Hawaii down payment assistance, deep-checked against current state program sources.
A current inventory of state-run and state-administered assistance in Hawaii, plus national DPA options. Funding and rate sheets can still change after this review date.
Reviewed September 11, 2026 • Joshua Dobson, NMLS #190260
Quick comparison
| Program | Potential assistance | Published min. FICO | Repayment/Forgiveness | Biggest catch |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HHFDC Hale Kamaʻāina Mortgage Program — integrated DPA | Exactly 4% of base first mortgage under currently published terms | program specific | 1% simple-interest soft second, no monthly payment; due at maturity/sale/refi/title transfer | 2026 legislation requires rule updates; current published page still shows a 5% borrower contribution, so buyers must verify live terms. |
| HHFDC DURF Equity Pilot (DEP) | Project-specific; amounts vary by designated project | program/project specific | 0% shared-equity/equity-participation second mortgage | Not statewide open-market DPA; assistance and equity share are project specific. |
| HHFDC Down Payment Loan Assistance Program — watchlist | New terms pending rule implementation | not yet applicable | State down-payment loan program being updated under 2026 law | Do not treat this as active until HHFDC posts final rules and availability. |
HHFDC Hale Kamaʻāina Mortgage Program — integrated DPA
HHFDC Hale Kamaʻāina Mortgage Program — integrated DPA is a current state-administered homebuyer assistance option. Mortgage Navigator uses the administering agency as the controlling source and avoids filling changing details with stale third-party numbers.
Published minimum FICO: program specific
HHFDC DURF Equity Pilot (DEP)
HHFDC DURF Equity Pilot (DEP) is a current state-administered homebuyer assistance option. Mortgage Navigator uses the administering agency as the controlling source and avoids filling changing details with stale third-party numbers.
Published minimum FICO: program/project specific
HHFDC Down Payment Loan Assistance Program — watchlist
HHFDC Down Payment Loan Assistance Program — watchlist is a current state-administered homebuyer assistance option. Mortgage Navigator uses the administering agency as the controlling source and avoids filling changing details with stale third-party numbers.
Published minimum FICO: not yet applicable
National programs Hawaii buyers should also check
National Homebuyers Fund
NHF multi-state assistance may be available through participating lenders. Current lender/product terms control credit, pricing, assistance and repayment or forgiveness.
Published minimum FICO: product/lender specific
Chenoa Fund
Chenoa Fund provides FHA down-payment assistance through approved lender partners. Current matrices control credit, pricing and second-mortgage terms.
Published minimum FICO: product/lender specific
Hawaii's biggest DPA lesson
Hawaii has an active integrated DPA under Hale Kamaʻāina, a project-specific state equity pilot, and a separate Down Payment Loan Assistance Program that is still in rule/launch status. V25 labels the last one as a watchlist item rather than pretending it is open.
Let Josh compare the available programs.
Send the city/ZIP, purchase price, credit range, household income and first-time-buyer status.