When it comes to banking in the tropical paradise of Hawaii, locals seek financial institutions that understand the unique financial needs of island life. One such contender in the banking space is Hawaii National Bank.
With a legacy spanning over six decades, Hawaii National Bank has remained committed to their philosophy of highly personalized service that helps customers and locally-owned businesses achieve their financial dreams.
What Is Hawaii National Bank?
Hawaii National Bank (HNB) was founded by K.J. Luke on September 19, 1960. It was the first national bank in Hawaii and broke a national record for any first-day deposits for a new bank. After this incredible start, Hawaii National Bank grew to become one of the cornerstone financial institutions in the state of Hawaii.
Today, Hawaii National Bank has grown to 11 branches with locations all over Oahu, Maui, and Hawaii Island. They offer a wide variety of financial products including personal checking and savings, personal loans, home loans, certificates of deposit, retirement accounts, commercial banking services, and more.
They have also adapted to the digital age to provide customers with the tools to manage their accounts from their computers or mobile devices.
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Hawaii National Bank: Checking Accounts
If you’re looking to open a new account with Hawaii National Bank, they have five different checking accounts to choose from.
1. Household Checking
Hawaii National Bank’s Household Checking is their most popular account and is ideal for customers who want to keep a moderate balance and write less than five checks per month.
It has a low minimum opening deposit of $50, and it does not charge a monthly fee as long as you enroll in eStatements. You can take advantage of free online and mobile banking, a free Visa debit card, and online bill pay.
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2. Personal Checking
The Personal Checking account is made for people who can keep a modest balance – $400 or more daily – and want unlimited check-writing abilities.
The minimum deposit to open the account is $100, and the monthly fee is $7, which can be waived if you maintain a minimum daily balance of $400.
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3. Seed Checking
Hawaii National Bank offers a checking account and linked debit card made specifically for kids. The Seed Checking account is a safe, secured, and shared account meant to help kids under 18 grow their financial independence under the supervision of their parents.
There is no monthly maintenance fee or ongoing minimum balance requirements. Both parents and kids can take advantage of online and mobile banking for up-to-date account monitoring. Parents can even set up regular allowance transfers from another account to help kids earn and save responsibly.
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4. 55+ Checking
As the name suggests, the 55+ Checking account is made specifically for customers 55 or older. There is a minimum opening balance of $100, and there are no monthly fees or service charges associated with the account.
As an account holder, you can take advantage of free online and mobile banking, free eStatements, and a free Visa debit card.
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5. Super NOW Checking
The Super NOW Checking account is Hawaii National Bank’s interest-bearing checking account. While they do not disclose the interest rate associated with the account, they do offer all the features of the Personal Checking account, including online and mobile banking, eStatements, Visa debit card, and online bill pay.
This account has a higher minimum opening balance of $500 and a $10 monthly fee that can be waived with a $1,000 minimum daily balance.
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Hawaii National Bank: Savings Accounts
Hawaii National Bank offers three different savings accounts based on your specific savings goals.
1. Personal Savings
The Personal Savings account is Hawaii National Bank’s most popular and standard savings account. It has a variable, competitive interest rate and free online and mobile banking features.
It has the highest minimum deposit of all the savings accounts at $100. There is a $3 monthly fee associated with the account that can be waived with a $200 daily minimum balance.
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2. Kids’ Savings
The Kids’ Savings account is a complementary account to the Seeds Checking account. It is meant to help kids learn good financial habits and is available to account holders ages five to 17.
There are no minimum balance requirements or monthly services fees, and there is a low minimum opening deposit of $10.
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3. Christmas Savings
The Christmas Savings account is designed to help you save for holiday shopping all year long. You only need to make a $1 opening deposit to establish the account, and there are no minimum balances or monthly service fees.
Most banks will require that you only withdraw funds from Christmas or holiday accounts during a certain time period, typically November 1 through December 31. However, Hawaii National Bank does not disclose any such requirements on their site.
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Hawaii National Bank: CD Account
Hawaii National Bank offers a single certificate of deposit product to help you earn competitive rates on flexible terms. It is available to individuals, partnerships, corporations, and any other organization that is able to part with funds for a specified term.
