Checklist · reviewed July 18, 2026

Hawaiʻi Homebuyer Due-Diligence Checklist

Work through title, permits, hazards, insurance, utilities, cesspool or septic, catchment, roads, and inspection documents.

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Due diligence

Title, boundaries, and access

Review the preliminary title report and recorded exceptions.Confirm legal and practical vehicle access.Locate the survey, pins, easements, and encroachments.Identify private-road or shared-maintenance obligations.

Due diligence

Permits and property records

Compare county records with the structures and bedrooms on site.Request permits, final inspections, plans, and warranties.Investigate additions, conversions, and unpermitted work.Confirm intended use is allowed; do not rely on listing language alone.

Due diligence

Hazards and insurance

Check official flood, tsunami, lava, wildfire, and coastal-hazard resources.Get insurability and premium indications before the contingency deadline.Ask about prior claims, storm damage, leaks, and drainage.Understand hurricane deductibles and exclusions.

Due diligence

Utilities and property systems

Verify electric service, recent bills, panel condition, solar agreements, and permits.Identify municipal water, catchment, well, cesspool, or septic systems.Inspect roof, termites, moisture, plumbing, AC, appliances, and wastewater.Confirm internet, refuse, mail, emergency access, and cell service.

Due diligence

The complete ownership budget

Run the true monthly ownership-cost calculator.Price immediate health, safety, weatherproofing, and system repairs.Review HOA, road, water, leasehold, assessment, or maintenance obligations.Keep a contingency after closing instead of spending every available dollar.

Important limit

Stop and get qualified help when needed

A checklist cannot resolve unclear title, engineering, wastewater, electrical, insurance, zoning, or legal questions. Pause the purchase decision until the relevant documents and professionals answer material uncertainties.

Title, boundaries, and access

Permits and property records

Hazards and insurance

Utilities and property systems

The complete ownership budget

Stop and get qualified help when needed

More practical homeowner resources