Who this is for
Who down payment assistance is for
First-time buyers
Hale Kamaʻāina requires that you have not owned a primary residence in the past three years, live in Hawaii and are a U.S. citizen or resident alien.
Moderate-income households
Income limits vary by county and household size. On Oahu, the 2025 non-targeted limit was $152,000 for 1–2 people and $174,800 for 3+.
Buyers short on cash, not income
If you can afford the payment but saving 5–10% here takes years, a soft second can close the gap.
Buyers comparing offers
Assistance is not always the cheapest path. I put the assisted loan and a standard loan side by side.
Program highlights
How the Hale Kamaʻāina program works
Below-market fixed rate
HHFDC funds the program by selling tax-exempt mortgage revenue bonds. In May 2026 HHFDC advertised rates as low as 4.65% for government loans and 4.95% for conventional loans, versus higher market averages at the time.
4% soft second
A second mortgage equal to 4% of the first loan, at 1% simple interest with no monthly payments. It is due when you sell, refinance, transfer the home, or the first mortgage matures.
Your contribution
HHFDC's March 2026 presentation lists a 5% borrower contribution toward the sales price to qualify for the second.
Counseling
Homeownership counseling through a HUD-certified agency is required.
Qualification guidelines
What lenders look at
Typical guidelines across my lender network. Every file is different, and I will tell you exactly where you stand after a quick review.
| Factor | Typical requirement | Required? |
|---|---|---|
| Credit score | 660 or higher | ✓ YES |
| Residency | Hawaii resident; U.S. citizen or resident alien | ✓ YES |
| Prior ownership | No primary residence owned in the past 3 years | ✓ YES |
| Household income | At or below HHFDC county limits | ✓ YES |
| Purchase price | At or below county limits (Oahu 2025: $809,458 non-targeted) | ✓ YES |
| Homebuyer counseling | HUD-certified agency | ✓ YES |
| Loan types | FHA, VA, USDA-RD, Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac | ✓ ALL OK |
In Hawaii
Straight talk about assistance in Hawaii
- Limits change every year. The income and price limits above are HHFDC's 2025 figures. I confirm current limits for your county before you count on them.
- It runs through participating lenders. Hale Kamaʻāina loans close with HHFDC-approved participating lenders. If it is your best option, I will tell you, and we'll work out the right path together.
- Compare the whole package. A lower rate plus a second lien can still cost more than a standard loan with seller credits. I show you both with real numbers.
- Other help exists. Some wholesale lenders offer their own down payment programs, and seller or lender credits can cover closing costs.
How it works
From first call to closing
- Check eligibilityFive minutes on income, savings and ownership history tells us if assistance is even on the table.
- CounselingComplete homeownership counseling with a HUD-certified agency.
- CompareI price the assisted option against standard loans so you see the real difference.
- CloseClose with the option that leaves you better off.
Common questions
Down Payment Assistance FAQ
Is the 4% second mortgage forgiven?
No. It is a soft second at 1% simple interest with no monthly payment. It is repaid when you sell, refinance, transfer the property, or the first mortgage matures. Prepayment is allowed anytime without penalty.
Can I use it for a condo?
Yes, as long as the condo and the loan type meet program and building approval rules.
What are the income limits on Oahu?
HHFDC's 2025 non-targeted limits for Honolulu County were $152,000 (1–2 people) and $174,800 (3+). Limits are updated annually.
Is this the same as Hula Mae?
Yes. Hale Kamaʻāina is the renamed and revived Hula Mae Single Family program, relaunched in December 2025.
Sources: HHFDC Hale Kamaʻāina Mortgage Program presentation (March 9, 2026); HHFDC news release, May 8, 2026. Figures change; confirm with HHFDC.