Like most certificates of deposit, interest rates will vary depending on the deposit amount and term length. Hawaii National Bank offers flexible interest payments options to help you access interest earnings.
All HNB certificates are automatically renewable at maturity for the same term and previous rate, which means that you may need to double check to ensure that a better rate isn’t available elsewhere.
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Hawaii National Bank: MMA Account
The VIP Money Market Deposit is Hawaii National Bank’s only money market account (MMA) available. Like other money market accounts, this account is meant to act as a hybrid between a checking and savings account.
It earns a higher rate of interest on your balance, but it also often comes with withdrawal limits and higher minimum opening deposits and account balance requirements.
The VIP Money Market Deposit account requires a minimum opening balance of $1,000. It also charges a $8 monthly fee that can only be waived if you have a $2,000 minimum daily balance.
It includes many of the features that come with other deposit accounts, such as online and mobile banking and a Visa debit card.
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Additional Products
In addition to personal checking and savings accounts, Hawaii National Bank also offers other business and personal banking products, such as:
- Personal loans
- Mortgages
- Debit cards
- Credit cards
- Retirement accounts
- Business checking and savings
- Business loans
- Commercial mortgages
- Commercial CDs
- Commercial debit and credit cards
Features
There are many features that Hawaii National Bank offers that helps their customers get the best experience possible. These features include:
- Online Banking: The Online Banking platform provides Hawaii National Bank customers a safe and secure way to manage their finances from the comfort of their computer. With easy access to account balances and transaction history, customers can take full control of their finances in just a few clicks.
- Mobile Banking: The Hawaii National Bank app was recently upgraded from the previous version to provide all new capabilities and features. You can securely access your accounts, make quick transfers, and even deposit checks from your smartphone.
- eStatements: Hawaii National Bank embraces eco-friendly practices with their eStatements as an alternative to paper statements. It not only reduces paper waste but also provides customers with a convenient and clutter-free way to review their account activity.
- Safe Deposit Boxes: Hawaii National Bank provides safe deposit boxes to safeguard valuable possessions and important documents. Located within one of their 11 branches, these boxes come in various sizes and offer an extra layer of protection against theft, fire, or other unforeseen circumstances.
Pricing and Fees
With their wide variety of services, Hawaii National Bank charges fees to provide exemplary products and services that their customers expect.
Here are some of the fees that you can expect when you bank with Hawaii National Bank.
Monthly Service Fees
For their savings and checking accounts, Hawaii National Bank charges monthly fees for account maintenance. These fees range from $0 to $10, but they can often be waived if you maintain a certain minimum daily balance or meet other requirements.
These are the monthly service fees that Hawaii National Bank charges for their accounts:
- Personal Checking: $7
- Household Checking: $0
- Seed Checking: $0
- Super NOW: $10
- VIP Money Market: $8
- Personal Savings: $3
- Christmas Savings: $0
- Kids Savings: $0
- IRA: $3
Overdraft Protection and Non-Sufficient Funds (NSF)
The vast majority of financial institutions these days offer overdraft protection to help prevent costly non-sufficient funds (NFS) fees or overdraft fees from adding up.
Hawaii National Bank offers overdraft protection that pulls funds from your savings account when you overdraft your checking account. While you can avoid overdraft fees, you will be charged $5 for each transaction that pulls from your savings.
If you don’t have enough funds in your savings account to cover the overdrafted transaction, you will be charged a non-sufficient funds (NSF) fee or $25 per item paid and returned.
Bill Pay
Hawaii National Bank’s Bill Pay feature allows you to pay all your bills and vendors from one convenient place in the online banking platform. If you choose to take advantage of this feature, you will be charged a monthly fee of $2.95 that includes ten transactions each month. Any additional transactions will incur a $0.45 charge.
