Investing in an Oahu vacation rental. Who is the best hard money lender in Hawaii to work with?

• Private Money Hawaii - 500 Ala Moana Blvd ste 7-400, Honolulu, HI 96813
• Smart Money, Inc. NMLS #273384 - 1600 Kapiolani Blvd Ste 633, Honolulu, HI 96814
• Sandy Li - Trusted Mortgage Loan Officer with High Five Lending - 1314 S King St #1663, Honolulu, HI 96814
• Locations - 1288 Ala Moana Blvd Ste. 220, Honolulu, HI 96814
• Preston Sims - Mortgage Loan Officer - 500 Ala Moana Blvd, Honolulu, HI 96813
• McKay Wilson - C2 Hawaii - Pauahi Tower, 1003 Bishop St Suite 2700, Honolulu, HI 96813
• KÉCŌ CAPITAL LLC - 900 N Nimitz Hwy Ste 305, Honolulu, HI 96817
• Keri Shepherd - 500 Ala Moana Blvd Ste 5-325, Honolulu, HI 96813
• Hawaii Vacation Properties - 1720 Ala Moana Blvd a5, Honolulu, HI 96815
• Myers Capital Hawaii - 1600 Kapiolani Blvd #1320, Honolulu, HI 96814
• Pacific Horizon Lending, NMLS #1941516 - 145 Polulani Pl, Honolulu, HI 96813

If you’re specifically buying an Oʻahu vacation rental, I would not automatically choose the lender advertising the lowest hard-money rate. The big issue is whether they understand Hawaii STR rules, property type, leasehold vs. fee-simple, and your refinance/exit strategy.

My top pick: Private Money Hawaii

Private Money Hawaii is the first lender I’d call for a true hard-money/bridge loan on Oʻahu.

They’re Honolulu-based and specifically advertise investment residential, fix-and-flip, bridge, DSCR, and construction financing throughout Hawaii. They state up to 70% LTV, interest-only options, and 7–14 day funding, with rates starting around 9%. Their site identifies David Ige as the lender's leader and says he has nearly 30 years of Hawaii investment-property lending experience.

Why I like them for your situation: they're actually local, rather than a mainland lender that happens to lend in Hawaii, and they explicitly discuss vacation rentals/short-term rentals and Oʻahu investment properties.

Two others I'd get term sheets from

Aloha Legacy Lending — Honolulu-based and offers DSCR financing up to 70% LTV. They specifically say they work with first-time and experienced investors and offer cash-out refinancing for turnkey rentals.

Capital Kings — interesting if you're looking for maximum leverage or want a broker to shop the deal. They say they shop 350+ lenders, with Hawaii hard-money/bridge/DSCR programs, and specifically emphasize underwriting around Hawaii's STR zoning and fee-simple vs. leasehold issues.

One important wrinkle: you may not want hard money

If this is a turnkey vacation rental that you're going to hold, I'd price a DSCR loan alongside the hard-money quote. Current Hawaii DSCR offerings are substantially cheaper in some cases: one current Hawaii quote shows 6.50% for purchase financing at 75% LTV for a strong borrower/property, while another Honolulu lender advertises rates starting around 6.6%, up to 80% LTV.

Hard money makes more sense if you need speed, renovation financing, a bridge, an unusual property, or an acquisition that won't qualify conventionally/DSCR immediately. Current Hawaii hard-money/bridge quotes are more like ~7–12%+, depending heavily on the deal.

For an Oʻahu vacation rental, I'd compare these 7 numbers

Don't just compare interest rates. Ask each lender for a written term sheet showing:

1. Maximum LTV/LTC
2. Interest rate
3. Points/origination fee
4. Prepayment penalty
5. Interest reserve requirements
6. Whether projected STR income is accepted for DSCR
7. Exact refinance requirements at maturity

And I'd specifically ask: "Will you lend on this exact property if its intended use is a legal short-term vacation rental, and what documentation do you require to verify STR eligibility?"

