally sets it at the 40th percentile: 4 in 10 standard-quality homes rented recently cost less. 24 CFR §888.113(a)
According to Zillow (ZORI), the typical asking rent in Hawaii County was $2,562 a month in September 2026: 9% more than 12 months ago. It is an index of market listings, not a HUD limit. Zillow data
| Size | Fair rent per month | Hourly wage | Income needed per year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $1,605 | $30.87 | $64,200 |
| 1 bedroom | $1,615 | $31.06 | $64,600 |
| 2 bedrooms | $2,081 | $40.02 | $83,240 |
| 3 bedrooms | $2,620 | $50.38 | $104,800 |
| 4 bedrooms | $2,910 | $55.96 | $116,400 |
HUD area: Hawaii County, HI. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2027
By ZIP code
The fair market rent for your ZIP code
HUD also publishes fair market rents by ZIP code (Small Area FMRs) for 28 ZIP codes in Hawaii County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,870 in 96749 to $2,920 in 96738. 12 ZIP codes are above the county's fair market rent ($2,081).
Where HUD designates these areas, or where the housing agency chooses to use them, the voucher is figured on the ZIP code's rent instead of the county's. Ask your agency which one it uses. 24 CFR §982.503(a)(1)
| 96704 | $2,040 | $2,060 | $2,650 | $3,340 | $3,710 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 96710 | $1,630 | $1,640 | $2,110 | $2,660 | $3,000 |
| 96719 | $2,100 | $2,110 | $2,720 | $3,420 | $3,800 |
| 96720 | $1,490 | $1,500 | $1,930 | $2,430 | $2,730 |
| 96725 | $1,870 | $1,880 | $2,420 | $3,050 | $3,380 |
| 96726 | $2,040 | $2,060 | $2,650 | $3,340 | $3,710 |
| 96727 | $1,580 | $1,590 | $2,050 | $2,580 | $2,870 |
| 96728 | $1,610 | $1,620 | $2,090 | $2,630 | $3,040 |
| 96737 | $1,760 | $1,770 | $2,280 | $2,880 | $3,190 |
| 96738 | $2,250 | $2,270 | $2,920 | $3,680 | $4,080 |
| 96740 | $1,880 | $1,890 | $2,440 | $3,070 | $3,410 |
| 96743 | $2,200 | $2,210 | $2,850 | $3,590 | $4,030 |
| 96749 | $1,440 | $1,450 | $1,870 | $2,360 | $2,730 |
| 96750 | $1,440 | $1,450 | $1,870 | $2,360 | $2,730 |
| 96755 | $1,650 | $1,660 | $2,140 | $2,690 | $2,990 |
| 96760 | $1,450 | $1,460 | $1,890 | $2,380 | $2,730 |
| 96764 | $1,440 | $1,450 | $1,870 | $2,360 | $2,730 |
| 96771 | $1,510 | $1,520 | $1,960 | $2,470 | $2,740 |
| 96772 | $1,530 | $1,540 | $1,990 | $2,510 | $2,780 |
| 96773 | $1,600 | $1,610 | $2,080 | $2,620 | $2,910 |
| 96774 | $1,600 | $1,610 | $2,080 | $2,620 | $2,910 |
| 96776 | $1,550 | $1,560 | $2,010 | $2,530 | $2,810 |
| 96777 | $1,530 | $1,540 | $1,990 | $2,510 | $2,780 |
| 96778 | $1,470 | $1,480 | $1,910 | $2,400 | $2,730 |
| 96780 | $1,440 | $1,450 | $1,870 | $2,360 | $2,730 |
| 96781 | $1,640 | $1,650 | $2,130 | $2,680 | $2,990 |
| 96783 | $1,500 | $1,510 | $1,940 | $2,440 | $2,730 |
| 96785 | $1,440 | $1,450 | $1,870 | $2,360 | $2,730 |
- 96704 $2,650$3,340
- 96710 $2,110$2,660
- 96719 $2,720$3,420
- 96720 $1,930$2,430
- 96725 $2,420$3,050
- 96726 $2,650$3,340
- 96727 $2,050$2,580
- 96728 $2,090$2,630
- 96737 $2,280$2,880
- 96738 $2,920$3,680
- 96740 $2,440$3,070
- 96743 $2,850$3,590
- 96749 $1,870$2,360
- 96750 $1,870$2,360
- 96755 $2,140$2,690
- 96760 $1,890$2,380
- 96764 $1,870$2,360
- 96771 $1,960$2,470
- 96772 $1,990$2,510
- 96773 $2,080$2,620
- 96774 $2,080$2,620
- 96776 $2,010$2,530
- 96777 $1,990$2,510
- 96778 $1,910$2,400
- 96780 $1,870$2,360
- 96781 $2,130$2,680
- 96783 $1,940$2,440
- 96785 $1,870$2,360
Source: Small Area Fair Market Rents (HUD) Fiscal year 2027 Small Area Fair Market Rents (HUD) (external site)
Rent burden
How many households spend too much
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Hawaii County, 52% of renter households are in that position; in Hawaii, 57%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).
