Hawaii WIC Program
Benefits, Eligibility & How to Apply
Hawaii WIC Agency Contact
About the Hawaii WIC Program
Ready to apply for Hawaii WIC?
Apply online at www.hiwic.org → or call (808) 586-8175 to get started.
Hawaii WIC is administered by the Hawaii State Department of Health (DOH), WIC Services Branch (WSB), and serves tens of thousands of participants across all five counties through a network of local clinic contractors. The program provides free nutritious foods, breastfeeding support, nutrition education, and referrals to healthcare and social services for pregnant women, new mothers, infants, and children up to age 5. Hawaii WIC does not require U.S. citizenship — you may qualify if you are a Hawaii resident and can provide proof of residency, and WIC participation is not considered in public charge determinations.
Serves a Substantial Share of Hawaii Births
Hawaii WIC serves a substantial share of all babies born in the state, reflecting the program's deep reach into Hawaii's maternal and infant health system. The program partners closely with hospitals, ob-gyns, and community health organizations across O'ahu, Maui, Hawai'i Island, Kaua'i, and Moloka'i/Lāna'i to enroll families early in pregnancy.
Higher Income Limits Than Most States
Because Hawaii has its own federally recognized higher Federal Poverty Level (FPL) thresholds — reflecting the state's significantly elevated cost of living — WIC income limits in Hawaii are higher in dollar terms than in the 48 contiguous states. A household of four can qualify for WIC with a higher monthly gross income than in most mainland states, making the program accessible to more working families in Hawaii's expensive housing market.
Active SNAP-to-WIC Referral Program
Hawaii WIC now receives monthly referrals from SNAP to identify families with young children who may qualify for WIC but are not yet enrolled. After a referral, WIC staff contact families by phone, text, or email to offer a brief appointment — which can be completed remotely or in person. Participation is entirely voluntary.
WIC Breast Pump Program
Hawaii WIC offers a dedicated Breast Pump Program for breastfeeding participants. Eligible mothers can receive a breast pump through their local WIC clinic to support continued breastfeeding — particularly important for mothers returning to work or school. Research supports that breastfeeding provides meaningful cost savings for families and the healthcare system in the early months of an infant's life.
Serving Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Families
Native Hawaiians make up a significant share of Hawaii WIC participants. The WIC Services Branch has partnered with the University of Hawaiʻi Center on the Family to analyze county-level participation data and develop culturally responsive services. WIC clinics are located in communities across the islands, with interpreter services available for multiple languages.
Income at or below 185% FPL. Automatic eligibility with Medicaid, SNAP, or TANF.
Monthly food benefits loaded to your WIC EBT card plus nutrition education and breastfeeding support.
Frequently Asked Questions — Hawaii WIC
Hawaii WIC serves pregnant women, new mothers, infants, and children up to age 5 who meet income and residency requirements across all five counties. The program serves a substantial share of all babies born in Hawaii and plays a central role in the state's maternal and infant health system. Contact a local WIC clinic or visit health.hawaii.gov/wic to learn more.
Hawaii has its own federally recognized Federal Poverty Level (FPL) thresholds that are higher than the 48 contiguous states, reflecting the state's significantly elevated cost of living. Because WIC eligibility is set at 185% of the FPL, the dollar amounts are higher in Hawaii — meaning families with higher incomes than would qualify on the mainland may still be eligible for WIC in Hawaii.
Med-QUEST is Hawaii's Medicaid managed care program, administered by the Department of Human Services. Families enrolled in Med-QUEST are automatically income-eligible for WIC and do not need to provide separate income documentation. Bring your Quest card or benefit notice to your WIC appointment.
No. Hawaii WIC does not require U.S. citizenship. You may qualify for WIC if you are a Hawaii resident and can provide proof of residency such as a utility bill. WIC participation is not considered in federal public charge determinations.
Hawaii WIC offers a Breast Pump Program that provides eligible breastfeeding participants with a breast pump through their local WIC clinic. This supports mothers who are returning to work or school and want to continue providing breast milk. Ask your WIC clinic about eligibility and availability when you enroll.
Possibly. Hawaii WIC receives monthly referrals from SNAP to identify families with young children who may qualify but are not yet enrolled. If you receive SNAP and have a child under 5 or are pregnant, a WIC staff member may reach out by phone, text, or email. You can also apply online at hiwic.org/apply or contact a local WIC clinic directly to enroll without waiting for a referral.