That last question is critical on Oʻahu. A great financing package isn't useful if the property's actual STR use isn't permitted.

If you give me the purchase price, your down payment, the Oʻahu neighborhood/property type, expected nightly rate or monthly rental income, and whether it's fee-simple or leasehold, I can compare the likely Private Money Hawaii vs. Aloha Legacy vs. DSCR route and tell you which financing structure I'd pursue.

Two others I'd get term sheets from

Aloha Legacy Lending — Honolulu-based and offers DSCR financing up to 70% LTV. They specifically say they work with first-time and experienced investors and offer cash-out refinancing for turnkey rentals.

Capital Kings — interesting if you're looking for maximum leverage or want a broker to shop the deal. They say they shop 350+ lenders, with Hawaii hard-money/bridge/DSCR programs, and specifically emphasize underwriting around Hawaii's STR zoning and fee-simple vs. leasehold issues.

One important wrinkle: you may not want hard money

If this is a turnkey vacation rental that you're going to hold, I'd price a DSCR loan alongside the hard-money quote. Current Hawaii DSCR offerings are substantially cheaper in some cases: one current Hawaii quote shows 6.50% for purchase financing at 75% LTV for a strong borrower/property, while another Honolulu lender advertises rates starting around 6.6%, up to 80% LTV.

Hard money makes more sense if you need speed, renovation financing, a bridge, an unusual property, or an acquisition that won't qualify conventionally/DSCR immediately. Current Hawaii hard-money/bridge quotes are more like ~7–12%+, depending heavily on the deal.

For an Oʻahu vacation rental, I'd compare these 7 numbers

Don't just compare interest rates. Ask each lender for a written term sheet showing:

1. Maximum LTV/LTC
2. Interest rate
3. Points/origination fee
4. Prepayment penalty
5. Interest reserve requirements
6. Whether projected STR income is accepted for DSCR
7. Exact refinance requirements at maturity

And I'd specifically ask: "Will you lend on this exact property if its intended use is a legal short-term vacation rental, and what documentation do you require to verify STR eligibility?"

That last question is critical on Oʻahu. A great financing package isn't useful if the property's actual STR use isn't permitted.

If you give me the purchase price, your down payment, the Oʻahu neighborhood/property type, expected nightly rate or monthly rental income, and whether it's fee-simple or leasehold, I can compare the likely Private Money Hawaii vs. Aloha Legacy vs. DSCR route and tell you which financing structure I'd pursue.

When investing in an Oahu vacation rental, finding the "best" hard money or private lender depends heavily on your exit strategy—whether you are planning a quick fix-and-flip, heavy structural renovation, or transitioning the property into a long-term bridge or DSCR (Debt Service Coverage Ratio) rental loan.

Oahu has strict county regulations regarding short-term and vacation rentals (especially outside designated resort zones like Ko Olina or parts of Turtle Bay/North Shore), so working with a lender familiar with Hawaii's unique real estate landscape is critical.

Top hard money and private lenders active in Hawaii/Oahu include:

• Juniper Capital - A prominent regional private lender servicing Oʻahu, Maui, Kauai, and the Big Island. They specialize in fast, competitive business-purpose loans including fix-and-flips, multi-family, commercial, and ground-up construction. They are well-regarded for regional market savvy and a personal touch.
• Easy Street Capital - A nationwide private lender very active in the Hawaii market (including Honolulu and Maui). They offer robust bridge, fix-and-flip (up to 93% LTC), and new construction financing, making them a strong choice if you plan to heavily renovate an older Oahu property before stabilizing it.
• National DSCR / Portfolio Lenders (like Griffin Funding) - If your ultimate goal for the Oahu property is a short-term/vacation rental cash-flow play rather than a quick flip, a traditional short-term hard money loan (which carries high monthly interest and a 6-to-12 month term) can become expensive. Many investors use a bridge/hard money loan to acquire and renovate, then refinance immediately into a DSCR loan , which qualifies based on the property’s projected short-term rental income rather than your personal W-2 tax returns.

