Down payment assistance

Down payment assistance in Hawaii

1 program can help buyers in Hawaii with a down payment and closing costs. Most are for first-time buyers with moderate incomes and are used with a participating lender.

Check which programs fit your situationDown payment assistance finder

Hale Kamaʻāina Mortgage Program Second Mortgage Loan

Open · Deferred loan

4% second mortgage (HHFDC doesn’t say whether it’s 4% of the price or the loan)

An optional second mortgage paired with HHFDC's Hale Kamaʻāina 30-year fixed first mortgage (formerly Hula Mae, relaunched December 2025). It accrues 1% simple interest with no periodic payments and is due in full at maturity, sale, refinance or another qualifying event. Not forgiven.

Who qualifies: First-time homebuyers (no principal residence owned and occupied for 3 years; exceptions for veterans and targeted areas). Household income and purchase price limits. Hawaiʻi resident, 18+, U.S. citizen or resident alien. HUD-certified homeownership counseling. For the second mortgage: buyer must contribute at least 5% of the sales price, must not own other residential property in the state, and must not have had a prior HHFDC down payment loan.

Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation · Agency website → · Checked 2026-09-30

How assistance usually works

Most programs are a second loan with no monthly payment that is forgiven over time or repaid when you sell or refinance, and some are grants. You usually need a program first mortgage from a participating lender, a homebuyer education course and income under the program’s limit. Apply before you make offers, so your pre-approval reflects the help.

More for Hawaii

Hawaii closing costs Hawaii property taxes Where can I afford to buy in Hawaii?Down payment timeline

Programs change often; confirm the details with the agency.