Down Payment Assistance Programs in Hawaii (2026 Guide)

# Down Payment Assistance Programs in Hawaii (2026 Guide) Saving for a down payment is one of the biggest hurdles for first-time home buyers. Fortunately, Hawaii offers 1 assistance programs that can help you achieve homeownership sooner than you thought possible. ## Hawaii Housing Agency All state DPA programs are administered by Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation (HHFDC). **Contact Information:** - Website: [https://dbedt.hawaii.gov/hhfdc](https://dbedt.hawaii.gov/hhfdc) - Phone: 808-587-0640 ## Available Programs Hawaii offers 1 major down payment assistance programs: ### Hula Mae Program | Feature | Details | |---------|---------| | Maximum Assistance | Below-market rates + DPA options | | Program Type | Second Mortgage | | Description | First and second mortgage program for low-to-moderate income buyers. | ## How to Apply ### Step 1: Check Your Eligibility Most programs require: - First-time homebuyer status (no home ownership in past 3 years) - Income at or below program limits - Minimum credit score (usually 620-640) - Home price within program limits ### Step 2: Complete Homebuyer Education All HHFDC programs require completion of a HUD-approved homebuyer education course. This prepares you for the responsibilities of homeownership. ### Step 3: Work with an Approved Lender HHFDC maintains a list of approved lenders trained in their programs. These lenders can help you combine DPA with your mortgage. ### Step 4: Find Your Home Once pre-approved, work with a real estate agent to find a home within program price limits. ## Combining with Your Mortgage Down payment assistance can be layered with various loan types: | Loan Type | Min Down | With HHFDC DPA | |-----------|----------|--------------------------| | FHA | 3.5% | DPA covers most or all | | Conventional | 3-5% | DPA covers most or all | | VA | 0% | DPA for closing costs | | USDA | 0% | DPA for closing costs | ## Real Cost Savings With Hawaii's median home price of $848,926: | Scenario | Down Payment Needed | With Max DPA | |----------|--------------------|--------------| | FHA (3.5%) | $29,712 | Potentially $0 | | Conventional (5%) | $42,446 | Significantly reduced | | Conventional (20%) | $169,785 | Reduced by DPA amount | ## Conclusion Don't let down payment concerns keep you from homeownership. Hawaii's DPA programs have helped thousands of first-time buyers achieve their dream. Contact HHFDC today to learn which programs you qualify for. Use our [Hawaii Mortgage Calculator](/mortgage-calculator/hawaii) to see how DPA affects your monthly payment. --- *Source: Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation. Program details subject to change. Contact HHFDC for current requirements.*