Paying too much rent leaves little for food, transportation and savings. If that is you, the agencies below can guide you for free.
52%
of renter households spend 30% or more of their income on rent.
19,277 households rent in Hawaii County
- Spend half or more of their income 27%
- Spend 30% or more, but less than half 24%
- Spend less than 30% 48%
Compared with the state and the country
- Hawaii 52%
- Hawaii 57%
- United States 51%
Low-income apartments
Low-income apartments in Hawaii County
HUD lists 42 properties with homes for low-income households in Hawaii County: tax-credit apartments (LIHTC), HUD-assisted buildings and public housing. They run from the most low-income homes to the fewest.
- with tax credits (LIHTC)
- 20
- HUD-assisted
- 23
- public housing
- 3
2,264 homes in all; 2,230 of them low-income, according to HUD.
- Lanakila Homes I Public housing 925A Ululani St, Hilo 96720 338 low-income homes · Run by Hawaii Public Housing Authority · Average payment: $585 a month · Average wait: 79 months · (808) 832-4694
- Lokahi Kau Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 73 4411 Kakahiaka ST, Kailua Kona 96740 306 homes, 304 low-income · Studio: 90 · 1 bd: 107 · 2 bd: 107 · In service since 2010 · For families
- Ka Hale Kahaluu Public housing 78-6725 Makolea St, Kailua Kona 96740 202 low-income homes · Run by Hawaii Public Housing Authority · Average payment: $647 a month · Average wait: 23 months · (808) 832-4694
- Kauhale Olu I, II, and III Tax credit (LIHTC) 28 2026 Kumula Street, Pepeekeo 96783 124 homes, 123 low-income · 1 bd: 20 · 2 bd: 71 · 3 bd: 32 · In service since 2007 · For families
- County of Hawaii Public housing 65-1189 Opelo Rd, Kamuela 96743 103 low-income homes · Run by Hawaii Public Housing Authority · Average payment: $646 a month · Average wait: 26 months · Homes at several sites · (808) 832-4694
- Kamakana Villages Senior Tax credit (LIHTC) 74-607E Manawalea St, Kailua Kona 96740 85 low-income homes · 1 bd: 85 · In service since 2017 · For older adults
- Kamakana Family Phase I Tax credit (LIHTC) 74-607 Manawalea St, Kailua Kona 96740 85 homes, 84 low-income · 1 bd: 50 · 2 bd: 34 · In service since 2017 · For families
- Hale Hoaloha Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 119 W Lanikaula St, Hilo 96720 81 homes, 80 low-income · 1 bd: 12 · 2 bd: 30 · 3 bd: 29 · 4 bd: 9 · In service since 2001 · For families · (808) 456-7303
- Riverside Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 333 Ohai St, Hilo 96720 74 homes, 73 low-income · 1 bd: 12 · 2 bd: 55 · 3 bd: 6 · In service since 2014 · For families · (808) 935-1098
- Kamana Elderly Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 145 Kamana St, Hilo 96720 62 homes, 61 low-income · 1 bd: 61 · In service since 2016 · For older adults · (808) 935-1098
- Mohouli Heights Senior Neighborhood Phase 1 Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 555 Kupuna Pl, Hilo 96720 59 low-income homes · 1 bd: 59 · In service since 2013 · For older adults · (808) 339-8803
- Kulaimano Elderly Housing Project HUD-assisted 28-2947 Kumula St, Pepeekeo 96783 50 homes, 49 low-income · For older adults · (808) 961-8379
- Jack Hall Kona HUD-assisted 74-895 Kealakehe St, Kailua Kona 96740 48 homes, 47 low-income · For families · (808) 326-1204
