9 Best Hawaii Mortgage Lenders of 2021
Searching for a mortgage in Hawaii? Here are well-reviewed mortgage lenders that focus on borrowers with varying needs.
Last updated on January 21, 2021
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If you're looking for a mortgage lender in Hawaii, NerdWallet has done some of the research for you. Whether you need a VA loan, a jumbo mortgage or a conventional loan, or you want to get a cash-out refinance, these Hawaii lenders have a mortgage for you.
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- 50+ mortgage lenders reviewed and rated by our team of experts.
- 40+ years of combined experience covering mortgages and financial topics.
- Objective, comprehensive star rating system assessing 120+ categories and 5,000+ data points.
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Why trust NerdWallet
- 50+ mortgage lenders reviewed and rated by our team of experts.
- 40+ years of combined experience covering mortgages and financial topics.
- Objective, comprehensive star rating system assessing 120+ categories and 5,000+ data points.
- Governed by NerdWallet's strict guidelines for editorial integrity.
9 Best Hawaii Mortgage Lenders of 2021
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Lender ▾ ▾ | NerdWallet Rating ▾ ▾ | Min. credit score ▾ ▾ | National / regional ▾ ▾ | Learn more |
|---|---|---|---|---|
620 | National | Learn more at NBKC | ||
620 | National | Learn more at Veterans United | ||
 Rate: NMLS#2611 LEARN MORE on NerdWallet | 580 | National | LEARN MORE on NerdWallet | |
 Fairway Independent Mortgage: NMLS#2289 Learn more at Fairway Independent Mortgage | 620 | National | Learn more at Fairway Independent Mortgage | |
 Guild Mortgage: NMLS#3274 LEARN MORE on NerdWallet | 540 | Regional | LEARN MORE on NerdWallet | |
 Navy Federal: NMLS#399807 LEARN MORE on NerdWallet | N/A | National | LEARN MORE on NerdWallet | |
 PrimeLending: NMLS#13649 LEARN MORE on NerdWallet | 620 | National | LEARN MORE on NerdWallet | |
 Citibank: NMLS#412915 LEARN MORE on NerdWallet | N/A | National | LEARN MORE on NerdWallet | |
 Bank of America: NMLS#399802 LEARN MORE on NerdWallet | 720 | National | LEARN MORE on NerdWallet |
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at NBKC
Why We Like ItGood for: borrowers who want low rates and fees and an online experience with phone support. VA loans are an emphasis.
Pros
- Offers government-backed loans and some harder-to-find products, such as construction loans and specialty mortgages for pilots.
- Offers low rates and fees compared with other lenders, according to the latest federal data.
- Displays customized rates, with fee estimates, without requiring contact information.
Cons
- HELOCs and construction-to-permanent loans are available only in the Kansas City metro area.
Learn more
at Veterans United
Why We Like ItGood for: veterans, active-duty service members and eligible reservists looking for VA loans.
Pros
- Largest VA lender in the country by far.
- Offers 24/7 customer service over the phone.
- Offers a free credit counseling service.
Cons
- Does not offer second mortgage options like home equity loans or HELOCs.
- Borrower must provide contact info for customized rates.
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on NerdWallet
Why We Like ItGood for: borrowers seeking a solid variety of loan types, including jumbo and interest-only options, and a totally online experience.
Pros
- Displays detailed sample rates for many of its loan products.
- Offers a wide variety of loans, including jumbo and interest-only products.
Cons
- HELOC has a relatively short draw period.
Learn more
at Fairway Independent Mortgage
Fairway Independent Mortgage: NMLS#2289
2.5
Home loans overall
NerdWallet ratingMin. credit score
620
Min. down payment
3%
Why We Like ItFairway Independent Mortgage Corporation has many brick-and-mortar branches and a reputation for top-notch customer service, but it was recently penalized for redlining.
Pros
- Loan options include government-backed mortgages and physician loans.
