Pro bono legal services are services that are provided to a person or entity without requirement or expectation of payment to the attorney for the services. These volunteer legal services are provided by lawyers—often through state bar associations—and are usually available only to persons who are unable to pay for the services, and qualify as indigent based on their income. In contrast, legal aid services are often provided at no cost or reduced cost by attorneys who work for nonprofit entities, and the attorneys are paid a modest salary by the nonprofit entity.

In Hawaii, pro bono legal services are offered by attorneys to individuals or entities who cannot afford legal representation. These services are provided without the expectation of payment, aligning with the broader legal community's commitment to access to justice. Typically, these services are coordinated through the Hawaii State Bar Association's Volunteer Legal Services Hawaii (VLSH) program, which sets certain eligibility criteria based on income to determine who qualifies as indigent. On the other hand, legal aid services in Hawaii are often provided by nonprofit organizations, such as the Legal Aid Society of Hawaii, where attorneys are employed and receive a salary, albeit modest, from the nonprofit. These services may be free or offered at a reduced cost to clients who meet specific eligibility requirements, which also generally include income thresholds. Both pro bono and legal aid services aim to ensure that low-income individuals and families have access to legal assistance.