If you’re a Hawai’i homeowner struggling with financial hardship, you have more options than you may realize — and help is available right now. Hawai’i has the highest cost of living in the nation according to the Bureau of Economic Analysis, with regional price parities 12-15% above the national average. From skyrocketing insurance premiums to the highest electricity rates in the country, financial pressure on Hawai’i homeowners comes from every direction — not just the mortgage. This comprehensive resource guide covers every type of financial hardship Hawai’i homeowners face in 2026, the specific programs available to help, and how to know when selling your home is the smartest financial move.
Key Takeaways
- Hawai’i’s cost of living is the highest in the nation — homeowners face financial pressures from property taxes, insurance, utilities, HOA fees, and special assessments, not just mortgage payments
- Hawai’i has state-specific assistance programs for nearly every type of financial hardship, including SNAP, LIHEAP, Medicaid, and homeowner counseling through the Hawai’i HomeOwnership Center
- Property tax delinquency under HRS 246 can lead to a tax lien sale — acting early gives you more options
- Hawai’i homeowners pay an average of 44.93 cents per kWh for electricity — more than triple the national average — making utility costs a major financial burden (U.S. EIA)
- If the financial math no longer works, Hawaii Property Buyers can make a cash offer in 24 hours and close in 7-14 days, with up to $10,000 as a cash advance — call (808) 940-3430
Table of Contents
- Why Financial Hardship Hits Hawai’i Homeowners Harder
- Property Tax Delinquency and What Happens Next
- HOA Fee Delinquency and Lien Risks
- Rising Insurance Costs After the Maui Wildfires
- Utility Costs: The Highest in the Nation
- Condominium Special Assessments
- Mortgage Payment Hardship
- Medical Debt and Homeownership
- Job Loss in Hawai’i’s Tourism-Dependent Economy
- Government Assistance Programs for Hawai’i Homeowners
- When Selling Makes Financial Sense vs. When to Hold
- Cost of Staying vs. Selling: Complete Comparison
- Frequently Asked Questions
Why Financial Hardship Hits Hawai’i Homeowners Harder
Financial hardship in Hawai’i is fundamentally different from the mainland. The Bureau of Economic Analysis consistently ranks Hawai’i as the most expensive state in the nation, with regional price parities 12-15% above the national average. For homeowners, this means that even a moderate financial setback — a medical bill, a job loss, an unexpected repair — can spiral into a crisis faster than it would on the mainland.
Consider the cumulative monthly costs a typical Hawai’i homeowner faces beyond their mortgage payment:
| Monthly Expense | Hawai’i Average | National Average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electricity | $300-$500/mo | $130-$180/mo | +130-180% |
| Homeowner’s Insurance | $200-$600/mo | $150-$250/mo | +30-140% |
| Property Tax | $150-$400/mo | $200-$350/mo | Lower rate, but high values offset |
| HOA/Condo Fees | $400-$1,200/mo | $200-$400/mo | +100-200% |
| Groceries | $800-$1,200/mo (family of 4) | $500-$750/mo | +50-60% |
| Water/Sewer | $80-$150/mo | $50-$80/mo | +60-90% |
| Total Non-Mortgage Housing Costs | $1,130-$2,850/mo | $730-$1,460/mo | +55-95% |
These costs add up. A Hawai’i homeowner can easily pay $2,000-$3,000 per month in non-mortgage housing expenses alone. When you add a $3,000-$5,000 mortgage payment on top, the total monthly cost of homeownership in Hawai’i can exceed $6,000-$8,000 — making the state uniquely vulnerable to financial disruption.
Property Tax Delinquency and What Happens Next
While Hawai’i has one of the lowest property tax rates in the nation (approximately 0.27% of assessed value, according to the Tax Foundation), the high property values mean annual tax bills of $2,000-$6,000+ for most homeowners. Under HRS Chapter 246, falling behind on property taxes triggers a serious chain of consequences:
- Interest and penalties: Delinquent property taxes in Hawai’i accrue interest at 1% per month (12% annually) under HRS 246-56, plus a penalty of up to 10% of the delinquent amount
- Tax lien: The county places an automatic lien on your property for unpaid taxes. This lien takes priority over almost all other liens, including your mortgage
- Tax lien sale: After continued non-payment, the county may sell the tax lien at public auction. The buyer of the tax lien can eventually petition for a tax deed, which could transfer ownership of your property
- Potential loss of home: If the lien is not redeemed within the statutory period, you can lose your property entirely — even if you’re current on your mortgage
What to do if you’re behind on property taxes:
Contact your county’s Real Property Tax Office immediately. Each Hawai’i county handles property tax differently:
- City and County of Honolulu (O’ahu): Real Property Assessment Division — (808) 768-3799
- Maui County: Real Property Tax Division — (808) 270-7297
- Hawai’i County (Big Island): Real Property Tax Office — (808) 961-8201
- Kaua’i County: Real Property Assessment — (808) 241-4272
Also check whether you qualify for Hawai’i’s home exemption, which reduces your assessed value by $100,000 for owner-occupied properties, or the low-income exemption for qualifying seniors and disabled homeowners.
