Best Women's Programs in Hawaii — 16 verified resources

About Women's Programs

Women's empowerment programs in the US are funded through a mix of federal grants (Office on Women's Health, Women's Bureau at the Department of Labor, WANTO grants for nontraditional trades) and nonprofit networks like the YWCA, AAUW, and the National Council of Women's Organizations. Services typically include leadership development, financial literacy, entrepreneurship through SBA Women's Business Centers (WBCs), and peer support groups. Dress for Success outfits women re-entering the workforce, and Bottomless Closet and Step Up Network mentor low-income women. State-level women's commissions advocate on policy and refer to local providers. This directory aggregates WBCs, YWCAs, women's commissions, and empowerment nonprofits.

16 Resources

1. Hawaii State Commission on the Status of Women — Free

The Hawaii State Commission on the Status of Women advocates for gender equity in employment, education, healthcare, and policy across the islands. Located at 235 S Beretania St Suite 407 in Honolulu, call 808-586-5757 Monday through Friday 7:45am to 4:30pm. The commission publishes research, connects women with state resources, and coordinates with community organizations. Open to all women in Hawaii — free services and information.

808-586-5757 · 235 S Beretania St Suite 407, Honolulu, HI 96813 · Mon-Fri 7:45am-4:30pm · Visit Website

2. YWCA of Oahu — Free

The YWCA of Oahu empowers women and girls through a wide range of community programs including leadership development, domestic violence services, childcare, and workforce training. Located at 1040 Richards St in Honolulu, call 808-538-7061 Monday through Friday 8am to 5pm. Programs serve women of all backgrounds and many are free or low-cost. The YWCA is a trusted resource for women seeking comprehensive support across Oahu.

808-538-7061 · 1040 Richards St, Honolulu, HI 96813 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

3. Hawaii Women's Business Center — Free

The Hawaii Women's Business Center provides free and low-cost business training, mentoring, and technical assistance for women entrepreneurs across the islands. Located in Honolulu through the Pacific International Development Foundation, call 808-526-1001 Monday through Friday 9am to 5pm. Services include business plan development, access to capital, marketing guidance, and workshops. Open to women at any stage of business ownership or startup planning.

808-526-1001 · Honolulu, HI · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · Visit Website

4. Dress for Success — Honolulu — Free

Dress for Success Honolulu provides professional interview attire and career development support free of charge to women entering or re-entering the workforce. Call 808-533-4630 to schedule an appointment — services are provided by appointment only. In addition to clothing, clients receive access to career coaching, job readiness workshops, and an ongoing professional development network called the Going Places Network. Open to women referred by partner agencies.

808-533-4630 · Honolulu, HI 96813 · By appointment · Visit Website

5. Girl Scouts of Hawaii — Free

Girl Scouts of Hawaii builds leadership, confidence, and life skills in girls across all the islands through community-based troop programs, outdoor activities, and leadership projects. Located at 420 Wyllie St in Honolulu, call 808-595-8400 Monday through Friday 8:30am to 5pm. Troops serve girls in kindergarten through 12th grade. Scholarship-based memberships available so financial barriers don't prevent participation.

808-595-8400 · 420 Wyllie St, Honolulu, HI 96817 · Mon-Fri 8:30am-5pm · Visit Website

6. Hawaii Women in Technology — Free

Hawaii Women in Technology promotes and supports women pursuing careers in STEM and technology fields across the islands. Based in Honolulu, call 808-791-1802 or visit hawaiiwomenintech.org for information on events and programs. HWIT offers networking events, mentoring connections, and professional development workshops for women at all career stages in tech. Open to women working in or aspiring to enter technology-related fields.

808-791-1802 · Honolulu, HI · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · Visit Website

7. Junior League of Honolulu — Free

The Junior League of Honolulu is a women's civic organization focused on community improvement through volunteer service, leadership development, and charitable programs across Oahu. Call 808-536-7026 Monday through Friday 9am to 5pm for membership or volunteer information. Members participate in community projects focused on education, health, and women's empowerment. Open to women interested in community service and leadership development.

808-536-7026 · Honolulu, HI · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm

8. Parents And Children Together — Women's Programs — Free

Parents And Children Together (PACT) delivers family support and empowerment programs for women and families statewide across Hawaii. Located at 1485 Linapuni St Suite 105 in Honolulu, call 808-847-3285 Monday through Friday 8am to 5pm. Programs include home visiting, early education, family strengthening, and workforce development for low-income mothers. PACT serves families on multiple islands — fees vary by program and income.

808-847-3285 · 1485 Linapuni St Suite 105, Honolulu, HI 96819 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

9. AAUW — American Association of University Women — Free

The American Association of University Women has advanced equity for women and girls through education, advocacy, and research since 1881. AAUW offers fellowships, grants, and community programs through local branches in every state. Their work covers workplace fairness, pay equity, and educational opportunity. Visit aauw.org to find your local branch, apply for scholarships, or access free salary negotiation workshops. Open to all who support gender equity.

