UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

FORM 8-K

CURRENT REPORT
Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

Date of Report: October 29, 2004
(Date of earliest event reported)

BANCWEST CORPORATION

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (808) 525-7000

Not Applicable
(Former name or former address, if changed since last report)

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions (see General Instruction A.2. below):

o Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)

o Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)

o Pre-commencement communication pursuant to rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))

o Pre-commencement communication pursuant to rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))

Table of Contents

Item 2.03 Creation of a Direct Financial Obligation or an Obligation under an Off-Balance Sheet Arrangement of a Registrant

On October 29, 2004, in connection with the acquisitions of Community First Bankshares, Inc. and USDB Bancorp, BancWest obtained short-term debt financing from BNP Paribas in the amount of $590 million. The borrowing has an interest rate of 1.96% and maturity date of November 29, 2004.

SIGNATURE

     Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.

     Dated: November 4, 2004

- 2 -