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Hawaii transfer tax rules (2026)
The rate applies to the whole price once you cross a bracket. Investors and second-home buyers pay the higher schedule.
| Tax | Rate | Usually paid by |
|---|---|---|
| Conveyance tax (owner-occupant schedule)principal residence only | 0.1%–1% of the whole price (by price bracket) | Contract / custom |
| Conveyance tax (buyer not eligible for a homeowner's exemption)non-principal residences | 0.15%–1.25% of the whole price (by price bracket) | Contract / custom |
Not your main home? On the same $875,000 purchase the taxes are $2,188 instead of $1,750.
Hawaii transfer tax by home price
| Home price | Buyer | Seller | By contract | Total taxes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $200,000 | $0 | $0 | $200 | $200 (0.1%) |
| $450,000 | $0 | $0 | $450 | $450 (0.1%) |
| $875,000(≈ median) | $0 | $0 | $1,750 | $1,750 (0.2%) |
| $1,000,000 | $0 | $0 | $3,000 | $3,000 (0.3%) |
| $1,325,000 | $0 | $0 | $3,975 | $3,975 (0.3%) |
| $1,500,000 | $0 | $0 | $4,500 | $4,500 (0.3%) |
| $1,750,000 | $0 | $0 | $5,250 | $5,250 (0.3%) |
10% down, principal residence. Taxes split by law are shown half to each side. Exemptions (first-time buyer, senior, affordable housing) aren't applied.
Hawaii vs other states
On a $400,000 home Hawaii's taxes are $400 (0.1%), the 33rd highest of 51. States nearby in the ranking:
- California$440
- Alabama$400
- Kentucky$400
- South Dakota$400
All states: real estate transfer tax by state. Monthly payment: Hawaii mortgage calculator · how much house you can afford in Hawaii.
Sources
Checked 2026-10-23. Rates change — we re-check every state on a schedule. Confirm with your title company or closing attorney.
Closing cost calculators for other states
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- District of Columbia
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
Assumptions
- Transfer and recording taxes use each state's published rates; exemptions (first-time buyer, senior, affordable housing) aren't applied unless noted.
- Who pays a tax can be changed by the purchase contract; "either" means local custom or the contract decides.
- Other closing costs (lender, title, appraisal, prepaid items) vary widely — use your Loan Estimate for real numbers.
- Hawaii rules checked 2026-10-23: Hawaii Revised Statutes § 247-2 (2025, via Justia); Tax Foundation of Hawaii — conveyance tax.
Frequently asked questions
How much is the transfer tax in Hawaii?+
On a $875,000 home (about the Hawaii median) the taxes come to $1,750, or 0.2% of the price: Conveyance tax (owner-occupant schedule) $1,750 (contract / custom).
Who pays the transfer tax in Hawaii, the buyer or the seller?+
Conveyance tax (owner-occupant schedule): contract / custom; Conveyance tax (buyer not eligible for a homeowner's exemption): contract / custom. Who pays can be negotiated in the purchase contract.
What are closing costs in Hawaii?+
Expect transfer and recording taxes ($1,750 on a $875,000 home) plus lender, title, appraisal and prepaid costs, which typically add about 2%–5% of the price nationally. Your lender's Loan Estimate shows the real numbers.
How does Hawaii compare with other states?+
On a $400,000 home, Hawaii's $400 in taxes ranks 33rd highest of 50 states and DC. Delaware is highest at $16,000; 15 states charge no state transfer tax at all.
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Uses 2026 rules and limits. Last reviewed October 23, 2026. Calculator version 1.0.0. Sources: Freddie Mac (via industry summaries) — closing costs typically 2%–5% of the purchase price. Results are estimates for educational purposes, not financial, tax or lending advice. How we check our numbers. Embed this calculator on your site for free.