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.
- Transfer tax
- 0.1%
- 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
Hawaii in the national transfer-tax dataset
0.1%, #29 of 51 nationally; at $400,000, that is $240 below the median $640 tax at $400,000. The comparison uses the 51 source-verified state and DC records in the TallyClose dataset; null transfer-tax states count as 0% rather than being filled with an estimate.
- National rank
- #29 of 51
- highest state transfer-tax rate first
- Median-state tax at $400,000
- $640
- Hawaii: $400
- County coverage
- 1
- 0 with a city-tax field
Hawaii transfer-tax data: official source linked on this page, reviewed 2026-Q2.
How closing costs work in Hawaii
The biggest closing-cost variable in Hawaii is the real-estate transfer tax, which here is 0.1% and is customarily seller-paid. Hawaii levies a state "conveyance tax" (HRS Ch. 247) on a tiered schedule by price. For a property that qualifies for a county homeowner (owner-occupant) exemption the lowest tier (consideration under $600,000) is $0.10 per $100 = 0.10% (0.001); without the homeowner exemption the lowest tier is $0.15 per $100 = 0.15% (0.0015). Rates rise with price up to $1.00 per $100 (1.00%) over $10M with exemption, or $1.25 per $100 (1.25%) without. Minimum tax is $1.00. No additional county/city conveyance tax. Tax is paid by the grantor/seller (HRS 247-4), except the buyer pays when a government entity is the seller. Exemptions exist (e.g., transfers under $100, gifts, certain government and confirmatory transfers).
On a $400,000 home, the state-level transfer tax works out to roughly $400 , 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 (rate); 247-4 (paid by grantor/seller). Official source ↗
Hawaii closing cost calculator
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Counties in Hawaii
County and city taxes can change the total significantly. Open a county for its precise rate.
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 (0.1%, 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 0.1% and is customarily seller-paid. Hawaii levies a state "conveyance tax" (HRS Ch. 247) on a tiered schedule by price. For a property that qualifies for a county homeowner (owner-occupant) exemption the lowest tier (consideration under $600,000) is $0.10 per $100 = 0.10% (0.001); without the homeowner exemption the lowest tier is $0.15 per $100 = 0.15% (0.0015). Rates rise with price up to $1.00 per $100 (1.00%) over $10M with exemption, or $1.25 per $100 (1.25%) without. Minimum tax is $1.00. No additional county/city conveyance tax. Tax is paid by the grantor/seller (HRS 247-4), except the buyer pays when a government entity is the seller. Exemptions exist (e.g., transfers under $100, gifts, certain government and confirmatory transfers).
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.
Closest transfer-tax comparisons
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