You Don't Need 20% Down to Buy on Oahu. You Might Not Need Any.

Five loan paths most local buyers have never been shown, including three true zero down options and one where a family member can cover your entire down payment.

Free. No obligation. A local lender will walk you through what you qualify for.

Active duty, veterans & eligible surviving spouses

The strongest zero down option in existence. No down payment, no monthly mortgage insurance, and competitive rates. With Oahu's military community, this is the first door to check.

Fine print: A one-time VA funding fee applies unless you're exempt (many buyers with a service-connected disability rating pay no fee at all).

Buyers in USDA-eligible areas, within income limits

100% financing backed by the federal government. More of Oahu qualifies than people expect: Ewa Beach, Kapolei, the North Shore, and the Waianae Coast are popular eligible areas. Hawaii's income limits are higher than most states, so buyers are often surprised they qualify.

Fine print: Urban Honolulu and Kailua are not eligible. The property address and your household income both have to check out.

Navy Federal members (you don't have to be military for Homebuyers Choice)

Zero down and no monthly PMI, the closest thing to a VA loan for buyers who don't have VA eligibility. The Military Choice version serves active duty, reservists, and veterans who've already used their VA benefit.

Fine print: Requires Navy Federal membership and includes a funding fee that can be rolled into the loan or traded for a slightly higher rate.

Qualified Honolulu buyers within income limits

The City and County of Honolulu offers zero-interest down payment loans for eligible buyers, and Hawaii has additional state and county assistance programs. Stacked with an FHA loan, assistance can shrink your out-of-pocket cost dramatically.

Fine print: Income limits, owner-occupancy requirements, and funding availability apply. A lender can tell you in minutes whether you fit the current criteria.

Buyers with a 580+ credit score and family willing to help

This is the one almost nobody realizes: FHA only requires 3.5% down, and the entire down payment can be a gift from a family member. Ohana helps with the money, you sign a simple gift letter confirming it's not a loan, and you're a homeowner.

Fine print: The gift must be documented (gift letter plus a paper trail from the donor's account). Cash under the mattress doesn't count, but a check or wire from mom and dad absolutely does.

The Ohana Advantage

On a $700,000 Oahu condo, 3.5% down is $24,500. If your parents or grandparents gift that amount, your down payment is covered before you've saved your first dollar.

Combine gift funds with down payment assistance for closing costs and buyers regularly get into homes with a fraction of the cash they assumed they'd need.