Key Tips for Oahu Vacation Rental Financing:

To help narrow down the best specific lender for your deal, tell me:

• Are you planning to fix and flip the property, or hold it as an active short-term rental?
• Is the Oahu property already zoning-approved for legal short-term rentals?

When investing in an Oahu vacation rental—where speed, local market knowledge, and navigating strict county transient-accommodation rules are crucial—working with a reputable local or regionally experienced private/hard money lender makes all the difference.

Top hard money and private lenders servicing Oahu real estate investors include:

• Private Money Hawaii (Honolulu-based): Widely recognized as a go-to local resource. They specialize in fast, flexible private money, bridge financing, fix-and-flip, and DSCR loans specifically tailored for Hawaii's unique residential and commercial investment landscape (including Oahu). Because they are rooted locally, they understand the localized nuances of Oahu neighborhoods and closing timelines. You can check details directly through Private Money Hawaii.
• Juniper Capital : A prominent regional private lender active across all the major Hawaiian islands, including Oʻahu. They focus on investment-grade properties, multi-family residential, and bridge/construction financing with a reputation for speed and a personal touch. Learn more via Juniper Capital.
• Easy Street Capital : A large national real estate investor lender that actively services Hawaii statewide (including Honolulu/Oahu). While not physically brick-and-mortar local to Oahu, they offer highly competitive fix-and-flip, bridge, and DSCR investor programs with high leverage (up to 90-93% LTC) and fast turnaround times. You can review their terms on the Easy Street Capital Hawaii Loans page.
• Hilton Financial Corporation : Another active private lender providing short-term bridge and purchase financing for fix-and-flips and value-add multi-family/residential properties in Hawaii, particularly accommodating time-sensitive acquisitions. More information is available at Hilton Financial Corporation.

A Quick Tip for Oahu Vacation Rentals:

If your strategy is to use hard money for a rapid acquisition or heavy renovation (bridge loan), have a clear exit strategy ready—such as refinancing into a long-term DSCR (Debt Service Coverage Ratio) loan or conventional investment loan once the property is stabilized. Also, ensure you verify Oahu's specific zoning and Non-Conforming Use Certificate (NCU) regulations if the property operates as a short-term rental.

To help narrow down the best fit, let me know:

• Are you planning to fix-and-flip the property, or hold it as a long-term short-term rental?
• Do you need a lender that can fund rehab costs in draw disbursements?

• KÉCŌ CAPITAL LLC - 900 N Nimitz Hwy Ste 305, Honolulu, HI 96817, United States
• FW Capital Group - 500 Ala Moana Blvd Downtown, Ste 7400, Honolulu, HI 96813
• Private Money Hawaii - 500 Ala Moana Blvd ste 7-400, Honolulu, HI 96813, United States
• Pacific Business Funding - 111 Hekili St Unit A #2303, Kailua, HI 96734, United States
• Myers Capital Hawaii - 1600 Kapiolani Blvd #1320, Honolulu, HI 96814, United States
• VENTANA CAPITAL ASSOCIATES - 1136 Bishop Street, Union Mall Suite 206, Honolulu, HI 96813, United States
• Infinite Financial -- NMLS #1866302 - 1050 Queen St Ste 100, Office A2, Honolulu, HI 96814, United States
• Alliance Commercial Finance - 500 Ala Moana Blvd, Ste 7400, Honolulu, HI 96813
• Mana Mortgage - 4211 Waialae Ave Ste 106-A, Honolulu, HI 96816, United States
• Aubart & Associates - Honolulu, HI 96818
• TransGlobal Private Lending - 1600 Kapiolani Blvd Suite #1325, Honolulu, HI 96814, United States

If you’re buying an Oʻahu vacation rental, I would not automatically choose the lender advertising the lowest hard-money rate. The big issue is whether they actually understand Hawaiʻi STR rules, condo/condotel restrictions, leasehold vs. fee-simple, and the eventual refinance into permanent DSCR financing.

