HI · Urban High-Unemployment (Honolulu Chinatown, Kalihi) & Rural (neighbor islands: Molokai, Lanai)

EB-5 Visa Hawaii 2026

Hawaii is one of the top US states for EB-5 immigrant investor visas, with 5+ active USCIS Regional Centers, a minimum TEA investment of $800,000, and 140 monthly global searches from prospective investors in Honolulu, Hilo, Kailua, and internationally.

Active Regional Centers

$800K

Minimum TEA Investment

140/mo

Monthly Searches

Pacific

Rim Investor Gateway

Why Hawaii for EB-5?

State-specific advantages for immigrant investors targeting Hawaii.

Tourism-Driven Hotel & Hospitality Projects

Hawaii's $20B+ annual tourism economy creates a consistent pipeline of hotel and resort EB-5 projects in Waikiki, Maui, and the Big Island. Tourism-driven job creation is well-established in USCIS economic analysis. Luxury hotel development adjacent to Hawaii's world-class resorts has attracted significant EB-5 capital.

Pacific Rim Investor Gateway

Hawaii's geographic position as a Pacific crossroads makes it a natural EB-5 market for Japanese, Korean, Chinese, and Southeast Asian investors. Hawaii has an established Asian-American business community, regular direct flights from Tokyo, Seoul, Beijing, and Taipei, and EB-5 projects specifically marketed to Pacific Rim investors.

No State Estate Tax & Favorable Tax Structure

Hawaii has no state estate or inheritance tax, and the state's high-value real estate market creates attractive collateral positions for EB-5 lenders. For Asian investors planning US permanent residency and wealth transfer, Hawaii's tax structure combined with its cultural familiarity makes it a compelling domicile choice.

Free Investor Access

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Hawaii EB-5 Landscape

TEA Landscape

Hawaii's urban TEA zones are concentrated in Honolulu's Chinatown/Downtown area and the Kalihi neighborhood. Rural TEA opportunities exist on the neighbor islands, particularly Molokai and Lanai, which qualify as rural areas with tourism and agricultural development potential.

Attorney Availability

Hawaii EB-5 immigration attorneys are primarily based in Honolulu, often with Japanese, Korean, or Mandarin language capability given Hawaii's significant Asian-American population. Many Hawaii attorneys have expertise in both EB-5 and E-2 Treaty Investor visas.

Common Project Types

Luxury hotel/resort (Waikiki, Maui, Big Island)Mixed-use urban (Honolulu Downtown/Kakaako)Tourism infrastructure (neighbor islands)Agricultural/rural (Molokai, Lanai)Renewable energy (solar, wind — statewide)

Major Investor Cities

HonoluluHiloKailuaPearl CityWailuku (Maui)

Frequently Asked Questions

Hawaii-specific questions from EB-5 investors.

What is the minimum EB-5 investment in Hawaii?

The minimum EB-5 investment in Hawaii is $800,000 for TEA-qualified projects — both high-unemployment urban census tracts in Honolulu and rural areas on neighbor islands qualify. Non-TEA Hawaii projects require $1,050,000. Most marketed Hawaii EB-5 projects are in TEA-eligible locations.

Are Hawaii hotel projects available for EB-5 investment?

Yes. Hawaii has an active hotel and resort EB-5 market, particularly in Waikiki, Maui, and the Big Island. Hawaii's world-class tourism economy creates strong USCIS-credible job creation documentation for hotel projects.

Is Hawaii a good state for Asian EB-5 investors?

Hawaii is particularly well-suited for Japanese, Korean, and Chinese EB-5 investors due to its Pacific Rim location, established Asian-American community, direct international flights, and Japanese/Korean language resources in the legal and business community. Hawaii also has no state estate tax.

Does Hawaii have rural TEA EB-5 projects?

Yes. Hawaii's neighbor islands — particularly Molokai and Lanai — qualify as rural areas under USCIS criteria. Rural TEA projects on these islands can access the 20% rural set-aside, enabling concurrent filing for Chinese and Indian investors.

How many Regional Centers operate in Hawaii?

Hawaii has approximately 5 active USCIS-designated Regional Centers as of 2024, primarily focused on hospitality and real estate development. Always verify current active status on the USCIS website.

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Related EB-5 Guides

Nothing on this page constitutes investment or legal advice. EB-5 involves substantial risk, including the risk of total loss of capital and denial of immigration benefits. Consult a licensed immigration attorney and a qualified financial advisor before making any EB-5 investment decision. Regional Center counts and TEA designations are subject to change; verify current status on the official USCIS website.