Hawaii FHA Loan Requirements 2026
This guide to Hawaii FHA loan requirements covers loan limits for every Hawaii county, credit score requirements, MIP costs, and how FHA financing compares to other options in the Hawaii housing market.
FHA Loan Limits by Hawaii County (2026)
FHA loan limits are set by HUD and updated annually based on local median home prices. Hawaii is designated a “special exception area” (along with Alaska, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands), which allows limits above the standard national high-cost ceiling of $1,249,125 when local costs justify it. Hawaii’s island counties don’t follow a simple standard/high-cost split — limits range dramatically from the Big Island to Maui.
| County | 1-Unit | 2-Unit | 3-Unit | 4-Unit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hawaiʻi County (Big Island) | $586,500 | $750,800 | $907,550 | $1,127,900 |
| Honolulu County (Oʻahu) | $828,000 | $1,060,000 | $1,281,300 | $1,592,350 |
| Kauaʻi County | $1,110,900 | $1,422,150 | $1,719,050 | $2,136,400 |
| Maui County | $1,299,500 | $1,663,600 | $2,010,950 | $2,499,100 |
| Kalawao County | $1,299,500 | $1,663,600 | $2,010,950 | $2,499,100 |
Hawaii’s limits vary more than almost any other state. The gap between Hawaii County’s floor-level limit and Maui’s special-exception ceiling reflects genuinely different island housing markets rather than a data error — Section 214 of the National Housing Act allows Alaska, Hawaii, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands to receive limits up to 150% of the standard high-cost ceiling when local median prices justify it. Figures above are pulled directly from HUD’s official CY2026 FHA Forward mortgage limits list. Limits are updated periodically — always confirm your exact county at HUD’s official FHA Mortgage Limits lookup tool before making an offer.
Hawaii FHA Loan Requirements Overview
| Requirement | FHA Standard | Hawaii Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum credit score (3.5% down) | 580 | Most Hawaii lenders add a 580–620 overlay |
| Minimum credit score (10% down) | 500 | Limited lender options below 580 |
| Minimum down payment | 3.5% | Can be covered by HHFDC DPA |
| Maximum DTI | 43–50% | 50% with compensating factors |
| Loan limits (statewide range) | $586,500–$1,299,500 | Varies significantly by county; see table above |
| Upfront MIP | 1.75% of loan | Financed into loan or paid at closing |
| Annual MIP (LTV > 95%) | 0.55%–0.75%/year | 0.55% on loans ≤$726,200; 0.75% above that — see MIP section below |
| MIP duration (<10% down) | Life of loan | Key FHA disadvantage vs. conventional |
| Property requirement | Primary residence | Must be owner-occupied |
FHA Mortgage Insurance Premiums (MIP)
| MIP Type | Rate | On a $750,000 Loan |
|---|---|---|
| Upfront MIP (UFMIP) | 1.75% of loan amount | $13,125 (typically financed) |
| Annual MIP (monthly) | 0.75%/yr (30-yr, loan >$726,200, LTV 95%+) | ~$469/mo |
MIP cancellation: FHA MIP is permanent on loans originated after June 3, 2013, with less than 10% down payment. For Hawaii buyers who put down 10% or more, MIP cancels after 11 years. Because Hawaii’s loan amounts frequently exceed the $726,200 threshold in HUD’s premium schedule, many Hawaii FHA borrowers pay the higher annual MIP tier and may find it worthwhile to refinance into a conventional loan once they reach 20% equity to eliminate MIP.
FHA vs. Conventional in Hawaii
| Factor | FHA | Conventional |
|---|---|---|
| Min credit score | 580 | 620 |
| Min down payment | 3.5% | 3–5% |
| Mortgage insurance | Life of loan (if <10% down) | Cancels at 20% equity |
| HHFDC DPA compatible | Yes | Yes |
| Loan limit constraint | Meaningful on Oʻahu and Maui given high prices | Higher conforming ceiling ($1,249,125–$1,299,500) |
| Best for Hawaii buyers | 580–679 credit, limited savings, Big Island/Kauaʻi purchases | 680+ credit, stable income, higher-priced Oʻahu/Maui purchases |
HHFDC + FHA Combination
HHFDC’s Hale Kamaʻāina Mortgage Program can be paired with an FHA-insured loan. Here’s how it works on a $750,000 purchase:
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Purchase price | $750,000 |
| FHA down payment (3.5%) | $26,250 |
| HHFDC DPA loan (4% of purchase price) | $30,000 |
| Net down payment from buyer | $0 (assistance covers down payment plus some closing costs) |
The HHFDC down payment assistance loan accrues simple interest at 1% per year, requires no periodic payments, and becomes due in full at loan maturity, sale, or refinance. The DPA loan’s interest — not the principal — may be forgiven at the program administrator’s discretion after ten years of full compliance with loan terms. Borrowers must meet HHFDC’s own income and purchase-price limits in addition to standard FHA underwriting requirements.
