Hawaii

Hawaii is a great place to invest in real estate, rent property, and offer short-term rentals. Hawaii offers a diverse range of property types, from beachfront homes to condos and townhouses. The market is strong, with prices steadily increasing over the years. Rental income is also strong, with a healthy demand for both long-term and short-term rentals. Hawaii is also a popular destination for vacationers, making it an ideal location for short-term rentals. With its stunning views and tropical climate, Hawaii has something for everyone.

Sustainability Resources

The Real Estate industry is one of the most environmentally damaging industries in the world accounting for:
30%
of total carbon dioxide
40%
of all energy
40%
of all raw materials
Our goal is to give you the resources you need to take sustainable action in improving, building, retrofitting and revamping your home. The impacts are real, the benefits significant, and the need critical. Join us in bringing sustainability home and creating a brighter future for all, starting with you.

Save money and do the world a favor!
Here's a list of Sustainability Initiatives in the area:

Energy Star Search Engine

Energy Efficient Products: appliances, electronics, lighting, building materials, etc.

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E-Stewards Recycler Search

E-Stewards is a global team of individuals, institutions, businesses, non-profit organizations, and governmental agencies upholding a safe, ethical, and globally responsible standard for e-waste recycling and refurbishment. They stop the export of illegal hazardous e-waste to developing nations and create a safe, green, and just world through sharing and using the principled and practical standard for electronics recycling and reuse.

Learn More
GreenHome Institute Events

The GreenHome Institute is a 501(c)3 that empowers people to make sustainable decisions when renovating or building homes.

Learn More

Hawaii FAQs

Is Hawaii a judicial or non-judicial state?

Judicial

In a judicial foreclosure state, the lender must go through the court system in order to foreclose on a property. This process can be longer and more expensive for the lender compared to a non-judicial foreclosure.
In a judicial foreclosure state, the lender must go through the court system in order to foreclose on a property. This process can be longer and more expensive for the lender compared to a non-judicial foreclosure.

What is the process of closing on a property in Hawaii?

By law, only attorneys may prepare property transfer documents, but there are title and escrow companies available to handle escrows and escrow instructions. Conveyance of fee-simple property is by warranty deed; conveyance of leasehold property, which is common throughout the state, is by assignment of lease. Condominiums are everywhere in Hawaii and may be fee simple or leasehold. Sales of some properties, whether fee simple or leasehold, are by agreement of sale. Mortgages are the security instruments. Hawaiians use judicial foreclosures rather than powers of sale for both mortgages and agreements of sale. These foreclosures take 6-12 months and sometimes more, depending upon court schedules. Title companies issue ALTA owner’s and lender’s policies and make numerous endorsements available. Buyers and sellers split escrow fees. Sellers pay the title search costs and the conveyance tax. Buyers pay title insurance premiums for the owner’s and lender’s policies. Property taxes come due twice a year, on February 20th and again on August 20th.

Property Taxes in Hawaii?

Due twice a year; February 20th and August 20th

In Hawaii, does a property management company require a real estate broker's license?

YES. Key components of property management (renting and leasing) are considered real estate activities under existing Hawaii real estate licensing laws. A real estate broker's license is required for any person or company that, for compensation, rents, or offers, attempts or agrees to he rental of any real property or who advertises or holds out to the public by any oral or printed solicitation or representation that she or he is engaged in the business of leasing or renting business enterprises or business opportunities or the real property of another, or leases, or who directs or assisting in the procuring of prospects or in the negotiation or closing of any transaction which does, or is calculated to, result in a leasing of real property; and all persons who advertise rental property information or lists. A salesperson working under a broker may engage in such activities.

Are there any exceptions to the requirement that a property manager have a broker's license in Hawaii?

YES. For example, there are limited exceptions for onsite residential managers (there are the custodial and care taker exemptions). For more information about these and other Hawaii property management requirements and exceptions, please contact the Real Estate Branch of the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs. Before hiring a property manager to manage your Hawaii rental property, you should always check that he or she is licensed appropriately. You can check the license status of Hawaii property managers at the Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs licensee search webpage.

Do you need a broker's license to manage community associations in Hawaii?

NO. A broker's license is not required to manage community associations in Hawaii; however, condominium association managers must register with the state.

Hawaii Real Estate Broker Requirements

By law, only attorneys may prepare property transfer documents, but there are title and escrow companies available to handle escrows and escrow instructions. Conveyance of fee-simple property is by warranty deed; conveyance of leasehold property, which is common throughout the state, is by assignment of lease. Condominiums are everywhere in Hawaii and may be fee simple or leasehold. Sales of some properties, whether fee simple or leasehold, are by agreement of sale. Mortgages are the security instruments. Hawaiians use judicial foreclosures rather than powers of sale for both mortgages and agreements of sale. These foreclosures take 6-12 months and sometimes more, depending upon court schedules. Title companies issue ALTA owner’s and lender’s policies and make numerous endorsements available. Buyers and sellers split escrow fees. Sellers pay the title search costs and the conveyance tax. Buyers pay title insurance premiums for the owner’s and lender’s policies. Property taxes come due twice a year, on February 20th and again on August 20th.

Hawaii Real Estate Salesperson Requirements

Due twice a year; February 20th and August 20th

How do property ownership transfers work in Hawaii?

Fee-simple property is aw arded by warranty deed; Transfer of leasehold property, which is common throughout the state, is by assignment of lease. Condominiums are everywhere in Hawaii and may be fee simple or leasehol d. Sales of some properties, whether fee simple or leasehold, are by agreement of sale.

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