State guide · HI
Closing costs in Hawaii
On a median-priced Hawaii home ($850,000), buyers typically bring $17,000–$42,500 to the closing table beyond the down payment — with Hawaii's transfer tax and its escrow closing convention shaping where you land in that range.
Typical buyer costs
$17,000–$42,500
Transfer tax
0.15%
Closing style
escrow
What's inside the number: lender fees and any points (the part you can shop hardest), prepaid property taxes and homeowners insurance, title search and title insurance, recording fees, and the transfer tax. Hawaii runs escrow closings: escrow state: escrow companies manage closings; attorneys often prepare documents.
Hawaii's transfer tax alone is roughly $1,275 on a median home — customarily paid by seller by custom. Details and local add-ons are on our Hawaii transfer tax page.
The most effective ways to shrink the bill: shop three or more lenders and compare Section A of their Loan Estimates (see how to choose a lender), ask the seller for a closing credit as part of your offer, and shop the title agency where your state allows it. Line-item what to expect with the closing cost estimator.
Common questions
How much are closing costs in Hawaii?
Buyers typically pay 2-5% of the purchase price — about $17,000 to $42,500 on a median-priced Hawaii home ($850,000). The biggest swings come from lender fees and points, prepaid taxes and insurance, the transfer tax, and title costs.
Do I need an attorney to close on a home in Hawaii?
Not required. Escrow state: escrow companies manage closings; attorneys often prepare documents. Hiring your own attorney is still a reasonable choice for unusual deals — estates, FSBOs, or anything contested.
Who pays the transfer tax in Hawaii?
Seller by custom. Graduated conveyance tax from 0.1% (under $600K, owner-occupant) up to 1.25% on $10M+ sales; higher schedule for non-owner-occupants. Custom controls the default, but the purchase contract can move it — it's a negotiable line like everything else at the table.
Estimate your Hawaii closing costs
A line-item estimate — lender fees, title and escrow, prepaids — so the number on closing day doesn't surprise you.
Open the closing cost estimatorRanges apply the typical national 2–5% of purchase price to Hawaii's approximate median home value — a planning estimate, not a quote. Lender fees depend on your loan; your official Loan Estimate and Closing Disclosure are the real numbers.