Hawaii has the highest median home prices in the United States. On Oahu, the median single-family home price exceeds $1,050,000 in 2026. On Maui, it is above $1,100,000. Even on the Big Island, where prices are more accessible, the median still sits near $550,000. At these price points, a traditional 2.5% buyer agent commission costs between $13,750 and $27,500 — and on luxury properties, it climbs to $50,000, $100,000, or well beyond.
That is an extraordinary amount of money for work that does not scale with home price. The showings, negotiations, and closing coordination on a $1.2 million Kailua home are not fundamentally different from those on a $600,000 Kapolei townhome. Yet a percentage-based agent charges twice as much.
Flat-fee buyer representation eliminates this math entirely. At ShopProp, buyer flat fees start at $1,995. The difference between the seller-offered buyer agent compensation and your flat fee comes back to you as a rebate at closing. In Hawaii, where prices are among the highest in the nation, the rebates are among the largest anywhere.
How Buyer Rebates Work in Hawaii
Hawaii permits buyer rebates. When a home is listed for sale, the seller typically offers compensation to the buyer's agent — usually 2.5% to 3% of the sale price. With a traditional agent, that entire commission goes to the agent. With a flat-fee buyer agent, you pay a fixed dollar amount and the remainder is returned to you at closing.
The rebate can be applied toward closing costs, used for a rate buydown, or credited directly. Given Hawaii's high closing costs and property prices, a rebate of $20,000 to $200,000 can make a material difference in affordability.
Island-by-Island Rebate Calculations
The following calculations use 2026 median prices from the Honolulu Board of Realtors, Realtors Association of Maui, and Hawaii Information Service, assuming 2.5% seller-offered buyer agent compensation.
Oahu
Oahu single-family median: approximately $1,050,000. Condo median: approximately $510,000.
- $510,000 condo in Kapolei: Traditional 2.5% = $12,750. ShopProp flat fee = $1,995. You keep $10,755.
- $750,000 condo in Kaka'ako: Traditional 2.5% = $18,750. ShopProp flat fee = $1,995. You keep $16,755.
- $1,050,000 home in Mililani: Traditional 2.5% = $26,250. ShopProp flat fee = $3,995. You keep $22,255.
- $1,400,000 home in Kailua: Traditional 2.5% = $35,000. ShopProp flat fee = $3,995. You keep $31,005.
- $1,800,000 home in Hawaii Kai: Traditional 2.5% = $45,000. ShopProp flat fee = $3,995. You keep $41,005.
- $2,500,000 home in Kahala: Traditional 2.5% = $62,500. ShopProp flat fee = $4,995. You keep $57,505.
- $4,500,000 home in Diamond Head: Traditional 2.5% = $112,500. ShopProp flat fee = $7,995. You keep $104,505.
- $8,000,000 estate in Lanikai: Traditional 2.5% = $200,000. ShopProp flat fee = $7,995. You keep $192,005.
Maui
Maui single-family median: approximately $1,100,000. Condo median: approximately $675,000.
- $675,000 condo in Kihei: Traditional 2.5% = $16,875. ShopProp flat fee = $1,995. You keep $14,880.
- $1,100,000 home in Kula: Traditional 2.5% = $27,500. ShopProp flat fee = $3,995. You keep $23,505.
- $1,600,000 home in Wailea: Traditional 2.5% = $40,000. ShopProp flat fee = $3,995. You keep $36,005.
- $3,200,000 home in Kapalua: Traditional 2.5% = $80,000. ShopProp flat fee = $7,995. You keep $72,005.
Big Island (Hawaii Island)
Big Island single-family median: approximately $550,000.
- $550,000 home in Kailua-Kona: Traditional 2.5% = $13,750. ShopProp flat fee = $1,995. You keep $11,755.
- $750,000 home in Waikoloa: Traditional 2.5% = $18,750. ShopProp flat fee = $1,995. You keep $16,755.
- $1,300,000 home in Kohala Coast: Traditional 2.5% = $32,500. ShopProp flat fee = $3,995. You keep $28,505.
- $2,800,000 home in Mauna Lani: Traditional 2.5% = $70,000. ShopProp flat fee = $4,995. You keep $65,005.
Kauai
Kauai single-family median: approximately $950,000.
- $950,000 home in Kapaa: Traditional 2.5% = $23,750. ShopProp flat fee = $1,995. You keep $21,755.
