In order, the three main things to check when looking for loans in Kahului are the price range, loan limits, and credit scores. First, let's look at the price range. As of July 2026, the median listing price was $1,060,000, and the representative home value reported by Zillow was $1,016,632 as of February 2026, which is a 5.0% decrease from a year ago (Redfin, Zillow). The fact that it exceeds $1,000,000 signals that a different loan strategy needs to be devised.

The second thing to check is the loan limit. Thanks to legal exemptions applicable to Hawaii, Alaska, Guam, and the Virgin Islands, the loan limit in Maui County has risen to $1,299,500 in 2026. This is considered one of the highest county limits in the nation (FHFA, related reports). If the median price in Kahului is just over $1,000,000, it means that a significant number of listings can be resolved with conventional loans within this limit. However, if the upper listings exceed $1,060,000, there is still some leeway, but for high-end listings over $1,299,500, jumbo loans will be necessary.

The third factor is the credit score. If you are considering a jumbo loan, many lenders require a credit score of 700 or higher and a down payment of 10% to 20%, which is definitely a higher threshold than conventional loans. For properties in the $1,000,000 range, a conventional loan can be obtained with a score of 620 or higher, and exceeding 680 can lead to better rates. While PMI applies to down payments below 20%, it can be canceled once equity builds up.

The reason for recommending that you compare two or more lending institutions is here. For properties in the $1,000,000 range, the criteria for jumbo and conventional loans can vary slightly between lenders, leading to significant differences in estimates. Some may accept credit scores in the low 700s but require a 20% down payment, while others may require a score of 715 or higher but offer slightly lower down payment options.

For investors looking for rental income, Kahului is relatively accessible within Maui, but it is important to consider that short-term rental regulations and condo management fees can greatly impact profitability. Since it cannot be assumed that prices will consistently rise, it is wise to calculate the risks involved.

Schools that Korean families are interested in should be referenced based on GreatSchools, but it is advisable to verify the school district boundaries directly with the specific address before purchasing.

There is one more thing to check: the debt-to-income ratio (DTI). Jumbo loans are typically viewed strictly around 43%, while conventional loans are around 45%, and if the credit score is low, FHA may accept up to 50%. When making an offer, earnest money should also be prepared, typically 1% to 3% of the purchase price deposited into escrow. A home inspection should be conducted regardless of the type of loan for safety.

Fire insurance premiums and management fees in Maui are often higher than in other states, so if you only budget based on previous residences, you may overlook the actual burden.

To summarize the order: first, check the price range, then confirm if that price falls within the Maui County limit of $1,299,500, and finally, check how close your credit score is to the thresholds for conventional and jumbo loans. It is also good to know that requesting estimates from multiple lenders simultaneously does not significantly impact your credit score. Typically, mortgage-related inquiries made within 14 to 45 days are treated as a single inquiry in credit scoring models, so comparing conventional and jumbo loans simultaneously does not greatly lower your score. In a market like Kahului, where listing prices are close to loan limits, simply following this order can greatly reduce confusion during the offer stage.

This article is not investment or legal advice, and it is recommended to consult with a professional before entering into any contracts.