Living in Hawaii is a dream for many, but it comes with its own set of unique challenges and advantages. From the breathtaking landscapes to the vibrant culture, Hawaii is a paradise on Earth. However, when it comes to amenities, some sacrifices have to be made. For example, you won't find snakes or daylight saving time in Hawaii, and billboards are a rare sight. But the good news is that you won't have to compromise on high-speed internet. In this write-up, we will explore the best Hawaii internet providers and help you find the right one for your needs.
When it comes to the internet in Hawaii, you have a few options to choose from. Each provider has its own set of strengths and caters to different needs. Here are the top internet providers in Hawaii.
Spectrum - Best Internet Provider in Hawaii - Spectrum is renowned for its simple pricing, fast speeds, and favourable service terms. As a cable TV provider, it also offers the convenience of bundling internet and TV services together.
T-Mobile Home Internet - Best Wireless Internet in Hawaii - T-Mobile leads the 5G home internet race in the US, and Hawaii is no exception. While its speeds may not match those of Spectrum or Hawaiian Telcom, the affordability and ease of setup make it a compelling choice.
Viasat - Best Satellite Internet in Hawaii In areas where cable, fiber-optic, or 5G internet connections are not available, Viasat steps in as Hawaii's primary satellite provider.
Hawaiian Telcom - Best Fiber Internet in Hawaii Hawaiian Telcom, owned by Cincinnati Bell, is the primary fiber internet Hawaii, offering fast and reliable connections.
Here's a quick comparison of Hawaii's internet providers to help you make an informed decision.
Internet Provider | Connection Type | Monthly Cost Range | Speed Range | Monthly Data Cap | Contract |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Hawaiian Telcom | Fiber | $40-$70/month | 300-1,000 Mbps | None | None |
Spectrum | Cable | $50-$90/month | 300-940 Mbps | None | None |
T-Mobile 5G | Wireless | $50/month ($30 for qualifying Magenta Max customers) | 33-182 Mbps | None | None |
Verizon 5G | Wireless | $50/month ($25 for qualifying Verizon mobile customers) | 85-300 Mbps | None | None |
While Hawaii's remote location might lead you to believe that internet access is limited, the reality is quite the opposite. According to the FCC, 100% of households in Hawaii are eligible for broadband speeds, defined as at least 25Mbps down and 3Mbps up. Hawaii also ranks 13th in the US for average download speeds, with an impressive 199Mbps.
For low-income households in Hawaii, there are options to make high-speed internet more affordable. The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) offers eligible households up to $30 per month to apply toward home broadband service. Spectrum and Hawaiian Telcom offer plans designed for low-income households that, when combined with the ACP credit, can cost as little as $0 per month. These plans come with unlimited data and free equipment.
Hawaiian Telcom's plan, in particular, offers symmetrical speeds of up to 100Mbps, making it an attractive option for those in need of reliable and fast internet.
Around 90% of Hawaiian residences are eligible for download speeds of up to 250Mbps and upload speeds of 25Mbps or higher. Spectrum and Hawaiian Telcom, and potentially Verizon 5G Home, offer these speeds and more. Fiber-optic connections, like the one provided by Hawaiian Telcom, are preferable due to their ability to support faster upload speeds and resistance to speed fluctuations during peak usage times.
If you're looking for the fastest Hawaii internet, here are the top contenders.
Internet Plan | Maximum Download Speeds | Starting Cost | Data Cap |
---|---|---|---|
Hawaiian Telcom Fioptic 1Gig | 1000 Mbps | $70/month | None |
Spectrum Internet Gig | 940 Mbps | $90/month | None |
Verizon 5G Home Internet | 300 Mbps | $50/month | None |
T-Mobile Home Internet | 182 Mbps | $50/month | None |
Living in Hawaii has its challenges, but access to high-speed internet is not one of them. Spectrum is a reliable choice for most of Hawaii, but if you can get Hawaiian Telcom's fiber service at your address, it may offer better value. For those in remote areas, T-Mobile's 5G home internet is an affordable and hassle-free solution, and satellite provider Viasat is also available throughout the state.