Maui’s First-Time Homebuyer Opportunity Program: A Path to Homeownership in 2025

Making Maui Homeownership Possible

Buying your first home on Maui can feel like an impossible dream. Between rising home prices, limited inventory, and the high cost of living, many local families and individuals struggle to get a foot in the door. But in 2025, Maui County launched the First-Time Homebuyer Opportunity Program—Hoʻokumu Hou, designed to change that.

This program, supported by $92.5 million in federal funding, gives qualified first-time buyers a chance to receive substantial assistance and finally achieve the dream of homeownership on Maui.

What is the First-Time Homebuyer Opportunity Program?

The Hoʻokumu Hou Program is a financial assistance initiative created to help first-time buyers purchase a home in Maui County.

Here’s what makes it stand out:

• 🏡 Up to $600,000 in assistance to cover costs like down payment, closing costs, mortgage rate reductions, or principal buy-downs.

• 🌺 Designed for locals and wildfire survivors — while open to all who qualify, priority is given to renters displaced by the 2023 Maui wildfires.

• 💰 Funded by CDBG-DR (Community Development Block Grant – Disaster Recovery), ensuring long-term sustainability and affordability.

Who Qualifies for the Program?

To make sure assistance goes to those who need it most, Maui County has set clear eligibility requirements.

You may qualify if you:

• Have not owned a home in the last 3 years.

• Meet income requirements at or below 120% of the area median income (AMI).

• Plan to buy a single-family home, condo, or townhouse in Maui County (not in a flood zone).

• Can show your monthly housing costs will not exceed 30% of your gross monthly income.

Program Rules You Should Know

This isn’t just financial assistance—it’s designed to preserve affordability for generations.

Key rules include:

• The home must be your primary residence.

• If you sell, you must resell at an affordable rate to another qualified buyer—this condition remains in place for 99 years.

• The property cannot be used as a vacation rental or investment property.

How to Apply for the Maui First-Time Homebuyer Program

Applying is designed to be straightforward, with multiple options available:

• Online: hookumuhou.mauicounty.gov

• Mobile App: Download the Maui OOR (Office of Recovery) App

• By Phone: Call the Hoʻokumu Hou Service Center at (808) 865-4007

• In Person: Visit the Lahaina Gateway or Kākoʻo Maui Resource Center in Kahului for one-on-one assistance

Once you apply, you’ll be assigned a case manager to help with paperwork, eligibility verification, and next steps.

Why This Program Matters for Maui’s Future

The Hoʻokumu Hou Program is more than financial aid—it’s part of Maui’s long-term recovery and stability after the 2023 wildfires. By helping residents become homeowners, the county is:

• Strengthening communities

• Supporting displaced families

• Preserving housing affordability for future generations

This is a rare chance to bridge the gap between renting and owning—something many Maui residents have been waiting for.

Final Thoughts: Take the First Step Toward Homeownership

If you’ve been dreaming of owning a home on Maui, the First-Time Homebuyer Opportunity Program could be your path forward. With up to $600,000 in assistance, flexible application options, and long-term affordability protections, this program is a true game-changer.

👉 Don’t wait—applications are already open as of August 11, 2025.

For personalized guidance, connect with me today. As a Maui real estate expert and longtime resident, I can help you navigate the process and find the right home that qualifies.

📲 Todd Hudson RB-21913, The 808 Team
🌐 www.The808Team.com
📧 Todd@The808Team.com
📞 808-344-3584