Hawaii Financial Distress Profile
Composite distress data for 5 counties, updated quarterly from federal sources. Household debt, delinquency, foreclosure law, and county-level distress scores compared to national averages.
· Data from NY Fed, CFPB, BLS, US Courts, Q4 2025
Behind on your mortgage in Hawaii? See your options under Hawaii law →
Hawaii ranks #37 nationally for household financial distress. The national State Distress Index average is 50.0.
How Does Hawaii Compare to the National Average?
Hawaii is above the national average on 2 of 5 key household distress metrics. Credit card delinquency stands at 10.2% (below the 12.4% national rate), auto loan delinquency at 3.7%, and total debt per capita at $83,480.
Since 2019, credit card delinquency in Hawaii has risen 3.0pp and total household debt has grown 12.5%. The state shows a mixed distress picture across different debt categories.
Key Statistics at a Glance
State Distress Index: Hawaii
Movement since 2006
Since 2006, Hawaii has climbed from the 49th-most distressed jurisdiction to the 38th-most distressed, as of 2025 Q1. Its composite State Distress Index score rose from 14.1 to 33.3 over the same span.
Quarter-aligned back-series. Each quarter re-ranks all 51 jurisdictions on that quarter's own data, so a state's position here can sit several spots from the current reading above, which uses each input's latest value.
Domain Breakdown
The national American Distress Index reads 43.8 (Typical). On average, its inputs sit higher than in 44% of their own quarterly histories. Hawaii's State Distress Index of 32.8 (low-moderate state distress) is computed from 4 equal-weighted domains covering delinquency, default and legal signals, housing-basis debt burden, and labor.
Hawaii vs. National Average
Delinquency rates measure the share of loan accounts 30 or more days past due. Higher rates signal greater household financial stress. Debt and balance figures are per capita, adjusted for state population.
Download all states (CSV)Hawaii vs. National: 5 Key Metrics (Q4 2025)
Source: NY Fed Consumer Credit Panel / Equifax, Q4 2025.
Similar States by Distress Level
States ranked closest to Hawaii (#37) on the State Distress Index. Peer comparison reveals whether distress patterns are regional or structural.
| State | SDI Score | Score Label | Highest Domain |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hawaii | 32.8 | low-moderate state distress | Debt Burden (housing basis) |
| Massachusetts | 42.6 | moderate-low state distress | Debt Burden (housing basis) |
| Kansas | 38.5 | low-moderate state distress | Default & Legal |
| Minnesota | 32.2 | low-moderate state distress | Labor |
Change Since 2019
Pre-pandemic 2019 values provide a baseline for how distress has evolved. Credit card and auto loan delinquency have risen sharply in most states since pandemic-era forbearance protections expired.
| Metric | 2019 | 2025 | Change | Nat'l 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Credit Card Delinquency | 7.2% | 10.2% | +3.0pp | 12.4% |
| Auto Loan Delinquency | 4.1% | 3.7% | -0.4pp | 5.2% |
| Mortgage Delinquency | 0.71% | 0.56% | -0.1pp | 0.94% |
| Total Debt per Capita | $74,230 | $83,480 | +12.5% | $63,200 |
| CC Balance per Capita | $4,290 | $5,220 | +21.7% | $4,350 |
Hawaii Foreclosure Law Summary
Understanding your state's foreclosure process is critical if you fall behind on mortgage payments. Hawaii primarily uses dual-track foreclosure.
Hawaii has two foreclosure tracks: (1) judicial foreclosure through Circuit Court under HRS § 667-1 to 667-4, the traditional method requiring a court action and commissioner's sale; and (2) non-judicial foreclosure under Part II (HRS § 667-21 to 667…
Full Hawaii foreclosure law guide →State-Level Divergence
National averages mask wide variation across states. Hawaii's credit card delinquency of 10.2% falls below the national 12.4%, but other metrics tell a more nuanced story. With 2 of 5 tracked metrics above national averages and a Distress Index of 32.8 (low-moderate state distress), the pressure on Hawaii households is real. The Household Debt by State roundup tracks all 51 jurisdictions.
Distress by County
The County Distress Index scores every county in Hawaii on a 0-100 scale using five equal-weighted domains: delinquency, default and legal, debt burden, labor, and safety net and buffer. Hawaii's 5 counties average 32.4 — below the national county mean of 50.0.
