Hilo is not as competitive as Oahu or Maui, but there aren't many listings, so good units often get rented out as soon as they become available. In this market, having a low credit score can mean missing out on opportunities.

First, let's take a look at the rental prices. According to data from Apartments.com in July 2026, the average for a one-bedroom is $1,151, while Rentometer and Living in Hawaii report slightly higher figures, around $1,300 to $1,400. Compared to the main islands of Hawaii, this is somewhat more affordable than Oahu.

If the term "credit score" is unfamiliar, think of it this way: it's a numerical representation of how well you have borrowed and repaid money over time. Most property management companies expect this number to be above 620 to 650, and a score of 680 to 700 or higher can lead to better terms.

In a market like Hilo, where listings are scarce, a low score can put you at a disadvantage. When multiple applicants apply for the same unit, management companies generally choose the applicants with higher scores first. Simply put, the rarer the listings, the greater the impact of credit scores.

If your score falls short, what can you do? The first option is to have a family member or friend with stable income act as a co-signer. The second option is to enroll in a rental guarantee insurance program like The Guarantors or Insurent, which typically costs about 4.5% to 10% of the annual rent.

Hawaii state law sets the maximum deposit at one month's rent. If you have a pet, an additional month's rent may be required, but it cannot exceed that. The return deadline for the deposit is also relatively short at 14 days, and if this deadline is missed, the management company is required to return the full deposit.

Starting May 2024, there will also be a cap on screening fees. You cannot charge more than the actual costs incurred, and any leftover amount must be refunded within 30 days. It's a good habit to check receipts to ensure that credit check fees have not been excessively charged.

In addition to credit scores, other factors are also considered. Is your monthly income three times the rent? Is your previous rental history clean? Are there any issues in the background check? Since all four factors are evaluated together, managing just the score is not enough.

If you want to boost your score in advance, it's essential to keep your credit utilization below 30% and clean up any late payment records starting three to four months before applying. Checking your free credit report for errors is also a helpful practice.

If you are moving to Hilo from the mainland, keep in mind that the cost of living and shipping expenses may be higher than expected due to the island's characteristics. If you want to know about school districts preferred by Korean families, refer to GreatSchools ratings, but it's safer to verify school district boundaries by address.

If you have just arrived from Korea and have a short credit history, considering international credit history conversion services like Nova Credit or prepaying several months' rent could be options.

Based on a rent of $1,151, the income requirement would be approximately $3,450 or more. If calculated based on Rentometer's figure of around $1,300, it would rise to about $3,900, so the level of income documentation needed will vary depending on which data you use.

You can check your credit report for free from each of the three credit bureaus at AnnualCreditReport.com. It's also good to know that different management companies may refer to different agencies, so the score you check may differ from the actual assessment score. In markets where listings are scarce, being prepared in advance is ultimately advantageous. This article is not legal advice, and it is recommended to consult with a professional before entering into any contracts.