HOA fees in Hawaii VA mortgage payments are one of the most overlooked factors when veterans estimate their true monthly housing cost.
Quick Summary
HOA fees in Hawaii are not included in VA mortgage payments but must be paid monthly and can significantly impact affordability. Many Hawaii condos have HOA fees ranging from several hundred to over $1,000 per month, making them a critical factor in VA loan planning.
TL;DR
- HOA fees are not part of your VA loan
- They must be added to your monthly payment manually
- Hawaii condos often have high HOA dues
- Ignoring HOA fees leads to affordability surprises
- VA condo approval also matters
HOA Fees in Hawaii and VA Mortgage Payments
For veterans buying a home in Hawaiʻi, especially a condo, HOA fees can matter just as much as the mortgage itself. While VA loans offer powerful benefits like zero down and no PMI, HOA dues are a separate monthly obligation that can dramatically change affordability.
Understanding how HOA fees interact with VA mortgage payments is essential before making an offer.
What Are HOA Fees?
HOA (Homeowners Association) fees are monthly dues paid to maintain shared property elements such as:
- Building exterior
- Roofs and elevators
- Landscaping and common areas
- Amenities like pools, gyms, and security
- Building insurance (in some cases)
In Hawaii, where condos and townhomes dominate many markets, HOA fees are extremely common.
Are HOA Fees Included in VA Mortgage Payments?
No.
HOA fees are not included in your VA mortgage payment.
Important distinctions:
- VA mortgage payment = principal + interest + taxes + insurance
- HOA fees = separate monthly expense
- HOA dues are not escrowed by the lender
This means your true monthly housing cost is:
VA mortgage payment + HOA fees
Any calculator that doesn’t allow you to add HOA dues will underestimate your real payment.
Why HOA Fees Are Higher in Hawaii
Several factors make Hawaii HOA fees higher than those on the mainland:
1. Condo-Dominant Housing Market
In places like Honolulu, Waikīkī, and urban Maui, condos are far more common than single-family homes.
2. Aging Buildings
Many Hawaii condos are older and require:
- Elevator maintenance
- Structural upgrades
- Deferred maintenance repairs
3. Insurance Costs
HOAs often carry:
- Master hazard insurance
- Windstorm or hurricane coverage
Rising insurance premiums are passed directly to owners.
4. Utilities & Amenities
Some HOAs include:
- Water and sewer
- Trash
- Cable or internet
- Security or on-site management
While helpful, these add to monthly dues.
Typical HOA Fee Ranges in Hawaii
While every building is different, common ranges include:
- Low-rise condos: $300–$600/month
- Mid-rise buildings: $500–$900/month
- High-rise or resort-style condos: $800–$1,500+ per month
In some luxury or older buildings, HOA fees can exceed the mortgage payment itself.
How HOA Fees Affect VA Loan Affordability
Lenders must ensure borrowers can afford total monthly obligations, not just the mortgage.
HOA fees affect:
- Debt-to-income (DTI) ratio
- Maximum home price you qualify for
- Comfort level with monthly cash flow
A veteran might qualify for the loan, but still feel stretched once HOA fees are factored in.
VA Condo Approval Matters
Even if you can afford the HOA fees, the condo itself must be VA-approved.
Key points:
- Not all condos qualify for VA financing
- Approval depends on HOA financial health
- Special assessments can raise red flags
This is a common roadblock in Hawaii and should be checked early.
Why Generic VA Calculators Miss HOA Fees
Most national VA mortgage calculators:
- Do not ask for HOA fees
- Assume single-family homes
- Underestimate the true monthly cost in Hawaii
To avoid surprises, veterans should use a Hawaii VA mortgage calculator and manually add HOA dues for a realistic estimate.
How to Estimate VA Payments With HOA Fees (Correctly)
To get an accurate number:
- Calculate your VA mortgage payment
- Add monthly HOA dues
- Include insurance and property taxes
- Stress-test the number against your budget
This approach prevents payment shock after closing.
Key Takeaways
- HOA fees are a major part of Hawaii housing costs
- They are not included in VA mortgage payments
- Condos often carry high monthly dues
- VA condo approval is just as important as affordability
- Accurate calculators matter in Hawaii
Always putting clients and their families first. As a well-reviewed VA loan specialist in Hawaii, Elias helps veterans factor in HOA fees, condo rules, and real monthly costs before they commit—clear guidance, local insight, and no pressure.
