Hawaii Overview
This page provides comprehensive information about resources, laws, and assistance programs available to individuals experiencing homelessness or hardship in Hawaii.
Quick Facts
- State Population: 1.4 million
- Homelessness Statistics: Approximately 6,389 individuals experiencing homelessness (2024)
- State Homeless Assistance Funding: $88.2 million allocated through various programs including the Kauhale Initiative
- Major Urban Centers: Honolulu, Hilo, Kahului, Lihue
- Primary Challenges: Extremely high housing costs (three times the national average), limited affordable housing supply, high rate of family homelessness
Emergency Contact Numbers
Hawaii Crisis Hotline
Aloha United Way 211
Available 24/7
Honolulu CORE (Crisis Outreach Response & Engagement)
(808) 768-2673
For non-violent homeless-related concerns on Oahu
Mental Health Support
Hawaii CARES (formerly Crisis Line): (808) 832-3100
Available 24/7
Domestic Violence Hotline
(800) 799-7233
Available 24/7
Local Resources
Find assistance in Hawaii based on your specific needs:
The Sanctuary (Emergency Shelter)
Emergency shelter options throughout Hawaii:
Institute for Human Services (IHS)
Island: Oahu
Services: Emergency shelter, meals, case management, housing placement, employment programs
Restrictions: Separate facilities for men and women/families
Phone: (808) 447-2800
Address: 546 Ka'aahi St., Honolulu, HI 96817
Hours: 24/7
Ka Hale A Ke Ola Homeless Resource Centers
Island: Maui
Services: Emergency shelter, transitional housing, comprehensive support services
Restrictions: Intake process required
Phone: (808) 242-7600
Address: 670 Waiale Rd., Wailuku, HI 96793
Hours: Office hours 7am-7pm daily
Hope Services Hawaii
Island: Hawaii (Big Island)
Services: Emergency shelter, outreach, housing assistance, veteran services
Restrictions: Various programs have different requirements
Phone: (808) 935-3050
Address: 296 Kilauea Ave., Hilo, HI 96720
Hours: Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm
Kauai Economic Opportunity (KEO)
Island: Kauai
Services: Emergency shelter, transitional housing, homeless outreach
Restrictions: Intake assessment required
Phone: (808) 245-4077
Address: 2804 Wehe Rd., Lihue, HI 96766
Hours: Mon-Fri 8am-4pm
The Bread of Life (Food Assistance)
Food banks, meal programs, and nutrition assistance in Hawaii:
Hawaii Foodbank
Island: Oahu
Services: Food distribution through partner agencies, SNAP assistance
Requirements: None for emergency food
The Food Basket
Island: Hawaii (Big Island)
Services: Food distribution, mobile food pantries, Da Box program
Requirements: None for most services
Maui Food Bank
Island: Maui
Services: Food distribution, mobile food pantries, assistance programs
Requirements: None for emergency food
Kauai Independent Food Bank
Island: Kauai
Services: Food distribution, keiki backpack program, emergency food
Requirements: None for emergency assistance
The Healing Hand (Healthcare Access)
Healthcare services, free clinics, and mental health resources in Hawaii:
Hawaii H.O.M.E. Project
Island: Oahu
Services: Free medical clinics for homeless individuals, health education
Requirements: None
Malama I Ke Ola Health Center
Island: Maui
Services: Primary care, dental, behavioral health services
Requirements: Sliding fee scale based on income
Phone: (808) 871-7772
Address: 1881 Nani St., Wailuku, HI 96793
Hours: Mon-Fri 8am-5pm
Bay Clinic
Island: Hawaii (Big Island)
Services: Medical, dental, behavioral health, pharmacy
Requirements: Accepts Medicaid, Medicare, private insurance; sliding fee scale
Ho'ola Lahui Hawaii
Island: Kauai
Services: Primary care, dental, behavioral health
Requirements: Accepts most insurance; sliding fee scale available
Phone: (808) 240-0100
Address: 4491 Rice St., Lihue, HI 96766
Hours: Mon-Fri 8am-5pm
The Haven (Safe Parking & Camping)
Safe parking programs and legal camping areas in Hawaii:
Waianae Civic Center Safe Parking
Island: Oahu
Services: Safe overnight parking, access to restrooms, case management
Requirements: Registration required, check-in times
