Hawai‘i Home Buyer Programs
Your guide to the loans, grants, and programs that make homeownership in Hawai‘i possible.
Buying a home in Hawai‘i is one of the biggest financial steps you’ll ever take — and the good news is, you don’t have to do it alone. From state-backed mortgage programs to federally-supported loans for veterans, rural buyers, and first-time owners, there are real options designed to help local families and newcomers achieve homeownership.
Below is an overview of the most common home buyer programs we help clients navigate every day. Click any program to learn more — or reach out to our team for personalized guidance on which one might be the best fit for you.
🌟 Featured Program
Hale Kama‘āina Mortgage Program
The Hale Kama‘āina Mortgage Program is one of the most powerful tools available to first-time buyers in Hawai‘i. Backed by HHFDC (the Hawai‘i Housing Finance and Development Corporation), it offers 30-year fixed mortgages at below-market interest rates and optional 4% down payment assistance for qualifying buyers.
👉 Learn More About the Hale Kama‘āina Program
Loan & Mortgage Programs
VA Loans
Designed exclusively for active-duty service members, veterans, and eligible surviving spouses, VA loans offer some of the most favorable terms available — including zero down payment, no private mortgage insurance, and competitive interest rates. Hawai‘i has one of the largest military communities in the country, and VA loans are a popular path to homeownership for our service families.
FHA Loans
FHA loans are federally-backed mortgages designed to make homeownership accessible for buyers with lower down payments (as little as 3.5%) and more flexible credit requirements. They’re a popular choice for first-time buyers across O‘ahu who need a little extra help getting into their first home.
USDA Loans
USDA loans offer zero down payment financing for buyers purchasing in eligible rural and suburban areas of Hawai‘i. You don’t need to be a farmer or live in the country — many parts of O‘ahu and the Neighbor Islands qualify. If you’re looking at homes outside the most densely populated urban zones, USDA may be a fit.
Hawai‘i-Specific Housing Programs
Affordable / Reserved Housing
Many new developments across O‘ahu — including projects like Ho‘opili, Koa Ridge, Kahuina, and Kaka‘ako — offer affordable (HHFDC) or reserved housing units at below-market prices to qualifying local buyers. These programs often come with owner-occupancy and resale restrictions, and qualification can take time, so it pays to start early.
👉 Learn More About Affordable Housing
City & County of Honolulu Programs
Honolulu Down Payment Loan Program
The City and County of Honolulu’s Down Payment Loan Program offers a zero-interest loan of up to $40,000 to help income-qualified buyers cover their down payment. It’s one of the most affordable forms of down payment help on O‘ahu, and it can pair with your primary mortgage.
👉 Learn More About the Down Payment Loan Program
Honolulu Rehabilitation Loan Program
For homeowners who already own on O‘ahu, the City’s Rehabilitation Loan Program provides zero-interest loans of up to $300,000 to repair and improve an owner-occupied home — from roofing and plumbing to accessibility upgrades and solar. Income limits apply.
👉 Learn More About the Rehabilitation Loan Program
🤝 Not Sure Which Program Is Right for You?
Choosing the right home buyer program depends on several things — your income, household size, military status, whether you’ve owned before, where you want to buy, and what kind of property you’re after. The good news? You don’t have to figure it out alone.
Our team at Hawaii Starts Here has helped many local buyers navigate these programs successfully. We’ll help you:
- Understand which programs you may qualify for
- Connect with trusted, experienced participating lenders
- Find homes that fit within program purchase price limits
- Walk through the paperwork, counseling, and timelines
- Submit a competitive offer when the right home comes up