Hawaii Mortgage Guides 2026
This complete Hawaii mortgage guide covers FHA loan limits by island county, HHFDC’s Hale Kamaʻāina down payment assistance, USDA rural loans, VA resources for Hawaii’s major military installations, and a complete closing cost breakdown — including Hawaii’s conveyance tax — all in one place.
Everything You Need for a Hawaii Home Purchase
Six in-depth guides covering every aspect of getting a mortgage in Hawaii — from loan program selection to what you’ll pay at closing.
Hawaii Mortgage Guide
FHA loan limits by island county, loan program comparison, property tax overview, and how the Hawaii housing market affects your financing options.
Read guide →Hawaii First-Time Home Buyer Guide
HHFDC’s Hale Kamaʻāina Mortgage Program, down payment assistance up to 4%, county down payment assistance programs, and income limits by island — compared side by side.
Read guide →Hawaii FHA Loan Requirements
2026 FHA limits ranging from $586,500 on Hawaii Island to $1,299,500 in Maui and Kalawao counties, plus credit score and MIP rules.
Read guide →Hawaii VA Loan Requirements
VA entitlement, the 2026 funding fee chart, and resources for Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Schofield Barracks, and veterans statewide.
Read guide →Hawaii USDA Loans
Current USDA income limits and eligible rural/suburban areas across Hawaii, Maui, and Kauaʻi counties, and how zero-down USDA compares to FHA.
Read guide →Hawaii Closing Costs Guide
Hawaii’s graduated conveyance tax explained, the escrow-only closing process, and a complete fee-by-fee breakdown for Hawaii buyers and sellers.
Read guide →Key Hawaii Mortgage Guide Facts
FHA Loan Limits
- Hawaii County (Big Island): $586,500
- Honolulu County (Oʻahu): $828,000
- Kauaʻi County: $1,110,900
- Maui & Kalawao counties: $1,299,500
Down Payment Assistance
- HHFDC Hale Kamaʻāina: optional down payment assistance; terms being updated under Act 214 (2026) — confirm with HHFDC
- Honolulu County DPA: up to $40,000, 0% interest, repaid over 20 years (income limits apply)
- Hawaii Homeownership Center: deferred closing cost loan up to $10,000, 0% interest
- Credit score: set by the HHFDC participating lender
USDA Income Limits
- County limits: $139,150–$177,100 (1–4 person)
- County limits: $183,700–$233,800 (5–8 person)
- Limits vary by county — verify yours
- FY2026 figures, effective July 13, 2026
Closing Cost Highlights
- Hawaii real estate conveyance tax: graduated 0.10%–1.25%, paid by the seller by law
- Hawaii is an escrow-only closing state — no attorney required
- Non-resident sellers face HARPTA withholding of 7.25%
Buying or Refinancing in Hawaii?
Hawaii has real programs worth knowing before you shop for a mortgage. HHFDC’s Hale Kamaʻāina Mortgage Program offers a below-market first mortgage rate with optional down payment assistance. And Hawaii’s real estate conveyance tax (a graduated state tax of 0.10%–1.25% of the sale price, paid by the seller by law) is worth understanding before you write an offer.
- ✓ Check Hale Kamaʻāina eligibility and current rates at dbedt.hawaii.gov/hhfdc
- ✓ Confirm your county’s 2026 FHA loan limit with HUD’s official FHA limit lookup tool
- ✓ Look up your island’s conveyance tax rate via the Hawaii Dept. of Taxation before you write an offer
- ✓ Check a specific address for USDA eligibility at USDA’s eligibility map
No obligation · Educational first
Talk to a Hawaii Mortgage Advisor
Have questions about buying or refinancing in Hawaii? A licensed mortgage advisor can walk you through your loan options, assistance programs and costs, with no obligation.
Speak to a Mortgage Advisor