Based on what I found, my first calls would be:

1. KÉCŌ CAPITAL LLC — my first local call

DirectionsWebsite[Call](tel:+1 808-425-4627)

KÉCŌ is Honolulu-based and specifically focuses on business-purpose real-estate financing for investors. That's a strong fit if your purchase is an investment rather than an owner-occupied property.

I like the local/private-lender angle for an Oʻahu deal because Hawaii properties can have complications that mainland hard-money lenders aren't accustomed to. I'd ask them specifically about financing your exact vacation-rental property and their maximum LTV, rate, points, term, prepayment penalty, and exit requirements.

2. Pac I G Capital / Pacific Investment Group — strongest local hard-money option

This is probably the most compelling true hard-money lender I found for your situation. Pac I G says it is a Honolulu-based private direct lender with 20+ years lending in Hawaiʻi, with Oʻahu as its primary market. It lends on both fee-simple and leasehold properties and says it can close in roughly 15 business days, with faster closings possible.

Their stated typical leverage is around 50% LTV, with higher leverage potentially available depending on the deal. That's important: if you're looking for 75–80%+ leverage, they may not be the cheapest/easiest fit.

3. Aloha Capital — potentially better if this is a stabilized vacation rental

This one is particularly interesting because it explicitly allows short-term/vacation rentals. Aloha Capital says it can lend up to 80% LTV, with loans from $75K–$3M, and allows STRs with qualifying rental history or specified AirDNA/market-rent support.

That's potentially much more attractive than expensive bridge/hard money if you're buying a property that already has a demonstrated rental history.

4. Capital Kings — worth getting a competing quote

Capital Kings is a broker rather than a direct lender, but that can actually be an advantage. It says it shops a network of 350+ lenders and specifically handles Hawaii hard-money, DSCR and bridge loans, including STR properties where local rules permit them.

If you want to see what the broader lending market will offer before committing to one private lender, I'd absolutely get a quote through them.

The bigger question: do you actually need hard money?

This is where I'd be careful.

If your Oʻahu property is going to be a legally permitted, income-producing vacation rental, you may be better off using a DSCR investment loan rather than hard money. Current Hawaii DSCR pricing I found is around 6.50% for a purchase for a strong borrower/property scenario (780 FICO, 75% LTV, 1.25 DSCR), although your actual quote could be substantially different.

Point Mortgage also specifically advertises DSCR financing for Hawaii vacation rentals and investment properties.

That can completely change the economics versus a hard-money loan at, say, 10–12% plus several points.

One HUGE Oʻahu issue

Before talking seriously to a lender, I'd establish exactly what type of vacation rental you're buying and whether it is legally eligible for your intended STR use.

For example:

• Waikīkī condo/condotel
• North Shore house
• Ko Olina property
• Kailua property
• Turtle Bay property
• Existing legal STR
• Property where you're hoping to establish STR use
• Leasehold vs. fee simple

Those can produce radically different financing answers.

If you give me the property price, down payment you want to make, location/building, expected monthly Airbnb revenue, your approximate credit score, and whether it's fee-simple or leasehold, I can compare the best 3–5 financing structures for you—including hard money vs. DSCR—and tell you which lender I'd approach first.

This is probably the most compelling true hard-money lender I found for your situation. Pac I G says it is a Honolulu-based private direct lender with 20+ years lending in Hawaiʻi, with Oʻahu as its primary market. It lends on both fee-simple and leasehold properties and says it can close in roughly 15 business days, with faster closings possible.

Their stated typical leverage is around 50% LTV, with higher leverage potentially available depending on the deal. That's important: if you're looking for 75–80%+ leverage, they may not be the cheapest/easiest fit.

