Kahului Mortgage Lender

As an independent mortgage broker licensed in Hawaii, Bayview Residential Brokerage helps Kahului and Maui buyers and homeowners shop the whole market instead of a single bank's rate sheet. As Maui's commercial hub and the gateway for most of the island, Kahului anchors a market that ranges from workforce housing to resort-area luxury. We match each borrower with the lender and program that fits, then handle the loan from pre-approval to closing.

Below is a plain-English guide to buying or refinancing in Kahului in 2026: the market, Maui loan limits, the programs available, down payment assistance, and the fee simple versus leasehold question unique to Hawaii.

The Kahului housing market in 2026

Kahului is central to Maui's housing market. As of 2026 the median Kahului home price is around $1,021,000, essentially flat year over year. As the island's employment and services center, Kahului sees steady demand from local families, and Maui's overall prices remain among the highest in the state.

Maui is unusual in that its 2026 FHA limit of $1,299,500 is actually higher than the $1,249,125 conforming limit, so FHA can sometimes finance more here than a standard conforming loan. We help you compare FHA, conventional and jumbo to find the best fit.

Loan programs for Kahului buyers

Conventional loans. The default for buyers with solid credit, with as little as 3% down for qualified first-time buyers, and conforming limits up to $1,249,125 in Hawaii.

FHA loans. A lower 3.5% down payment and flexible qualifying. The 2026 FHA limit in Maui County is $1,299,500 for a single-family home.

VA loans. Eligible veterans and active-duty service members can buy in Kahului with a zero-down VA loan. Zero down payment and no monthly mortgage insurance for those who qualify.

Jumbo loans. Financing above the conforming limit for higher-priced homes. In Kahului this applies mainly to higher-priced homes above the conforming limit, though Maui's high FHA limit gives buyers another option.

Reverse mortgages. For homeowners 62 and older who want to convert equity into cash without a monthly mortgage payment.

Fee simple vs. leasehold in Hawaii

One thing that makes Hawaii different from the mainland is land ownership. Some homes and many condos are sold leasehold rather than fee simple, meaning you own the building but lease the land underneath for a set term. That affects financing, resale and long-term cost. We help Kahului buyers understand whether a property is fee simple or leasehold and how it changes the loan before you commit.

Down payment assistance for Kahului buyers

Hawaii buyers can access help through the Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation (HHFDC), including its Mortgage Credit Certificate program, which provides a federal tax credit on part of the mortgage interest you pay, along with down payment loan programs run by the counties, such as the City and County of Honolulu Down Payment Loan Program. Eligibility depends on income and the purchase price. We help Kahului buyers find and coordinate the right program with the loan.

Property taxes in Hawaii

One bright spot for Hawaii buyers is property taxes. Hawaii has among the lowest effective property tax rates in the country, which helps offset the state's higher home prices and keeps the tax portion of your monthly payment relatively low. When we prepare your pre-approval, we include realistic tax and insurance estimates so your monthly number is the real one.

Buying across Kahului

Kahului town and Maui Lani offer established and master-planned neighborhoods convenient to the airport, harbor and shopping, while nearby Wailuku adds historic homes and central-valley living. Resort-area and upcountry options sit at higher price points. We match the loan to the neighborhood, property type and land tenure.

How the process works with Bayview

1. Pre-approval. We review your income, credit and goals, then issue a pre-approval so you can shop with confidence and make strong offers.

2. Shop and compare. Once you are under contract, we shop your loan across our lender network and bring back the most competitive fit on rate and fees.

3. Underwriting. We manage document collection and work the file through underwriting, keeping you and your agent updated.

4. Closing. Most purchases close in about 30 to 45 days from contract. You sign, fund and get the keys.

Refinancing your Kahului home

Already own in Kahului? Refinancing can lower your rate or payment, shorten your term, or let you tap equity through a cash-out refinance. Given how much Hawaii home values have risen over the years, many local homeowners have significant usable equity. We run the numbers both ways and only recommend a refinance if it actually moves you forward.

Kahului mortgage FAQs

What is the 2026 conforming loan limit in Kahului?

Kahului is in Maui County, so the 2026 conforming limit is $1,249,125 for a single-family home. Loans above that are jumbo.

Why is the FHA limit higher than conforming on Maui?

Maui's 2026 FHA limit is $1,299,500, above the $1,249,125 conforming limit, reflecting Maui's high median prices. That means FHA can sometimes finance more than a standard conforming loan here.

Do you offer FHA and VA loans in Kahului?

Yes. FHA (2026 Maui limit $1,299,500) and VA loans for eligible borrowers, along with conventional, jumbo and reverse mortgages.

What down payment assistance is available in Kahului?

Hawaii's HHFDC programs and Maui County assistance can help qualified buyers. We can check your eligibility.

Are property taxes high on Maui?

No. Hawaii has among the lowest effective property tax rates in the country, which helps offset higher home prices.

How long does it take to close in Kahului?

Most purchases close in about 30 to 45 days once you are under contract.

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Nearby communities we serve

Honolulu  ·  Hilo  ·  Kailua  ·  East Honolulu
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Plan your numbers

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