Hawaii WIC Income Limits 2026
| Household Size | Annual Gross Income | Monthly Gross Income |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $33,282 | $2,774 |
| 2 | $44,992 | $3,750 |
| 3 | $56,703 | $4,726 |
| 4 | $68,413 | $5,702 |
| 5 | $80,124 | $6,677 |
| 6 | $91,834 | $7,653 |
| 7 | $103,545 | $8,629 |
| 8 | $115,255 | $9,605 |
| Each additional person | add $11,711 | add $976 |
| Effective July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026. Figures are 185% of the federal poverty guidelines for Hawaii. Source: USDA FNS Federal Register notice 2025-03576 (90 FR 11598). | ||
WIC income limits in Hawaii are set at 185% of the federal poverty level using Hawaii's own higher poverty guidelines — not the contiguous U.S. thresholds used in most states. Hawaii's cost of living is among the highest in the nation, and the federal government establishes separate, higher poverty guidelines for Hawaii to reflect this. As a result, more working families qualify for WIC in Hawaii than would qualify with the same income on the mainland.
2025–2026 Hawaii WIC Income Limits
The following gross income limits apply in Hawaii from July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026.
| Household Size | Annual Gross Income | Monthly Gross Income |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $33,282 | $2,774 |
| 2 | $44,992 | $3,750 |
| 3 | $56,703 | $4,726 |
| 4 | $68,413 | $5,702 |
| 5 | $80,124 | $6,677 |
| 6 | $91,834 | $7,653 |
| 7 | $103,545 | $8,629 |
| 8 | $115,255 | $9,605 |
| Each additional person | +$11,711 | +$976 |
Source: USDA FNS Federal Register notice 2025-03576 (90 FR 11598). Effective July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026.
How Your Household Size Is Counted
A pregnant woman is counted as two people — herself and the baby she is carrying. A pregnant woman living alone counts as a household of two when determining the applicable income limit. All household members who share income and expenses are counted together.
Automatic Eligibility — No Income Verification Required
If your household is currently enrolled in any of the following programs, you are automatically income-eligible for Hawaii WIC and do not need to provide separate income documentation:
- Med-QUEST — Hawaii's Medicaid managed care program
- SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, also called food stamps)
- TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, including TAONF for non-citizen households)
Bring your Quest card, SNAP benefit notice, or TANF benefit letter to your WIC appointment in place of income documents.
Citizenship and Immigration Status
Hawaii WIC does not require U.S. citizenship. You may qualify if you are a Hawaii resident and meet income and nutritional risk requirements. WIC participation is not considered in federal public charge determinations — applying for WIC will not affect your immigration case.
Foster Children
Foster children are automatically income-eligible for WIC regardless of the foster family's income. Bring documentation of foster care placement to the appointment.
Final eligibility is determined by your local Hawaii WIC clinic based on income, residency, and a nutritional risk assessment. Contact a WIC clinic or visit health.hawaii.gov/wic for more information.
Hawaii WIC Approved Foods
Hawaii WIC food benefits are loaded monthly onto an eWIC card redeemable at authorized grocery stores statewide including Foodland, Safeway, Walmart, Times Supermarket, and other participating retailers. The WICShopper app helps participants check benefit balances, find approved products, and locate authorized stores. Benefits expire at the end of each benefit month — unused benefits do not carry over.
Fruits and Vegetables
All participants receive a monthly Cash Value Benefit (CVB) for fresh, frozen, or canned fruits and vegetables without added sugars, fats, or oils. The amount for each participant category is shown on your benefit card. Check the WICShopper app for your current balance.
Whole Grains
Approved options include whole wheat bread, brown rice, whole wheat pasta, corn tortillas, whole wheat tortillas, oatmeal, and approved cereals. The Hawaii WIC Approved Food List details approved brands and sizes — check the WICShopper app for current approvals. The food list is updated periodically to reflect local availability in Hawaii's market.
Dairy and Protein
- Milk: low-fat (1%), non-fat, or lactose-free; soy beverage for qualifying participants
- Cheese: approved varieties in specified sizes
- Yogurt: low-fat or non-fat for women and children 2+; whole milk yogurt for children age 1
- Eggs
- Peanut butter or dried/canned beans, peas, and lentils
- Tofu: available for women as a protein alternative
- Canned fish (tuna, salmon, sardines) for breastfeeding women and children ages 2–5
Infant Foods
- Infant formula for formula-fed infants; breastfed infants receive enhanced food packages
- Iron-fortified infant cereal for infants 6–12 months
- Jarred infant fruits and vegetables, or CVB for fresh/frozen produce for infants 6–12 months
- Jarred infant meats for fully breastfed infants 6–12 months
Juice
100% fruit or vegetable juice in approved brands and sizes is available for women and children. Check the Hawaii WIC Approved Food List or WICShopper app for the current list, as brands and container sizes are specific to Hawaii's authorized food list.