HOA Fee Delinquency and Lien Risks
Condominium and planned community living is extremely common in Hawai’i, particularly on O’ahu — and HOA fees in the state are among the highest in the nation, often ranging from $400 to $1,200+ per month. Falling behind on HOA dues creates serious legal and financial consequences under HRS Chapter 514B (the Hawai’i Condominium Property Act):
- Automatic lien: Under HRS 514B-146, an association of apartment owners has an automatic lien on your unit for unpaid assessments. This lien can include the delinquent assessments, late charges, interest (up to 18% per year), attorney’s fees, and costs of collection
- Non-judicial foreclosure: Unlike mortgage foreclosure, HOA associations in Hawai’i can pursue non-judicial foreclosure under HRS 514B-146(h) for delinquent assessments — a faster process than judicial foreclosure. After proper notice and a 60-day cure period, the association can proceed to sell your unit
- Priority lien: Under HRS 514B-146(b), the HOA lien has priority over all other liens except property tax liens and first mortgages — and even has limited “super-priority” status for up to six months of unpaid assessments, meaning that amount takes priority even over the first mortgage
- Personal liability: You remain personally liable for all unpaid assessments even if you sell or lose the property
What to do: Contact your HOA board or management company immediately. Many associations are willing to set up payment plans rather than pursue foreclosure, which is expensive for everyone. Ask about hardship provisions in your association’s governing documents. Some associations have adopted COVID-era hardship policies that remain in effect.
Rising Insurance Costs After the Maui Wildfires
The August 2023 Lahaina wildfire was the deadliest U.S. wildfire in over a century, and its financial impact has rippled across every island’s insurance market. Hawai’i homeowners across all islands — not just Maui — are seeing dramatic insurance premium increases:
- Premium increases of 20-50% are common for renewals since 2024, with some Maui homeowners seeing 100%+ increases
- Several national insurers have stopped writing new policies in parts of Hawai’i, particularly in fire-prone and coastal areas
- Hurricane insurance is a separate policy in Hawai’i, provided through the Hawai’i Insurance and Guaranty Association (HIGA) or the Hawai’i Hurricane Relief Fund, adding another $1,000-$3,000+ annually
- Flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) is required for properties in FEMA-designated flood zones and costs $500-$3,000+ per year depending on risk zone
For a Hawai’i homeowner with a $900,000 property, total annual insurance costs (homeowner’s + hurricane + flood if applicable) can now exceed $5,000-$12,000 per year. If your insurance has become unaffordable, contact the Hawai’i Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA) Insurance Division at (808) 586-2790. They can help you understand your options and file complaints about unfair rate increases.
Utility Costs: The Highest in the Nation
Hawai’i has the highest electricity rates in the United States — and it’s not even close. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), Hawai’i residential electricity rates average approximately 44.93 cents per kilowatt-hour, compared to the national average of about 16.6 cents per kWh. That’s nearly three times the national average.
For a typical Hawai’i household using 500-800 kWh per month, the monthly electric bill ranges from $225 to $360. Air conditioning, which is increasingly necessary as temperatures rise, can push bills well above $400-$500 per month.
Why electricity is so expensive: Hawai’i generates approximately 60% of its electricity from imported petroleum, according to the EIA’s Hawai’i state energy profile. Every barrel of oil must be shipped across the Pacific, adding significant transportation costs. While solar adoption is growing rapidly, the base rates remain the highest in the nation.
Programs that can help:
- LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program): Federal program administered in Hawai’i through the Department of Human Services — provides direct payment toward utility bills for qualifying low-income households. Apply through your local Community Action Agency.