Phone: (808) 664-1400
Address: 85-296 Farrington Hwy., Waianae, HI 96792
Hours: 7pm-7am daily
Kauhale Village Housing
Island: Multiple
Services: Tiny homes, communal facilities, supportive services
Requirements: Referral through Coordinated Entry System
Phone: Call 211 for information
Website: homelessness.hawaii.gov/kauhale
Notes: Multiple locations being developed across islands
Hope Services Micro-shelters
Island: Hawaii (Big Island)
Services: Safe sleeping cabins, access to support services
Requirements: Intake assessment
Family Life Center
Island: Maui
Services: Transitional housing, emergency shelter, outreach
Requirements: Varies by program
Phone: (808) 877-0880
Address: 95 S. Kane St., Kahului, HI 96732
Hours: Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm
The Living Waters (Shower & Hygiene)
Shower facilities, laundry services, and hygiene resources in Hawaii:
Project Vision Hawaii
Island: Oahu, Maui, Hawaii, Kauai
Services: Mobile shower and hygiene services, health screenings
Requirements: None
Revive + Refresh
Island: Oahu
Services: Mobile showers, hygiene supplies, clothing
Requirements: None
Maui Rescue Mission
Island: Maui
Services: Mobile shower trailer, hygiene supplies, clothing
Requirements: None
Hale Kaulike - Hawaii Island
Island: Hawaii (Big Island)
Services: Shower facilities, clothing, hygiene supplies
Requirements: None
Phone: (808) 961-5536
Address: 612 Kekuanaoa St., Hilo, HI 96720
Hours: Mon-Fri 8am-5pm
The Guardian (Legal Aid & Rights)
Legal services, advocacy, and rights information in Hawaii:
Legal Aid Society of Hawaii
Island: All Islands
Services: Housing law, public benefits, family law, consumer issues
Requirements: Income eligibility guidelines apply
ACLU of Hawaii
Island: All Islands
Services: Civil rights advocacy, legal information, policy advocacy
Requirements: None for information
Hawaii Disability Rights Center
Island: All Islands
Services: Legal advocacy for people with disabilities, information
Requirements: Must have a disability
Volunteer Legal Services Hawaii
Island: All Islands
Services: Pro bono legal services, legal clinics, self-help resources
Requirements: Income eligibility guidelines apply
The Providence (Government Benefits)
Government assistance programs and benefits access in Hawaii:
Department of Human Services (DHS)
Island: All Islands
Services: SNAP (food stamps), TANF, Medicaid enrollment
Requirements: Income and eligibility guidelines apply
Hawaii Public Housing Authority
Island: All Islands
Services: Public housing, Section 8 vouchers, rental assistance
Requirements: Income guidelines apply
Office on Homelessness and Housing Solutions
Island: All Islands
Services: Homeless program coordination, resource referrals
Requirements: None for information
Med-QUEST Division
Island: All Islands
Services: Medicaid health insurance, healthcare access
Requirements: Income eligibility guidelines apply
The Shepherd (Faith-Based Services)
Faith-based assistance programs and services in Hawaii:
River of Life Mission
Island: Oahu
Services: Meals, clothing, spiritual support, outreach
Requirements: None
Phone: (808) 524-7656
Address: 101 N. Pauahi St., Honolulu, HI 96817
Hours: Mon-Fri 8am-4pm
The Salvation Army - Hawaii
Island: All Islands
Services: Food, shelter, addiction recovery, children's programs
Requirements: Varies by program
Catholic Charities Hawaii
Island: All Islands
Services: Housing assistance, emergency assistance, youth programs
Requirements: Varies by program
Family Promise of Hawaii
Island: Oahu
Services: Emergency shelter, transitional housing, case management
Requirements: Families with children; intake assessment
Hawaii Laws & Regulations
Understanding the legal landscape regarding homelessness in Hawaii:
Camping & Sleeping in Public
Like other western states, Hawaii is impacted by the Martin v. Boise decision, which limits the enforcement of camping bans when insufficient shelter space is available. Local ordinances vary by county, with some areas imposing specific restrictions on where people can camp or sleep.
