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Michael G. Branson, CEO of All Reverse Mortgage, Inc., and moderator of ARLO™, has 45 years of experience in the mortgage banking industry. He has devoted the past 20 years to reverse mortgages exclusively. (License: NMLS# 14040) |
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All Reverse Mortgage's editing process includes rigorous fact-checking led by industry experts to ensure all content is accurate and current. This article has been reviewed, edited, and fact-checked by Cliff Auerswald, President and co-creator of ARLO™. (License: NMLS# 14041) |
Michael G. Branson
Edited by 
Cliff Auerswald
Reverse Mortgages in Hawaii: A Comprehensive Guide
If you’re a Hawaii homeowner aged 62 or older, a reverse mortgage could be a valuable tool to help you unlock the equity in your home and improve your financial security during retirement. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about reverse mortgages in Hawaii, including key facts, the latest statistics, top lenders, and essential protections
Hawaii Reverse Mortgage Lenders
| Lender | BBB Rating | Years in Business | Star Rating (0–5) | Good Review % | Complaints | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| All Reverse Mortgage, Inc. (ARLO) | A+ | 20 | 4.99/5 | 99.8% | 0 | Source |
| Advisors Mortgage Group | A+ | 25 | 1.00/5 | 20.0% | 6 | Source |
| Atlantic Avenue Mortgage LLC | B+ | 2 | 4.94/5 | 98.8% | 2 | Source |
| American Pacific Mortgage | F | 28 | 1.75/5 | 35.0% | 11 | Source |
| Ennkar Inc. | A+ | 14 | 4.00/5 | 80.0% | 1 | Source |
| Fairway Independent Mortgage | A+ | 28 | 4.43/5 | 88.6% | 32 | Source |
| Finance of America Reverse LLC (FAR) | A+ | 21 | 1.00/5 | 20.0% | 35 | Source |
| GoodLife Home Loans | A+ | 12 | 5.0/5 | 88.6% | 0 | Source |
| Guild Mortgage Company (Formerly Cherry Creek LLC) | A+ | 64 | 1.36/5 | 27.2% | 29 | Source |
| HighTechLending Inc | A+ | 18 | 4.93/5 | 98.6% | 1 | Source |
| Liberty Home Equity Solutions Inc. | A+ | 21 | 1.00/5 | 20.0% | 2 | Source |
| Longbridge Financial LLC | A+ | 12 | 3.67/5 | 73.4% | 21 | Source |
| Mid America Mortgage Inc. | A+ | 66 | NA | NA | NA | Source |
| Moneyhouse | NR | 27 | NA | NA | 0 | Source |
| Movement Mortgage, LLC | A+ | 17 | 4.82/5 | 96.2% | 100 | Source |
| Mutual of Omaha Mortgage | A+ | 11 | 1.46/5 | 29.2% | 49 | Source |
| Open Mortgage LLC | A+ | 22 | 3.0/5 | 60.0% | 1 | Source |
| Plaza Home Mortgage Inc | A+ | 24 | 3.2/5 | 64.0% | 11 | Source |
| Smartfi Home Loans | A+ | 5 | NA | NA | 0 | Source |
| South River Mortgage, LLC | A+ | 5 | 3.49/5 | 70.6% | 11 | Source |
BBB Rating: Better Business Bureau rating (A+ to F; NR = Not Rated).
Star Rating: Average customer rating out of 5 stars.
Good Review %: Percentage of reviews classified as positive.
Source: Data compiled from national rankings of top 20 HECM (Home Equity Conversion Mortgage) lenders by RMInsight. Reviews updated as of March 29, 2025.
Guild Mortgage Company: Formerly Cherry Creek LLC.
Latest Hawaii Reverse Mortgage Statistics
| State | Homeowners Age 62+ | Reverse Mortgages Closed Last 12 Months | Lenders in Hawaii | Avg. Home Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hawaii | 215,500 | 81 | 15 | $843,185 |
Loan Type: HECM Standard Loans Originated in Hawaii
Performance Period: Loans endorsed between January 1, 2024, and December 31, 2024
Note: Includes all HECM Standard cases within the specified endorsement period.
Hawaii Lending Limits
Hawaii, the 40th most populous state in the U.S., is home to approximately 1.46 million people as of 2024, with the highest population density centered in Honolulu. Around 246,306 residents are aged 65 and older, and about 66% of the state’s population are homeowners. This makes a significant number of Hawaiians eligible for a reverse mortgage.
Hawaii’s Rich History and Culture
Located in the Pacific Ocean, approximately 2,000 miles west of California, Hawaii is celebrated for its deep cultural traditions, including surfing, hula dancing, and the iconic leis. The state’s history includes becoming a U.S. territory in 1898 and gaining statehood as the 50th state in 1959. Known as the “Aloha State,” the term “aloha” symbolizes the warm and welcoming spirit of the islands, used both as a greeting and a farewell.
Hawaii is the largest island chain in the world, comprising over 100 islands, of which only seven are inhabited. The state is home to active volcanoes, which are significant tourist attractions. Tourism remains the dominant industry in Hawaii, contributing substantially to its economy.
Climate and Island Life
Hawaii’s tropical climate varies across the islands but remains mild throughout the year. While areas near the ocean receive around 25-30 inches of rainfall annually, some regions experience much more, depending on local geography. The islands’ diversity, with lush rainforests, dry regions, and volcanic landscapes, offers something for everyone.
Reverse Mortgage Opportunities in Hawaii
As of January 2025, the median home value in Hawaii is $843,185, reflecting the state’s consistently high real estate market. With this average, many homes fall near or above the federal maximum reverse mortgage lending limit of $1,209,750. For homeowners whose properties are valued above this limit, proprietary jumbo reverse mortgage programs are available to provide more borrowing power.
HUD-Approved Reverse Mortgage Counseling Agencies in Hawaii
| Name | Agency ID | Address | Phone | Web Site |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LEGAL AID SOCIETY OF HAWAII | 80972 | 924 BETHEL STREET HONOLULU, HI 96813-4304 | (808) 536-4302 | http://www.legalaidhawaii.org |
| LEGAL AID SOCIETY OF HAWAII - HILO BRANCH | 80975 | PH1002 101 AUPUNI STREET HILO, HI 96720-4246 | (808) 962-2851 | http://www.legalaidhawaii.org |
Did you know? Hawaii does not mandate in-person counseling. Visit our counseling page for a list of phone-based counseling agencies, and you can conduct your required counseling from the comfort of your home.
Other Areas of Interest in Hawaii
Additional Resources:
Reversemortgage.org NRMLA Members in Hawaii: https://www.reversemortgage.org/Find-a-Lender/state/HI
HUD.GOV Approved Lenders Search: https://www.hud.gov/program_offices/housing/sfh/lender/lenderlist