- Hawaiian Electric budget billing: Spreads your annual costs evenly across 12 months to avoid seasonal spikes
- Solar incentives: Hawai’i offers a 35% state tax credit for solar photovoltaic systems (capped at $5,000), which can dramatically reduce long-term electricity costs. Federal tax credits of 30% also apply under the Inflation Reduction Act.
- Net Energy Metering (NEM): If you install solar panels, you can sell excess electricity back to the grid, offsetting your bill
Condominium Special Assessments
Special assessments are one-time charges levied by condominium associations for major repairs or improvements not covered by the reserve fund. In Hawai’i’s aging condo stock — many buildings on O’ahu were built in the 1960s-1980s — special assessments are increasingly common and can be financially devastating:
- Typical amounts: $10,000 to $100,000+ per unit, depending on the project (roof replacement, plumbing overhaul, concrete restoration, elevator modernization)
- Aging infrastructure: Many Honolulu high-rises are 40-60 years old. Decades of salt air exposure accelerate concrete spalling, rebar corrosion, and plumbing deterioration — creating massive capital needs
- Legal obligations: Under HRS 514B-148, the association board has the authority to levy special assessments, and owners are legally obligated to pay. Failure to pay results in the same lien and foreclosure risks as delinquent HOA fees
- Limited financing options: Unlike home repairs, special assessments usually can’t be financed through a standard home equity loan because the funds go to the association, not to your unit
What to do if you can’t afford a special assessment: Ask your association whether they offer a payment plan (many do for large assessments, spreading payments over 12-36 months). Check if your home equity line of credit (HELOC) can cover it. If the assessment pushes your total housing costs beyond what’s sustainable, it may be time to consider selling — particularly if more assessments are expected (check your association’s reserve study).
Mortgage Payment Hardship
If you’re behind on your mortgage, you’re facing the most urgent form of financial hardship because it can lead directly to foreclosure. Hawai’i is a judicial foreclosure state under HRS Chapter 667, which means the process goes through the court system and typically takes 12-36+ months. This extended timeline gives you options, but you need to act early.
We’ve written extensive guides on mortgage hardship and foreclosure prevention:
- Can’t Pay Your Mortgage in Hawai’i? Your Options Stage by Stage — covers what happens month by month after missing payments and your options at each stage
- How to Avoid Foreclosure in Hawai’i: 10 Proven Strategies — actionable prevention strategies including loan modification, forbearance, refinancing, and more
- Sell Your Home in Foreclosure — Hawai’i Guide — if you need to sell quickly to stop the foreclosure process
Key resources for mortgage hardship:
- Hawai’i HomeOwnership Center — free HUD-approved foreclosure prevention counseling: (808) 587-7886
- Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) — federal mortgage assistance information and complaint filing
- HUD Hawai’i Office — housing counseling and rental assistance
Medical Debt and Homeownership
Medical debt is a leading cause of financial hardship nationwide, and Hawai’i is no exception. According to the Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF), approximately 100 million Americans carry some form of medical debt. In Hawai’i, the combination of high healthcare costs and limited provider options on some islands can result in significant out-of-pocket expenses.
How medical debt can affect your home:
- Judgment liens: If a medical creditor sues you and obtains a court judgment, they can place a lien on your home under Hawai’i law. This lien must be paid when you sell or refinance
- Credit impact: Medical collections on your credit report can make it harder to refinance, access home equity, or qualify for assistance programs
- Cash flow diversion: Monthly medical debt payments reduce the cash available for mortgage, taxes, insurance, and maintenance — creating a cascading effect on homeownership sustainability
Protections and resources:
- Hawai’i Prepaid Health Care Act: Hawai’i is the only state that requires employers to provide health insurance to employees working 20+ hours per week, under HRS Chapter 393. If you’re employed but uninsured, your employer may be in violation
- Med-QUEST (Hawai’i Medicaid): Med-QUEST provides health coverage for qualifying low-income residents. If you’ve lost income, you may now qualify even if you didn’t before
- Homestead exemption: Under Hawai’i law, your primary residence has some protection from creditor judgments through the homestead exemption (HRS 651-92), which protects up to $30,000 of equity from most creditor claims (head of family exemption)
- Nonprofit assistance: Organizations like Aloha United Way (dial 2-1-1) can connect you with medical debt assistance programs
Job Loss in Hawai’i’s Tourism-Dependent Economy
Hawai’i’s economy is uniquely vulnerable to job loss because of its heavy dependence on tourism. According to the Hawai’i Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism (DBEDT), tourism directly and indirectly accounts for approximately one in every six jobs in the state. When tourism declines — as happened dramatically during COVID-19 and after the Maui wildfires — the ripple effects hit hospitality, retail, transportation, construction, and real estate simultaneously.