Relevant Case: Martin v. Boise, 920 F.3d 584 (9th Cir. 2019)
Sit-Lie Ordinances
Several Hawaii municipalities have implemented "sit-lie" ordinances that prohibit sitting or lying on public sidewalks during specified hours, particularly in business districts. The City and County of Honolulu has enacted numerous such ordinances since 2014.
Examples: Honolulu's Sit-Lie Ban (ROH § 29-19), Waikiki Special District Ordinance
Kauhale Initiative
Hawaii has implemented the Kauhale Initiative, an innovative approach based on the Hawaiian concept of "village" to develop communities with tiny homes or modest housing units for individuals experiencing homelessness. This initiative is supported by state legislation and emergency proclamations to expedite development.
State Statute: SB1617 (2023) authorizing the Hawaii Public Housing Authority to establish a kauhale program
Property Rights & Sweeps
Authorities must provide reasonable notice before clearing encampments and must store seized property for retrieval. Various counties have established protocols for "sweeps" of encampments, often requiring outreach efforts prior to enforcement.
Relevant Ordinances: Stored Property Ordinance (Honolulu)
Housing Programs & Initiatives
Hawaii's legislature has funded several homelessness-related programs, including Ohana Zones (Act 209 of 2018), which provided $30 million to develop sites on state and county lands to assist homeless individuals and families to access permanent housing.
State Statute: Act 209 (2018) and Act 128 (2019) for Ohana Zones funding
Legal Resources
If you need legal assistance regarding your rights in Hawaii, the following organizations can help:
Legal Aid Society of Hawaii
Provides free legal services for income-eligible residents in housing, benefits, and more.
Phone: (808) 536-4302
Website: legalaidhawaii.org
Volunteer Legal Services Hawaii
Offers pro bono legal assistance and clinics for low-income individuals.
Phone: (808) 528-7046
Website: vlsh.org
Hawaii Disability Rights Center
Provides legal advocacy for individuals with disabilities, including those experiencing homelessness.
Phone: (808) 949-2922
Website: hawaiidisabilityrights.org
ACLU of Hawaii
Advocates for civil rights issues, including those affecting people experiencing homelessness.
Phone: (808) 522-5900
Website: acluhawaii.org
County-Specific Information
Laws, resources, and regulations can vary significantly by county in Hawaii. Select a county to view specific information:
Honolulu County (Oahu)
County Seat: Honolulu
Population: 1 million
Homelessness Statistics: Approximately 4,494 people experiencing homelessness (2024)
Local Ordinances
- Sit-Lie Ban: Ordinances prohibit sitting or lying on sidewalks in specific business districts during certain hours.
- Stored Property: The Stored Property Ordinance allows the city to remove personal property stored on public property after 24-hour notice.
- Park Closure: City parks are closed from 10pm to 5am, with some variations by location.
- Food Distribution: Permits required for large-scale food distribution in city parks.
County Resources
Key resources specific to Honolulu County:
Maui County
County Seat: Wailuku
Population: 166,000
Homelessness Statistics: Approximately 654 people experiencing homelessness (2024), with additional 2,328 households and 5,245 people in emergency Non-Congregate Shelter due to wildfires
Local Ordinances
- Camping: Prohibitions on camping in certain parks and beaches.
- Vehicle Dwelling: Restrictions on living in vehicles in certain areas.
