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Kauai Housing Waitlist Update: Strategies for Navigating the Island’s Competitive Housing Market

Posted by benjamen.harper@gmail.com on June 22, 2025
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Kauai housing waitlist

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Table of Contents

Quick Facts
The Kauai Housing Market: A Brief Overview
Understanding the Kauai Housing Waitlist
Eligibility Requirements: Income and Asset Limits
Waitlist Prioritization
How to Apply to the Kauai Housing Waitlist
Timeline for Waitlist Processing
Securing a Home on the Kauai Housing Waitlist
Conclusion
Frequently Asked Questions:
Resources & Links
For Buyers & Sellers

Quick Facts

  • As of March 2022, the median sales price of a single-family home in Kauai is $790,000.
  • The county of Kauai has a Housing Waiting List with over 14,000 families waiting for affordable housing.
  • The waiting list is managed by the Kauai County Housing Agency and prioritizes applications based on need.
  • There are currently over 2,000 units of affordable housing available on the island.
  • The waiting list is expected to take at least 5 years to clear.
  • Priority is given to homeless individuals and families, as well as those with the highest level of need.
  • The Kauai County Housing Agency has received over 1,800 new applications in the past 6 months.
  • Applicants are required to meet certain income limits, which range from $35,000 to $60,000 per year.
  • The waiting list is closed to new applications, but existing applicants can update their information if necessary.
  • The Kauai County Council has allocated $20 million to fund affordable housing initiatives, including the redevelopment of old military barracks.

The Kauai Housing Market: A Brief Overview

The Kauai housing market is known for being fiercely competitive, with limited inventory and skyrocketing prices. This has led to the creation of a housing waitlist, designed to prioritize applicants and ensure fair access to housing. But what exactly is the Kauai housing waitlist, and how does it work?

Understanding the Kauai Housing Waitlist

The Kauai housing waitlist is a statewide program administered by the Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation (HHFDC). Its primary goal is to provide safe and decent housing for low-income individuals and families. The waitlist is open to all residents who meet eligibility requirements, including income and asset limits.

Eligibility Requirements: Income and Asset Limits

Fiscal Year Gross Income Limit (Individual) Gross Income Limit (Family of 4)
2022 $62,400 $89,350
2023 $65,200 $93,150

Waitlist Prioritization

The Kauai housing waitlist prioritizes applicants based on their eligibility, income, and housing needs. Here’s a breakdown of the prioritization process:

  1. Immediate Need: applicants with a verified disability or homelessness are given top priority
  2. Low-Income Families: families with gross incomes below 30% of the AMI are second in line
  3. Other Eligible Applicants: applicants with gross incomes above 30% of the AMI are ranked based on their length of time on the waitlist and housing needs

How to Apply to the Kauai Housing Waitlist

To apply to the Kauai housing waitlist, you’ll need to meet the eligibility requirements and follow these steps:

  1. Determine Eligibility: review the income and asset limits to ensure you meet the requirements
  2. Gather Required Documents: collect proof of income, identification, and other supporting documents
  3. Submit a Written Application: mail or fax your application to the HHFDC with all required documents
  4. Waitlist Registration: register for the waitlist and receive a confirmation number

Timeline for Waitlist Processing

The Kauai housing waitlist processing timeline varies depending on the number of applicants and available housing. Here’s a general outline:

Timeline Description
1-2 months Application review and eligibility determination
2-6 months Waitlist registration and processing
6-12 months Housing search and placement

Securing a Home on the Kauai Housing Waitlist

While the Kauai housing waitlist process can be lengthy, successful applicants can expect the following benefits:

  • Priori

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