Why job loss is more dangerous for Hawai’i homeowners:
- Limited job market diversity: With fewer industries than mainland metros, finding comparable replacement employment in-state can take significantly longer
- High fixed costs: Even with zero income, your property taxes, insurance, HOA fees, and utilities continue. In Hawai’i, these fixed costs are among the highest in the nation
- Geographic isolation: You can’t easily commute to a job in another state. Relocating for work means selling your home — and the logistics of selling from out-of-state create additional complications, including HARPTA withholding (HRS 235-68) of 7.25% of the gross sale price for non-resident sellers
Resources for job loss in Hawai’i:
- Unemployment Insurance: File through the Hawai’i Department of Labor and Industrial Relations. Hawai’i’s maximum weekly benefit is $765 (2026), with benefits available for up to 26 weeks
- SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program): Apply through the Hawai’i Department of Human Services. SNAP benefits in Hawai’i are higher than mainland states due to the high cost of food (Hawai’i has its own allotment scale under the Consolidated Appropriations Act)
- American Job Centers: Free career counseling, job search assistance, and training programs at locations statewide
Government Assistance Programs for Hawai’i Homeowners
Many Hawai’i homeowners don’t realize how many assistance programs exist beyond mortgage relief. Here’s a comprehensive overview of federal and state programs that can reduce your financial burden and help you stay in your home:
| Program | What It Covers | Who Qualifies | How to Apply |
|---|---|---|---|
| LIHEAP | Utility bill assistance (electricity, gas) | Income at or below 150% of federal poverty level | DHS BESSD or local Community Action Agency |
| SNAP (Food Stamps) | Monthly food assistance — Hawai’i has higher allotments | Income-based (higher thresholds in Hawai’i due to cost of living) | DHS BESSD |
| Med-QUEST (Medicaid) | Health insurance for low-income residents | Income at or below 138% FPL (higher for children, pregnant women) | Med-QUEST Division |
| Property Tax Home Exemption | Reduces assessed value by $100,000 for owner-occupied homes | Must be owner-occupied primary residence | County Real Property Tax Office |
| Senior/Disabled Tax Exemption | Additional property tax reduction for qualifying seniors | Age 60+ or disabled, income below threshold (varies by county) | County Real Property Tax Office |
| Hawai’i HomeOwnership Center | Free mortgage counseling, foreclosure prevention | Any Hawai’i homeowner | hihomeownership.org or (808) 587-7886 |
| Legal Aid Society of Hawai’i | Free legal help for housing issues, foreclosure defense | Income-qualified residents | legalaidhawaii.org or (808) 536-4302 |
| Aloha United Way 2-1-1 | Referrals for financial assistance, food, shelter, utilities | Anyone in Hawai’i | Dial 2-1-1 or visit auw211.org |
| Solar Tax Credits | 35% state + 30% federal credit for solar installation | Any homeowner who installs solar PV | Apply through tax return; state credit capped at $5,000 |
Important tip: You can apply for multiple programs simultaneously. SNAP benefits free up cash for housing costs. LIHEAP reduces your utility bills. Med-QUEST eliminates health insurance premiums. Together, these programs can reduce your monthly expenses by $500-$1,500 or more, potentially making the difference between keeping and losing your home.
When Selling Makes Financial Sense vs. When to Hold
Sometimes the hardest financial decision is knowing when to keep fighting to hold onto your home — and when selling is actually the smarter financial move. This isn’t about giving up. It’s about protecting your equity and your future.