- $1,400,000 home in Princeville: Traditional 2.5% = $35,000. ShopProp flat fee = $3,995. You keep $31,005.
- $2,200,000 home in Hanalei: Traditional 2.5% = $55,000. ShopProp flat fee = $4,995. You keep $50,005.
Why Hawaii Rebates Are the Largest in the Country
The math is simple: higher home prices mean larger percentage commissions — and larger gaps between those commissions and a flat fee. A 2.5% commission on a $1 million home is $25,000. On a $3 million beachfront property, it is $75,000. On an $8 million estate, it is $200,000. The flat fee stays the same. That is why Hawaii buyers who use a flat-fee agent keep more money at closing than buyers in almost any other state.
Hawaii's unique market dynamics amplify the value:
- High closing costs. Hawaii's conveyance taxes, title insurance, and escrow fees are above the national average. A rebate of $20,000 to $100,000 can offset a significant portion of these costs.
- Mainland-to-island relocations. Many Hawaii buyers are relocating from the mainland with equity from a prior home sale. A large rebate at closing can fund the move, furnishing, or renovations — expenses that add up quickly when shipping containers across the Pacific.
- Investment and second-home buyers. Hawaii attracts investors and second-home buyers who are especially cost-conscious on transaction fees. Keeping $30,000 to $100,000 at closing directly improves the return on investment.
- Limited inventory. With constrained land and building capacity, Hawaii properties hold value. The flat-fee model ensures you keep more of the equity you are building from day one.
Managing Broker Representation Across the Islands
ShopProp provides managing broker representation to Hawaii buyers — the highest level of real estate licensure. Every client works directly with a managing broker who carries full fiduciary responsibility, has the authority to negotiate and close without supervisory approval, and brings nearly two decades of transaction experience.
ShopProp has operated since 2007 with over 4,000 closed transactions across eight states and 18 years. Our largest transaction to date was a $10.2 million estate in Atherton, California, where the buyer kept $247,000 at closing. Other notable client savings include $342,000 on an Irvine purchase, $170,000 in Tiburon, and $120,000 in Palo Alto. Hawaii's price points make it one of our highest-savings markets.
What the Press Says
The shift toward transparent, flat-fee real estate representation is accelerating. NPR reported on how the NAR settlement is reshaping agent compensation. USA Today covered the expectation that buyers will negotiate lower fees. The Brookings Institution called the settlement a potential watershed for housing affordability. In a state where the median home price exceeds $1 million, that affordability matters more than anywhere.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are buyer rebates legal in Hawaii?
Yes. Hawaii permits buyer rebates. There are no state laws prohibiting brokerages from returning a portion of their commission to the buyer at closing.
How much can I save buying a home in Hawaii?
On a median-priced Oahu home ($1,050,000), you can keep approximately $22,255. On luxury Maui properties above $3 million, savings exceed $72,000. On high-end estates, buyers have saved $100,000 to $200,000. Use the ShopProp Savings Calculator for your exact amount.
Does ShopProp operate on all Hawaiian islands?
ShopProp is licensed statewide in Hawaii and provides managing broker representation on Oahu, Maui, the Big Island, Kauai, and all other Hawaiian islands.
Can I apply my rebate toward closing costs?
Yes. Most lenders allow buyer rebates to be credited toward closing costs, which reduces your out-of-pocket expenses. Given Hawaii's above-average closing costs, this is a particularly valuable application of the rebate.
Is the flat-fee model appropriate for luxury properties?
Absolutely. The flat-fee model delivers the greatest savings on higher-priced homes. ShopProp has handled transactions up to $10.2 million with managing broker representation. On a $5 million Hawaii property, the rebate exceeds $117,000 — that is not an amount any buyer should leave on the table.
Calculate Your Hawaii Rebate
Use the ShopProp Savings Calculator to see your exact rebate on any Hawaii property. Enter the price, see the flat fee, see what you keep.
For rebate comparisons across all eight states, read our State-by-State Guide to the Biggest Buyer Rebates in 2026. New to buyer rebates? Our Complete Guide to Buyer Rebates covers everything you need to know.
Browse savings estimates for Honolulu, Kailua, Kapolei, and Maui.
Rob Luecke is the founder and managing broker of ShopProp, a flat-fee brokerage operating in 8 states since 2007. With over 4,000 closed transactions and 18 years of experience, ShopProp has been cited by NPR, USA Today, and the Brookings Institution for its approach to transparent real estate pricing.