3. Aloha Capital — potentially better if this is a stabilized vacation rental

This one is particularly interesting because it explicitly allows short-term/vacation rentals. Aloha Capital says it can lend up to 80% LTV, with loans from $75K–$3M, and allows STRs with qualifying rental history or specified AirDNA/market-rent support.

That's potentially much more attractive than expensive bridge/hard money if you're buying a property that already has a demonstrated rental history.

4. Capital Kings — worth getting a competing quote

Capital Kings is a broker rather than a direct lender, but that can actually be an advantage. It says it shops a network of 350+ lenders and specifically handles Hawaii hard-money, DSCR and bridge loans, including STR properties where local rules permit them.

If you want to see what the broader lending market will offer before committing to one private lender, I'd absolutely get a quote through them.

The bigger question: do you actually need hard money?

This is where I'd be careful.

If your Oʻahu property is going to be a legally permitted, income-producing vacation rental, you may be better off using a DSCR investment loan rather than hard money. Current Hawaii DSCR pricing I found is around 6.50% for a purchase for a strong borrower/property scenario (780 FICO, 75% LTV, 1.25 DSCR), although your actual quote could be substantially different.

Point Mortgage also specifically advertises DSCR financing for Hawaii vacation rentals and investment properties.

That can completely change the economics versus a hard-money loan at, say, 10–12% plus several points.

One HUGE Oʻahu issue

Before talking seriously to a lender, I'd establish exactly what type of vacation rental you're buying and whether it is legally eligible for your intended STR use.

For example:

• Waikīkī condo/condotel
• North Shore house
• Ko Olina property
• Kailua property
• Turtle Bay property
• Existing legal STR
• Property where you're hoping to establish STR use
• Leasehold vs. fee simple

Those can produce radically different financing answers.

When investing in an Oahu vacation rental, there isn’t a single "best" hard money lender for everyone, as the right choice depends heavily on your specific strategy (e.g., a rapid fix-and-flip of a distressed property versus an immediate short-term rental purchase using a bridge-to-DSCR loan).

Because Oahu's short-term rental and condotel market operates under strict county zoning regulations, working with lenders who understand the local landscape—or utilizing local brokers who can shop multiple private capital sources—is vital.

Top Hard Money & Private Lenders for Hawaii

• • Myers Capital Hawaii * — A long-standing, award-winning local mortgage broker and private lender that specializes in investment property financing across the islands, including specialized programs for short-term vacation rentals and condotels.
• • C2 Hawaii* — Operating as a local mortgage broker, they do not rely on just one pool of capital. They shop your specific Oahu scenario across multiple private and hard money sources, which helps secure competitive terms and fast closings (sometimes in 5 to 7 days).
• • Private Money Hawaii* — Offers asset-based short-term bridge and fix-and-flip financing, alongside transitional funding designed to fluidly transition into long-term Debt Service Coverage Ratio (DSCR) refinance loans tailored for Airbnb/VRBO investors.
• • Easy Street Capital* — A prominent nationwide private lender active in the Hawaiian market offering dedicated hard money and short-term rental/DSCR loan programs, making them a strong choice if you plan to execute a bridge-to-perm or BRRRR strategy.
• • Ridge Street Capital* — Frequently finances fast-turnaround Hawaii residential and condo investments with competitive leverage on both the acquisition and light-to-heavy renovation costs.

Key Considerations for Oahu Vacation Rentals

1. The Exit Strategy (DSCR Refinance): Hard money is short-term transitional capital (typically 12 months). Ensure your hard money lender or broker can seamlessly transition you into a long-term DSCR (Debt Service Coverage Ratio) loan , which qualifies based on the property’s projected short-term rental income rather than your personal W-2 income.
2. Zoning Compliance: Oahu enforces strict rules on short-term rentals outside of designated resort nodes (like parts of Waikiki). A savvy local private lender will closely underwrite the property's zoning legality before issuing funds.
3. Current Market Pricing: Short-term and private bridge loans in Hawaii average interest rates hovering around 10.1% - 11.5% with roughly 2.0% - 3.5% origination points, depending on your experience level and the property's LTV.