Consider selling when:
- Your total monthly housing costs exceed 50% of your income — Financial advisors generally recommend keeping housing costs below 28-30% of gross income. If you’re at 50%+ with no realistic path to increasing income, you’re in an unsustainable position
- You’re depleting retirement savings or emergency funds — Using your 401(k) or IRA to pay the mortgage is almost never advisable because you’ll pay income tax plus a 10% early withdrawal penalty (if under 59.5), effectively losing 30-40% of every dollar withdrawn
- Multiple financial pressures are compounding — If you’re behind on the mortgage AND property taxes AND HOA fees AND facing a special assessment, the total debt may be growing faster than you can address it
- Major repairs are needed that you can’t afford — A $50,000 roof replacement or $40,000 termite remediation on top of existing financial stress can make holding the property financially irrational
- You’re relocating for work — Carrying a vacant Hawai’i property while living elsewhere costs $2,000-$4,000+/month in mortgage, taxes, insurance, and maintenance, plus you’ll owe HARPTA (HRS 235-68) withholding of 7.25% when you sell as a non-resident
Consider holding when:
- Your hardship is clearly temporary — A 3-6 month job loss with strong prospects for re-employment in the same salary range, and you have savings or can qualify for forbearance to bridge the gap
- You have substantial equity and can access it — A home equity line of credit (HELOC) or reverse mortgage (if 62+) can provide funds to weather a temporary crisis without selling
- Government programs can close the gap — If LIHEAP + SNAP + a loan modification can bring your monthly costs within sustainable range, holding makes sense
- The market is strongly appreciating — If property values in your area are rising 5-10% annually, each year of ownership builds significant equity. The median O’ahu home has appreciated substantially over the past decade
- You have rental income potential — If you can rent a room or ADU to offset costs (check county zoning regulations), the additional income may make holding feasible
Cost of Staying vs. Selling: Complete Comparison
This table illustrates the financial trade-offs for a homeowner with a $700,000 mortgage on a home worth $900,000, facing $3,000/month in combined hardship costs (mortgage + taxes + insurance + HOA + deferred maintenance):
| Factor | Keep the Home (12-Month View) | Sell to Cash Buyer | Traditional Listing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Timeline to resolution | Ongoing — problem may worsen | 7-14 days | 30-90+ days |
| Out-of-pocket costs over 12 months | $36,000-$72,000+ (accumulated shortfalls, penalties, interest) | $0 — buyer pays all closing costs | $45,000-$54,000 (5-6% commission + closing on $900K) |
| Estimated net proceeds | Equity declining as debt grows | $150,000-$180,000 (fair offer, no fees) | $146,000-$170,000 (after commissions + repairs) |
| Repairs required | Yes — deferred maintenance compounds | None — bought as-is | Usually $10,000-$30,000+ to list-ready |
| Showings and disruption | N/A | One visit from our team | Multiple strangers, weeks of showings |
| Risk of deal falling through | N/A | Very low — no financing contingency | 15-20% (buyer financing falls through) |
| Credit impact | Late payments, liens, potential foreclosure | Clean resolution — debts paid from proceeds | Clean resolution (if sold before default) |
| Cash advance available | No | Up to $10,000 before closing | No |
| Stress level | High — ongoing financial pressure | Resolved quickly | Moderate — weeks of uncertainty |
The bottom line: If the financial math shows that you’re spending more to keep the property than you’d receive by selling, every month of delay costs you money. Hawai’i’s high property values mean most homeowners walk away with significant equity even after a below-market-value cash sale. That equity can be the foundation for your next chapter — whether that’s renting in a more affordable area, relocating to the mainland, or eventually buying again in a better financial position.
How Hawaii Property Buyers Can Help
We understand that financial hardship doesn’t come from just one source. Whether you’re dealing with rising insurance costs, overwhelming HOA fees, property tax delinquency, medical debt, job loss, or a combination of all of these — you deserve honest advice about your options, not a sales pitch.
Here’s how we work:
- Call us at (808) 940-3430 or fill out our online form — the conversation is free and confidential
- We assess your situation — not just the property, but your complete financial picture, to help you determine whether selling is the right move
- Fair cash offer within 24 hours — based on current market conditions, with no obligation to accept
- Close on your timeline — as quickly as 7-14 days, or longer if you need time. We pay all closing costs, and you may qualify for a cash advance of up to $10,000 before closing
We buy properties across all Hawaiian islands — O’ahu, Maui, the Big Island, and Kaua’i — in any condition. No realtor commissions. No repair requirements. No uncertainty.
Ready to explore your options?
Call (808) 940-3430 for a free, no-obligation consultation.
Get Your Cash Offer Now
Frequently Asked Questions
What financial help is available for Hawai’i homeowners who can’t afford their housing costs?
Hawai’i offers several programs including LIHEAP for utility assistance, SNAP for food costs, Med-QUEST (Medicaid) for healthcare, property tax exemptions for owner-occupied homes and seniors, and free foreclosure counseling through the Hawai’i HomeOwnership Center at (808) 587-7886. The Aloha United Way 2-1-1 hotline can connect you with additional local resources.
Can I lose my home for not paying property taxes in Hawai’i?
