2025 FHA Loan Limits in Hawaii
The FHA program offers homebuyers the opportunity to purchase a home in Hawaii with a low down payment and more flexible requirements compared to conventional loans.
While loan limits vary based on county, FHA loans ensure homebuyers have access to affordable financing options in low and high-cost areas. In Hawaii, the 2025 FHA loan limits for a single-family home range from $571,550 to $1,110,900, depending on the area.
Hawaii FHA loan limits by county
County name | One unit | Two units | Three units | Four units | Median sales price |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
HAWAII | $571,550 | $731,700 | $884,450 | $1,099,150 | $497,000 |
HONOLULU | $779,700 | $998,150 | $1,206,550 | $1,499,450 | $664,000 |
KALAWAO | $1,099,400 | $1,407,450 | $1,701,300 | $2,114,300 | $956,000 |
KAUAI | $1,110,900 | $1,422,150 | $1,719,050 | $2,136,400 | $966,000 |
MAUI | $1,099,400 | $1,407,450 | $1,701,300 | $2,114,300 | $956,000 |
How are FHA loan limits determined?
FHA loan limits change annually according to changes in the housing market, ensuring they comply with the National Housing Act (NHA). They are determined based on median home prices and equal a percentage of national conforming loan limits.
The “floor,” designated for low-cost areas, typically represents 65% of the national limit, while the “ceiling,” designated for high-cost areas, represents 150%. In 2025, floor and ceiling limits are set at $524,255 and $1,209,750, respectively. However, in Hilo, Hawaii’s lowest-cost area, the floor is $571,550.
How to qualify for an FHA loan in Hawaii
Compared to conventional home loans, FHA loans are a popular choice for buyers due to their flexibility, affordability and accessibility. When reviewing the requirements, a wide range of borrowers may find an FHA loan makes sense for them and their situation.
There are several requirements buyers must meet if they want to purchase a home through the FHA loan program.
- Minimum credit score and down payment requirements: A minimum credit score of 500 is required. For a down payment of 3.5%, a score of 580 or higher is needed, while a 10% down payment is expected for those borrowers with credit scores between 500 and 579.
- Debt-to-income ratio: Lenders will consider your debt-to-income (DTI) ratio to determine whether you can afford a home. For higher odds of approval, aim for a ratio of 43% or lower, which is what many lenders prefer.
- Income/Employment: Buyers must provide proof of employment, which includes pay stubs from the past 30 days and W-2s for the last two years from all employers.
- Residency: The home must be owner-occupied, or serve as the owner’s primary residence for at least one year after purchase.
- Appraisal: All homes must go through an FHA appraisal to ensure they meet FHA safety and value standards.
- Cash reserves: Borrowers may need cash reserves for one month’s mortgage payment. Cash reserves typically include assets like funds in checking or savings accounts, sellable assets such as stocks or vehicles, and funds from retirement or insurance accounts.
- Mortgage insurance: FHA loans require upfront mortgage insurance (1.75%) and an annual premium (0.15% to 0.75%), which is added to the monthly payment.
Buying a multifamily property with an FHA loan
To purchase a multifamily home (ranging from two to four units) in Hawaii through the FHA program, buyers must meet certain requirements. For starters, units can be rented, but at least one unit of the property must be owner-occupied — often referred to as house hacking — and this allows all or a portion of the mortgage to be paid by rental income. Additionally, borrowers must have a credit score of 500 or higher, a stable income history of two years, cash reserves of three months, mortgage insurance and a home appraisal completed by an FHA appraiser.
The FHA loan limits for multifamily homes in Hawaii in 2025 are:
Number of units | Low-cost FHA loan limit |
---|---|
Two | $731,700 |
Three | $884,450 |
Four | $1,099,150 |
FHA lenders in Hawaii
Lender | LendingTree rating | Minimum FHA credit score | |
---|---|---|---|
580 | |||
580 | |||
580 | |||
620 | |||
580 |