- Ke Kumu Ekahi Tax credit (LIHTC) 68 3340 Ke Kumu Place, Waikoloa 96738 48 homes, 47 low-income · 2 bd: 47 · In service since 1993 · For families
- E Komo Mai Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 816 Kinoole St, Hilo 96720 45 homes, 44 low-income · 1 bd: 35 · 2 bd: 9 · In service since 2011 · For families
- Waimea Elderly Housing Project HUD-assisted 67-5165 Kamamalu St, Kamuela 96743 40 homes, 39 low-income · For older adults · (808) 885-4423
- Hualalai Elderly Phase II Tax credit (LIHTC) 75 258 Hualalai Road, Kailua Kona 96740 36 low-income homes · 1 bd: 36 · In service since 2002 · For older adults
- Lincoln Courtside Tax credit (LIHTC) 400 Kinoole St, Hilo 96720 36 low-income homes · Studio: 2 · 1 bd: 14 · 2 bd: 20 · In service since 1994 · For families
- Haili Elderly HUD-assisted 227 Haili St, Hilo 96720 36 homes, 35 low-income · For older adults · (808) 961-3273
- Ouli Ekahi Tax credit (LIHTC) 62 2600 Ouli Ekahi Place, Kamuela 96743 33 low-income homes · 3 bd: 33 · In service since 1995 · For families
- Kamuela Senior Housing Tax credit (LIHTC) 64 720 Keaka Kea Place, Kamuela 96743 31 low-income homes · 1 bd: 31 · In service since 2004 · For older adults
- Hualalai Elderly Phase III Tax credit (LIHTC) 75 260 Hualalai Road, Kailua Kona 96740 30 low-income homes · 1 bd: 30 · In service since 2007 · For older adults
- Mohouli Heights Senior Neighborhood Phase 2 Tax credit (LIHTC) 565 Kupuna Pl, Hilo 96720 30 low-income homes · 1 bd: 30 · In service since 2017 · For older adults
- 2020 Kinoole Senior Residences Tax credit (LIHTC) 2020 Kinoole St, Hilo 96720 30 homes, 29 low-income · 1 bd: 29 · In service since 2007 · For older adults
- Ainakea Senior Residences Tax credit (LIHTC) 53 3988 Ainakea Drive, Kapaau 96755 30 homes, 29 low-income · 1 bd: 29 · In service since 2010 · For older adults
- Hualalai Elderly Phase I Tax credit (LIHTC) 75 256 Hualalai Road, Kailua Kona 96740 30 homes, 29 low-income · 1 bd: 29 · In service since 1998 · For older adults
- Hilo Maile Terrace Tax credit (LIHTC) 40 Maile St, Hilo 96720 24 low-income homes · 2 bd: 18 · 3 bd: 6 · In service since 1992 · For families
- Ainakea Elderly Housing Project HUD-assisted 533996 Ainakea DR, Kapaau 96755 21 homes, 20 low-income · For older adults · (808) 969-3327
- Captain Cook Elderly HSG. Project HUD-assisted 82-1040 Kiloa Rd, Captain Cook 96704 21 homes, 20 low-income · For older adults · (808) 322-3422
- Harry & Jeanette Weinberg Keaau Elderly Housing HUD-assisted 16-184 Pili Mua St, Keaau 96749 20 homes, 19 low-income · For older adults · (808) 982-9448
- Hale Ulu Hoi II HUD-assisted 1303 Ululani St, Hilo 96720 18 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (808) 935-8534
- Hale Ulu Hoi HUD-assisted 1305 Ululani St, Hilo 96720 18 homes, 17 low-income · For people with disabilities · (808) 935-8534
- Hilo Hale HUD-assisted 208 Wainaku St, Hilo 96720 9 homes, 8 low-income · For people with disabilities · (808) 933-1212
- Pahala Elderly HUD-assisted 96-1183 Holei St, Pahala 96777 8 low-income homes · For older adults · (808) 969-3327
- Kealahou HUD-assisted 75-5750 Alanoe Pl, Kailua Kona 96740 7 homes, 6 low-income · For people with disabilities · (808) 331-1764
- SHDC No. 8 HUD-assisted 45-3315 Ohai St, Honokaa 96727 11 homes, 5 low-income · For people with disabilities · (808) 599-6230