Yes. Under HRS Chapter 246, delinquent property taxes accrue 1% monthly interest plus penalties. The county places an automatic lien on your property and can eventually sell that lien at auction. The tax lien buyer can petition for a tax deed, potentially transferring ownership of your home — even if you’re current on your mortgage. Contact your county tax office immediately if you’re behind.
What happens if I can’t pay my HOA fees in Hawai’i?
Under HRS 514B-146, your condo association has an automatic lien for unpaid assessments and can pursue non-judicial foreclosure after a 60-day cure period. The HOA lien even has limited “super-priority” over your first mortgage for up to six months of unpaid dues. Contact your association about a payment plan before the situation escalates.
Why is electricity so expensive in Hawai’i?
Hawai’i has the highest electricity rates in the nation at approximately 44.93 cents per kWh — nearly three times the national average, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. This is primarily because Hawai’i generates about 60% of its electricity from imported petroleum that must be shipped across the Pacific. LIHEAP and solar tax credits can help reduce this burden.
How are insurance costs changing for Hawai’i homeowners after the Maui wildfires?
Since the August 2023 Lahaina wildfire, homeowner’s insurance premiums across all Hawaiian islands have increased 20-50%, with some Maui properties seeing 100%+ increases. Several national insurers have limited new policy issuance in Hawai’i. Contact the DCCA Insurance Division at (808) 586-2790 if you believe your rate increase is unfair.
What is a condominium special assessment and can I refuse to pay?
A special assessment is a one-time charge by your condo association for major repairs not covered by reserves, often ranging from $10,000 to $100,000+ per unit. Under HRS 514B-148, you cannot refuse to pay — the association has the legal authority to levy assessments, and non-payment results in liens and potential foreclosure. Ask about payment plan options.
Should I use my retirement savings to save my home?
Generally, no. Withdrawing from a 401(k) or IRA before age 59.5 triggers income tax plus a 10% early withdrawal penalty, effectively losing 30-40% of every dollar. Retirement savings also have creditor protections that your home equity does not. Consult a financial advisor before using retirement funds for housing costs.
What is HARPTA and how does it affect me if I move off-island?
HARPTA (Hawai’i Real Property Tax Act, HRS 235-68) requires withholding of 7.25% of the gross sale price when a non-resident sells Hawai’i property. If you relocate to the mainland before selling, you’ll be subject to this withholding. You can apply for a reduced withholding certificate if your actual tax liability will be lower. Read more in our guide to selling Hawai’i property.
How quickly can I sell my home if I decide selling is the right choice?
A traditional listing takes 30-90+ days on average in Hawai’i. A cash sale to Hawaii Property Buyers can close in as little as 7-14 days. We buy homes in any condition — no repairs, no staging, no showings with strangers. You can also choose a longer closing timeline if you need more time to make arrangements. Call (808) 940-3430 for a free consultation.
Can I get financial help for multiple problems at the same time?
Yes, and you should apply for every program you qualify for. SNAP benefits free up cash for housing, LIHEAP reduces utility bills, Med-QUEST eliminates health insurance costs, and property tax exemptions lower your tax burden. Together, these programs can reduce your monthly expenses by $500-$1,500 or more. Start by calling Aloha United Way at 2-1-1 for a comprehensive referral.
What if I owe more on my house than it’s worth in Hawai’i?
This is called being “underwater” on your mortgage. In this situation, a short sale (selling for less than what’s owed with lender approval) may be an option. Contact your lender’s loss mitigation department and a HUD-approved counselor. Given Hawai’i’s strong property values, true underwater situations are less common here than on the mainland, but they do occur — especially if you purchased at a market peak or took out a large home equity loan.
Are there programs specifically for Hawai’i seniors struggling with housing costs?
Yes. Hawai’i counties offer additional property tax exemptions for residents aged 60+ with qualifying income levels. If you’re 62 or older, a reverse mortgage (Home Equity Conversion Mortgage) allows you to access your equity without monthly payments. The Hawai’i Executive Office on Aging at (808) 586-0100 can connect you with senior-specific housing assistance programs.
Written by Robert Koncal, owner of Hawaii Property Buyers LLC. Robert has been helping Hawai’i homeowners navigate financial hardship and property decisions since 2021. Based in Honolulu, our team serves homeowners across all Hawaiian islands — O’ahu, Maui, the Big Island, and Kaua’i. If you’re struggling with housing costs and want to understand your options, call (808) 940-3430 for a free, confidential consultation.