Score Label Distribution
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Most Distressed Counties
| County | Score | Score Label | Top Driver |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hawaii County | 42.2 | moderate-low county distress | Debt Burden (housing basis) |
| Maui County | 33.9 | low-moderate county distress | Debt Burden (housing basis) |
| Honolulu County | 31.1 | low-moderate county distress | Debt Burden (housing basis) |
| Kauai County | 27.6 | low county distress | Debt Burden (housing basis) |
| Kalawao County | 27.0 | low county distress | Debt Burden (housing basis) |
Hawaii County ranks #2025 most distressed nationally out of 3,144 counties.
Least Distressed Counties
| County | Score | Score Label | Top Domain |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kalawao County | 27.0 | low county distress | Debt Burden (housing basis) |
| Kauai County | 27.6 | low county distress | Debt Burden (housing basis) |
| Honolulu County | 31.1 | low-moderate county distress | Debt Burden (housing basis) |
| Maui County | 33.9 | low-moderate county distress | Debt Burden (housing basis) |
| Hawaii County | 42.2 | moderate-low county distress | Debt Burden (housing basis) |
The gap between Hawaii's most and least distressed counties is 15.2 points — Hawaii County (42.2, moderate-low county distress) vs. Kalawao County (27.0, low county distress).
Explore all 5 Hawaii counties →CFPB Mortgage Complaints in Hawaii
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has received 1,628 mortgage complaints from Hawaii since 2012 — 113.4 per 100,000 residents, below the national rate of 133.2 per 100K. Hawaii ranks #23 of 51 jurisdictions for complaint density.
| Year | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Complaints | 76 | 92 | 75 | 60 | 95 | 70 |
Source: CFPB Consumer Complaint Database. Filed a mortgage complaint? Search the complaint database.
Bankruptcy Filings: Hawaii
The Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts filing rate reports annual cases per resident. It does not identify household causes, motives, assets, income, or case outcomes. Hawaii's filing rate is below the national average.
Source: U.S. Courts, Administrative Office. Table F-2: Cases Commenced by Chapter. Per-capita rates use 2024 Census population estimates.
Credit Distress: Hawaii
The Philadelphia Fed Consumer Credit Explorer tracks credit health metrics from Equifax data. 8.1% of Hawaii residents have debt in collections — below the national rate of 13.9%. 10.5% have subprime credit scores (below 620), and 30.7% are credit-constrained.
Source: Philadelphia Fed Consumer Credit Explorer. Data from NY Fed Consumer Credit Panel / Equifax. 2025 Q1.
Economic Context: Hawaii
SNAP enrollment and unemployment rates provide upstream context for household debt distress. Higher food assistance enrollment signals that more families are struggling with basic expenses, while elevated unemployment directly reduces income available for debt service.
Sources: USDA Food and Nutrition Service, BLS Local Area Unemployment Statistics. Population: U.S. Census Bureau 2024 estimates.
Safety Net Strength: Hawaii
The Safety Net Index measures how much support infrastructure is available to households in financial distress — combining healthcare coverage, food assistance, emergency housing funds, and legal protections. Hawaii scores 49.6 out of 100 (Weak), ranking #25 of 51 jurisdictions.
Component Breakdown
Sources: Kaiser Family Foundation (Medicaid, 2024), USDA FNS (SNAP, 2025), U.S. Treasury HAF program status, state foreclosure statutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the credit card delinquency rate in Hawaii?
The credit card delinquency rate in Hawaii is 10.2% as of Q4 2025, ranking #36 among all states and DC. The national average is 12.4%. This rate has risen from 7.2% in 2019.
How does Hawaii's household debt compare to the national average?
Hawaii residents carry $83,480 in total debt per capita, above the national average of $63,200. Debt per capita has grown 12.5% since 2019. Hawaii ranks #5 nationally for total household debt per capita.
What is the auto loan delinquency rate in Hawaii?
Auto loan delinquency in Hawaii stands at 3.7% as of Q4 2025, below the national rate of 5.2%. This ranks #34 nationally. The rate was 4.1% in 2019.
What type of foreclosure process does Hawaii use?
Hawaii primarily uses dual-track foreclosure. Both judicial and non-judicial options are available to lenders. See our full Hawaii foreclosure law guide for timelines, protections, and legal resources.
Is Hawaii above or below the national average for financial distress?
