Hawaii is among the most expensive housing markets in the country. Many buyers here pair state assistance with careful loan selection, and some purchases cross into jumbo territory. Because Hawaii has a smaller population, local lenders and the state housing agency play an outsized role — it pays to compare a few loan officers. A household earning around $237,000 a year could comfortably afford a typical Hawaii home under the 31% housing guideline.
What does a home cost in Hawaii?
| Item | Hawaii estimate |
|---|---|
| Typical home value | $808,200 |
| 3% down (conventional) | $24,246 |
| 3.5% down (FHA) | $28,287 |
| 20% down | $161,640 |
| Est. monthly payment (FHA, 3.5% down) | $6,126 |
| Household income to afford (31%) | $237,000 |
Rate assumption: 7.18% (Freddie Mac PMMS 30-year fixed average, week of November 5, 2026). Change it in the payment calculator.
What first-time home buyer programs does Hawaii offer?
Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation (HHFDC) is Hawaii's housing finance agency. Its programs are offered through approved lenders and usually require homebuyer education plus income and purchase-price limits.
- Hula Mae Single Family: Below-market-rate loans for eligible first-time buyers within income and price limits.
- Mortgage Credit Certificate: When available, a federal tax credit for a portion of mortgage interest paid.
Check current terms at Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation (HHFDC). Many Hawaii cities and counties also run their own down payment assistance.
What are the Hawaii loan limits for 2026?
Hawaii has 5 counties; 5 are high-cost areas. Here are the official 2026 one-unit limits for its most populous counties (FHFA and HUD):
| County | Conforming | FHA |
|---|---|---|
| Honolulu County | $1,249,125 | $828,000 |
| Hawaii County | $1,249,125 | $586,500 |
| Maui County | $1,299,500 | $1,299,500 |
| Kauai County | $1,249,125 | $1,110,900 |
| Kalawao County | $1,299,500 | $1,299,500 |
See all Hawaii county loan limits → VA loans have no limit for borrowers with full entitlement.
How much house can I afford in Hawaii?
Use Hawaii's own property tax rate and insurance average: $60k, $80k, $100k, $150k salaries, or see FHA requirements in Hawaii.
How do property taxes affect buying in Hawaii?
Homeowners in Hawaii pay a median of $2,183 a year in property taxes — an effective rate of about 0.27% of the median home value, below the national average, which helps keep monthly payments down (Census ACS). Actual rates vary by county and municipality.
Which loan types are popular in Hawaii?
- Conventional Loan — Not government-backed; as little as 3% down for first-time buyers, PMI removable at 20% equity.
- FHA Loan — Government-insured; 3.5% down with a 580 credit score and flexible debt-to-income rules.
- VA Loan — For eligible veterans, service members and surviving spouses: 0% down and no monthly mortgage insurance.
- USDA Loan — 0% down for moderate-income buyers in eligible rural and suburban areas.
- Jumbo Loan — For loan amounts above the conforming limit; usually 10–20% down and 700+ credit.
- First-Time Home Buyer Loans — Low-down-payment loans plus state assistance programs designed for first-time buyers.
Buying a home in Hawaii cities
Honolulu County
Hawaii home buying FAQs
Sources
- U.S. Census Bureau — ACS 2019–2023 5-Year Estimates
- FHFA — 2026 Conforming Loan Limit Values
- HUD — 2026 FHA Forward Mortgage Limits (county file)
- NAIC — Homeowners Insurance Report, Data for 2023 (HO-3 average premium)
Data last updated October 23, 2026.
Get matched with Hawaii purchase lenders
Answer a few quick questions and get matched with purchase mortgage lenders in your area. Free, and it won't affect your credit score.
Get My MatchesFigures on this page are estimates for educational purposes only and are not a loan offer or commitment to lend. Rates, loan limits, fees and assistance programs change frequently and vary by lender, location and borrower profile. Confirm current terms with a licensed loan officer.