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Kupaa Hale Mortgage Loan

Hawaii Community Lending (HCL) · Hawaii

Last verified
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Assistance

100%

Of the purchase price, as the program sets it

Income limit

80% AMI

Of area median income; varies by county and household size

What is Kupaa Hale Mortgage Loan?

Kupaa Hale Mortgage Loan is a first mortgage for homebuyers in Hawaii, administered by Hawaii Community Lending (HCL).

  • Kupaa Hale is a zero-down, low-fee mortgage loan from Hawaii Community Lending that helps native Hawaiian families access homeownership statewide with competitive, below-market interest rates. Borrowers qualify either by being low-income (below 80% AMI) or by purchasing in a low- to moderate-income census tract. By eliminating the down payment, it functions as down-payment assistance for native Hawaiian beneficiaries.
  • Zero-down mortgage.
  • Low fees.
  • Competitive below-market interest rate.
  • Statewide availability.
  • Income OR census-tract eligibility.
  • Hawaiian Home Lands eligible.
  • Funding comes from Hawaii Community Lending revolving loan fund (zero-down mortgage for native Hawaiian families).

How much assistance does it provide?

Kupaa Hale Mortgage Loan provides assistance worth 100% of the purchase price, as set by the program.

  • Amounts are the program's published maximums, not an offer — Hawaii Community Lending (HCL) determines any individual award.

Do you have to pay it back?

Kupaa Hale Mortgage Loan is a first mortgage and is repaid under the terms set by Hawaii Community Lending (HCL).

  • The assistance is recorded in First position.
  • Forgiveness and repayment terms are set by the program and can change — confirm them on the official program page before applying.

Who qualifies?

Kupaa Hale Mortgage Loan is open to buyers who will live in the home as their primary residence.

The program requires

  • The home is occupied as a primary residence
  • On credit: HCL works with borrowers across credit profiles via a readiness plan.
  • A completed homebuyer education course, through HUD counseling (via HCL/Hawaiian Community Assets).
  • Available for Hawaiian Home Lands statewide; eligibility tied to native Hawaiian beneficiary status (eligible_american_indian flagged true for Native Hawaiian beneficiary). Requires HUD counseling. Rates, terms, and details may change without notice. Exact interest rate, fee amount, and loan limits not published on the loans page; confirm with HCL.

The program excludes

  • Households above 80% of area median income

These are the program's own published rules, not a decision about any individual — the administering agency and a lender determine who actually qualifies.

What are the income limits?

Kupaa Hale Mortgage Loan limits household income to 80% of the area median income, which varies by county and household size.

  • Borrowers must either be low-income (below 80% AMI) OR purchase in a low- to moderate-income census tract.
  • The limit applies to total household income, not only the borrower’s.
  • Area median income figures are published by HUD and updated annually, so check the current table for the county before relying on a number.

What kind of home can it be used for?

Kupaa Hale Mortgage Loan can be used for Single Family.

Is there eligibility for specific groups?

Kupaa Hale Mortgage Loan names American Indian and Alaska Native buyers among the groups it serves.

  • Being named here means the program mentions the group, not that membership alone qualifies an applicant — the rest of the eligibility rules still apply.

Where does it apply?

Kupaa Hale Mortgage Loan serves buyers purchasing anywhere in Hawaii.

  • The program targets specific areas: Eligibility may be met by purchasing in a low- to moderate-income census tract (as an alternative to the 80% AMI income test).

How do you apply?

Applications for Kupaa Hale Mortgage Loan go through Hawaii Community Lending (HCL), which publishes the current terms and the application steps on its own site.

  1. Take a homebuyer education course

    Required by the program, through HUD counseling (via HCL/Hawaiian Community Assets)..

  2. Contact Hawaii Community Lending (HCL) to reserve funds

    Funds are reserved with the provider and are subject to availability.

  3. Work with a lender who handles the program

    Hey Prescott is not a lender and does not accept applications; this page describes the program so a buyer can take it to a lender or housing counselor.

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