Hawaii Down Payment Assistance
Hawaii Down Payment Assistance Programs
A guide to current down payment assistance options in Hawaii, including the state Housing Finance Agency, well-known city and county programs, and live DPA mortgage pricing for Hawaii homebuyers.
Hawaii Housing Finance Agency
Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation (HHFDC)
HHFDC administers the primary DPA programs for Hawaii. Program details below are current as of October 17, 2026 - confirm current terms directly with HHFDC before applying.
Statewide DPA Programs in Hawaii
Hale Kamaaina Mortgage Program
HHFDC
Optional second mortgage equal to 4% of the first mortgage amount, at 1% simple interest with no monthly payments. Due at first mortgage maturity, sale, refinance, or transfer. Paired with a 30-year fixed first mortgage.
Paired with: Conventional, FHA, VA, USDA
- First-time homebuyer: Required
- Primary residence only
- Minimum FICO: 660
- Maximum DTI: 45%
- Income: Income and purchase price limits set by HHFDC; varies by household size and island.
- Homebuyer education required
Borrowers must contribute 5% of the sales price to receive the second mortgage. Must be Hawaii residents and complete HUD-certified homeownership counseling. First-time buyer rule waived for veterans and targeted-area purchases. One-unit homes only; 1% origination fee. Current rates published by HHFDC.
Source: dbedt.hawaii.gov
Mortgage Credit Certificate (MCC) Program
HHFDC
Federal income tax credit equal to a percentage of annual mortgage interest paid, claimed each year the borrower occupies the home.
- First-time homebuyer: Required
- Primary residence only
- Income: HHFDC-published income and purchase price limits apply.
- Homebuyer education required
HHFDC lists participating MCC lenders for 2026. Confirm current availability and certificate rate with HHFDC; MCC issuance subject to available allocation.
Source: dbedt.hawaii.gov
Major City & County Programs in Hawaii
Honolulu Down Payment Loan Program (DPLP)
City and County of Honolulu, Department of Community Services · City and County of Honolulu (Oahu), HI
Up to $40,000 as a 0% interest, no-fee loan repaid monthly over 20 years. If the home is sold or transferred during the loan, the balance is due, reduced by an annual occupancy credit.
For buyers who do not own a primary residence, with household income under City limits. Must occupy the home for the life of the loan and complete a City-approved homeowner education course. Property must pass federal inspection standards. Loans awarded first-come, first-served subject to funding availability.
Source: www.honolulu.gov
Hawaii Notes for Homebuyers
- Hawaii is a non-judicial foreclosure state for most mortgages; closings are typically handled by escrow companies rather than attorneys.
- Hawaii has a conveyance tax on real estate transfers; verify current rate schedule with the Department of Taxation.
2026 Loan Limits in Hawaii
Conforming (Conventional)
$832,750 baseline
Some Hawaii counties qualify as high-cost, with limits up to $1,249,125.
FHA
$541,287
Standard FHA limit. Select high-cost Hawaii counties allow more, up to $1,249,125.
Live DPA Pricing for Hawaii
Pricing below is sourced live from hundreds of wholesale lenders for a Hawaii scenario. Edit the inputs to match your situation.
FHA Down Payment Assistance
Up to 5% assistance; repayable second at first rate + 2% over 10 years
▸Program details
- ✓Minimum credit score: 580
- ✓Non-traditional credit also possible
- ✓Assistance up to 2.5%, 3.5%, or 5% of the lesser of purchase price or appraised value
- ✓Assistance can be used for down payment, closing costs, or both
- ✓Second lien: 10-year fixed, repayable
- ✓Second lien rate is 2% higher than the first mortgage rate
- ✓No first-time homebuyer requirement
- ✓No income cap
- ✓Purchase of primary residence only
- ✓Eligible properties: 1-unit residences, PUD, 2-4 units, FHA-approved condos, manufactured (single/double-wide)
- ✓DTI per AUS and FHA manual underwriting guidelines
- ✓First lien: FHA 30-year fixed
Assistance amount
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