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Hawaii mortgage and refinance rates for May 2026

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Updated on May 05, 2026
On Tuesday, May 05, 2026, the national average 30-year fixed mortgage APR is 6.53%. The national average 30-year fixed refinance APR is 6.73%, according to Bankrate's latest survey of the nation's largest mortgage lenders.

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Current mortgage rates in Hawaii

As of Tuesday, May 5, 2026, current interest rates in Hawaii are 0.00% for a 30-year fixed mortgage and 0.00% for a 15-year fixed mortgage.

After a brief downward trend in early 2026, mortgage rates have rebounded slightly and now hover around 6.50%. A majority of experts expect rates to continue climbing slowly as the Federal Funds rate holds steady for the third time in 2026 and conflict continues in the Middle East.

Refinance rates in Hawaii

Refinance rates in Hawaii tend to closely mirror rates for purchasing a new home. That means that if you bought your Hawaii home in 2023 or 2024 and locked in a rate of 8% or higher, you might be able to refinance to help lower your monthly payments. 

Alternatively, if you’ve owned your property in the state for a long time and have bigger financial goals, you might be in a position to leverage your equity with a cash-out refinance. According to ATTOM's most recent data, just over half (54%) of Hawaii properties are equity-rich, meaning homeowners owe no more than half of the property's market value. Use Bankrate’s mortgage refinance calculator to run the numbers.

National mortgage rates by loan type

Rates as of Tuesday, May 05, 2026 at 6:30 AM 

Product Interest rate
6.50%
6.00%

Rates as of Tuesday, May 05, 2026 at 6:30 AM 

Hawaii mortgage rate housing market statistics and trends

The housing market in Hawaii is beginning to look better for buyers, with a high percentage of homes selling for below the listing price. However, Hawaii is still one of the most expensive states in the country. As you begin your search, use these statistics to be an informed Hawaii house hunter:

  • Median sales price (March 2026): $772,300
  • Median days on market (April 2026): 84
  • Number of homes for sale (April 2026): Down by about 2% year-over-year
  • Percentage of sales under list price: 65.9%

Sources: Redfin, Zillow, FRED

Mortgage options in Hawaii

First-time homebuyer programs in Hawaii

If you’re an eligible first-time homebuyer in Hawaii, you might want to consider one or more of these special financing programs:

  • HHOC Mortgage Down Payment Assistance Loan: This program requires just 3% down and comes with a maximum interest rate of 4.5%.
  • HHOC Mortgage Deferred Closing Costs Assistance Loan: This program includes a 15-year deferred loan of up to $10,000 on a 2:1 matching basis to help you cover your down payment and closing costs, including points.
  • HHOC Mortgage Booster: This program requires a minimum down payment of 3%. It offers up to $50,000 at a 3% interest rate on a 30-year loan to help boost your borrowing amount.
  • Max HLPR (Home Loan Payment Relief) Loan: This is a deferred 0% loan to help cover a down payment, with payments beginning 20 years after your purchase (earlier if you sell). The program also has a shared equity agreement, which means you'll pay HHOC Mortgage a portion of the net proceeds when you sell the home for a profit.
  • HawaiiUSA Federal Credit Union first-time homebuyer mortgage program: If you’re a member of this credit union, you might qualify for its first-time homebuyer mortgage, which requires only 3% down and waives some loan origination costs.
  • Honolulu Down Payment Loan Program: Available to homebuyers on Oahu who meet fairly stringent income restrictions, this program provides a zero-fee, zero-interest, 20-year loan of up to $40,000 to help with the down payment.
  • Mortgage credit certificate (MCC): Hawaii’s mortgage credit certificate (MCC) allows you to convert a portion of your mortgage interest into a federal tax credit, up to 20% each year. You’ll need to be within income and purchase price limits to qualify for the credit, and there’s a fee to obtain it.

How to find the best mortgage rate in Hawaii for you

Comparing multiple mortgage loan offers could help you save thousands of dollars in interest costs. Bankrate can help you find the best mortgage deal in today’s rate environment. As you shop around, keep these tips in mind:

  1. Step 1: Strengthen your credit score

    Long before you start looking for a mortgage lender and applying for a loan, give your finances a checkup, and improve your standing if needed. This means pulling your credit score and credit reports. You’re entitled to a free credit report from each of the three main reporting bureaus (Experian, Equifax and TransUnion), which you can get through AnnualCreditReport.com.

  2. Step 2: Determine your budget

    Get a handle on how much house you can afford. One rule of thumb many buyers use to figure out their price range is the 28/36 rule. Keep in mind that a mortgage lender could qualify you for a loan over your budget, but that would leave no room for unexpected expenses.

  3. Step 3: Know your mortgage options

    There are different types of mortgages, including conventional loans with as little as 3 percent down and government-backed loans. If you’re in the market for a jumbo loan, check Hawaii’s county-by-county loan limits.

  4. Step 4: Compare rates and terms from multiple lenders

    Don’t settle on the first lender you talk to. Rate-shop with different lenders — banks, credit unions, online lenders and local independents — to ensure you’re getting the best deal on rates, fees and terms.

  5. Step 5: Get preapproved for a mortgage

    Get a mortgage preapproval with three or four different lenders. This helps you understand exactly what loan amount you’d qualify for if you were to apply, and prepares you to make offers on homes.

Additional Hawaii mortgage resources


Jeff Ostrowski covers mortgages and the housing market. Before joining Bankrate in 2020, he spent more than 20 years writing about real estate, business, the economy and politics.
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Expertise
  • Mortgages
  • Mortgage refinancing

Thomas Brock, CFA, CPA
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Thomas Brock, CFA, CPA
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