Bank Of Hawaii logo

Bank Of Hawaii

3.5/5

Bank of Hawaii is a 125-year-old regional bank serving Hawaii, Guam, and Saipan with FDIC-insured deposits, checking/savings accounts, credit cards, and investment services.

Editorially reviewed by Harvey Brooks

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Bank Of Hawaii Review

Bank of Hawaii has been operating for 125 years and serves as a regional financial institution primarily focused on Hawaii and the Pacific (Guam/Saipan). The company is FDIC-insured and backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government, providing deposit security for customers. Bank of Hawaii positions itself as a community-focused lender, with particular emphasis on residential lending—marketing itself as Hawaii's #1 residential lender.

The bank offers a comprehensive suite of consumer and business banking products. For personal banking, they provide checking accounts (with up to $400 promotional bonuses), savings accounts (advertised at rates up to 5x the national average), CD accounts (currently 3.05% APY on 6-month terms), Home Equity Lines of Credit (HELOCs), credit cards with rewards programs (Atmos Rewards), investment advisory services through Bankoh Advisors, and trust services. Business customers can access business credit cards, payment processing tools (TXPress, iCapture), and lending products. The bank also offers mobile and online banking with a newly redesigned app, Zelle money transfers, and 24/7 account self-service.

Bank of Hawaii differentiates itself through localized community focus and relationships rather than national scale. The company emphasizes partnerships with local businesses (Mana Up partnership), financial wellness education, and personalized relationship banking. Their marketing highlights customer stories and local connection. They offer specialized deposit products like "Bankohana" branded accounts (targeting local/Hawaiian customer base) and exclusive partnerships like complimentary Greenlight subscriptions for families. Customer service is available 7 days a week from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. HST.

Bank of Hawaii operates as a traditional regional bank with strong local market presence but limited geographic footprint outside Hawaii/Pacific territories. Customers should expect traditional banking services and relationship-based banking rather than fintech innovation. The institution appears financially stable with FDIC insurance and established market presence, suitable for customers prioritizing community connection and local banking relationships over digital-first experiences.

Services & Features

FDIC-insured checking accounts with promotional bonuses up to $400
Savings accounts with competitive rates and Bankohana special rates
6-month CD accounts at 3.05% APY with $5,000 minimum
Home Equity Lines of Credit (HELOC) for residential borrowers
Personal and business credit cards with Atmos Rewards program
Mobile and online banking with newly redesigned app
Zelle online money transfers
Investment advisory services through Bankoh Advisors
Trust and estate services
Business payment processing (TXPress, iCapture)
Electronic statements and check ordering
24/7 account self-service and specialist support 7 days a week

Feature Checklist

Credit Education
Identity Theft Protection
Score Tracking
Mobile App
Online Portal
Personal Advisor

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • FDIC-insured deposits backed by U.S. Government guarantee, providing deposit security up to $250K
  • Savings accounts advertised at rates 5x higher than national average, with additional Bankohana 90-day special rates
  • Up to $400 promotional bonuses available for new checking accounts meeting requirements
  • Hawaii's #1 residential lender with specialized HELOC products for home equity access
  • 7-day customer service availability (7 a.m. to 7 p.m. HST) plus 24/7 account self-service
  • Comprehensive product suite including checking, savings, CDs, credit cards, investment advisory, and trusts
  • New mobile app with enhanced features, plus Zelle money transfer integration
  • Local partnership focus (Mana Up) and community-oriented banking approach with financial wellness education

Cons

  • Geographic limitation: Only serves Hawaii, Guam, and Saipan—cannot serve mainland U.S. customers
  • Limited information on specific APR rates for credit cards, loan terms, or HELOC pricing on website
  • No mention of digital-first features or fintech capabilities compared to neobanks
  • Customer service phone lines may experience high volume given regional concentration of customer base
  • Minimum deposit requirements mentioned for some products ($5,000 for Bankohana CD) may exclude some savers

Rating Breakdown

Value
3.8
Effectiveness
3.5
Customer Service
3.7
Transparency
3.6
Ease of Use
3.5

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Bank Of Hawaii legitimate?

Yes. Bank Of Hawaii is a registered company headquartered in Honolulu, HI, founded in 1897. They hold a rating with the Better Business Bureau.

How long does Bank Of Hawaii take to show results?

Account opening typically takes 1-3 business days. Loan decisions vary by product.

Quick Facts

Founded
1897
Headquarters
Honolulu, HI
BBB Rating
BBB Accredited
No
Certifications
FDIC Insured FDIC Cert #18053
Starting Price
Free to Use
Setup Fee
None
Free Consultation
Yes
Money-Back Guarantee
No
Visit Bank Of Hawaii

CreditDoc Diagnosis

Doctor's Verdict on Bank Of Hawaii

Bank of Hawaii is best for individuals and businesses in Hawaii, Guam, and Saipan who prioritize relationship-based banking with a locally-focused institution and competitive deposit rates. The critical caveat is strict geographic limitation—this bank only serves Pacific territories and cannot help mainland U.S. customers, making it unsuitable for anyone outside these regions.

CFPB Transparency Report

Public data from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau

Issues Resolved
99.7%
Timely Responses
98.5%

Source: consumerfinance.gov | Last checked 2026-03-30

Best For

  • Hawaii, Guam, and Saipan residents seeking comprehensive local banking with community relationship focus
  • Homeowners looking for residential lending products and HELOCs with a local Hawaii lender
  • Savers prioritizing FDIC-insured accounts with above-average rates and promotional bonuses
  • Business owners in Hawaii seeking local business banking, payment processing, and lending relationships
Updated 2026-03-30

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