Safe Deposit Boxes
Safe deposit boxes are available for annual rental at select branches. You must open a HNB account or a safe deposit box account to access the service, and the price you pay will differ depending on if you have a HNB account and are adding a safe deposit box vs. if you are only using the safe deposit box service.
| Box Size | HNB Account Price | SDB Only |
| 2” x 5” | $35 | $70 |
| 3” x 5” | $45 | $90 |
| 5” x 5” | $65 | $130 |
| 3” x 10” | $75 | $150 |
| 5” x 10” | $100 | $200 |
| 10” x 10” | $165 | $330 |
Wire Transfers
Like many banks, Hawaii National Bank allows you to make and accept wire transfers from other financial institutions. Domestic and international wire transfers will incur a charge of $55 per transfer, and incoming wire transfers will incur a $10 charge.
Getting Started
If you’re a Hawaii resident and want to get started with Hawaii National Bank, the process is straightforward and can be completed in a few easy steps.
Unlike other financial institutions, the bank does not offer ways for prospective customers to open accounts online.
You must visit a branch to open a new account and become a Hawaii National Bank customer.
- Before visiting the branch, begin by exploring the range of accounts offered and choose the account that works best for you.
- You will also want to gather the necessary information and documents needed to open an account before you go to a Hawaii National Bank branch. This typically includes a government-issued photo ID and, if applicable, any business documents for commercial accounts.
- Once you arrive at the branch, you’ll be asked to fill out an application form. This form will typically ask you for personal information, contact details, and any specific account information.
- You will also need to make an initial deposit that will vary depending on the account.
- Once Hawaii National Bank confirms your information and receives your deposit, your account will be open and ready to use.
You can also choose to opt into online banking and open other accounts, such as CDs and MMAs.
Promotions
Hawaii National Bank does not typically offer promotions on their products or services. To keep up with their latest products and any promotions, keep an eye on their website and social media channels.
See all current bank promotions & bonus offers
Security
Hawaii National Bank is committed to protecting their customers’ information and transactions through cutting-edge security measures. They utilize state-of-the-art encryption technology to safeguard customer data and protect funds from unauthorized users.
To protect against external threats like hackers and fraudsters, Hawaii National bank ensures that all information transmitted between customers and the bank’s servers is encrypted and protected behind a robust firewall. This makes it very difficult for unauthorized parties to access or intercept the data.
Hawaii National Bank also places a strong emphasis on employee training in cybersecurity best practices. All HNB employees are required to complete training on how to identify and respond to potential threats and are equipped to play an active role in protecting the bank and its customers.
Finally, Hawaii National Bank complies with industry standards and regulations, such as those set forth by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC.) This shows their commitment to maintaining the highest level of security in accordance with industry norms.
Customer Support
If you need to contact Hawaii National Bank for any reason, you can reach them through email, phone, or at a branch. You can reach their customer service team directly at info@hnbhawaii.com or 808-528-7711, or you can fill out the Contact Us form on their website.
Customer Reviews
Compared to banks with thousands of branches and a large online presence, local institutions like Hawaii National Bank have fewer customer reviews to explore.
In our research, we found that Hawaii National Bank’s average customer ratings can vary depending on the branch, and each one offers a unique customer experience.
That being said, Hawaii National Bank has an A+ from the Better Business Bureau (BBB), and it has been accredited since 1971. The bank has no customer complaints on the BBB website, either.
While it doesn’t have many reviews, the mobile app has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 in the Google Play Store and 4.8 out of 5 in the App Store.
Pros and Cons
There are several advantages and disadvantages to banking with Hawaii National Bank. Here are our top considerations before you become a customer.
Pros:
- Island-centric services: Hawaii National Bank specializes in services tailored to the unique needs of the Hawaiian community. This includes expertise in real estate, tourism-related businesses, and other industries vital to the local economy.
- Personalized customer service: Because Hawaii National Bank is so locally focused, customers can expect to receive a high level of personal attention. From warm-hearted bankers to mortgage lenders to bank tellers, the bank prioritizes individualized experiences.
- Community involvement: Hawaii National Bank is deeply committed to giving back to the community. As a community bank, they are extensively involved in sponsorships, charitable donations, and volunteer efforts to demonstrate a dedication to local causes and initiatives.