Hawaii scores 32.8 on the State Distress Index (low-moderate state distress), ranking #37 of 51 jurisdictions. That is 17.2 points below the national state average of 50.0. This composite score is built from 4 domains: delinquency, default and legal, debt burden on a housing basis, and labor. Separately, the national American Distress Index reads 43.8 (Typical) for the country over time. On average, its inputs sit higher than in 44% of their own quarterly histories.
How many CFPB mortgage complaints have been filed in Hawaii?
The CFPB has received 1,628 mortgage complaints from Hawaii since 2012, a rate of 113.4 per 100,000 residents. This ranks #23 of 51 jurisdictions. The national average is 133.2 per 100K. Companies responded to 98.3% of Hawaii complaints within the required timeframe.
What is the bankruptcy filing rate in Hawaii?
Hawaii had 1,194 bankruptcy filings in the 12-month period ending Dec 2025, a rate of 83.2 per 100,000 residents — below the national rate of 169.1 per 100K. This ranks #42 of 51 jurisdictions. Chapter 7 filings account for 59.1% and Chapter 13 for 39.8%. Filings changed +1.9% year-over-year.
What percentage of people in Hawaii have debt in collections?
8.1% of individuals in Hawaii have debt in collections, below the national rate of 13.9%. This ranks #50 of 51 jurisdictions. Additionally, 10.5% of Hawaii residents have subprime credit scores (below 620), compared to 16.9% nationally. Data from the Philadelphia Fed Consumer Credit Explorer (NY Fed / Equifax).
What is the SNAP enrollment rate in Hawaii?
157,259 residents of Hawaii receive SNAP benefits, an enrollment rate of 11.0% — above the national rate of 10.9%. This ranks #20 of 51 jurisdictions. SNAP participation has changed -2.3% year-over-year. The pre-pandemic rate was 10.7%.
How strong is Hawaii's financial safety net?
Hawaii scores 49.6 out of 100 on the Safety Net Index, ranking #25 of 51 jurisdictions (Weak). The score combines Medicaid coverage (18.8% enrollment rate, expansion state), SNAP enrollment (11%), Homeowner Assistance Fund status (winding down), and foreclosure legal protections. The national average is 47.8.
Which Hawaii counties have the highest financial distress?
Hawaii County is the most distressed county in Hawaii with a County Distress Index score of 42.2 · moderate-low county distress, ranking #2025 nationally out of 3,144 counties. Maui County (33.9 · low-moderate county distress), Honolulu County (31.1 · low-moderate county distress), Kauai County (27.6 · low county distress) round out the top distressed counties. Kalawao County is the least distressed at 27.0 · low county distress. See all 5 counties at /counties/hawaii/.
How long can foreclosure take in Hawaii?
Hawaii uses dual-track foreclosure. Timeline varies by county and complexity. Homeowners have a right to cure: You can cure the default and reinstate the loan at any time before the foreclosu…. The homestead exemption is $30,000. Full details at /help/foreclosure/hawaii/.
Where does Hawaii rank for financial distress?
Hawaii scores 32.8 on the State Distress Index (low-moderate state distress), ranking #37 of 51 jurisdictions. 2 of 5 key metrics exceed national averages. The highest SDI domain is Debt Burden (housing basis). County Distress Index details are listed separately by county. The safety net ranks #25 (Weak).
Data Sources
NY Fed Consumer Credit Panel
State-level household debt and delinquency statistics from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, based on Equifax credit bureau data. Updated quarterly.
American Distress Index
Composite index tracking U.S. household financial distress across five equal-weighted domains. National score as of the latest available quarter.
Hawaii Foreclosure Statutes
State foreclosure law data compiled from primary statutory sources and validated against legal databases. Last verified 2026-03-10.
CFPB Complaint Database
Mortgage complaints filed with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, 2012–present. Density calculated using 2024 Census population estimates.
USDA SNAP State Activity
Monthly SNAP participation by state from the USDA Food and Nutrition Service. Enrollment rates computed against 2024 Census population estimates.
U.S. Bankruptcy Courts
Annual bankruptcy filings by chapter and district from the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts. Per-capita rates computed against 2024 Census population estimates.
Philadelphia Fed Consumer Credit Explorer
Quarterly credit health metrics (collections, subprime share, delinquency, credit-constrained rates) from Equifax via the NY Fed Consumer Credit Panel.
Safety Net Index
Composite score from KFF Medicaid enrollment (2024), USDA SNAP participation (2025), U.S. Treasury HAF program status, and state foreclosure legal protections.