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 April 23, 2026 - confirm current terms directly with HHFDC before applying.
Statewide DPA Programs in Hawaii
Hale Kamaaina Mortgage Program
HHFDC
Competitive 30-year fixed first mortgage with optional down payment assistance; program allows a down payment requirement as low as 5% of the purchase price.
Paired with: Conventional, FHA, VA, USDA
- First-time homebuyer: Required
- Primary residence only
- Income: Income and purchase price limits set by HHFDC; varies by household size and island.
- Homebuyer education required
Launched by HHFDC in late 2025 with $30 million initial funding. Borrowers must be bona fide Hawaii residents and complete a HUD-approved homeownership counseling course. Current funding status and 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
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 zero-interest, zero-fee loan with a 20-year amortization; a portion of payments is forgiven each year the borrower remains in the home.
First-time homebuyers only. Property must be a primary residence located on Oahu. Buyers must contribute 5% of the purchase price in cash and complete an approved homeownership education course. 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)
$806,500 baseline
Some Hawaii counties qualify as high-cost, with limits up to $1,209,750.
FHA
$524,225 floor
Higher-cost Hawaii counties can reach the FHA ceiling of $1,209,750.
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
Compare DPA options for Hawaii with live pricing
Rate Direct pairs down payment assistance with live first-lien pricing so you see the combined monthly payment up front.