2026 FHA Loan Limits in Hawaii
With the FHA loan program, homebuyers have the opportunity to purchase a home in Hawaii with a low down payment and more flexible credit requirements compared to conventional loans.
FHA loan limits vary by county, ensuring that homebuyers have access to affordable financing options in both low- and high-cost areas. In Hawaii, the 2026 FHA loan limits for a single-family home range from $586,500 to $1,299,500, depending on the area.
Hawaii FHA loan limits by county
Hawaii single-family FHA loan limits
| County name | One unit | Two units | Three units | Four units | Median sales price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| HAWAII COUNTY | $586,500 | $750,800 | $907,550 | $1,127,900 | $510,000 |
| HONOLULU COUNTY | $828,000 | $1,060,000 | $1,281,300 | $1,592,350 | $720,000 |
| KALAWAO COUNTY | $1,299,500 | $1,663,600 | $2,010,950 | $2,499,100 | $1,130,000 |
| KAUAI COUNTY | $1,110,900 | $1,422,150 | $1,719,050 | $2,136,400 | $932,000 |
| MAUI COUNTY | $1,299,500 | $1,663,600 | $2,010,950 | $2,499,100 | $1,130,000 |
How are FHA loan limits determined?
FHA loan limits adjust annually according to changes in the housing market, ensuring they comply with the National Housing Act (NHA). They are based on median home prices and equal a percentage of the national conforming loan limit.
The “floor,” designated for low-cost areas, is 65% of the national conforming loan limit, while the “ceiling,” designated for high-cost areas, represents 150% of that limit. In 2026, the standard FHA floor and ceiling loan limits are $541,287 and $1,249,125, respectively. However, since building costs are so high in Hawaii, loan limits on the island have been adjusted even higher. In Hawaii County, the floor limit is $586,500, and in Kalawao and Maui Counties, the ceiling limit is $1,299,500.
How to qualify for an FHA loan in Hawaii
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, with a 10% down payment expected for those borrowers with credit scores between 500 and 579. For a down payment of 3.5%, a score of 580 or higher is needed.
- 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 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 and 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% of the loan amount) and an annual premium (0.15% to 0.75% of the loan amount), 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 mortgage program, buyers must meet certain requirements. For starters, units can be rented, but at least one unit must be owner-occupied, a strategy often referred to as house hacking that allows all or part 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 2026 are:
| Number of units | Low-cost FHA loan limit |
|---|---|
| Two | $750,800 |
| Three | $907,550 |
| Four | $1,127,900 |
FHA lenders in Hawaii
| Lender | LendingTree rating | Minimum FHA credit score | |
|---|---|---|---|
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Expert review from LendingTree.
| 580 | |
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Expert review from LendingTree.
| 580 | |
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Expert review from LendingTree.
| 580 | |
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Expert review from LendingTree.
| 580 | |
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Expert review from LendingTree.
| 580 |
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