Best Hawaii SBA Lenders & Rates (2026)
2025 FOIA data: top lenders, rates, industries & loan types in Hawaii
SBA Loans in Hawaii
Hawaii businesses received $53.4M in SBA 7(a) loan approvals across 231 businesses in 2025, supporting 1,761 jobs. With 29 active SBA lenders competing for business in Hawaii, comparing offers is essential — rates vary significantly by lender.
The average SBA loan in Hawaii is $231K at 10.92%, which is 0.6% above the national average of 10.32%. The top lender in Hawaii is Newtek Bank, National Association, with the most-funded industry being Offices of Physicians (except Mental Health Specialists).
SBA Loans in Hawaii by Business Type
Whether you’re starting a business, buying one, or expanding an existing operation in Hawaii, here’s how SBA lending breaks down:
Startups represent 10% of Hawaii SBA loans (15 loans totaling $5.6M). Business acquisitions (change of ownership) account for 16% (10 loans, $8.5M). Existing businesses make up the largest share at 62% (139 loans). If you’re buying a business in Hawaii, acquisitions are a well-established use case for SBA 7(a) loans.
Hawaii vs. National Average
How does Hawaii’s SBA lending market compare to the national average in 2025?
Hawaii10.92%
National Avg10.32%
Hawaii’s avg rate is 0.6% higher than the national average
Hawaii$231K
National Avg$478K
Hawaii’s avg loan is 0.5x the national average
A rate higher than the national average of 10.32% is significant context for Hawaii borrowers. Individual rates depend on your credit profile, deal structure, loan size, and the specific lender you work with — which is why comparing multiple offers from different banks is consistently the best strategy to get the lowest possible rate on your SBA loan.
Top SBA Lenders in Hawaii (2025 Data)
The table below ranks every SBA 7(a) lender active in Hawaii in 2025 by total dollar volume approved. This data comes directly from SBA FOIA records and represents actual funded loans — not pre-qualifications or applications received.
| # | Lender | Volume | Loans | Avg Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Newtek Bank, National Association | $13.0M | 23 | 11.3% |
| 2 | Live Oak Banking Company | $6.0M | 7 | 9.92% |
| 3 | Northeast Bank | $5.9M | 33 | 10.96% |
| 4 | Central Pacific Bank | $4.7M | 89 | 10.84% |
| 5 | Readycap Lending, LLC | $4.6M | 19 | 12.14% |
| 6 | First Bank of the Lake | $3.7M | 4 | 11.31% |
| 7 | The Huntington National Bank | $2.8M | 1 | 7% |
| 8 | Harvest Small Business Finance, LLC | $1.5M | 1 | 10.5% |
| 9 | Hawaii National Bank | $1.3M | 5 | 6.45% |
| 10 | BayFirst National Bank | $1.1M | 9 | 12.33% |
| 11 | Celtic Bank Corporation | $1.1M | 6 | 10.67% |
| 12 | 22nd State Bank, A Division of 22nd State Banking Company | $998K | 1 | 10.25% |
| 13 | Lendistry SBLC, LLC | $995K | 6 | 12.42% |
| 14 | CalPrivate Bank | $800K | 1 | 10.5% |
| 15 | Cadence Bank | $724K | 1 | 10% |
Pay close attention to the “Avg Rate” column — rates vary significantly between lenders operating in the same state. The spread between the lowest and highest rate in this table can represent tens of thousands of dollars over the life of your loan. The top lenders in Hawaii have funded the most deals locally, meaning their loan officers understand Hawaii’s commercial real estate values, industry mix, and economic conditions. This familiarity typically translates into faster underwriting and more competitive terms.
However, don’t limit your search to local banks alone. Many of the top national SBA lenders fund loans across all 50 states and may offer better rates or more experience with your specific industry. An SBA loan broker like GoSBA gives you access to both Hawaii-based lenders and national lenders with a single application — ensuring you get the most competitive offer available.
Get Matched with the Best SBA Lender in Hawaii
One 5-minute application. 29 lenders competing for your deal. GoSBA matches you to the best fit — free, no obligation.
Top Industries Funded in Hawaii
SBA lending in Hawaii reflects the state’s economic profile and business formation trends. The table below shows which industries received the most SBA 7(a) funding in Hawaii in 2025, ranked by total dollar volume:
| Industry | Loans | Volume |
|---|---|---|
| Offices of Physicians (except Mental Health Specialists) | 3 | $5.6M |
| Offices of Dentists | 3 | $3.3M |
| General Automotive Repair | 4 | $2.9M |
| Landscaping Services | 4 | $2.6M |
| Limited-Service Restaurants | 10 | $2.6M |
| Offices of Lawyers | 1 | $2.4M |
| General Line Grocery Merchant Wholesalers | 1 | $2.1M |
| Marketing Consulting Services | 3 | $2.1M |
| Full-Service Restaurants | 12 | $2.1M |
| Other Building Finishing Contractors | 1 | $1.5M |
| All Other Specialty Trade Contractors | 7 | $1.0M |
| Geophysical Surveying and Mapping Services | 1 | $935K |
| Promoters of Performing Arts, Sports, and Similar Events with Faciliti | 1 | $724K |
| Used Car Dealers | 3 | $700K |
| Fitness and Recreational Sports Centers | 3 | $676K |
If your business operates in one of Hawaii’s top-funded industries, you’re in a strong position. Lenders who have funded dozens of similar businesses in your state understand the unit economics, seasonal revenue patterns, and typical margins for your sector. This familiarity translates into faster approvals, less documentation back-and-forth, and more accurate risk pricing — which typically means better terms for the borrower.
Even if your industry isn’t listed above, SBA 7(a) loans are available for nearly every legal business type. An SBA loan broker can identify which lenders have the most experience with your specific industry.
Top Cities for SBA Loans in Hawaii
SBA lending activity within Hawaii is concentrated in major metropolitan areas, but businesses in smaller cities and towns also receive significant funding. The table below shows where in Hawaii the most SBA 7(a) loans were funded in 2025:
| City | Loans | Volume |
|---|---|---|
| Honolulu | 79 | $19.8M |
| Kapolei | 18 | $4.8M |
| Kailua Kona | 10 | $4.4M |
| Kamuela | 2 | $2.9M |
| Haiku | 5 | $2.7M |
| Haleiwa | 1 | $2.4M |
| Wailuku | 7 | $2.2M |
| Pearl City | 7 | $1.4M |
| Aiea | 7 | $1.3M |
| Lahaina | 6 | $1.3M |
How to Get an SBA Loan in Hawaii
Option 1: Apply directly to one of the top Hawaii lenders above. You’ll get a single quote from one bank.
Option 2: Use an SBA loan broker (recommended). GoSBA Loans submits your application to multiple Hawaii-active lenders simultaneously, creating competition for your deal. Better rates, faster approvals — at no cost to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many SBA loans were funded in Hawaii in 2025?
What is the average SBA loan interest rate in Hawaii?
Can I get an SBA loan to start a business in Hawaii?
Who is the top SBA lender in Hawaii?
What industries get the most SBA loans in Hawaii?
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Data sourced from official SBA 7(a) FOIA loan approval records for Calendar Year 2025, published by the U.S. Small Business Administration. For official information, visit sba.gov.