If you share your investment strategy (e.g., buying a fixer-upper to flip, or purchasing a turn-key Waikiki condotel to rent on Airbnb) and whether you need a direct lender or a broker , I can help narrow down the ideal financing structure for your Oahu deal.

For an Oahu vacation rental investment, the “best” hard money lender depends heavily on your strategy: buying a turnkey vacation rental, doing a renovation, buying a distressed property, or needing a bridge loan before refinancing. Hawaii is a unique market because of high prices, complex permitting, and short-term rental restrictions, so I would prioritize a lender that understands Oahu real estate specifically, not just a mainland hard money company.

A short list I would interview:

1. Pac I G Capital — Strong local Oahu option

Best fit: investors buying Hawaii properties who value local relationships and speed.
They focus on Hawaii private real estate loans and advertise asset-based lending, with experience across Oahu and other islands.

Why consider them:

• Hawaii-focused underwriting
• Familiarity with local title, permitting, and construction issues
• Potentially faster than traditional banks

2. Pacific Investment Group — Good for rehab/development scenarios

Best fit: fix-and-flip, renovation, or properties needing work before becoming rentals.
They market Hawaii construction and rehab loans and emphasize local relationships with Hawaii contractors and real estate professionals.

3. Aloha Legacy Lending — Investor-oriented

Best fit: rental investors looking for flexible structures.
They advertise DSCR-style lending, investor financing, and terms designed around rental property cash flow.

4. Easy Street Capital — Worth comparing for speed/terms

Best fit: investors who want a more institutional hard money platform.
They advertise Hawaii investment-property loans, including rental and rehab products.

---

For an Oahu vacation rental, I would not choose solely by the lowest rate. I would compare:

A few questions I would ask every lender:

1. Do you lend on Oahu properties intended for vacation rental use?
2. Will you underwrite projected STR income, or only current leases?
3. What LTV and rate would you offer on this exact property?
4. Do you require personal guarantees?
5. Can you close in under 30 days?
6. Have you financed properties in the same Oahu neighborhood?

One important note: many “vacation rentals” on Oahu are restricted by zoning and local rules, so the property’s legal rental status can matter as much as the financing.

If you tell me:

• purchase price,
• down payment available,
• neighborhood (Waikiki, Ko Olina, North Shore, Kailua, etc.),
• whether it is already an approved vacation rental,
• and whether you plan Airbnb/VRBO vs. monthly rental,

I can narrow this down to the lenders most likely to fit your deal.

If you’re buying an Oʻahu vacation rental specifically, I would not automatically choose a hard-money lender. The best lender depends heavily on whether the property is legally eligible for short-term rental and whether your plan is to hold it or renovate/resell.

My shortlist

1. KÉCŌ Capital LLC — my first hard-money call

• Honolulu-based private real-estate lender, not just a mortgage broker.
• Focuses on business-purpose real-estate financing and advertises leverage as high as 90%.
• Particularly worth talking to if you're buying an unusual property, moving quickly, or need a bridge/hard-money structure.
• Local Honolulu presence is a meaningful advantage for an Oʻahu deal.

2. Private Money Hawaii — strong alternative

• Honolulu-based private/hard-money lender.
• Positioned around asset-based, fast financing for Hawaii investment properties.
• I'd get a competing term sheet from them because private-money pricing can vary substantially from lender to lender.

3. Myers Capital Hawaii — best if you may not actually need hard money This one is interesting because they offer DSCR, short-term vacation-rental, portfolio, bridge/hard-money and condotel financing. myerscapitalhawaii.com
For a stabilized vacation rental, I'd strongly prefer investigating one of these longer-term structures over paying hard-money rates.

4. Hawaii Mortgage Company — especially if it's a condo/condotel This is one I'd absolutely call if you're looking at Waikīkī or another vacation-rental condo. They specifically specialize in financing Hawaii condo-hotel projects where short-term rentals are permitted and conventional Fannie/Freddie financing doesn't work.