- Kona Krafts Group Home HUD-assisted 82-1055 Kiloa Rd, Captain Cook 96704 6 homes, 5 low-income · For people with disabilities · (808) 323-2626
- SHDC No. 2 HUD-assisted 192 Mohouli St, Hilo 96720 6 homes, 5 low-income · For people with disabilities · (808) 599-6230
- SHDC No. 5 HUD-assisted 81-6618 Kaeo Pl, Kealakekua 96750 6 homes, 5 low-income · For people with disabilities · (808) 599-6230
- Weinberg Hale Kai Malino HUD-assisted 74-5079 Hanahanai Loop, Kailua Kona 96740 6 homes, 5 low-income · For people with disabilities · (808) 331-8630
- Weinberg Hale Kupaa HUD-assisted 94-6733 Kamaoa Road, Naalehu 96772 6 homes, 5 low-income · For people with disabilities · (808) 599-6230
- Kona Kokua HUD-assisted 75-187 Alakai St, Kailua Kona 96740 5 homes, 4 low-income · For people with disabilities · (808) 331-2163
4 properties have two programs at the same address and appear once. Search HUD's map
Source: HUD, retrieved November 6, 2026. LIHTC database, updated May 14, 2025; Assisted multifamily properties, updated October 23, 2026; Public housing developments, updated October 23, 2026.
Section 8
The Section 8 voucher in Hawaii County
The Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) pays part of your rent on a home you choose. Your public housing agency runs it. 1 agency serves in Hawaii County. Here is what the rules say:
The rules, with their source
-
You apply at the public housing agency. If you qualify, your name usually goes on a waiting list. Applicants must be U.S. citizens or noncitizens with eligible status as HUD defines it. Source: HUD
-
Generally, your family must have very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income, by family size (the middle column of the table). Source: 24 CFR §5.603, §982.201(b)
-
Each year, at least 75% of the families an agency admits from its list must have extremely low income (the 30% column). Source: 24 CFR §982.201(b)(2)
-
If the rent is below the payment standard, the family generally pays 30% of its adjusted monthly income. If it is above, the family pays more. Source: 24 CFR §982.1(a)(3)
-
When you move in, if the rent is above the payment standard, your share cannot go over 40% of your adjusted monthly income. Source: 24 CFR §982.508
-
Each agency sets a payment standard for each size. Without asking HUD, it can go from 90% to 110% of the fair market rent. Source: 24 CFR §982.503(b), (c)
| People | Extremely low (30%) | Very low (50%) | Low |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 person | $25,450 | $42,350 | $67,800 |
| 2 people | $29,050 | $48,400 | $77,450 |
| 3 people | $32,700 | $54,450 | $87,150 |
| 4 people | $37,950 | $60,500 | $96,800 |
| 5 people | $44,480 | $65,350 | $104,550 |
| 6 people | $51,010 | $70,200 | $112,300 |
| 7 people | $57,540 | $75,050 | $120,050 |
| 8 people | $64,070 | $79,900 | $127,800 |
Area median income: $98,300. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Hawaii County, HI. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026
Possible payment standard
- Studio $1,445 – $1,766
- 1 bedroom $1,454 – $1,777
- 2 bedrooms $1,873 – $2,289
- 3 bedrooms $2,358 – $2,882
- 4 bedrooms $2,619 – $3,201
The range the rule allows: 90% to 110% of the county's fair market rent. Your agency publishes its own.