Nationwide · Online · Visit Website

10. National Organization for Women (NOW) — Free

The National Organization for Women is America's largest grassroots feminist organization, advocating for women's rights including reproductive freedom, workplace equity, and an end to violence against women. NOW has chapters in every state that organize locally on policy issues. Visit now.org to find your state chapter, get involved in advocacy, or access information on women's legal rights. Membership-based with local chapter activities nationwide.

Nationwide · Online · Visit Website

11. League of Women Voters — Free

The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan organization that encourages informed and active civic participation for all Americans. With local leagues in every state, the LWV offers voter registration drives, candidate forums, and educational programs on issues including healthcare, immigration, and reproductive rights. Visit lwv.org to find your local league, register to vote, or access nonpartisan voter guides. Open to all people age 16 and older.

Nationwide · Online · Visit Website

12. YWCA USA — Free

YWCA USA works to eliminate racism and empower women through a national network of local YWCAs in communities across all 50 states. Local YWCAs offer a wide range of services including domestic violence shelters, affordable childcare, job training, housing assistance, and health programs — many free or on a sliding scale. Visit ywca.org to find your nearest YWCA and learn what programs are available in your community.

Nationwide · Online · Visit Website

13. Women's Funding Network — Free

The Women's Funding Network is a global coalition of women's foundations and funds dedicated to financing solutions to the most critical issues affecting women and girls. WFN members invest in programs addressing economic security, safety, health, and civic participation. Visit womensfundingnetwork.org to find a women's fund in your region that provides grants to local nonprofits and direct services for women.

Nationwide · Online · Visit Website

14. Junior League — Free

The Association of Junior Leagues International is a women's volunteer organization with chapters across the United States and worldwide. Junior Leagues develop women's leadership potential through volunteer service and community improvement projects focused on education, health, and social services. Visit ajli.org to find your local chapter and learn about membership and community projects. Open to women who are interested in leadership development and community service.

Nationwide · Online · Visit Website

15. Soroptimist International — Free

Soroptimist International is a global volunteer organization of business and professional women dedicated to improving the lives of women and girls. Local Soroptimist clubs in communities across the United States provide scholarships, mentoring, and community service programs. Their flagship Live Your Dream Awards support women who are the primary financial provider for their families and pursuing education. Visit soroptimist.org to find a local club.

Nationwide · Online · Visit Website

16. Zonta International — Free

Zonta International is a global service organization of professional women working together to advance the status of women through service and advocacy. Local Zonta clubs across the United States fund scholarships, organize community programs, and advocate on issues including domestic violence, human trafficking, and educational equity. Visit zonta.org to find a local club, apply for Zonta scholarships, or learn about community service opportunities.

Nationwide · Online · Visit Website

Frequently Asked

How many women's programs resources are in Hawaii?
Women's Corner tracks 16 verified women's programs resources for women in Hawaii.
Are women's programs resources in Hawaii free?
16 of the 16 listed women's programs resources in Hawaii are explicitly free or low-cost.
Which cities in Hawaii have women's programs resources?
Listings span cities including Honolulu.
What are some examples of women's programs resources in Hawaii?
Featured entries include Hawaii State Commission on the Status of Women, YWCA of Oahu, Hawaii Women's Business Center, Dress for Success — Honolulu, Girl Scouts of Hawaii.
Do these listings include phone numbers?
8 of 16 Hawaii women's programs listings include verified phone numbers.
What do women's empowerment programs actually offer?
Most combine peer support groups, financial literacy and credit-building classes, job training, GED prep, leadership development, and help navigating benefits and legal systems. Many include free childcare during sessions. Programs like Dress for Success, Bottomless Closet, and YWCA chapters serve women rebuilding after divorce, abuse, or job loss.
Are there programs for single moms specifically?
Yes. The Life of a Single Mom (TLSM) operates in 30+ states with peer groups and crisis grants. Helping Hands for Single Moms funds college for single mothers. Modest Needs gives short-term emergency grants. Many United Way 211 calls connect single mothers to local single-mom funds for rent, car repair, or childcare.
Do these programs cost money?
Almost all empowerment programs are free for income-qualifying women, often funded through HHS Office of Family Assistance, state TANF dollars, or private foundations. Many include free meals, transportation stipends, and childcare. Bring ID, proof of income, and any benefits letters when you enroll.
Can I get help starting a business as a woman?
Yes. The SBA's Office of Women's Business Ownership funds 140+ Women's Business Centers nationwide offering free training, mentorship, and loan readiness. SCORE provides free women-mentor pairings. Grants like the Amber Grant (
0,000/month) and Cartier Women's Initiative target women founders. Many states have additional women-owned business certifications that unlock contracts.