First-Time Homebuyer Programs in Hawaiʻi

A Practical Guide for Buyers on Oʻahu

Buying your first home in Hawaiʻi—especially on Oʻahu—can feel overwhelming. Between high home prices, down payment requirements, and understanding loan options, many first-time buyers assume homeownership is out of reach.

The good news? There are statewide and Honolulu County programs specifically designed to help first-time buyers get into a home with lower down payments, competitive interest rates, and educational support.

Below is a clear breakdown of the most relevant programs available today for buyers on Oʻahu.

🏠 Statewide Hawaiʻi Programs

(Available to Honolulu / Oʻahu buyers)

1. HHFDC Hale Kamaʻāina Mortgage Program

What it is:
The State of Hawaiʻi’s primary first-time homebuyer mortgage program, administered by the Hawaiʻi Housing Finance & Development Corporation (HHFDC). It offers 30-year fixed-rate mortgages through approved lenders and may include down payment assistance options.

Key benefits:

• Competitive interest rates (often lower than market rates)

• Optional down payment assistance

• Predictable monthly payments with fixed-rate financing

Who qualifies:

• First-time buyers (generally no homeownership in the past ~3 years)

• Must meet income and purchase price limits

• Completion of a homebuyer education course

• Use of an HHFDC-participating lender

Contact / Apply:
Hawaiʻi Housing Finance & Development Corporation (HHFDC)
📞 (808) 587-0620
✉️ dbedt.hhfdc.mortgage@hawaii.gov
🌐 https://dbedt.hawaii.gov/hhfdc/hk-mortgage-program

2. Down Payment Assistance Loan (DPAL) – via Hawaii HomeOwnership Center (HHOC)

What it is:
A second-mortgage loan offered through a nonprofit organization to assist with down payment and closing costs.

Key benefits:

• Assistance up to $75,000 (amounts may vary)

• Helps buyers meet minimum down payment requirements

• Can reduce or eliminate the need for private mortgage insurance (PMI)

Who qualifies:

• First-time homebuyers

• Completion of homebuyer education and counseling through HHOC

Contact / Apply:
Hawaii HomeOwnership Center (HHOC)
📍 1259 Aala Street, #201, Honolulu, HI 96817
📞 (808) 523-9500
🌐 https://www.hihomeownership.org

3. Hawaii HomeOwnership Center – Education & Workshops

What it is:
Free and low-cost first-time homebuyer workshops that prepare buyers for the full homeownership process.

Why it matters:
Many assistance programs require completion of a certified education course. These workshops also help buyers understand:

• Budgeting and affordability

• Credit preparation

• Loan options and assistance programs

• The homebuying process in Hawaiʻi

Contact:
Hawaii HomeOwnership Center (HHOC) – same contact as above

4. AHO – Access to Home Ownership (Office of Hawaiian Affairs)

What it is:
A program designed to help eligible Native Hawaiians purchase a home by allowing lenders to pledge OHA funds.

Key benefits:

• Down payment as low as 3%

• No private mortgage insurance (PMI)

• Reduced upfront cash requirements

Contact / Info:
Lisa Carillo, Community Loan Officer – American Savings Bank
📞 (808) 872-4991
📧 Lisa.Carillo@asbhawaii.com

🏙️ Honolulu County Program

(City & County of Honolulu – Oʻahu Only)

5. City & County of Honolulu Down Payment Loan Program

What it is:
A zero-interest loan (up to approximately $40,000) to assist with down payment costs when purchasing a home on Oʻahu.

Key benefits:

• No interest

• Amortized over 20 years

• Can be layered with first mortgages

Who qualifies:

• Income-eligible first-time buyers

• Must purchase a primary residence on Oʻahu

• Completion of a homebuyer education course required

Contact / Apply:
City & County of Honolulu – Department of Community Services
📞 (808) 768-7076 (Rehabilitation Loan Branch)
📍 51 Merchant Street, 1st Floor, Honolulu, HI 96813

📊 Other Loan Options First-Time Buyers Should Know About

While not Hawaiʻi-specific, these national programs are commonly used by first-time buyers:

• FHA Loans: Down payments as low as 3.5%, flexible credit requirements

• VA Loans: Zero down payment options for eligible veterans and active-duty military

• Fannie Mae HomeReady / Freddie Mac Home Possible: As low as 3% down, flexible gift and grant sources

These programs are accessed through your mortgage lender.

Final Thoughts

Many first-time buyers are surprised to learn that multiple programs can sometimes be combined, depending on eligibility. The key is understanding:

• Which programs you qualify for

• The order of steps (education → lender → application)

• How assistance impacts your monthly payment and long-term goals

This is where having the right guidance early makes a difference.

If you’re thinking about buying your first home on Oʻahu and want help navigating these programs—or connecting with trusted lenders—I’m always happy to help you plan your next step.