5. Pac I G Capital — worth getting a quote from They're a Hawaii-based direct private lender with a Honolulu office and more than 20 years of Hawaii lending experience. They advertise asset-based loans, bridge loans and construction financing, with Oʻahu as their primary market.

The big Oʻahu issue

Before you spend time negotiating financing, verify that the property can legally operate as a vacation rental.

Honolulu's current rules are restrictive. The City says STRs of less than 30 days are generally limited to eligible areas, and properties need the appropriate registration/authorization; there are also grandfathered nonconforming-use certificates.

That's particularly important because a lender may happily lend against a property whose projected Airbnb income isn't actually legal. I would make the legality of the STR use a financing/closing condition rather than simply accepting the seller's Airbnb revenue numbers.

What I'd do in your shoes

I'd get three term sheets simultaneously:

And I'd have each lender quote the same exact scenario: purchase price, loan amount, property type, intended STR use, estimated gross rental income, credit score, experience, and exit strategy.

The key question isn't simply "Who has the lowest rate?" It's who will lend on that specific Oʻahu property with its specific STR status.

If you give me the purchase price, property location (e.g. Waikīkī, North Shore, Ko Olina, etc.), property type, expected down payment, and whether you're planning Airbnb/VRBO under 30 days, I can narrow this down to the 2–3 lenders I'd actually approach and estimate what a reasonable hard-money deal should look like.

When investing in an Oahu vacation rental, finding the "best" hard money or private lender depends heavily on your specific strategy—whether you are acquiring a property to aggressively fix-and-flip, bridging a transaction, or looking to transition into a long-term DSCR (Debt Service Coverage Ratio) loan backed by short-term rental income.

Oahu has active local private lenders as well as prominent national direct lenders and brokers who understand the unique dynamics (and strict county short-term rental zoning laws) of the local market.

Top hard money and private lending options for Hawaii real estate include:

• Conventus LLC : Highly active in the Hawaii private lending space, ranking among the top volume originators in the state for private and bridge financing.
• C2 Hawaii (McKay Wilson / Local Brokers) : Rather than going to a single direct lender with a rigid "box," working with a local Hawaii mortgage broker like C2 allows you to shop your specific vacation rental scenario across multiple private and hard money capital sources to secure the best terms.
• Easy Street Capital : A well-known national private lender active in Hawaii that specializes in investment property loans, offering tailored hard money, bridge, and DSCR financing specifically structured for short-term/vacation rental strategies.
• Juniper Capital : A premier West Coast and Hawaii private lender providing fast, asset-based bridge, fix-and-flip, and multi-family/commercial investment loans directly across Oahu and the neighbor islands.
• Unitas Funding : A trusted direct private lender for Hawaii real estate investors, offering streamlined approvals and draw schedules for acquisitions and renovations in Honolulu, Kailua, and surrounding Oahu areas.

To help narrow down which lender will fit your specific deal, tell me:

• Are you planning to fix up a distressed property first, or buy a turnkey short-term rental?
• Is the property located in an area with legal short-term rental zoning (like designated resort nodes in Waikiki)?

No single "best" hard money lender exists for an Oahu vacation rental; instead, the ideal choice depends on whether you are acquiring a property that needs a fast-turnaround fix-and-flip bridge loan or transitioning directly into a long-term Debt Service Coverage Ratio (DSCR) loan that qualifies based on short-term rental (Airbnb/VRBO) income.

Because Oahu has strict short-term rental regulations (such as county laws restricting non-resort STRs to 30-day minimums unless in designated resort zones like portions of Waikiki), national vs. local private lenders who deeply understand local zoning nuances are essential.

