How to Sell a House in Hawaii: A County-by-County Guide

Key Takeaways

• Average Total Closing Costs: ~1%–3% of the sale price (Source: https://www.bankrate.com/real-estate/average-closing-costs/)
• Average Timeline for a Traditional Sale: 100–135 days total (10–15 days prep, 60–75 days on market, 30–45 days closing) (Sources: Zillow, Redfin)
• Disclosure Requirements: Sellers in Hawaii must disclose structural or environmental issues and any other material facts. (Source: https://cca.hawaii.gov/reb/files/2022/01/Seller-Disclosure-Form-2019.pdf)
• Alternatives: As-is and sale-leaseback options are gaining popularity for faster, less disruptive sales.

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How Long Does It Take to Sell a Home in Hawaii?

Selling a home in Hawaii typically takes 100–135 days. Here's the breakdown:

Preparation: 10–15 days to clean, repair, and stage.
Days on Market: 60–75 days (Source: Redfin Market Data).
Closing: Around 30–45 days once under contract.

Top Counties: Quick Insights

County/Metro	Market Insights
Honolulu	High demand, international buyers, luxury expectations.
Maui	Vacation properties dominate, strong seasonal influence.
Hawai‘i (Big Island)	Slower market, varied housing stock.
Kaua‘i	Premium pricing, small inventory increases competition.
Kalawao	Very limited housing activity, niche market.

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Steps to Selling in Hawaii

Step 1: Set the Right Price

Use a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA). Pricing too high can lead to extended days on market. Pricing too low may leave money on the table.

Step 2: Complete Required Disclosures

Hawaii requires disclosure of structural issues, plumbing/electrical systems, and environmental concerns. Failure to comply may result in legal action. (Source: https://cca.hawaii.gov/reb/files/2022/01/Seller-Disclosure-Form-2019.pdf)

Step 3: Decide Between Traditional, Wholesale, or Sale-Leaseback

Method	Pros	Cons
Traditional Sale	Max exposure; market competition	~60–90 days total; staging & prep required
Wholesale	Rapid close (often <30 days); no prep	Offers may land ~30% below market value
Sale-Leaseback	Sell as-is, stay in your home, avoid staging/showings	Requires ≥20% equity to qualify

Step 4: Understand Closing Costs

Typical seller costs in Hawaii include:

Agent commissions: ~5–6%
Title and escrow fees: ~0.5%
Seller concessions and HOA fees (if applicable)

(Source: https://www.bankrate.com/real-estate/average-closing-costs/)

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Want to Sell Fast but Stay in Your Home?

Sell2Rent offers:

As-is sale with no showings
24-hour cash offer
Close in as little as 15 days
Stay as a renter after selling your home

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Final Thoughts

Whether you're aiming for top dollar, a fast sale, or the ability to stay in your home, Hawaii homeowners have options.
Explore traditional, wholesale, or leaseback strategies depending on your financial goals and personal needs.