Kauai County transfer tax
On a $400,000 home sale in Kauai County, HI, transfer taxes come to $400 (0.1% of the price): Hawaii conveyance tax (standard rates) ($0.10–$1 per $100 by price), paid by the seller.
No county transfer tax here — only the statewide tax applies, collected when the deed is recorded with the county.
Kauai County transfer tax calculator
- State
| Tax | Rate | Who pays | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hawaii conveyance tax (standard rates)State | $0.10–$1 per $100 by price | Seller | $400.00 |
| Total transfer tax (0.1% of the price) | $400.00 | ||
"Who pays" is the customary or legal default; your purchase contract can move it.
Transfer tax in Kauai County by home price
| Sale price | Total tax | Effective rate | Seller | Buyer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $250,000 | $250 | 0.1% | $250 | $0 |
| $400,000 | $400 | 0.1% | $400 | $0 |
| $600,000 | $1,200 | 0.2% | $1,200 | $0 |
| $800,000 | $1,600 | 0.2% | $1,600 | $0 |
| $1,000,000 | $3,000 | 0.3% | $3,000 | $0 |
| $1,500,000 | $4,500 | 0.3% | $4,500 | $0 |
| $2,500,000 | $12,500 | 0.5% | $12,500 | $0 |
| $5,000,000 | $35,000 | 0.7% | $35,000 | $0 |
Negotiable amounts are shown half to each side.
Selling in Kauai County?
Transfer tax is usually the second-biggest closing cost after the agent's commission. Comparing agents' fees often saves more than any exemption.
Exemptions in Hawaii
- Consideration of $100 or less
- Transfers between spouses, reciprocal beneficiaries or parent and child for nominal consideration
- Transfers to or from the U.S., the state or counties
- Documents securing a debt (mortgages)
- Deeds that only confirm or correct a recorded document
- Leases with less than 5 years remaining
- Transfer on death deeds
Local exemptions can differ; see Hawaii transfer tax.
Other counties in Hawaii
Questions
What is the transfer tax rate in Kauai County?
0.1% of the price on a $400,000 sale: Hawaii conveyance tax (standard rates) ($0.10–$1 per $100 by price).
Who pays transfer tax in Kauai County?
Hawaii conveyance tax (standard rates): Seller — The grantor/seller is the person subject to the tax.. The purchase contract can assign it differently.
How much is transfer tax on a $500,000 house in Kauai County?
$500 in total (seller $500, buyer $0).
How much is the Hawaii conveyance tax?
It depends on the price bracket, and that bracket's rate applies to the whole price. For a buyer eligible for the homeowner's exemption the rates are 0.10% under $600,000, 0.20% from $600,000 to $999,999, 0.30% from $1M to $1,999,999, rising to 1.00% at $10M or more. A $750,000 sale owes $1,500.
Why is the rate higher for some buyers?
When the buyer of a condo or single-family home is not eligible for the county homeowner's exemption (for example an investor or a second-home buyer), higher rates apply: 0.15% to 1.25%.
Sources
- Hawaii Dept. of Taxation – Instructions for Form P-64A (Rev. 2025), conveyance tax rates
- Hawaii Dept. of Taxation – Instructions for Form P-64B (exemptions)
- Hawaii Dept. of Taxation – Instructions for Form P-64A (Rev. 2025), conveyance tax rates
- Hawaii Dept. of Taxation – Instructions for Form P-64B (exemptions)
Last checked October 13, 2026. Rates in effect for residential sales; commercial, leasehold and entity transfers can differ. Always confirm with your title company or closing attorney before closing.