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Hawaii's oldest non-profit law firm providing free civil legal aid to low-income individuals statewide since 1950, with phone intake available.
Data compiled from public sources
Legal Aid Society of Hawaii is the state's oldest and largest non-profit public interest law firm, established in 1950 to help ensure justice and fairness for vulnerable populations. Operating with statewide offices including a Hilo branch on the Big Island, the organization provides listed with no monthly subscription civil legal assistance to low-income individuals who cannot afford private attorneys. The organization is federally funded and maintains a commitment to serving all residents regardless of race, color, national origin, disability, sex, or age.
The organization offers free civil legal services including housing and landlord-tenant assistance, elder law services, disaster legal assistance, and support for COFA (Compact of Free Association) migrants. They provide online intake, legal navigation resources, self-help centers, and court forms. Phone intake is available Monday-Friday from 9:00 AM-11:30 AM and 1:00 PM-3:30 PM, with separate numbers for Oahu (808-536-4302) and neighbor islands including Hawaii Island (1-800-499-4302). They also operate the Hawaii Immigrant Justice Center and provide resources related to public benefits eligibility.
What distinguishes Legal Aid Society of Hawaii is its long-standing commitment since 1950 and its comprehensive statewide presence with dedicated offices throughout Hawaii. They explicitly do not charge clients for services and maintain flexibility in accommodating disabilities and limitations. The organization has adapted services during emergencies, such as providing disaster legal assistance and SNAP replacement benefits assistance following the Kona Low weather event. They also provide significant community education through podcasts, newsletters, and accessible legal information resources.
The primary limitation is that Legal Aid explicitly does not handle criminal matters or personal injury cases, directing those clients to private attorneys instead. Physical office spaces are currently not open to walk-in intake and are by appointment only for current clients. As a non-profit dependent on federal funding and donations, capacity may be limited, and clients must meet low-income eligibility requirements to receive services.
This is state-level context for Free Help consumers in Hilo, HI. It does not confirm that Legal Aid Society of Hawaii - Hilo Branch or this specific location is licensed.
State regulator
Hawaii Division of Financial Institutions
Consumer protection
Source: CreditDoc state-law summary and listed public regulator resources. Verify licensing directly with the listed state regulator before relying on a provider.
Legal Aid Society of Hawaii - Hilo Branch offers 12 services including Free civil legal assistance and representation, Phone intake and consultation, Online intake process, Housing and landlord-tenant code assistance, Elder law services, and 7 more.
Legal Aid Society of Hawaii - Hilo Branch has profile signals associated with Low-income Hawaii residents facing housing/landlord-tenant disputes, Elderly individuals needing civil legal assistance, COFA migrants and immigrants seeking benefits and legal navigation, Disaster victims seeking emergency legal assistance.
Key strengths: listed with no monthly subscription legal services with no client fees; Statewide coverage with offices throughout Hawaii including Hilo branch; 75+ years of experience as Hawaii's oldest non-profit law firm since 1950. Areas to consider: Does not handle criminal or personal injury matters, limiting scope of assistance; Physical offices currently not open for walk-in intake; appointment-only for current clients.
In the Free Help category, comparable providers include Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement, Hale Mahaolu Homeownership/Housing Counseling, Hawaiian Community Assets, Inc. - Hilo Branch. Each company has different strengths, so compare services, pricing, and consumer complaint records before deciding what to do next.
CreditDoc Profile Note
Legal Aid Society of Hawaii is profiled for low-income Hawaii residents needing free civil legal help, particularly with housing, elder law, or immigration issues. The critical caveat is that they do not serve criminal or personal injury cases, and clients must meet income eligibility requirements and phone intake availability windows.
Native Community Development Financial Institution offering free HUD-certified housing counseling, financial education, and access to capital programs for Native Hawaiians and low-to-moderate income families.
Profile signals: Native Hawaiian families in Hawaii seeking culturally-aligned financial counseling and debt avoidance strategies, Low-to-moderate income Hawaii residents needing emergency mortgage or rent relief assistance
Hale Mahaolu is a Maui County nonprofit providing HUD-aligned housing counseling and affordable housing options for families, seniors, and disabled individuals seeking homeownership guidance.
Profile signals: Maui County residents (families or seniors) exploring first-time homeownership pathways, Senior citizens seeking affordable independent living with community support infrastructure
Hawaiian Community Assets is a 25-year-old nonprofit serving Hawaii's communities with free financial education, grants, and loans to support affordable housing and wealth-building.
Profile signals: Hawaii residents interested in homeownership on Hawaiian Home Lands, Individuals seeking free financial education and wealth-building guidance (not short-term funds)
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