VA loan limits in Hawaiʻi for 2025 are higher than most states, but they work differently than many borrowers expect. If you have full VA entitlement, there’s technically no VA loan limit—only lender guidelines. If you have remaining entitlement (due to another active VA loan or a previous default), county loan limits still matter. This guide breaks down each county’s limit and how to use it to your advantage.
Loan Limits Table (2025)
| County | 2025 Limit* | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Honolulu | $1,209,750 | Highest due to cost of living |
| Hawaii | $1,209,750 | Same as Honolulu |
| Kalawao | $1,209,750 | Same as Honolulu |
| Kauai | $1,209,750 | Same as Honolulu |
| Maui | $1,209,750 | Same as Honolulu |
*Limits apply only to borrowers with partial entitlement.
How VA Loan Limits Work in Hawaii
If you’re a Veteran, service member, or eligible surviving spouse looking to buy a home in Hawaii, it’s important to understand how VA loan limits apply in the Aloha State. While VA loans are known for offering zero down payment options and competitive interest rates, the way loan limits work depends on your entitlement status.
Full VA Loan Entitlement in Hawaii — No Loan Limit
If you have full VA loan entitlement, there’s no official VA loan limit in Hawaii. That means you can borrow as much as your lender approves based on your income, credit score, and financial profile, not capped by a VA-set maximum. This is especially valuable in Hawaii, where home prices are often higher than the national average. With full entitlement, you can purchase a high-value property on Oʻahu, Maui, Kauaʻi, or the Big Island without needing a down payment, as long as you meet lender requirements.
Partial VA Loan Entitlement in Hawaii — County Limits Apply
If you have partial entitlement—for example, if you still have an active VA loan or defaulted on one in the past—the VA will guarantee up to 25% of your county’s loan limit. In this case, Hawaii’s VA loan limits are tied to the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) conforming loan limits, which vary by county due to the state’s high-cost housing market. If the home price exceeds your county’s VA loan limit, you may need to make a down payment to cover the difference.
Why This Matters for Hawaii Homebuyers
Understanding whether you have full or partial entitlement helps you plan your homebuying budget and determine if a down payment will be required. With Hawaii’s elevated real estate prices, especially in Honolulu County, knowing your VA loan limit status ensures you can shop for homes confidently without surprises during the approval process.
Aerial View of Waikiki Beach and Diamond Head Crater in Honolulu
How to Calculate Your Maximum With Partial Entitlement
If you have partial VA loan entitlement, your maximum loan amount without a down payment depends on your remaining VA guaranty and your county’s VA loan limit. Here’s how to calculate it step-by-step:
- Find Your County’s VA Loan Limit
Start by checking the VA loan limit for your county in Hawaii. These limits are based on the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) conforming loan limits and vary across the islands. For example, Honolulu County generally has one of the highest limits due to elevated housing costs, while some neighbor island counties may have slightly lower limits. - Calculate 25% of That Limit — Your Maximum VA Guaranty
Once you know your county limit, multiply it by 25%. This figure is the maximum amount the VA will guarantee for you. The VA guaranty reduces your lender’s risk, which allows them to offer favorable terms without requiring a large down payment. - Subtract Any Entitlement Already Used
If you still have an active VA loan or have previously used part of your entitlement, you’ll need to subtract the amount already tied up in your other loan(s). This step ensures your calculation reflects only the remaining guarantee you have available. - Multiply the Remaining guarantee by 4
Finally, take your remaining guarantee amount and multiply it by 4. The result is the maximum loan amount you can borrow without making a down payment under your partial entitlement. If the property price is higher than this figure, you’ll likely need to cover the difference with a down payment.
Example:
- If your county loan limit is $$1,209,750 (Honolulu County):
- $$1,209,750× 25% = $302,437.50 maximum guaranty
- If you’ve used $100,000 of entitlement: $302,437.50 – $100,000 = $202,437.50 remaining guaranty
- $202,437.50 × 4 = $809,750 maximum loan without a down payment
- If you were over the $809,750 limit without a down payment you would subtract the amount from the overage, then multiply by 25%.
- For instance, you are buying a $1,000,000 utilizing your Hawaii VA loan benefit then to find the down payment requirement you would subtract $809,750 from the $1,000,000, which leaves you $190,250.
You multiply $190,250 by .25 which gives you $47,562.50 for the down payment requirement.
Ready to see your VA buying power? Get your free pre-approval and find out exactly what you can afford in Hawaiʻi’s unique market.
