Last update: 1/31/2026

These programs can only be handled by approved lenders. You should have enough info here to go it alone, but to make it easier, if you would like help from a local realtor familiar with the programs and a lender with access, fill out this form here and I will connect you with one.

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How Down Payment Assistance Works

I need to give a quick overview of how down payment assistance works. After that, the programs are listed.

With down payment assistance, you'll run into two different types:

  • A grant

  • A loan

A Grant

If we meet the qualifications up front, then it's money that does not need to be repaid.

A Loan

If the down payment assistance comes in the form of a loan, then pay attention to the three different types:

  • Repayable

  • Deferred

  • Forgivable

Repayable is just as most imagine. It charges interest over a certain amount of time, with monthly payments until it's paid off.

Deferred loans usually don't require a monthly payment, and typically don't charge interest. It's due in full when you refinance, sell the home, or when it ceases to be your primary residence.

Forgivable loans will disappear if you meet the criteria, which usually comes down to keeping the home as your primary residence for a specific amount of time.

Okay with that, here are the programs!

Hawaii 🌺

Hale Kamaʻāina Mortgage Program (Formerly Hula Mae)

  • What It Offers: NOT DOWN PAYMENT ASSISTANCE** A 30-year fixed-rate mortgage with interest rates significantly below market. It can be paired with optional down payment assistance.

  • Who Qualifies: Eligible first-time homebuyers (residents who have not owned a home in 3 years) purchasing a primary residence.

  • Income Limits (2025):
    • Honolulu: $152,000 (1-2 persons) / $174,800 (3+ persons)

    • Maui: $161,520 (1-2 persons) / $188,440 (3+ persons)

    • Hawaii (Big Island): $123,000 (1-2 persons) / $141,450 (3+ persons)

    • Kauai: $159,480 (1-2 persons) / $186,060 (3+ persons)

  • Purchase Price Limits (2025): Varies by county (e.g., $809,000 for Honolulu; $1,141,000 for Maui).

  • https://dbedt.hawaii.gov/hhfdc/hk-mortgage-program/

OHA Access to Home Ownership (AHO)

  • What It Offers: This is a "deposit-backed" program for Native Hawaiians. It is not a cash grant, but a guarantee that allows you to buy a home with just 3% down and NO Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI), saving you hundreds per month.

  • Who Qualifies: Native Hawaiian beneficiaries (verified via OHA Registry) who are first-time homebuyers.

  • More Information: OHA Access to Home Ownership

Honolulu City & County Down Payment Loan Program

  • Assistance: Provides up to $40,000 in down payment and closing cost assistance.

  • Terms: 0% interest amortized loan. You must make monthly payments on this loan over a 20-year term.

  • Eligibility: First-time homebuyers purchasing within Honolulu County.

  • Income Limits (2025): Based on 80% AMI (approx. $85,150 for a single person; $121,600 for a family of 4).

  • Website: https://www.honolulu.gov/dcs/dcs-cad-loan-programs-for-homeowners/

HHOC Down Payment Assistance Loan (DPAL)

  • Assistance: Provides a second mortgage of up to $125,000 (updated from $75k) to cover the down payment and closing costs.

  • Terms: Deferred loan options available. The interest rate is typically fixed (often 4.5% or matching your first mortgage rate).

  • Eligibility: First-time homebuyers with household income up to 120% AMI. This program is designed to help you reach a 20% down payment to avoid mortgage insurance.

  • Website: https://www.hhocmortgage.org/loan-products/

Maui County First-Time Home Buyer's DPA Program

  • Assistance: Provides a grant of up to $30,000 or 5% of the purchase price (whichever is less).

  • Terms: Grant with a retention agreement. You must repay the grant if you sell or refinance before a set period (perpetuity or long-term deed restrictions often apply). Funds are often distributed via a lottery system due to high demand.

  • Eligibility: Residents of Maui County with household income at or below 140% AMI.

Kauai County Home Buyer Loan Program

  • Assistance: Offers "Gap Mortgages" of up to $150,000 (or primary mortgages up to $450,000) to bridge the affordability gap.

  • Terms: Low-interest loan. Interest rates are based on the borrower's income level (lower income = lower rate).

  • Eligibility: First-time homebuyers living on Kauai. Household income must generally be at or below 80% of the Kauai Median Household Income.

  • More Information: Kauai Housing Agency

Last update: 1/31/2026

These programs can only be handled by approved lenders. You should have enough info here to go it alone, but to make it easier, if you would like help from a local realtor familiar with the programs and a lender with access, fill out this form here and I will connect you with one.