Legal Aid Society of Hawaii
Last updated August 2026
The Legal Aid Society of Hawaii gives free civil legal help to low-income residents across the state. It does not charge clients for legal services. It handles civil, noncriminal problems such as housing and eviction, public benefits, family, elder, and consumer matters. It does not take criminal or personal injury cases.
The fastest way in is by phone. Phone intake runs Monday through Friday, from 9:00am to 11:30am and again from 1:00pm to 3:30pm. Call 808-536-4302 on Oahu, or 1-800-499-4302 from the neighbor islands. You can also start a request through the website's online intake instead of calling.
Physical offices are not open to the public right now, and walk-in intake is not being accepted. The staff can schedule appointments and make accommodations for limitations and disabilities, so ask when you call.
If you face an eviction, move fast. Legal help is most useful early, before a court date is set. Call intake the day a notice or court paper arrives, so there is time to review your options.
Eligibility is income-based, and income guidelines apply. If money is tight, apply rather than assume you earn too much, since the guidelines use Hawaii's own poverty figures.
There is help even if you do not qualify for a lawyer. Legal Aid runs a Legal Navigator with brochures, court forms, and legal information, plus Self-Help Centers and Elder Law Services that anyone can use. For local rent funds that can clear a balance before a case grows, dial 2-1-1.
Phone 808-536-4302
Help available in English and Spanish.
Updated August 2026 Program details can change — confirm with the program directly.
Who qualifies
- Low-income Hawaii residents with a civil, noncriminal legal problem; income guidelines apply
- Free self-help legal information and the Hawaii Legal Navigator at legalaidhawaii.org are open to everyone, with no income screen
You may qualify. The program makes the final decision.
How to apply
- 1
Call phone intake at 808-536-4302 on Oahu, or 1-800-499-4302 from the neighbor islands.
- 2
Call during intake hours, Monday to Friday, 9:00am to 11:30am and 1:00pm to 3:30pm.
- 3
Or start a request through the website's online intake.
- 4
If you face eviction, call the day a notice or court paper arrives.
- 5
Use the free Legal Navigator and Self-Help Centers while you wait, and dial 2-1-1 for rent funds.
What the application looks like
Common questions
How do I get free legal help in Hawaii?
Call the Legal Aid Society of Hawaii intake line at 808-536-4302 on Oahu, or 1-800-499-4302 from the neighbor islands, or start online intake on the website.
What kinds of cases do they handle?
Civil matters such as housing and eviction, public benefits, family, elder, and consumer problems. They do not take criminal or personal injury cases.
When is phone intake open?
Monday through Friday, from 9:00am to 11:30am and from 1:00pm to 3:30pm.
What if I might not qualify?
You can still use the free Legal Navigator, court forms, Self-Help Centers, and Elder Law Services, which have no income screen.
Not sure this is the right program for your situation?
See all Hawaii programs →Free · Private · No account needed