- Offers first-time home buyer grants to buyers in eligible locations.
- Highest scoring mortgage lender for customer satisfaction, according to J.D. Power.
Cons
- Mortgage rates aren't posted online.
- Online customer service requires contact information and phone is for existing customers only.
- Home equity loans and HELOCs are not available.
- Has been penalized for redlining.
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on NerdWallet
Why We Like ItGood for: borrowers seeking a lender that dedicates a significant portion of its business to FHA lending.
Pros
- Was one of the top 10 lenders by volume for FHA lending in 2022, according to the latest federal data.
- Has retail branches in most states.
- Receives high marks for customer satisfaction, according to J.D. Power and Zillow.
Cons
- Origination fees for FHA loans tend to be on the high end, according to the latest federal data.
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on NerdWallet
Why We Like ItGood for: military members and their families looking for low-down-payment mortgages.
Pros
- Offers a wide range of affordable mortgage products, including 0% down payment loans, designed for military members.
- Offers HELOCs and home equity loans.
- Offers low rates compared with most lenders, according to the latest federal data.
Cons
- Website does not provide customized mortgage rates based on credit score or other factors before you apply.
- Credit union membership is limited to veterans and current military members, their families, and certain federal employees, retirees and contractors.
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on NerdWallet
PrimeLending: NMLS#13649
4.0
Home loans overall
NerdWallet ratingMin. credit score
620
Min. down payment
3%
Why We Like ItPrimeLending stands out for its wide variety of loan types, including non-QM loans and renovation and construction options, but lacks some technical features like online rates or a mobile app.
Pros
- Offers closing cost assistance.
- Wide variety of loan types, including non-QM loans.
- Mortgages are available for manufactured homes, including 3D-printed houses.
Cons
- Loans are not available in all states.
- Rates are not posted online.
- Does not have a mobile app.
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on NerdWallet
Why We Like ItGood for: Rate-focused borrowers who are Citi customers, or home buyers seeking down payment assistance.
Pros
- Average interest rates are among the lowest compared to other lenders’, according to the latest federal data.
- Receives high marks for customer satisfaction, according to J.D. Power and Zillow.
- Borrowers with existing Citi accounts may receive discounts.
Cons
- Customized mortgage rates are not available without contacting the lender.
- HELOCs and home equity loans are not currently available.
- No live chat feature on the lender’s site.
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on NerdWallet
Why We Like ItGood for: low- to moderate-income buyers who qualify for down payment or closing cost assistance programs and homeowners interested in a home equity line of credit.
Pros
- Offers down payment and closing cost assistance programs.
- Existing customers who meet certain qualifications can receive a discount on mortgage lender origination fees and HELOC interest rates.
- Receives high marks for customer satisfaction, according to J.D. Power and Zillow.
Cons
- Doesn't offer renovation or construction-to-permanent mortgage loans.
- Must enroll in online banking to access Home Loan Navigator.
- Fined $12 million for reporting inaccurate mortgage applicant info to the federal government.
More from NerdWallet:
Last updated on January 21, 2021
Methodology
NerdWallet's star ratings for mortgage lenders are awarded based on our evaluation of the products and services each lender offers to consumers who are actively shopping for the best mortgage. The five key areas we evaluated include the variety of loan types and products offered, online conveniences, online mortgage rate information, and the rate spread and origination fee lenders reported in the latest available Home Mortgage Disclosure Act data. To ensure consistency, our ratings are reviewed by multiple people on the NerdWallet Mortgages team.
NerdWallet's Best Hawaii Mortgage Lenders of 2021
- NBKC: Best for cash-out refinances
- Veterans United: Best for VA loans
- Rate: Best for VA loans
- Fairway Independent Mortgage: Best for basic fixed-rate loans
- Guild Mortgage: Best for FHA loans
- Navy Federal: Best for VA loans
- PrimeLending: Best for conventional loans
- Citibank: Best for jumbo loans
- Bank of America: Best for jumbo loans
