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Private Money Hawaii

The Ultimate Guide to Hard Money & Private Money Loans in Hawaii (2026 Edition)

By David Ige — Hawaii’s Trusted Private Money Expert With 30+ Years of Lending Experience

Hawaii real estate moves fast — and not every property qualifies for traditional financing. Whether you’re a fix-and-flip investor, a buyer dealing with a distressed property, or someone who simply needs to close quickly, hard money and private money loans can offer a faster, more flexible path to funding. In this 2026 guide, you’ll learn how these loans work in Hawaii, who they’re for, and how to qualify — even if you’ve been turned down by banks.

What Is a Hard Money Loan?

A hard money loan is a short-term, asset-based loan secured by real estate. Instead of lengthy underwriting and income verification, hard money lenders focus primarily on the property’s value, your equity, and the exit strategy.

Why Hawaii Investors Use Hard Money

  • Speed: Closings in days, not months
  • Flexibility: Ideal for non-traditional or distressed properties
  • Less strict requirements: Credit issues? No problem
  • Perfect for: Fix-and-flips, BRRRR strategy, land loans, construction, bridge loans

Hard money loans are typically offered by private investors or specialized private lending companies — including David Ige, a Hawaii lending expert with 30+ years of experience.

What Is a Private Money Loan?

Private money loans come from individual investors rather than institutions. These lenders often offer:

  • More flexible terms
  • Relationship-based decisions
  • Case-by-case underwriting
  • Creative funding for unique Hawaii properties

Private money loans are ideal when you need fast, personalized lending without the red tape of big banks.

Hard Money vs. Private Money — What’s the Difference?

Hard Money

  • Funded by companies
  • More structured terms
  • Fast approval
  • Focus on collateral value

Private Money

  • Funded by individuals
  • Personalized negotiations
  • More flexibility
  • Great for repeat investors

Many Hawaii investors work with both, depending on the deal.

Who Uses Hard & Private Money Loans in Hawaii?

1. Fix-and-Flip Investors

Rapid closings allow you to compete with cash buyers and win deals in competitive markets like Honolulu, Kapolei, and Kona.

2. BRRRR Investors

Buy, rehab, rent, refinance, repeat — hard money helps acquire properties that banks won’t touch.

3. Contractors & Developers

Land, construction, and teardown/rebuild projects often require fast capital.

4. Homeowners Facing Tight Timelines

Bridge loans help sellers buy before they sell.

5. Buyers of Distressed or Unique Properties

If the home needs major repair or has title, zoning, or occupancy issues, private lending is often the only option.

How Much Can You Borrow? (Typical Hawaii Terms)

Loan-to-Value (LTV)

  • Up to 70–80% of the completed value (ARV)
  • Up to 65–75% of the purchase price “as-is.”

Interest Rates

  • Typically 10–14% depending on the deal and risk

Points

  • 2–4 points (2–4% of the loan amount)

Term Length

  • 6 to 24 months

Closing Time

  • Often 3–7 days

What Do Lenders Look For?

1. Property Value

The asset is the primary factor.

2. Exit Strategy

How do you plan to pay off the loan?

  • Refinance
  • Sell after renovation
  • Long-term rental financing

3. Investor Experience (Optional)

Experience helps—but new investors are still eligible.

4. Down Payment or Equity

Most lenders require 20–30% down unless the deal is exceptional.

Pros & Cons of Hard Money Loans in Hawaii

Pros

  • Lightning-fast approvals
  • Easier qualification
  • Flexible terms
  • Works for unique or distressed properties

Cons

  • Higher interest rates
  • Shorter terms
  • Not ideal for long-term holds unless refinancing

How to Get Approved Quickly

Step 1: Prepare Your Deal Summary

Include:

  • Purchase price
  • Rehab cost
  • ARV (After Repair Value)
  • Timeline
  • Exit strategy

Step 2: Provide Property Documentation

  • MLS listing or photos
  • Tax records
  • Contractor bids (optional)

Step 3: Speak With a Local Expert Lender

Hawaii properties are unique — work with someone who understands the local market.

About the Author — David Ige

Hawaii’s Most Experienced Private Lender

With over 30 years in private lending, David has funded millions in real estate deals across Oahu, Maui, Kauai, and the Big Island. He specializes in:

  • Hard money loans
  • Private investor loans
  • Construction financing
  • Fix-and-flip projects
  • Bridge loans

His mission: Help investors close fast, stress-free, and profitably.

Offering Rates Starts at 9%

At Private Money Hawaii, we are proud to fund commercial properties, multi-family residential, investment residential properties, fix and flip projects, land, and construction in Honolulu and across the Hawaii Islands.

Ready for a Honolulu Hard Money Loan? Fast, Flexible Financing Across Hawaii

Act Fast with a Trusted Local Partner

Secure funding in as little as 7–14 days. No bank delays—just Honolulu hard money loans designed for investors who need speed and certainty.

Tailored Loan Programs

From fix-and-flip loans in Oʻahu to bridge loans in Honolulu, DSCR rental financing, and construction loans across Hawaii, we customize terms around your project’s needs. With interest-only payment options, LTV up to 70%, and clear origination fees, you’ll have flexible funding that works for you.

Local Expertise You Can Trust

Led by veteran lender David Ige, with nearly 30 years of experience funding Hawaii investment property loans, we combine deep local insight with transparent terms to help investors succeed.

Private Money Hawaii

Address: 411 Hobron Ln #3912, Honolulu, HI 96815
Call: +1(808) 753-1204
Email: funding@privatemoneyhawaii.com

Get in Touch

Name

Looking for a reliable private money lender in Hawaii for your next real estate investment loan?

PRIVATE MONEY HAWAII

helping borrowers obtain financial goals

Private Money Hawaii

411 Hobron Ln #3912, Honolulu, HI 96815

Phone: (808) 753-1204

Email: funding@privatemoneyhawaii.com