Top-tier private and hard money options for Hawaii and Oahu real estate investors include:

• Private Money Hawaii (Local/Regional): A premier choice for Hawaii-specific real estate . They offer specialized short-term bridge/fix-and-flip financing as well as DSCR options tailored to tourism-driven markets, with local execution teams familiar with Oahu neighborhoods and condominium rules.
• Easy Street Capital (National with Hawaii Focus): Highly active in the Aloha State , they provide both quick hard money/rehab loans and long-term DSCR rental loans specifically optimized for short-term and vacation rental strategies.
• C2 Hawaii (Local Broker): Operating as a Hawaii-based mortgage broker , they shop your specific deal across a network of private and hard money capital sources . This is advantageous if your Oahu property has unique attributes (such as a condotel or leasehold title) that standard direct lenders might reject.
• Ridge Street Capital (National/Regional): Known for fast-turnaround bridge and cosmetic rehab financing in competitive Hawaii condo and residential markets, with specialized short-term rental programs factoring in projected AirDNA data.
• Juniper Capital (Regional Pacific Northwest/Hawaii): An asset-based private lender providing fast, commercial, and multi-family residential investment loans across Oahu and the neighbor islands.

Strategic Considerations for Oahu Short-Term Rentals

1. The Exit Strategy: Hard money is short-term (typically 12 months). Ensure your exit strategy is clear—either flipping, heavily renovating, or refinancing out of the hard money bridge loan into a 30-year DSCR loan.
2. Condotel vs. Fee Simple: Many Oahu "vacation rentals" are condotels (e.g., in Waikiki). Many strict hard money or DSCR lenders have strict square-footage minimums or restrictions on condotels, so verify condo-warrantability and local zoning allowance before paying for an appraisal.

To help narrow down which lender fits best, tell me:

• Are you planning to fix up and flip the property, or buy-and-hold as an active vacation rental?
• Is the target property fee-simple residential or a Waikiki condotel?

If you’re buying an Oʻahu vacation rental specifically, I’d put Myers Capital Hawaii at the top of my list to interview first—not necessarily because they’re the cheapest, but because they appear unusually well matched to this exact deal.

My shortlist

Why Myers is my #1: they specifically advertise short-term vacation-rental loans, DSCR loans, and bridge loans that they describe as hard-money financing. They also offer specialized financing for Hawaii condotels, where short-term rentals are permitted.

Pacific Investment Group is particularly interesting if you're buying something that needs renovation. They're Hawaii-focused and advertise construction, rehab, bridge and fix-and-flip financing throughout Oʻahu and the other islands, with a stated maximum of 70% LTV/ARV.

Easy Street Capital is worth getting a quote from because they explicitly finance Hawaii vacation rentals and can use STR revenue sources such as AirDNA. They advertise 15% minimum down on their Hawaii rental loans, although the actual terms will depend on the property and borrower.

One VERY important Oʻahu issue

Before you spend much time negotiating financing, verify that the particular property can legally operate as a vacation rental. Honolulu's current rules say STRs under 30 days are generally permitted only in resort-zoned areas, with specific exceptions such as existing NUC holders and certain hotel/timeshare units.

That's important enough that I would make “lender has independently confirmed the STR use is financeable” part of your underwriting. Hawaii also imposes GET and TAT requirements on short-term rentals.

The strategy I'd use

If this were my deal, I'd not automatically take a hard-money loan for the entire investment.

I'd compare:

Option A — Hard money → DSCR refinance

• Buy quickly with bridge/hard money
• Renovate/stabilize
• Establish STR operating history
• Refinance into a long-term DSCR loan

Option B — Vacation-rental/DSCR financing immediately

• Potentially much lower interest rate
• Slower/more restrictive underwriting
• Better if the property is already stabilized and clearly eligible as an STR

For example, Easy Street currently advertises both hard money and DSCR specifically for Hawaii STR investors, while CoreVest offers longer-term Hawaii rental financing.

If you give me the purchase price, expected down payment, property type (condo/house), location on Oʻahu, expected nightly rate/annual gross revenue, and whether it's already a legal STR, I can run the financing economics and tell you which lender/loan structure I'd pursue.