Housing agencies that serve this place
- County of Hawaii Section 8 vouchers · 2,263 vouchers (808) 959-4642 County of Hawaii: ohcdeh@hawaiicounty.gov
Housing agencies in Hawaii Source: HUD, Retrieved November 6, 2026
Your rights as a tenant in Hawaii
What Hawaii law says about deposits, notices and eviction, with the citation for each rule.
See your rights, rule by ruleCompare these rules with other states →
A summary of state law, not legal advice. Cities may have additional rules.
- How much can they charge for a deposit?
- Up to 1 month of rent
- Haw. Rev. Stat. §521-44(b)
- When must they return my deposit?
- 14 days
- Haw. Rev. Stat. §521-44(c)
- If I fall behind on rent, what notice must I get?
- 10 calendar days
- Haw. Rev. Stat. §521-68(a)
- How much notice ends a month-to-month rental?
- 45 days
- Haw. Rev. Stat. §521-71(a)-(c)
- Only a court order can remove youHaw. Rev. Stat. §521-63(c)
- Repair and deduct from the rentHaw. Rev. Stat. §521-64(c)-(d)
Help
Where to get help with rent in Hawaii County
This HUD-approved agency has an office in Hawaii County. They counsel for free or at low cost.
-
Hawaiian Community Assets, Inc. - Hilo Branch
1315 Kalanianaole St, Hilo
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Budget and financial counseling
- and 4 more
Tool
How much cash do you need to move in?
It starts with the 2-bedroom fair market rent in Hawaii County. Change the rent, the deposit and the fees to yours: the numbers stay in your browser.
Count power on top of the rent: in Hawaii, the average home bill was $212 a month in 2024 (EIA). See electricity and gas costs
Your move
We use the place's fair market rent and the state's deposit rule.
Adjust advanced details
Let's do the math
Cash to move in
$4,162
What you need before you get the keys.
What adds up
- First month
- $2,081
- Security deposit
- $2,081
- Total
- $4,162
When you'll have it
Enter what you can set aside each month to see how long it takes.
What helps
- Ask for a receipt for every payment and keep a copy of the lease.
- On move-in day, walk through the home and take dated photos.
- Never send money for a home you haven't seen or a lease you haven't read.
This is a planning estimate, not a price. What you are asked for depends on the landlord, your lease and your state's and city's rules. It is not legal advice.
Frequently asked questions
What is the fair market rent in Hawaii County?
According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $1,605; 1 bedroom: $1,615; 2 bedrooms: $2,081; 3 bedrooms: $2,620; 4 bedrooms: $2,910. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.
How much do you need to earn to rent in Hawaii County?
Paying the 2-bedroom fair market rent ($2,081) without spending more than 30% of income takes $40.02 an hour full time, or $83,240 a year.
Who qualifies for Section 8 in Hawaii County?
Generally, families with very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income. For 4 people, HUD's limit here is $60,500 a year (Fiscal year 2026). The family usually pays 30% of its adjusted monthly income. You apply at the housing agency.
How much does Section 8 pay in Hawaii County?
The voucher pays up to your housing agency's payment standard, minus your share. The rule lets the agency set it between 90% and 110% of the fair market rent: for 2 bedrooms here, between $1,873 and $2,289 a month. Your agency publishes its figure.
Does the fair market rent change by ZIP code in Hawaii County?
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,870 in 96749 to $2,920 in 96738. Where HUD designates these areas, or where the housing agency chooses to use them, the voucher is figured on the ZIP code's rent instead of the county's. Ask your agency which one it uses.
How many low-income apartments are there in Hawaii County?
HUD lists 42 properties with homes for low-income households in Hawaii County: tax-credit apartments (LIHTC), HUD-assisted buildings and public housing. They run from the most low-income homes to the fewest. For tax-credit apartments and HUD-assisted buildings, you apply directly at the building's management office. They tell you whether units are open and how to apply; HUD does not have that information.
How many households spend too much on rent in Hawaii County?
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Hawaii County, 52% of renter households are in that position; in Hawaii, 57%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).