New First-Time Homebuyer Opportunity: The Hale Kamaʻāina Mortgage Program

Buying your first home in Hawaiʻi can feel overwhelming — especially when affordability and upfront costs are major concerns. A new state program, the Hale Kamaʻāina Mortgage Program, was created to help eligible first-time homebuyers take that important first step toward homeownership.

Offered through the Hawaiʻi Housing Finance & Development Corporation (HHFDC), this program provides 30-year fixed-rate mortgage financing, with an option for down payment assistance, to qualified buyers who plan to live in the home as their primary residence.

How the Hale Kamaʻāina Mortgage Program Works

• 30-year fixed-rate mortgage loans

• Financing available through approved participating lenders

• An optional down payment assistance loan for buyers who qualify

• A simplified structure that replaces earlier first-time homebuyer programs

Buyers apply through a participating lender, who will review eligibility and guide them through the mortgage process based on HHFDC program guidelines.

Who Is the Program Designed For?

This program is intended for first-time homebuyers in Hawaiʻi who meet specific requirements, including:

• First-time buyer status. Generally, this means you (and your spouse, if applicable) have not owned a home in the past three years.

• Hawaiʻi residency

• Income limits. Household income must fall within HHFDC’s established limits, which vary by household size and location.

• Primary residence requirement. The home must be owner-occupied and used as your main residence.

• Homebuyer education. Completion of an approved homeownership education course is required prior to closing.

These guidelines are designed to support buyers who are ready to build long-term stability through homeownership.

What About Older First-Time Buyer Programs?

Some buyers may be familiar with previous programs such as the Mortgage Credit Certificate (MCC) Program. The Hale Kamaʻāina Mortgage Program replaces earlier HHFDC first-time buyer mortgage programs and is now the primary program available for eligible buyers moving forward.

Participating Lenders & Program Updates

Because the Hale Kamaʻāina Mortgage Program is new, lenders are still in the process of becoming approved to participate. The list of participating lenders will continue to grow as applications are finalized.

For the most current information, including program guidelines and lender updates, buyers should refer directly to HHFDC’s official website.

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

Feel free to reach out if you’d like to talk story about your goals and timeline.