- Beach Parks: Most beach parks are closed from 8pm to 7am.
- Wildfire Recovery: Special provisions for those displaced by the 2023 Lahaina wildfires.
County Resources
Key resources specific to Maui County:
Hawaii County (Big Island)
County Seat: Hilo
Population: 200,000
Homelessness Statistics: Approximately 718 people experiencing homelessness (2024), a 28% decrease from 2023
Local Ordinances
- Camping: Restrictions on camping in certain parks and public areas.
- Parks and Beaches: Most county beach parks are closed from 9pm to 5am.
- Vehicle Dwelling: Regulations on overnight parking vary by location.
- Micro-housing: County has supported the development of micro-housing communities.
County Resources
Key resources specific to Hawaii County:
Kauai County
County Seat: Lihue
Population: 73,000
Homelessness Statistics: Approximately 523 people experiencing homelessness (2024), an 8% increase from 2023
Local Ordinances
- Camping: Permits required for camping at county beach parks.
- Park Closure: Most county parks are closed from 10pm to 6am.
- Vehicle Dwelling: Restrictions on overnight parking in certain areas.
- Abandoned Vehicles: Active enforcement of abandoned vehicle ordinances.
County Resources
Key resources specific to Kauai County:
Success Stories from Hawaii
Read about individuals who have found hope and assistance through GRACE and our partner organizations in Hawaii:
Keoni's Journey
After losing his job during the pandemic, Keoni found himself living in his car on Oahu for nearly six months. Through outreach workers from the Institute for Human Services, he was connected with emergency shelter and eventually the Kauhale housing program, which provided him with a stable place to live while he found new employment.
"The Kauhale program was different from anything I'd experienced before. It wasn't just about having a roof over my head—it was about being part of a community again. Having that support made all the difference in helping me get back on my feet."
Resources that helped: Street Outreach, Kauhale Housing, Employment Services
Leilani and Her Children
Leilani, a single mother of three young children, was facing eviction from her apartment in Kauai when she reached out to Family Promise of Hawaii. Through their prevention program, she received emergency rental assistance and case management services that helped her stabilize her housing situation and connect with affordable childcare so she could maintain her employment.
"I was so afraid my children and I would end up on the street. The staff at Family Promise not only helped with our immediate housing crisis but also helped me develop a long-term plan for stability. Now I have savings for the first time, and my children have a safe place to call home."
Resources that helped: Homelessness Prevention, Emergency Rental Assistance, Childcare Resources
Have a success story to share? We'd love to hear how resources in Hawaii have helped you.
Share Your StoryState-Specific Programs
Special initiatives and programs available specifically in Hawaii to assist those experiencing homelessness:
Kauhale Initiative
Type: Housing and Community Development
Eligibility: Individuals experiencing chronic homelessness, often prioritizing those with the highest needs
Benefits: Tiny home or modest housing units in village-style communities with shared facilities and supportive services
How to Apply: Through county homeless services agencies or by calling 211
Ohana Zones
Type: Housing and Supportive Services
Eligibility: Individuals and families experiencing homelessness
Benefits: Housing-focused services on state and county lands, including emergency shelter, transitional housing, and permanent housing
How to Apply: Through county homeless services agencies or by calling 211
Pūlama Ola Kauhale
Type: Medical Respite
Eligibility: Homeless individuals discharged from hospitals who need additional time and space to recuperate
Benefits: Safe recovery space, health services, social support, and housing navigation
How to Apply: Referral through hospital discharge planning or homeless outreach providers
Interactive Resource Map
Find resources in Hawaii based on your location:
Enable location services to find resources near you, or select an island below:
Interactive Map Placeholder
In the full implementation, this would display an interactive map showing:
- • Shelter locations
- • Food banks and meal services
- • Health clinics
- • Safe parking areas
- • Hygiene facilities
- • Government service offices
- • Angel Outreach partners