Closing costs in Hawaii
What a buyer or seller pays at the closing table in Hawaii — the real transfer-tax rate, recording fees, title-insurance method and attorney rules, plus a calculator that uses Hawaii's actual rates.
Estimated — not yet source-verified.Estimated — not yet source-verified. This figure is a knowledge estimate we have not yet confirmed against the official source, so this page is not indexed. Treat it as a rough guide only and verify with the state revenue department or county recorder.
- Transfer tax
- 0.15%
- customarily seller-paid
- Recording fee (deed)
- ~$41
- charged per page of the document
- Title insurance
- filed
- ~$5.00 / $1,000
- Attorney at closing
- Not required
How closing costs work in Hawaii
The biggest closing-cost variable in Hawaii is the real-estate transfer tax, which here is 0.15% and is customarily seller-paid. Conveyance tax graduated $0.10–$1.25 per $100 by price and owner-occupancy; seller pays.
On a $400,000 home, the state-level transfer tax works out to roughly $600 , before any county or city add-ons. County recording fees are charged per page of the document and run around $41 for the deed.
For title insurance, Hawaii title-insurance rates are filed with the state and broadly similar between companies, though you can sometimes shop. Hawaii does not require an attorney at closing — a title or escrow company typically handles settlement, though you can hire an attorney if you want one. Lenders here typically charge $1,400–$3,200 in origination and processing fees, and 2 months of property-tax escrow is commonly collected at closing.
Statute: Haw. Rev. Stat. § 247-2.
Hawaii closing cost calculator
Pre-set to Hawaii. Adjust your price, down payment and loan type.
Estimated closing costs
$9,064
≈ 2.27% of the home price · excludes your down payment
Cash to close
$89,064
incl. down payment
Line-by-line breakdown
Frequently asked questions
How much are closing costs in Hawaii?
In Hawaii, buyer closing costs typically run about 2%–5% of the purchase price. The state-specific pieces are the transfer tax (0.15%, customarily seller-paid), county recording fees (charged per page of the document, around $41), and title insurance. Hawaii does not require an attorney at closing. Use the calculator above for your price.
What is the transfer tax in Hawaii?
Hawaii's real-estate transfer tax is 0.15% and is customarily seller-paid. Conveyance tax graduated $0.10–$1.25 per $100 by price and owner-occupancy; seller pays.
Who pays closing costs in Hawaii?
Both buyer and seller pay different items. The transfer tax in Hawaii is customarily seller-paid. Buyers generally cover lender fees, the appraisal, lender's title insurance and prepaids; sellers generally cover the agent commission and, in most states, the bulk of the transfer tax. Everything is negotiable in the contract.
Do I need an attorney to close in Hawaii?
No. Hawaii does not require an attorney at closing; a title or escrow company typically handles settlement. You may still choose to hire one.
Other states
Closing soon? Get the buyer’s closing-cost checklist
A free, plain-English checklist of every line item to expect at the closing table — plus the occasional note when state rates change. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. We never share your email.