Buying a home
Data from November 2026
Buying a home in Hawaii
A typical home in Hawaii is worth $839,100 (Average 2020–2024). The FHA limit for one unit is $586,500–$1,299,500 depending on the county. Here is the minimum down payment each loan type asks at that price, every county’s limit, and the state’s assistance programs.
Key numbers in Hawaii
- Typical home
- $839,100
- median value, Average 2020–2024
- 152% more than the U.S.
- FHA limit
- $586,500–$1,299,500
- one unit, by county
- In 5 of the 5 counties, the limit is above the national floor ($541,287).
- Conforming limit
- $832,750
- up to $1,299,500 in high-cost areas
- Above this amount, the loan is a “jumbo” loan.
- Minimum FHA down payment
- $29,369
- 3.5% of a $839,100 home
- VA and USDA ask for no down payment if you qualify.
Down payment
How much each loan asks up front
For a $839,100 home, the typical value in Hawaii. The minimum down payment is each program’s rule. The monthly figure is an example of principal and interest over 30 years at the 7.18% average rate (November 5, 2026): no taxes, insurance or mortgage insurance.
Your price, rate and down payment will differ: run the calculator with your numbers. Closing costs are extra.
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FHA Program rule
Minimum down3.5%
In dollars$29,369
Per month$5,485
With a credit score of 580 or more. Carries mortgage insurance (MIP) up front and every month.
HUD Handbook 4000.1 (Update 18), II.A.2.a.iv — Minimum Required Investment · In effect since September 14, 2016
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Conventional Program rule
Minimum down3%
In dollars$25,173
Per month$5,514
3% is the lowest standard option. With less than 20% down you pay private mortgage insurance (PMI) until you have more equity.
Fannie Mae Selling Guide B5-6-01 — HomeReady Mortgage Loan and Borrower Eligibility · In effect since January 1, 2024
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VA Program rule
Minimum down0%
In dollars$0
Per month$5,684
For veterans, service members and some spouses. No down payment as long as the price is not above the appraisal; charges a one-time funding fee.
VA: Purchase loan — benefits · In effect since January 1, 2020
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USDA Program rule
Minimum down0%
In dollars$0
Per month$5,684
Only homes in eligible rural areas and households within USDA’s income limit. Finances the full price.
7 CFR §3555.103 — Maximum loan amount (Guaranteed Rural Housing Program) · In effect since December 9, 2013
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ITIN loans follow no federal rule: each lender sets its own down payment and rate, and usually asks for more. 15% is an example.
Loan limits
FHA and conforming limit in every county
FHA sets the limit by area: 5 of the 5 counties in Hawaii are high-cost and sit above the national floor ($541,287). The conforming limit is the most Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac will buy; above it, the loan is a “jumbo”.
| Maui County | $1,299,500 | $1,299,500 | $904,700 | High-cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kalawao County | $1,299,500 | $1,299,500 | — | High-cost |
| Kauai County | $1,110,900 | $1,249,125 | $873,200 | High-cost |
| Honolulu County | $828,000 | $1,249,125 | $897,500 | High-cost |
| Hawaii County | $586,500 | $1,249,125 | $519,300 | High-cost |
One unit. For 2- to 4-unit homes, each county page has the full table. Source: FHA mortgage limits (HUD) Data from 2026 data FHA mortgage limits (HUD) (external site)
Down payment help
Hawaii programs for buyers
1 verified program that put money toward the down payment or closing costs, or give a tax credit. With the source wording and the date we checked it.
Some help is a grant you never repay; other help is a second loan that is forgiven over the years or repaid when you sell. Each program’s tag says which kind it is.
See all programs-
City and County of Honolulu loan, with federal HOME funds, of up to $40,000 at 0% and with no fees, for the down payment only, repaid over 20 years; for first-time buyers on Oʻahu with incomes up to 80% of the area median who put down at least 5% of the price
- Repayable
What the state publishes
Hawaii rules that change the math
Exemptions that lower property tax and taxes paid when the deed is recorded, summarized from the official page each one cites.
Property tax in HawaiiWhen the sale is recorded
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State conveyance tax, by property value
The seller or other person transferring the property is generally the one subject to the conveyance tax. It is figured by multiplying the full price by a single rate set by value: 10 cents per $100 under $600,000; 20 cents from $600,000 to under $1 million; 30 cents from $1 to under $2 million; 50 cents from $2 to under $4 million; 70 cents from $4 to under $6 million; 90 cents from $6 to under $10 million; and $1 from $10 million up. When a house or condominium is sold to a buyer who is ineligible for the county homeowner's exemption, the rates are higher: 15 cents to $1.25 per $100.
Hawaii Department of Taxation (Instructions for Form P-64A, Rev. 2025) · Verified October 24, 2026
Your next steps
Where to go next in Hawaii
What you can do today, free and without giving personal information. Go in order: your numbers first, then the help.
- Run the numbers with your figures
The Hawaii calculator already has the typical value, the average rate and the state’s property tax.
- Check whether you qualify for help
Each program says what it gives, who qualifies and when we checked it.
- Talk to a counselor for free
17 HUD-approved agencies help you prepare to buy; 2 say they serve in Spanish.
- Follow the steps to buy a home
From the budget to the keys, in order.
Frequently asked questions
How much down payment do I need for a typical home in Hawaii?
For a $839,100 home (typical value, Average 2020–2024), the FHA minimum (3.5%) is $29,369 and the conventional minimum (3%) is $25,173. VA and USDA ask no down payment if you qualify. State programs can cover part of it.
Are there high-cost counties in Hawaii?
Yes. In 2026 data, 5 of the 5 counties in Hawaii have an FHA limit above the national floor ($541,287); the highest is Maui County ($1,299,500).
What is the conforming loan limit in Hawaii?
In 2026 data, the conforming limit for one unit runs from $832,750 to $1,299,500 depending on the county in Hawaii: the most Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac will buy. Above it, the loan is a “jumbo” and each lender sets its own terms.
What would the monthly payment be on a typical home in Hawaii?
With $839,100, the FHA minimum down payment ($29,369) and the 7.18% average rate (November 5, 2026), principal and interest over 30 years comes to about $5,485 a month. Tax, insurance and mortgage insurance are missing: the calculator adds them.
What down payment help is there in Hawaii?
We have verified 1 state program in Hawaii that put money toward the down payment or closing costs, or give a tax credit. Each shows the source wording, who qualifies and the date we checked it.