Cons:
- Limited geographical reach: While Hawaii National Bank has a significant presence in Hawaii, it may not be ideal for those who travel frequently or need to access a national or international network of ATMs.
- Limited product offerings: Hawaii National Bank offers the basics, like checking and savings accounts, but their product and service offerings are not necessarily on par with larger financial institutions.
Alternatives
Deciding where to bank is a highly important financial decision. Before you decide to bank with Hawaii National Bank, consider these three alternatives for Hawaiian residents looking for local banking solutions.
1. Hawaii Federal Credit Union
If you are interested in joining a not-for-profit organization rather than a bank, Hawaii Federal Credit Union is a great choice. Unlike a bank, Hawaii Federal Credit Union is a member-owned and operated financial institution and prioritizes community-centric values. As a not-for-profit institution, federal credit unions can often offer better interest rates on credit cards, loans, and deposit products than banks. While Hawaii Federal Credit Union is only located on Oahu, it is still worth considering if you want a member-first organization to manage your finances.
First Hawaiian Bank
As the oldest and largest bank in Hawaii, First Hawaiian Bank is a natural alternative to Hawaii National Bank. Since 1858, First Hawaiian Bank has grown to offer many products and services, such as business and personal banking products and wealth management services. They also have 49 branch locations across the state, which is much more accessible than Hawaii National Bank’s 11 branch locations.
Bank of Hawaii
If you want to join a big bank that gives back, Bank of Hawaii is a financial institution that is committed to serving the community. They regularly give back to the Hawaiian community through fundraising, volunteerism, and sponsorship. They also are one of the largest banks in Hawaii with 67 branches throughout the Hawaiian islands. You can also earn HawaiianMiles when you use your Bank of Hawaii credit card, which can help you explore more of the beautiful state.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the Hawaii National Bank locations?
Hawaii National Bank has 11 locations that span the islands of Oahu, Hawaii Island, and Maui. You can find branches in Honolulu, Pearl City, Kailua, Hilo, and Kahului. Their main branch is located on 45 N King Street, Honolulu, HI.
Is Hawaii National Bank one of the worst banks in Hawaii?
No, Hawaii National Bank is consistently ranked as one of the best banks for Hawaiians. They have an A+ overall rating with the Better Business Bureau (BBB), and their mobile app has a 4.8 star rating on the App Store and a 4.3 star rating on the Google Play store.
Who is the CEO of Hawaii National Bank?
Bryan Luke is the current president and CEO of Hawaii National Bank.
Is Hawaii National Bank Best for Your Needs
In an era where personal connections are often overlooked, Hawaii National Bank exemplifies the enduring value of a personalized and community-focused approach. Whether you’re a resident or a local business owner, HNB is an excellent choice for a reliable, local business partner.
The ideal customer for Hawaii National Bank would be a Hawaiian local who is seeking an involved, personalized partnership with their financial institution. Visitors to their island or anyone who doesn’t value a personal touch in banking are better suited for other banks or credit unions.
Our Methodology
The BankBonus editorial team has analyzed dozens of banks to provide our readers with thoroughly informed and accurate reviews.
We evaluate digital financial platforms, online banks, regional banks, and national banks across several metrics.
Our assessment of each bank factors in these considerations:
- Product lineup: We review the types of accounts, loans, and services offered by each bank, as well as the number of accounts.
- Fees and pricing: We also consider each institution’s fees, including monthly maintenance fees and other service charges.
- Account features: To compare banks, we take a close look at the features, limits, and capabilities each one has to offer.
- Interest: Along with these features, we consider whether or not the bank offers interest-bearing accounts and compare their rates to industry averages.
- Brand reputation: The bank accounts we recommend have been carefully vetted to ensure they are legitimate, secure, and backed by FDIC insurance.
- User experience: Additionally, we consider the ease of use and availability of resources on each bank’s website and factor in reviews of the mobile app from the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.
- Branch and ATM access: To gauge convenience, we also look at each bank’s branch and ATM availability and consider their ATM reimbursement policies.
- Customer service: In our review process, we also explore banks’ customer service channels, hours of availability, and third-party reviews.
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