How to Send Messages to Inmates

You can use your phone or computer to send emails, letters, and photos to an inmate. Messages are sent electronically to inmate tablets or kiosks at the facility. If you would like to send a message, start by searching for an inmate at Women's Community Correctional Center.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Women's Community Correctional Center is to send photos and postcards. It only takes a few minutes to send photos from your phone and it makes a huge difference. You can also mail postcards with words of support and inspiration, or design your own postcard for special moments like birthdays and holidays.

Important! Be sure not to send any explicit photos or they may not be approved by the facility. You can also use a photo printing app like Penmate to make sure your photos are printed at the correct size (4x6 or 3x5) and are mailed according to the rules and regulations of Women's Community Correctional Center.

Frequently asked questions about Women's Community Correctional Center

1. How long does it take to deliver a message?

   If you're sending an email message your letter is usually delivered within 24-48 hours. For messages sent via mail you should expect delivery within 3-7 days. All messages will need be approved by Women's Community Correctional Center.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Women's Community Correctional Center?

   You can send a message free using your phone or mail a message via USPS for the price of a $0.60 stamp and envelope. You can also purchase credits or e-stamps from services starting at $1.99.

3. What services can I use to contact an inmate at Women's Community Correctional Center?

   Penmate

   You can use Penmate to send letters and photos to an inmate from your phone. It's an easy way to stay in touch during your loved one's incarceration. Use the inmate locator to find an inmate's location and contact information, then you can send messages within a few minutes.

   Securus messaging

   Securus may be another option for communicating with an inmate at Women's Community Correctional Center. You can create a friends and family account and purchase credits to send messages. All messages will be reviewed and must be approved by the facility.

   JPay

   Some county jails and state prisons may support sending messages with JPay. You must register an account with the system, find your loved one, and purchase stamps to send messages. For some locations you can also attach photos.

   Smart Jail Mail

   You may also check if Smart Jail Mail is available at Women's Community Correctional Center. Smart Jail Mail is operated by Smart Communications and has contracted with some state and county jails. After purchasing credits, your messages and photos are sent to the facility, printed out, and then handed out to your loved one.

4. What is the mailing address of Women's Community Correctional Center?

   Mailing address:

   Women's Community Correctional Center
   42-477 Kalanianaʻole Hwy
   Kailua, HI 96734
   Phone: (808) 266-9580

5. What are the visiting hours at Women's Community Correctional Center?

   Visiting hours at Women's Community Correctional Center vary by housing unit and security level. Generally, visits are scheduled on weekends and holidays, with some facilities offering weekday visits. Contact the facility directly at (808) 266-9580 or check their website for the current visiting schedule. Visits typically last 30-60 minutes and must be scheduled in advance.

6. What items are prohibited when sending mail to Women's Community Correctional Center?

   Prohibited items typically include: cash, personal checks, stamps, stickers, glitter, glue, tape, staples, paperclips, polaroid photos, musical or blank greeting cards, hardcover books, magazines with staples, and any items containing metal or electronics. Only send letters on plain white paper with blue or black ink. Photos must be printed on regular photo paper (no Polaroids). Always check with Women's Community Correctional Center for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Women's Community Correctional Center?

   You can send money to an inmate at Women's Community Correctional Center through several methods: 1) Online using JPay, Access Corrections, or the facility's approved vendor, 2) Money orders mailed directly to the facility with the inmate's name and ID number, 3) Kiosks located in the facility lobby, or 4) Over the phone using a credit or debit card. Fees vary by method, typically ranging from $2.95 to $11.95 per transaction.

8. Can I schedule a video visit with an inmate at Women's Community Correctional Center?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At Women's Community Correctional Center, video visits may be available through services like Penmate, Securus Video Connect, GTL, or ICSolutions. Video visits typically cost $10-20 for 20-30 minutes and must be scheduled in advance. You'll need a computer or smartphone with a camera and reliable internet connection. Contact the facility for their specific video visitation policies and approved vendors.

9. What identification do I need to visit an inmate at Women's Community Correctional Center?

   All visitors must present valid government-issued photo identification such as a driver's license, state ID, passport, or military ID. Minors must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian who can provide the minor's birth certificate. Some facilities require visitors to be on the inmate's approved visitation list, which may require a background check. Contact Women's Community Correctional Center for specific ID requirements and visitor approval procedures.

10. How can I find out an inmate's release date?

    To find an inmate's release date at Women's Community Correctional Center, you can: 1) Use the online inmate search tool if available, 2) Call the facility's records department, 3) Contact the inmate's case manager or counselor, or 4) Have the inmate provide this information during a call or visit. For privacy reasons, some facilities only release this information to immediate family members.

Programs & Services

The Supporting Keiki of Incarcerated Parents program represents a distinctive approach to rehabilitation at Waiawa Correctional Facility, where male inmates with substance abuse issues can strengthen their parenting skills through structured playgroups and reading activities with their children. This innovative pilot program works alongside the facility’s comprehensive KASHBOX intensive residential substance abuse treatment program, which serves 240 of the facility’s 334 minimum-security beds. All residents participate in either educational programming or substance abuse treatment, creating a structured environment focused on successful community reintegration.

Educational opportunities at the facility include general education programs that allow inmates to work toward an associate of arts degree, providing academic advancement that may support long-term career goals. The facility typically maintains various in-facility work programs including food service, building maintenance, heavy equipment operation, farm work, and janitorial services, which may help residents develop practical job skills and work experience. These vocational programs often serve dual purposes of maintaining facility operations while providing hands-on training in marketable skills.

Beyond the core programming, Waiawa Correctional Facility may offer additional support services commonly found in Hawaii’s correctional system, such as life skills training, financial literacy education, and pre-release planning assistance. Mental health counseling and group therapy sessions often complement the substance abuse treatment programs, while recreational activities and library services may provide constructive outlets for personal growth. The facility’s minimum-security classification typically allows for expanded programming opportunities and community connections that support the transition back to society.

Daily Life & Visitation

At Waiawa Correctional Facility in Waipahu, Hawaii, the 334 male inmates begin each day within a structured environment designed around rehabilitation and community reintegration. The minimum-security facility operates with a strong emphasis on education and substance abuse treatment, with all residents required to participate in either educational programs or treatment services. For the many individuals enrolled in the KASHBOX intensive residential substance abuse treatment program, days typically include group therapy sessions, individual counseling, and structured activities focused on recovery. Those working toward their associate of arts degree through the general education program may spend portions of their day in classroom settings, while others participate in various worklines including food service, building maintenance, heavy equipment operation, farm work, or janitorial duties.

Communication with family members plays a vital role in the daily routine, with inmates able to make phone calls through the Global Tel Link (GTL) system to both landline and wireless phones. Since September 2021, inmates have also had access to tablets provided by GTL, which enable video visits and access to other program services, helping maintain crucial family connections. The facility’s comprehensive “Supporting Keiki of Incarcerated Parents” pilot program allows participating fathers to engage in structured parenting groups and special playgroups with their children, creating meaningful opportunities for family bonding during designated times.

Evening hours may include additional programming, recreational activities, or personal time, with inmates typically following a consistent schedule that balances treatment, education, work responsibilities, and family communication. The facility’s focus on preparing inmates for successful community reentry means that daily activities often include life skills training and preparation for post-release employment, creating a routine that emphasizes personal growth and responsibility within the secure environment.